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THE BEST MAKING A DIFFERENCE Hollie’s pledge: Page 9

Nathan Cleary has become the first Panther since Greg Alexander in 1985 to win the Dally M. It was a piece of positive news for the champion halfback following Sunday’s horrific injury that landed him in hospital. Full story at www.westernweekender.com.au. Extra Time inside.

MUSIC MATTERS MOST Katie Noonan: Page 65

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LOCAL NEWS

READY TO RESCUE

SES volunteers converge on Nepean River ahead of busy summer season EMILY CHATE

ore than 30 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from across Sydney put their specialist skills to the test during a flood rescue training exercise on the Nepean River over the weekend. Flood rescue operators converged at the river on Saturday, September 26 to practice boat operations and strengthen the skills and coordination needed during real life flood emergencies. The training tested a range of practical skills including improvised launching, recovery of rescue boats, casualty management, high speed manoeuvres, and familiarisation with the new Light Flood Rescue Vehicles. Members worked through simulated flood rescue scenarios to put their decision-making, communication, and technical skills to the test in a safe, controlled environment. This year, NSW SES volunteers have responded to more than 160 flood rescues across the state, highlighting the importance of regular training for complex and dangerous incidents. NSW SES Acting Zone Commander Daniel Kenner said the training was an opportunity for members to practice, learn, and refine the specialist skills they need to save lives in dangerous floodwater. “By bringing together volunteers from

NSW SES volunteers practicing on the Nepean River.

across the Metro Zones, it also strengthens the teamwork and coordination we rely on when responding to larger flood operations,” Kenner said. The Nepean River is in one of Australia’s largest unmitigated flood risk areas and Kenner said it’s an ideal training spot. “The environment of the training exercise also mirrors the natural hazards that our volunteers face in real life flood emergencies,” he said. “During periods of settled conditions, we can safely practice complex rescue scenarios here, ensuring our teams are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when the community needs us most.”

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To further strengthen disaster response capability, 15 NSW SES members took part in High Clearance Vehicle currency training in the Hawkesbury the same day. Those involved practice how to safely and effectively operate the specialist flood rescue asset.

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

The training day in Penrith brought together NSW SES volunteers from Bankstown, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Cronulla, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Liverpool, Marrickville, Mosman, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Sutherland, The Hills, Warringah Pittwater, and Waverley Woollahra Units.

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NSW SES volunteers practicing on the Nepean River.

LOCAL NEWS

Vital clinical research now closer to home KEELY MARSH

ocal residents, clinicians, researchers and community leaders are celebrating a new purpose-built clinical research centre located in the heart of Penrith. Cheif Executive Officer of Canopy Clinical Research, Kris Barooshian, said the opening represented a major step in expanding access to clinical research in western Sydney. “This new centre brings together experienced investigators, research nurses and advanced imaging capabilities,allembeddedwithinthelocal community,” Barooshian said. Obesity and diabetes continue to place significant pressure on the health of western Sydney communities, and Canopy Clinic will help expand local access to clinical trials and health research. Around 60 per cent of adults in western Sydney are above healthy weight, a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The new clinic, located on Henry Street in Penrith, marks a significant expansion of healthcare services in

The opening of Canopy Clinical Research’s Penrith location this week.

western Sydney, providing residents the opportunity to access novel therapies and medical advancements, closer to home. The Penrith clinic features dedi-

cated consultation rooms, research suites, and rapid access to radiology and imaging services, all designed to support participant comfort, safety and efficiency.

“There is an incredible amount of energy and excitement with the opening of Canopy Clinical in western Sydney,” said Mary-Louise Bartolo-Stafford, Site Director.

Canopy Clinical Western Sydney forms part of Canopy Clinical Research,agrowingnationalnetwork dedicated to expanding access to high-quality clinical research across Australia. “We are delighted to be growing the Canopy community in Sydney’s west and are looking forward to getting to know the local community and our study participants over the coming months,” Barooshian said. Clinical trials are research studies in which volunteers help answer important health questions and contribute to the development of new treatments, diagnostics and preventative care. “Patients, referrers and the broader community have the opportunity to play a vital role in global clinical trials, shaping the future of healthcare for all,” Bartolo-Stafford said. State Penrith MP Karen McKeown and Federal Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh helped open the office. Community members interested in participating in a clinical trial, or clinicians wishing to refer a patient, can visit https://canopycr.com.au.

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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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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Heartbreak is a privilege D

on’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened, Dr Seuss famously tells us. Which is the lesson sports fans left to pick up the pieces after an emotional weekend must take. As Penrith fans we are lucky to have experienced what we did last Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium. Of course it was devastating. Heartbreaking. There are not enough words to describe the feeling, especially when it comes to Nathan Cleary’s horrific injury. But lucky? Yes, we were. Lucky because many fans would have given anything to watch their side in a seventh straight Preliminary Final. Perhaps we have been spoiled as Penrith fans by the joy of four straight Premierships from 2021 to 2024, but any supporter who has been through the tough times knows what a privilege it is just to be involved at this time of the year. Losing last Sunday is not a failure. It’s simply a tough part of an otherwise wonderful era that will forever be part of our lives. The time will come again when the season ends for Penrth in Round 27. We will beg to be back at Accor Stadium on the last weekend of September. Sport can do this to you. Conflict your feelings. Take you on the greatest of highs and the most gut wrenching of lows. For a few hours or days, you can trick yourself into wishing you never had the chance to play for a spot in the Grand Final. It would have hurt less. Truth is the two straight Preliminary Final losses are simply pieces of the wider puzzle. They will have their place in the story. I assure you Parramatta fans would have gladly traded places with Penrith fans last Sunday. It’s been 40 years since they last won a competition. What about Tigers fans? They haven’t seen footy deep into September since Prince William and Catherine Middleton got married back in 2011. The list goes on. It is right to feel gutted and devastated by

INDEX

what happened on Sunday afternoon, but we must also celebrate being there at all. If you are a Fremantle Dockers fan, you know what I mean. Last Saturday’s AFL Grand Final loss was devastating beyond words. The game was theirs. They even played ‘Wharfie Time’. Now that song rather than a celebration will likely be killed off and never be spoken of again. Dockers fans would have wanted to disappear into a gaping hole at the MCG on Saturday afternoon. The pain of losing like that is almost indescribable to someone who doesn’t get the emotion of sport.

“We get so invested because of what might happen, not because of what always does”

But as the weeks and months roll on, and a new AFL campaign nears, it will become but a memory. And there will be happiness tinged with the heartbreak. Making the Grand Final, being there on one of Australian sport’s biggest days, all the excitement in the build-up. One day, when they return to that stage and win it, the 2026 loss will be remembered as an important step in the journey. As it will be for the Panthers. Next year the motivation to return to the summit could not be greater. Two straight Preliminary Final losses will sting. I’d argue the loss to Newcastle will hurt more deeply than the defeat to Brisbane the previous year. Some within the Panthers camp felt almost

News..........................................................1-23 Business.............................................24-28 Connection to Country.........29-32

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a relief that the pressure valve was released after that loss to the Broncos. But after Sunday’s loss, the determination to return to the top of the mountain will be immense. 2027 will also see the club farewell coach Ivan Cleary, and one of the side’s favourite sons in Brian To’o. It will without question be the motivating factor for the entire season. The Panthers will return home to Penrith Stadium, but just what the start of the year looks like will be anyone’s guess. There is every chance that co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo won’t be there for the first part of the season given the long recoveries they face with their respective injuries. Again, it will all be part of the story. And what if Penrith don’t return to the top next year? What if they fall out of the eight? What if this dynasty period really is over? What if the Dockers are so rocked by their loss on Saturday that they don’t return to the AFL’s greatest stage? Again, all part of the story. Every sports fan has been here. And here’s the reality: if you only gauge success and your happiness as a fan by winning premierships, you will spend the vast majority of time down in the dumps. Following sport is a roller-coaster. We get so invested because of what might happen, not because of what always does. There are no guarantees. The wave of new Penrith fans who have risen during this Premiership era will hopefully stay loyal during any tough times ahead. We know some won’t, at least that’s what history shows us. But for those who do, the next rise will feel so much more special. The heartbreak Penrith and Fremantle fans felt last week is a privilege. It is heartbreak so many other fans would have given anything to feel last weekend, all for the risk that the heartbreak will actually be euphoria. Keep smiling. The sun comes up tomorrow.

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LOCAL NEWS

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Bowling, go-karting and more at major new family facility in Jamisontown KEELY MARSH

enrith has a new place to play, race and let loose, with Entertainment Park officially opening its doors in Jamisontown. Located at Patty’s Place, the massive new indoor entertainment venue brings together go-karting, ten-pin bowling, mini golf, arcade games, food and drinks all under one roof. After getting an exclusive first look at the venue ahead of its public opening, it is safe to say there is plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Test your skills on the go-kart track.

All-new arcade games.

Spanning approximately 4,500 square metres, plus a mezzanine level, Entertainment Park is designed as an all-weather destination for families, groups of friends, parties and corporate events. At the centre of the venue is Australia’s largest multi-level indoor electric go-kart track, with multiple levels, elevation changes and karts capable of reaching speeds up to 80km/h. For those who would rather keep their feet on the ground, there is a six-lane ten-pin bowling alley and

The mini golf course offers plenty of fun.

an 18-hole indoor mini golf course, complete with themed holes, quirky props and plenty of opportunities for some friendly competition. The fun continues through the arcade, where visitors can test their skills across a huge range of games and prize machines before redeeming their winnings at the dedicated redemption store. And when it’s time for a break, guests can head to the licensed cafe and bar for food and drinks. Entertainment Park Penrith is also set up for celebrations, with

dedicated party spaces and private rooms available for functions, birthdays, corporate events and group occasions. Entertainment Park’s John Papantoniou said the Penrith venue builds on the experience gained from its first location at Bankstown Aerodrome. “Penrith has allowed us to take that experience and create something with its own identity,” he said. “The multi-level track is obviously a major feature, but we’ve also put a lot of thought into the bowling, mini

golf, arcade, food and event spaces so there’s something for everyone.” After the Weekender experienced the venue first-hand last week, the biggest challenge for locals may be deciding what to do first. Whether it is racing around the track, battling it out over mini golf or seeing who can collect the most arcade points, Entertainment Park Penrith offers so many opportunities for a time of laughs, competition and fun. Entertainment Park is at the former Penrith Ice Palace building.

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

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LAWandORDER Police Snapshot

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WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

Bateman Battersby Complete Legal | 4704 9991 | 19 Lawson St, Penrith

Penrith: Teenager arrested after stealing spree A teenager will front court after going on a shoplifting spree. At 11.10am on Monday, September 21 a 14-year-old Llandilo teenager went to a shopping centre in Penrith. The 14-year-old went inside a variety store with nothing in his hands but left with a large blue suitcase without making an attempt to pay for it. After, the 14-year-old went into a sports clothing store in the same shopping centre and grabbed multiple items of clothing and a bag. The 14-year-old was then approached by staff but ran from the store. The products stolen from the store valued over $870. The 14-year-old then went to a pop-up toy store and grabbed a pile of squishy toys and left without paying. Police and security were called. At 12.30pm the 14-year-old was found at Penrith Train Station in possession of the stolen suitcase. He was arrested and charged with three counts of ‘shoplifting’. He will appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.

South Penrith: Seemingly random assault on teenager leads to arrest A man will appear in court later this month after his bizarre antics involving a teenager in South Penrith last week. At 2pm on Tuesday, September 22 a 16-yearold teenager and his brother were walking home from school. Both were wearing their school uniforms. As the teenagers were crossing Birmingham Road in South Penrith a silver Toyota passed very close to them. The Toyota’s passenger, a 48-year-old South Penrith man, yelled out the window at the youths and words were exchanged. The driver did a u-turn and parked opposite the teenagers. The 48-year-old then approached the teenagers. The 16-year-old and the 48-year-old then began a verbal argument. The 48-yearold got close to the 16-year-old’s face and threatened to bite his nose off. Further words were exchanged between the pair and the 48-year-old threatened to physically harm the 16-year-old. The 48-year-old then walked back to the car he was in, pulled his pants down to his ankles, and exposed his buttocks. The 48-year-old then pulled his pants up and got into the car. The car drove off but stopped again a short distance later at Womberra Place, where the 48-year-old got out of the car and ran toward the teenagers. They started to run away but stopped and the 16-year-old faced the

48-year-old who grabbed him by the collar and punched his head twice. The driver of the car and some nearby tradies intervened and stopped the assault. All parties then left. At 4pm on the same day, the 16-year-old was with his dad at a shopping centre in South Penrith when they saw the 48-year-old. There was then another verbal altercation between the 16-year-old and the 48-year-old. A short time after, the 16-year-old and his father attended Penrith Police Station and reported the incidents. At 10.45pm on the same day police attended an address in South Penrith and arrested the 48-year-old. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, October 19.

Werrington: Car search reveals drugs and weapon A woman will front court next week after an early morning vehicle stop led to the alleged discovery of drugs and a knife. At 12.30am on Wednesday, September 23 police were patrolling on the Great Western Highway in Werrington when they stopped a car after noticing its headlights were not on. The driver, a 32-year-old St Marys woman, was breath tested which returned a negative result. The 32-year-old appeared nervous and was told that the car would be searched. During the search, police found a medium sized resealable plastic bag allegedly containing methylamphetamines in the glove box. Police also found methylamphetamines and a six-inch folding knife in the centre console. The 32-year-old was then searched and found in her pocket as a small resealable plastic bag containing methylamphetamine. The 32-year-old was arrested and charged. She will appear in Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday, October 7.

Penrith: Man jailed after numerous stealing offences A man accused of multiple stealing offences will spend more than a year behind bars. In September, a 43-year-old St Marys man was identified as stealing from numerous locations throughout Penrith, Mt Druitt, Guildford, St Marys, and Castle Hill. On Tuesday, September 22 the 43-year-old was arrested in Mt Druitt and charged with numerous stealing offences. On Thursday, September 24 the 43-year-old appeared in Penrith Local Court and was convicted of six offences. He received a sentence of 15 months.

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EXPLAINER: BUYING PROPERTY IN AN SMSF Buying property through a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is becoming more and more popular in Australia, probably due to Australia’s traditionally robust property market, particularly on the east coast. However, the rules are complex and there are strict regulations to follow.

What is an SMSF? A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. The main purpose of an SMSF is to provide retirement benefits to its members. An SMSF can typically have no more than 6 members each of whom must be an individual trustee of the fund or a director of a corporate trustee of the fund.

Can an SMSF buy residential property? Yes, an SMSF can buy residential property, but there are strict rules: • The property must be bought solely for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to fund members (this is called the “sole purpose test”). • The property cannot be lived in by a fund member or any related parties while it is owned by the SMSF. • The property cannot be rented to a fund member or any related parties.

No personal use This is a big one. You, your family, or any related parties cannot live in or rent the property while it is owned by the SMSF. So, if you’re thinking of buying a place with your super for Mum and Dad to live in or acquiring a holiday house and using it yourself – you can’t do it.

Arms-length transactions All dealings must be at market value and on commercial terms. You cannot buy the property from a related party, except in very limited circumstances (generally only for business real property). This also applied to things like repairs and maintenance which have to be completed by an appropriately qualified person who is paid at market rate.

Borrowing to buy property SMSFs can borrow to buy property using a special structure called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). Ordinarily, to do this, you will need to set

up a separate trust (called a bare trust) with its own trustee (called a bare trustee). The property is purchased in the name of the bare trustee (usually a company) and held by the bare trustee for the benefit of the SMSF. This is because under a LRBA the lender should only have recourse to the asset underpinning the loan i.e. the property. By holding the property in a bare trust for the benefit of the SMSF the lender cannot pursue all of the assets of the SMSF if things go south – they can only foreclose on the property. SMSF borrowing are strictly regulated buy a piece of legislation called the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act).

The Buying Process: Set up the SMSF The SMSF must be properly established and have its own bank account and Tax File Number (TFN) before you purchase a property. This includes having an established bare trustee and trustee in place – because the bare trustee will be the entity that enters into the contract to purchase the property. You should take advice from both an accountant and a financial advisor before setting up an SMSF.

Develop an investment strategy The SMSF must have a written investment strategy that allows for property investment. This is one of the reasons you need to consult with a financial advisor before pulling the trigger on rolling your hard earned super into an SMSF.

Arrange finance (if needed) If the SMSF is borrowing money from a bank to fund part of the purchase, the fund needs to set up an LRBA. Lenders have specific requirements that need to be met in order to lend money to an SMSF and there are caps on how much money a lender will lend compared to the value of the property (loan to value ratio) so you need to start a conversation with your mortgage broker early in the piece.

Purchase the property The SMSF trustee (or bare trustee) signs the contract and pays the deposit. The property is held in a special trust until the loan is repaid. It is very important that all monies spent in connection with acquisition of the property including things like a holding deposit and legal costs are paid from the SMSF.

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Recharge Penrith penrith.city/recharge-penrith

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REST, PAUSE and RECHARGE on WEDNESDAYS in October!

Council Briefs

ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘ Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

Construction to begin at Coachmans Park

ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˂ˣ˘ˡ 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri.

Fencing will be erected around Coachmans Park this week and will remain until early 2028, to facilitate the safe delivery of a transformational new green space in the heart of the Town Centre. Footpath access around Coachmans Park remains open.

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

Construction is set to commence at Coachmans Park as part of the next stage of the St Marys central park project.

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˔˥˞

Know your risks to be prepared for emergencies 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

Different parts of Penrith can experience different shocks ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ˦˧ˢ˥ˠ˦ʟ Єˢˢ˗˦ʟ ˕˨˦˛Ѓ˥˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˛˘˔˧˪˔˩˘˦ʡ Understanding the risks that may affect your local area is ˔ˡ ˜ˠˣˢ˥˧˔ˡ˧ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˦˧˘ˣ ˜ˡ ˙˘˘˟˜ˡ˚ ˠˢ˥˘ ˣ˥˘ˣ˔˥˘˗ʡ Residents are encouraged to visit Penrith City Council’s Emergency Ready webpage. This page brings together local risk information, practical checklists and links to tools and services to help households prepare, respond and recover more quickly. Take a few minutes to learn about your local risks and what ˧˛˘ˬ ˖ˢ˨˟˗ ˠ˘˔ˡ ˙ˢ˥ ˬˢ˨ ˔ˡ˗ ˬˢ˨˥ ˛ˢ˨˦˘˛ˢ˟˗ ˔˧ʭ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˘ˠ˘˥˚˘ˡ˖ˬʠ˥˘˔˗ˬ

Join us at Village Café Meeting Dates Monday 12 October – 7pm (Policy & Strategy Committee Meeting) Monday 26 October – 7pm (Ordinary Council Meeting) Online via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

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 • ʫ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ʭ Wainwright Park, Kingswood from 9.30–11.30am • ʤʨ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ʭ Wattle Park, North St Marys from 9–11am

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

• ʥʥ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ʭ Wilson Park, Llandilo from 9.30–11.30am See you at Village Café! For more information visit ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˩˜˟˟˔˚˘˖˔˙˘

Free microchipping for cats and dogs Our free Microchipping Day is back on Saturday 17 October at Andromeda Community Centre from 9am–3pm! No appointment is needed. Turn up on the day with your dog on a lead and your cat secure in a carrier.

We’ll also have free pet ID tags for you to get your pet’s name engraved and offer free pet health checks. We are only microchipping cats and dogs. Find out more at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˘˩˘ˡ˧˦

Integrated Development Penrith City Council have received a Development Application in respect of the subject property. The consent authority for the development application is the Penrith Local Planning Panel. • The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust

DA26/0828

(Lot 38 DP 1344, Lot 39 DP 1344, Lot 40 DP 1344, ʿˢ˧ ʧʥ ʷ˃ ʫʪʬʩʦʥʟ ʿˢ˧ ʤʣʣ ʷ˃ ʤʦʣʥʫʦʣ ˔ˡ˗ ʿˢ˧ ʤʣʤ ʷ˃ ʤʦʣʥʫʦʣʜ ʤʥʩϝʤʩʧ ʶ˔˦˧˟˘ ˅ˢ˔˗ʟ ˂˥˖˛˔˥˗ ʻ˜˟˟˦ Subdivision and works, including demolition, tree removal, drainage works, earthworks, new road, kerbs, intersections and public domain works to deliver the Stage 4B East West Road Between Castle and Kingswood Roads The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service. The proposal is an Nominated Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Development Coordination Authority under Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act 1997 and under Section 91 Water Management Act 2000. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢ˗˔˧˥˔˖˞˘˥, in the period from Monday 5 October 2026 to Saturday 1 November 2026. Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˘˗ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡʡ ˇ˛˘ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˧ˢ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ Council’s reference number DA26/0828. ʹˢ˥ ˔ˡˬ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˥˘˟˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ʭ Please contact Jake Bentley on 4732 8087. ˉ˜˘˪˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢʷʴˇ˥˔˖˞˘˥ ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ʷ˘ˣ˔˥˧ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ able to assist with your enquiries. ʷ˜˦˖˟ˢ˦˨˥˘ ˢ˙ ˃ˢ˟˜˧˜˖˔˟ ʷˢˡ˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˥ ʺ˜˙˧˦ By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛˖˜˧ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ WW59620

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Hollie hits the ground running EMILY CHATE

enrith City Councillor Hollie McLean has completed her first week as the community’s Deputy Mayor, and she says the work is only just beginning. McLean was elected to Council in 2024 and has since been a vocal community advocate on issues including disability access and thoughtful housing supply. At the 2025 Federal Election McLean was endorsed as Labor’s candidate for Lindsay and significantly ate into Melissa McIntosh’s margin. McLean was the lone nominee for the role of Deputy Mayor at last week’s Mayoral Election and will now serve in the position for the next 12 months. “It still feels really emotional for me,” McLean told the Weekender. “The other night when my Councillor colleagues voted for me to be

Deputy Mayor, I really felt the link to my grandparents coming here 80 years ago and being in housing commission and weatherboard housing. “It feels like such an honour to be able to follow the example of community service they gave to my family but also in the footsteps of so many other Councillors who’ve just done such a great job for this city.” McLean replaces fellow Labor Councillor Garion Thain in the role, after he chose to not recontest the position. “Garion just carries with him this real deep passion for our city,” McLean said. “I think that’s something all of us should aspire to. I know this is not the last time Garion will be in the role.” Todd Carney also retained the role of Mayor last week and McLean said she is looking forward to working as a pair.

“I know Todd is widely respected within our community but also more broadly across western Sydney,” she said. “Over the last few years, he has been a wonderful friend but also a wonderful mentor to me. I’m excited about the opportunity to be working with him more closely and supporting him in the work.” McLean broke down the parts of the role saying there is so much to being the city’s Deputy Mayor. “There are three parts of the role to me. There’s the part that’s the really strategic development and delivery – what kind of city we want to be in the future? What do we want our places and the experience of being Penrith to be like?,” McLean said. “There are examples there of things like the Our River Masterplan that’s been out for public consultation and there is the Kingswood and Werrington place planning and master planning that

Deputy Mayor Hollie McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.

is happening. This is really great strategic work. “Then there is the part of it where we’re lucky enough to be invited to different events within the community and to be there to celebrate really important and happy occasions but also sometimes to commemorate or to grieve with the community.

“The third part of it is speaking with our residents. I love when people pop into my inbox or reach out to me no matter how big or small it is and say I’ve got this problem... Can you help? Or it might be a community group wanting somebody to show up, stand with them, and support them. I love that part of the job.”

ACTION PLAN LOCKED IN Council identifies improvements as part of Disability Inclusion Action Plan EMILY CHATE

enrith City Council has officially endorsed a plan designed to make Penrith more accessible and inclusive. Councillors rubber stamped the Penrith Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030 on Monday. Over a period of several months, Council engaged with people with disability, carers, friends, and service providers to seek their insights and lived experiences to help make the plan reflect what the community wants. In total 173 people contributed feedback through 18 engagement activities. Key themes raised by participants included disability awareness, education, and recognition of invisible disabilities, access to public spaces, facilities, transport and parking, accessible and inclusive events, employment opportunities, and improved access to community support. Feedback from the community was then incorporated into the four-year plan with some key points including enhancing the Accessible Penrith hub, improving Council’s website to meet current accessibility standards including introducing an

accessibility widget, implementing an accessible events checklist, and exploring ways to increase awareness and adoption of the sunflower symbol across Penrith community services and Customer Service.

Mayor of Penrith Todd Carney thanked the Penrith community for providing feedback on the plan. “We’ve engaged with the community and our Access Committee to get their feedback on the plan in its

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney with the Penrith Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

draft form and are proud to present a finalised plan for action,” Carney said. “Each day, people living with disability can experience barriers

that prevent them from leading meaningful, independent lives. This plan identifies opportunities for improvement and will help guide Council in continuing to make Penrith a more accessible and inclusive city for everyone. “Council uses the DIAP to advocate to other levels of government, businesses and organisations. We’ve made great strides in creating a more accessible and inclusive city thanks to the input from our community. “I look forward to sharing how Council continues to deliver on its commitments over the next four years and to hear more from the community about how the projects and actions from the DIAP address and improve access and inclusion in Penrith.” The DIAP was developed around four focus areas aligned with the state Disability Inclusion Plan including developing positive attitudes and behaviours, creating liveable and safer communities, supporting access to meaningful employment and independence, and improving access to mainstream services. The DIAP can be viewed online at www.penrith.city/AccessiblePenrith.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

Joke of the Week

Q: What kind of dogs love going to the bathroom? A: Poodles. Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

prize cupboard

rand new film ‘The Social Reckoning’ is about to hit cinemas. A companion piece to the hit film ‘The Social Network’, Aaron Sorkin’s original screenplay is based on the events that gave rise to the Wall Street Journal’s Journal’s shocking exposé ‘The Facebook Files’. The film is inspired by the true story of how Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison), a young Facebook engineer, enlists the help of Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White), a Wall Street Journal reporter, to go on a dangerous journey that ends up blowing the whistle on the social network’s most guarded secrets.

Starring Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, Wunmi Mosaku, Betty Gilpin, Billy Magnussen with Bill Burr and Jeremy Strong Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, ‘The Social Reckoning’ is in cinemas on October 8. The Weekender has 10 double passes to ‘The Social Reckoning’ to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with ‘Social’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, October 8 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

PET

iSPY

OF THE WEEK my name: Nimbus

my proud owner: Sri i live in: Claremont Meadows a bit about me: I am a well behaved Japanese Spitz who loves going for walks and long drives. My parents say I’m the king of the house.

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

Last week’s photo was taken at Penrith RSL.

‘Media Watch’ plays an important role, but its bizarre attack on coverage of the Fremantle Dockers by its home-town paper was poor and ill-informed. Showed a complete disconnect.

Nathan Cleary’s absolute class in calling out those attacking Phoenix Crossland online deserves plenty of praise. If only online trolls could follow the advice.

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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

LOCAL NEWS

ROADS GET FUNDING EMILY CHATE

enrith City Council has identified multiple roads across Penrith in need of fixing and has secured over $1.5 million in funding for upgrades. Council has received the funding to implement the improvements as part of the Federal Government’s Black Spot Program. Four projects will be undertaken with $600,000 to be spent on the intersection of Racecourse Road between Jamison Road and Banool Avenue and Smith Street between Racecourse Road and Aston Avenue to introduce traffic calming measures, median islands, kerb blisters, and lighting. Somerset Street between Derby and Rodgers Streets in Kingswood will see $500,000 spent on installing raised pedestrian crossings. In Emu Plains, River Road between the Great Western Highway and Lapstone Place will have $350,000 to spend on the installation of traffic calming measures, a raised median island, pedestrian fencing, and line marking. $80,000 will also be spent on Glenmore Parkway between Surveyors Creek Road and St Andrews Drive on the installation of flexible barriers.

Penrith Council has received funding for road upgrades. Photo: Melinda Jane.

In total, Council will receive $1.59 million in funding for the four projects, leaving no out of pocket cost. “The projects approved under the 2026/27 Black Spot Program, with total funding of $1.59 million, will be fully funded by the program, covering 100 per cent of design and construction costs,” a report to Councillors at Monday night’s Ordinary Meeting said. “As a result, no upfront financial contribution is required from Council. “The ongoing maintenance requirements associated with these projects will be incorporated into Council’s existing road and traffic asset maintenance programs and will be accommodated within the

Somerset Street is among the roads to be upgraded. Photo: Melinda Jane.

operational maintenance budgets adopted through Council’s Operational Plan.” The projects are expected to be finished construction by the end of June in 2028. Council acknowledged the funding will help make Penrith roads safer for the community. “Funding of $1,590,000 for the 2026/27 Black Spot Program should be recognised as a noteworthy achievement for Council,” the Council report said. “It is expected that the resulting accident remediation treatments will result in improved levels of traffic safety and a reduction in accidents on local and regional roads within the Local Government Area.”

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Dealership expands presence in Penrith F

FOTON held an official opening of its new-look Penrith dealership last week.

An official opening event was held for the flagship site last week, bringing together customers, industry partners and representatives from

Inchcape and FOTON Australia to formally mark the milestone. Blair Read, Managing Director, Inchcape Australasia, welcomed

NEPEAN DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGY

Think Spring Think Leura

OPEN DAY Sunday October, 10am to to 3pm Saturday 1111 October, 10am 3pm

2 to 5 October, 2026 9.30am to 4.30pm

Old Council Building, Station Street, Penrith

www.leuragardensfesƟval.com.au

Rare historical artefacts on display:

Between Henry Street and Penrith Station. Opposite Westfield’s Station Street Entrance.

Photos Bottles Convict-era bricks

$40 all gardens - $20 three gardens - $10 single garden Tickets are available on the FesƟval website All Ɵckets are valid for the duraƟon of the FesƟval

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

WW59567

www.leuragardensfesƟval.com.au - 0494 756 499 - info@leuragardensfesƟval.com.au

Old maps Personal effects of early settlers

More info: Search online “Nepean archaeology”

Money raised helps support the Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital and local health related organisaƟons

the development. “It gives customers a place to experience FOTON’s products and technology, while providing the

people and aftersales support they need throughout their ownership journey,” he said. “It also sets the standard for how we want FOTON represented as the network continues to grow.” Glen Cooper, General Manager, FOTON Australia, said the new Penrith flagship is an important milestone for FOTON in Australia “We are investing across every aspect of the business – from new product and brand development to our dealer network, customer experience and aftersales capability,” he said. “As we continue to expand and strengthen FOTON’s dealer network across the country, the Penrith flagship will serve as the benchmark for future retail representation, helping shape a consistent, high-quality customer experience nationwide. “Combined with FOTON’s global manufacturing capability, product innovation and growing international presence, the new centre marks another significant step towards building a strong, trusted and enduring FOTON brand.”

FREE ENTRY

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OTON Australia has unveiled the country’s first flagship FOTON Commercial Vehicle Centre, transforming Inchcape’s FOTON Penrith into the national showcase for the brand and marking a major milestone in the brand’s Australian growth journey. The flagship site showcases FOTON’s growing Australian range of commercial vehicles, including Light Commercial Vehicles and Light Duty Trucks, with the investment reinforcing Inchcape’s ambition to establish FOTON as a major player in Australia’s commercial vehicle market. Already an established FOTON dealership, Inchcape FOTON Penrith has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment to bring FOTON’s latest global corporate identity to life throughout the dealership. The result is a contemporary environment designed to showcase the brand, its growing range of vehicles and technology, while delivering a consistent customer experience across sales and aftersales.

LOCAL NEWS

AN AGENT ON THE RISE

Jasmyn Calgaro becomes a business partner at Ray White Nepean Group TROY DODDS

ne of the Ray White network’s highest-performing agents, Jasmyn Calgaro, has become a business partner at Ray White Nepean Group. The well-known local agent joins principals Mark Jennings and Tim Doyle at the helm of the high-performing western Sydney office. The move formalises a partnership 11 years in the making for Calgaro, who joined the real estate industry at just 19 and has gone on to become one of the top one per cent of all Ray White salespeople nationally, settling more than 130 transactions last year alone. Calgaro started her career as a sales associate in a nine-person office. She said the opportunity to buy into the business she has helped build was a natural next step. “This isn’t something that’s happened overnight, it’s the result of 11 years of turning up every single day, knocking on doors and genuinely trying to help people,” Calgaro said. “To go from being a 19-year-old

Tim Doyle, Jasmyn Calgaro and Mark Jennings.

walking into my first real estate office to now being a business partner in a group I love is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait to see what we build from here. “Mark and Tim have backed me from day one, and this partnership means I get to keep doing what I love, working directly with buyers and sellers, while also having a real say in the direction of the business. The future’s genuinely exciting.” Ray White Nepean Group co-principal Mark Jennings said Calgaro’s elevation to partner reflected both her extraordinary sales results and the values she has instilled throughout the group. “Jas’ work ethic and culture fit is exactly what our partnership means for the business,” he said. Calgaro said her approach to the real estate industry has always been about consistency over shortcuts. “My advice to anyone starting out is to think outside the box, add value wherever you can, and speak to as many people as possible every single day,” she said. “There’s no substitute for hard work but if you trust the process, it eventually pays off.”

VETERANS HEALTH, WELLBEING AND SERVICES EXPO

For more information contact: CITY OF PENRITH RSL SUB-BRANCH

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Ph: 4728 5226 Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS Castle Group’s critical donation The Perera Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Castle Group, has donated a new LUCAS 3, v3.1 mechanical chest-compression system to Nepean Hospital. The donation replaces the hospital’s previous LUCAS chest-compression system, which had been in use for approximately 10 years, providing the Intensive Care Unit with updated equipment to support its ongoing cardiac emergency response. Nepean Hospital General Manager Brad Ceely said the new equipment would provide valuable support for clinicians during cardiac emergencies. “The LUCAS device effectively provides another set of hands during a cardiac arrest, delivering consistent chest compressions while our clinicians focus on the many other interventions needed to save a life,” Ceely said. “This donation ensures our Intensive Care Unit has access to modern, dependable equipment when every second counts. We sincerely thank the Perera Foundation for helping us continue to deliver high-quality care for our community.” According to manufacturer Stryker, more than 50,000 LUCAS devices are in use globally, with a patient treated approximately every minute. The company reports greater than 99 per cent operational reliability in clinical use.

KEEPING CLOSE Penrith parents among first to benefit from new facilities KEELY MARSH

ew parents Stormi and Kieran were some of the first to stay in the new Ronald McDonald House Family Accommodation at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Located near the hospital’s complex and critical care units, the 10-room Family Accommodation enabled new parents Stormi and Kieran, from Penrith, to stay close to their baby Alfie’s life saving treatment at the hospital. Mother Stormi described how staying in the accommodation brought peace of mind during a time of “terrifying uncertainty”. “Within hours of Alfie’s birth, our world was turned upside down. Over the following months, we found ourselves moving through three different hospitals before finally arriving at Westmead, where Alfie would receive the specialist care he desperately needed,” Stormi said. “We faced multiple diagnoses, countless scans and procedures, a few surgeries, and the terrifying uncertainty that comes with watching your baby fight for his life.” On this unpredictable journey, Ronald McDonald House became a “home away from home” for the Penrith locals. Through every frightening setback and each milestone of hope, Stormi and Kieran needed to be by their baby’s side.

Kieran and Stormi.

The new accommodation at Westmead.

The accommodation provides day pass access meals, laundry facilities, and spaces to rest meaning families can stay together and remain closer to their child when they are needed most. “Being able to stay just minutes from the hospital ward meant we never had to choose

between being close to Alfie and looking after ourselves,” Stormi said. “We could be there for early morning ward rounds, late-night emergencies, unexpected setbacks, and the precious milestones that reminded us to keep hoping.” Rather than worrying about long travel, where to sleep or how to manage everyday needs, the parents to Alfie could focus their attention on what matters most – the care and recovery of their child. “Knowing we were always nearby gave us peace of mind and allowed us to spend every possible moment with Alfie without the added stress of long travel or worrying about where we would sleep,” Stormi explained. This year alone, more than 7,555 families have relied on Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney for support while their child received treatment at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Nepean or Campbelltown Hospital, a 27 per cent increase on last year. “No family ever expects to need Ronald McDonald House, but for families like ours, it is truly life changing. We will be forever grateful for everything they did for us and for Alfie,” Stormi said. The new accommodation opened earlier this year, funded in part by NSW Health, the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation and the NSW Community Infrastructure Grants program.

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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LOCAL NEWS

You’re invited to swing for a cause KEELY MARSH

A group of previous attendees dressed up for a night of fun and fundraising.

“So, in one year we had four people get diagnosed and from that we thought we needed to start doing this again.” The fundraiser has since evolved into a larger event, with this year’s Swing for a Cause inviting both women and men to Big Swing Golf Penrith. “This year we realised that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women, it affects men too whether it’s through diagnosis, or it’s the impact of them having a loved one that is affected by the

disease,” Quinlan said. Quinlan said inviting men was important to help encourage conversations around breast cancer and its impact. “We thought it was really important to invite men along so they can learn about it and know it’s OK to talk about it if they’re struggling with a close one’s diagnosis or if they are diagnosed with it too, because it is possible,” Quinlan explained. “We want to break the stigma that it’s not just girls.”

St Marys Rugby League Club on the road in the Variety Bash.

St Marys Rugby League Club has been inducted into the Variety Bash Hall of Fame, recognising more than 26 years of support, fundraising and commitment to Variety – the Children’s Charity. The recognition celebrates the Club’s long-standing involvement in the Variety Bash community, which began in 2000 when the St Marys Rugby League team first took to the road in the B to B Bash in Dodge Phoenix, Car 2760. More than 26 years later, the Club’s connection to the Variety Bash remains as strong as ever, with Vice President John Burns and Director Mick Hilton proudly representing St Marys Rugby League Club at the 2026 Variety Backyard Bash. Variety NSW/ACT CEO Tony Warner said the club’s addition to the Hall of Fame was well deserved. “St Marys Leagues Club has been part of the Variety Bash family for more than 25 years, and their generosity, friendship and commitment to helping kids have made a lasting impact,” he said.

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Photo: Destination NSW

hat began as a small Tupperware party among friends has grown into a community fundraiser raising more than $34,000 for breast cancer research. Emma Quinlan’s mum, Priscilla, first started fundraising with her netball team in 2011. “My mum used to do a breast cancer fundraiser with a small group of friends, which started as a Tupperware party at home, with her netball team as a fun way to raise funds for breast cancer research,” Quinlan said. “It started in 2011, and over the years it just got a little bit bigger but then we actually had a bit of a break for a few years.” The cause then became even more personal for the family. “Mum herself was actually diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, along with an aunty and two close family friends, two of which have passed,” Quinlan explained.

Quinlan hopes the night will bring together people of all ages and genders. “To see some men there and breaking the stereotypes, whether it’s a dad, grandpa, a tradie or some younger boys, it would be nice to see a mix of ages and genders to show that it affects everyone,” Quinlan said. Big Swing Golf Penrith has supported the fundraiser each year, donating its venue for this year’s event. The ticketed and 18+ event includes unlimited use of the venue’s simulators, food and a raffle, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research. “Yes, we want to raise funds, but we want to raise awareness that it doesn’t just affect the one person that is diagnosed, it affects a community,” Quinlan said. The event is on October 17. To support the cause and purchase your tickets visit https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1605799.

Club recognised for lasting impact

S C E N I C W O R L D K ATO O M B A

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

World-first trial focuses on exercise H

ealthcare workers at Nepean Hospital are joining a world-first trial of dedicated exercise time during work hours to improve staff health and wellbeing. If successful, the research could pave the way for introducing exercise breaks in workplaces with benefits for both staff and employers. The 12 month trial led by Heart Research Institute Senior Research Fellow and Head of Heart Research at Nepean Hospital, cardiologist Doctor Faraz Pathan, will be conducted around the hospital and in a revamped hospital break room. It will see around 100 healthcare workers either “exer-gaming” by using virtual reality glasses and a video game console to simulate activities like tennis, bowling and

boxing as well as working out using the stairs and walking around the hospital. “It sounds simple but really it’s a radical idea and this trial will give staff a 30-minute exercise break during their work day and then measure how these breaks impact their heart health, overall fitness and mental wellbeing,” Pathan said. “This is our chance to change the policy and cultural landscape of the Australian workplace by addressing the ‘time poverty’ that prevents staff from exercising. “We know healthcare workers are at a particularly high risk for heart disease due to working irregular shifts that disrupt the circadian rhythm and the stressful and intensive nature of their work.” Data shows physical inactivity costs the Australian economy over

$2 billion annually with Australian workers spending approximately five hours a day at work sitting, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. “About 60 per cent of adults want to exercise but their ability to make that happen depends on their life circumstances, their line of work, their health and family responsibilities,” he said. “What ends up happening is your appetite is dysregulated, you put on weight, you get poor sleep and all that increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke. “Through this trial, I’m hoping to prove that giving healthcare workers the ability to take a 30-minute exercise break will benefit them both physically and mentally and also improve the productivity of their work.”

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The equipment being used in the trial.

If successful, the project could provide a blueprint for workplaces to transform an office environment into a solution for – rather than a cause of – physical inactivity. “The biggest barriers to exercise are time and space. A hospital the size of Nepean with over 4,000 staff can’t have everyone walking around

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

Under the speed limit

I usually speed walk or as fast as I can for an old bloke around the outside of Jamison Park most mornings. I noticed a speed check sign at the intersection of Smith Street and Racecourse Road South Penrith early Monday. Surprisingly it not only took my speed but was fairly accurate. After I finished laughing and my walk I went back to record the momentous moment. Bit of fun to begin the day. PHIL STOREY, PENRITH

Cleary injury shocks us all

I imagine I was one of many Penrith residents that watched with the greatest of emotion the match between Panthers and the Newcastle Knights. I felt a certain amount of ‘unease’, not sure why, but possibly to do with my doubting the game fitness of our amazing captain Nathan Cleary and the fact that I was totally convinced that Nathan would be ‘headhunted’ by the Knights. Never in my worst nightmare could I ever have imagined that something so truly awful could have taken place. Seeing

84 QUEEN ST SSTREET REET WW59319

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

the perimeter. It would look like Coachella, not a hospital, can you imagine the bedlam it would cause with people moving everywhere. Exer-gaming will solve that problem,” Pathan said. “If it’s successful, there is no reason that the intervention cannot be applied to the workforce at large.”

Nathan’s obvious pain and distress felt so deeply by his family, along with many league followers, has for me, and my wife, along with our Autistic Grandson, Dan, 17-yearsold, changed our lifetime emotion for a game that yes, is about as rough and tough as you get, but never a game that should ever bring shame and horror, because of one act of thuggery. I am sure every person who, like ourselves has followed the game, the club and the players as if they were family, wish for a complete recovery to Nathan and pray that somewhere down the track we will, once more, see the name of Cleary shine as an example to all in the “greatest game of all”. THE BURT FAMILY, VIA EMAIL

Greyhound concern

Greyhound racing is part of the gambling machine, causing harm to both dogs and people (Richmond off and racing, Weekender September 24). Mayor Carney’s blind support for the Richmond track appears to indicate he’s not aware of the many well-documented animal welfare problems with dog racing. Both tracks at the Richmond facility are recording alarming injury rates, according to data from the industry regulator. The straight track has the highest NSW rate for serious injuries, while the circle track’s total injury rate is above the NSW average. Mayor Carney’s support is out of step with community sentiment. CPG will continue to educate Mayor Carney, the Council, and the Penrith community on the grim reality of greyhound racing KYLIE FIELD, COALITION FOR THE PROTECTION OF GREYHOUNDS

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

LOCAL NEWS

The Y Penrith expands as demand grows NATHAN TAYLOR

he Y Penrith in Batt Street has expanded its gymnastics offering to accommodate high demand Recently, the Y Penrith expanded its gymnastics program and floor space to provide more local children with access to the sport. Program Coordinator at the Y Penrith, Shannen Barrington, said the expansion was driven by demand. “We had outgrown our initial gymnastics space, and as more

families wanted to access the program, we recognised that we needed to expand our facility to provide greater capacity and a better experience for our participants,” she said. “Expanding the program has allowed us to accommodate more children, create additional opportunities for participation, and continue delivering a quality gymnastics program to the local Penrith community.” The level of demand exceeded expectations at the community hub, emphasising the quality of the

gymnastics program offered at the Y Penrith. Programs are available for children as young as 12-months-old right up to adults. “The response from the community has reinforced that there is a real need for quality, accessible gymnastics programs in the Penrith area,” Barrington said. “The growth has been a great outcome, but it has also highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in facilities, equipment, coaches, and capacity so we can meet that demand.”

The supportive coaches at the Y Penrith believe the value of gymnastics extends far beyond the sport itself. “We look at gymnastics as more than just learning gymnastics skills. We want children to develop confidence, resilience, friendships, and a genuine love of being active,” Barrington said. “Our coaches play a huge role in this. We aim to provide a safe, encouraging and progressive environment where children can challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and develop

at their own pace. Ultimately, we want families to see the Y Penrith as a place where their children can learn, grow, belong and thrive - both inside and outside the gymnastics program.” As the program continues to grow, the Y Penrith says it remains focused on providing a safe and welcoming environment in line with the Y NSW’s values. In addition to recreational and competitive gymnastics, the Y Penrith is offering Learn to Play sports programs, KinderGym, and school holiday programs.

The Y Penrith has expanded its gymnastics program and floor space.

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

24,816sqm industrial landholding in Warragamba has been launched to the market with the property positioned to benefit from major infrastructure and private sector investment underway across western Sydney. Colliers has been exclusively appointed to market 11 Production Avenue, Warragamba, comprising a 24,816sqm industrial landholding improved with 12,986sqm of warehouse and office accommodation. The property is being offered for sale via an Expressions of Interest campaign. The campaign comes as western Sydney continues to attract significant infrastructure and private sector investment including the Western Sydney International Airport, M12 Motorway, Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Bradfield City. Colliers Manager Industrial & Logistics, Jock Tyson said the property’s existing scale and functionality provided purchasers with the opportunity to establish themselves in a market undergoing significant change. “The opportunity here is to secure a functional industrial asset with the scale, power and yard capability to support a range of occupiers while being positioned within a broader western Sydney growth corridor,” Tyson said. “The Airport, Aerotropolis and new motorway infrastructure are driving significant investment across the region and Warragamba is well placed to benefit as employment and industrial activity continues to expand further west.” Investment momentum across the Aero-

11 Production Avenue, Warragamba is hitting the market.

tropolis continues to build with recent government reporting showing proposed private sector investment across the precinct increased from $9.8 billion to $21.6 billion in 14 months. More than $28 billion has also been committed by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments towards Western Sydney

International Airport, Bradfield City and supporting infrastructure. Major private sector commitments include ALDI’s $1 billion automated distribution centre, the $1.9 billion industrial precinct being developed by Mirvac, SEED and Australian Retirement Trust and Barings’ $139 million Luddenham Industrial Park.

Colliers National Director Industrial & Logistics, Matthew Flynn said the scale of investment was broadening the range of industrial and employment opportunities across western Sydney. “As infrastructure is delivered and new employment precincts take shape, we’re seeing the industrial landscape across western Sydney continue to evolve,” Flynn said. “For occupiers, access to meaningful scale, power and functional yard space remains an important consideration while investors are increasingly looking at locations that can accommodate the region’s longer-term industrial and employment growth. “Warragamba provides an established industrial setting with the flexibility to accommodate businesses across logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, construction and trade-related industries as the broader western Sydney economy continues to develop.” Located approximately 16 kilometres from Western Sydney International Airport, the property benefits from connectivity to the M12, M4 and M7 motorway network, providing access to key freight, employment and logistics destinations across Greater Sydney. The Western Sydney Aerotropolis spans approximately 11,200 hectares and is forecast to support up to 120,000 future jobs, reinforcing its role as a major long-term employment and industrial precinct. 11 Production Avenue, Warragamba is being offered for sale via Expressions of Interest closing Thursday, October 29.

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Banding together for a life-changing cause The Penrith community has a special way of uniting when it matters most. In my role as Mayor, I get to see the care, kindness and compassion the people of our City show to one another – and the far-reaching impact this has on our region. For eight years, Penrith City Council has banded together with our community to support Pink Up Penrith and the McGrath Foundation – funding cancer care nurses in our region. We’re proud to be turning pink once again this October. Council has a strong focus on improving the health and wellbeing of our residents, and with one in every two people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, raising awareness and driving change through causes like this is so important. There were no cancer care nurses at Nepean Hospital when Pink Up Penrith started, and now there are seven. This is an incredible achievement and with a fast-growing community like ours, we need more than ever to help those battling cancer and the loved ones sup-

porting them. The McGrath Foundation was focused on breast cancer patients for 20 years, and their dedicated nurses now assist people with all types of cancer. Over $541,000 has been raised to date through Pink Up Penrith and its ninth year has started strong. I was proud to attend last month’s Golf Day event, which saw local businesses, organisations and generous individuals raise more than $16,000. Council is lighting the Civic Centre, High St and Woodriff Lane pink at night in October to shine a light on this worthy cause. While fundraising is the goal, this is Council’s way of starting conversations in the community. It’s a reminder for people to prioritise their health and give a friend or neighbour the encouragement they need to get screened. I thank Pink Up Penrith President Gai Hawthorn OAM and the entire committee for their ongoing efforts. Learn more at www.pinkuppenrith.com. au.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

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LOCAL NEWS

GET YOUR SOCKS ON! How will you do your 60? Locals encouraged to get involved in Red Sock Challenge

Red Socks ambassadors Lexie Brant and Sam Clohesy. Photo: Jayden Guarnaccia.

symbol of support for people on dialysis, who often feel cold during the 5-hour long dialysis sessions, particularly in their feet. To support the cause throughout October, Australians can complete 60 kilometres their own way, embracing whatever sort of movement suits their lifestyle and fitness level. Chris Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of Kidney Health Australia, said the biggest challenge in tackling kidney disease is that many Australians simply don’t know they are at risk. “Kidney disease can progress silently for years without symptoms, meaning people are often diagnosed too late,” he said. “We want Australians to pull their socks up, take on the 60km challenge and help to spark conversations about kidney health, because awareness and early detection is so important in saving lives.” Kidney Health Australia is encouraging individuals, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and communities to get involved, rally their networks and take on the challenge together. Registrations for the Red Socks Challenge are now open. Visit www.redsockschallenge.org.au to learn more.

WW59601

his October, Aussies are being called on to walk, run, swim or ride 60 kilometres to stand with the thousands of people surviving with kidney failure. The annual Red Socks Challenge, led by Kidney Health Australia, is encouraging us to take on the “60k your way” event throughout October to raise awareness and vital support for people with kidney disease, a condition often referred to as a silent disease due to its lack of symptoms in the early stages. The challenge is inspired by the reality people on dialysis face, who spend around 60 hours every month connected to a machine simply to stay alive. Whether participants choose to walk with friends, run before work, swim laps or cycle on weekends, every kilometre completed helps to raise awareness and fund support for Australians living with kidney disease. Kidney disease affects 2.7 million Australians, yet 2.5 of those remain unaware that they may have it. Up to 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost before symptoms appear, meaning many people do not realise how unwell they are until the disease has significantly progressed. Participants are encouraged to buy a pair of Red Socks Challenge socks, a

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

Lovers burger range and two Eggs Benny breakfast options featuring ham, sausage, egg, cheese and hollandaise sauce.

Δ Perfect for summer: Boost Juice has launched a new Banana Mocha smoothie, combining real banana, cold brew coffee and chocolate in its latest menu addition. The drink is available now at participating Boost Juice stores. Δ NY style pizza: Domino’s Australia has relaunched its 16-inch New Yorker range, featuring five New York-inspired pizzas available nationwide for a limited time. The range, which is the biggest pizza on Domino’s menu, is made in-store using hand-stretched dough and served in large foldable slices. It features The Big Cheese, Pepperoni Boss, Hot Honey Pepperoni Boss, Little Italy and Bacon Kingpin.

Δ Classic taste: Drumstick is taking something familiar out of the tin and into the cone with new Drumstick Anzac Biscuit – a frozen take on the familiar flavours of the classic Anzac biscuit. The new flavour features a biscuit-flavoured centre packed with Anzac biscuit pieces, swirled with caramel syrup and topped with even more Anzac biscuit crumb, with butter, caramel and toffee flavours throughout. Get it in stores now.

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Δ Jack’s goes cheesy: Hungry Jack’s has launch a new Cheese Range alongside an Eggs Benny Wrap & Roll. The new range introduces a Cheesy Cheeseburger, a larger Cheese

Δ Perfect clean: With the new season bringing that familiar urge to refresh, reset and give the home a proper spring clean, Euclove offers a timely plant-based take on the traditional spring clean, combining Australian eucalyptus with Ayurvedic ingredients across a complete range for the home. Designed to clean, deodorise, and support everyday household hygiene, the range combines Australian eucalyptus oil containing 85 per cent cineol, a naturally occurring compound recognised for its antibacterial and purifying properties, with neem and clove oils long valued within Ayurvedic practices for their cleansing, antifungal, and antimicrobial benefits. Together, they provide an effective, naturally aromatic alternative to the harsh chemical intensity often associated with traditional household cleaners. Visit www.euclove.com.au.

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

TURNING BACK TIME

Photographed here in 1947 is students and teachers from Wallacia Public School. Back row left to right are Bill Henderson, Clive Baines, Joy Harrison, Unknown, Pam Wilson, Georgia Marsh, Doreen Black, Jim Kildruff,

Unknown, Unknown. Middle row left to right are Unknown, Bruce Pearson, John Palumbo, James (Snubby) Medcalf, Brian Kildruff, Joe Cardy, Bunty Fowler, Unknown, Unknown, Christine Roylance, Phillipa Roylance.

Front row left to right are Unknown, Peter Metcalfe, James Bond, Easterbrook child, Wally Connell, John Metcalfe, Patricia Bond, Doreen Cardy and Judy Fowler. The teacher is Elmo J Witts. (Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

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The Chicken Run: A local favourite The Chicken Run Cranebrook is a

popular local takeaway known for its delicious charcoal chicken and generous meals. Located at the entry to the shopping centre, the family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of options, including chicken, burgers, wraps, chips, salads and seafood. Customers particularly enjoy the tender chicken, crispy chips and tasty homemade garlic sauce. With affordable meals and plenty of choices, The Chicken Run has become a convenient spot for local families and residents.

Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or ordering a family dinner, The Chicken Run provides a satisfying meal for the Cranebrook community.

including bread, rolls, pastries and savoury favourites. Customers can enjoy their popular, freshly baked pies, tasty pork rolls and freshly made coffees, milkshakes and smoothies. The bakehouse also offers a customised cake range, perfect for birthdays, celebrations and special occasions. Whether you are picking up a loaf of bread or enjoying a sweet treat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Dragon Touch Massage & Acupuncture: Relaxation in Cranebrook

Cranebrook Bakehouse: Something for everyone Cranebrook Bakehouse is a wellknown local bakery that has been serving the Cranebrook community for many years. Located opposite Woolworths, Cranebrook Bakehouse offers a delicious range of fresh food,

Dragon Touch Massage & Acupuncture is a local wellness business serving the Cranebrook community with a range of massage and traditional Chinese medicine services. Located in the heart of the shopping centre, the clinic offers treatments including remedial, deep-tissue, full-body, foot and hot-stone massages. Customers can also access acupuncture, cupping and reflexology services. With experienced practitioners and a focus on relaxation and wellbeing, Dragon Touch provides a convenient place for locals to unwind and take some time for

themselves. Whether recovering after a busy week or simply looking to relax, Dragon Touch offers a variety of treatments to suit different needs. Together, The Chicken Run, Cranebrook Bakehouse and Dragon Touch Massage & Acupuncture reflect what makes Cranebrook Village Shopping Centre a valuable part of the local community: good food, great service, personal care and friendly businesses that take pride in what they do.

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BUSINESS MATTERS

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

DON’T FORGET YOUR BANK!

THE REAL COST OF THAT DISCOUNT

“

or many businesses, growth is the goal. A new vehicle, additional equipment, more stock, larger premises or extra staff can all create opportunities to take a business to the next level. Growth also requires careful financial planning. From my perspective with over 30 years in Banking & Finance, one of the most overlooked assets a business owner has is a good relationship with their bank or lender. Too often, finance is considered only when the money is urgently needed. By then, options can be limited. A better approach is to start the conversation before the funding is required. If you are planning to expand, understand what the project will cost, how it will be funded and how the addi-

Practical strategies. More profit. Stronger businesses.

tional debt will be repaid. A lender will generally want to understand the business’s income, expenses, debts, cash flow and growth plan. Good financial records are particularly important. Up-to-date financial statements, tax returns, management accounts and realistic cash-flow forecasts can help demonstrate that the business is well managed and that the proposed borrowing is affordable. It is also worth reviewing existing finance. Interest rates and lending products change, and a business with a strong repayment history may be in a position to negotiate better terms or compare alternatives. The cheapest rate is not always the best solution, however. Loan structure, flexibility, security requirements and terms are critical.

Can you do me 10 per cent better?” It sounds harmless. You want the sale, so you knock 10 per cent off. But do you know what that discount just cost you? Most businesses discount without understanding the impact on profit. And it’s much bigger than 10 per cent. If your gross profit margin is 30 per cent, a 10 per cent discount cuts your gross profit on that sale by a whopping 33 per cent. You now need 50 per cent more sales just to make the same gross profit dollars! Find your gross profit percentage below and see how much more you’d need to sell just to recover that

ADAM BUCKLEY Mortgage Broker, Infinity Finance Solutions Penrith Chamber Platinum Member

Equipment may suit asset finance, while working-capital requirements may need a different facility. Buying property is another proposition again. Don’t wait until you need money to talk to your lender. Planning ahead gives you time to plan and get things in order. For a growing western Sydney business, good finance planning can turn an ambitious idea into a practical growth strategy.

Gross Profit Margin Extra Sales Needed 30%

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10 per cent discount. That “little” discount suddenly doesn’t look so little. And there’s another cost. Discounting can devalue what you sell and create mistrust. If you can instantly drop your price by 10 per cent, customers may wonder whether your original price was genuine. Worse, you can train them to question your pricing and negotiate every time. Then there’s the pressure on your team. They’re expected to deliver the same high-quality service at a lower price, while doing more work, selling more products or servicing more customers just to get you back to where you started. That’s not strong leadership, and it’s certainly not how you build a financially unshakeable business. Before discounting, try something smarter.

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.

Add value without significantly increasing your cost. Reduce the inclusions to match the lower price. Offer different packages at different price points. Or add a meaningful guarantee that reduces the customer’s risk without destroying your margin. And sometimes, simply stand confidently behind your price. This week, look at every discount you offer. Calculate what it’s actually costing you in gross profit dollars. Chasing more sales while quietly discounting away your profit is an exhausting way to run a business.

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

CONNECTION to country

A special supplement focused on local Indigenous affairs and services

Liverpool celebrates winners of prestigious annual Art Prize T

he winners of the 34th Annual Mil-Pra Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) Exhibition & Art Prize have been announced following the exhibition launch and awards presentation at Liverpool Powerhouse. Mayor of Liverpool Ned Mannoun congratulated this year’s winners, with Michael Fardon’s ‘The Didge Player’ receiving the Mayor’s Choice Award, Bernadette Hardy’s ‘Bodies of Water that Hold Us’ receiving the Maria Lock Award, Peta Link’s ‘Big Mob Celebrations’ receiving the Mil-Pra AECG Award, and Hayley Clarke’s ‘Grounded, Gathered, Renewed’ receiving the Liverpool Powerhouse Aboriginal Scholarship Prize 2026. Mannoun said the annual exhibition remains one of the region’s most important celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and

culture. “For 34 years, the Mil-Pra AECG Exhibition and Art Prize has provided an invaluable platform for First Nations artists, students and schools to share stories, celebrate culture and showcase extraordinary creativity,” Mannoun said. “The depth of talent on display this year was remarkable. Congratulations to Michael Fardon, Bernadette Hardy, Peta Link and Hayley Clarke on receiving these prestigious awards. “Each of the winning works reflects the strength, diversity and richness of First Nations artistic practice, while offering audiences unique perspectives on culture, community, identity and connection to Country. “The range of entries allows visitors to experience many different artistic voices and cultural perspectives. It also provides an important opportunity

for local schools and young people to engage with First Nations culture in meaningful and respectful ways. “Through these works we see resilience, heritage and hope. We see the vision of emerging and established artists alike, and the legacy being passed proudly to the next generation of First Nations leaders and storytellers. “Liverpool City Council is proud to support this exhibition, together with our community partners and sponsors, and proud to invest in acquisitive awards that ensure significant First Nations artworks become part of Liverpool’s permanent story.” Mannoun also acknowledged the Mil-Pra Regional AECG, Liverpool Powerhouse, sponsors, volunteers and community partners whose ongoing commitment has sustained the exhibition for more than three decades. “I thank KARI, the Dharug Strategic

Management Group, David Harding and Dr Nabila Ansari, the South West Sydney Women’s Centre, Liverpool Women’s Health Centre, Bonnie Support Services, Ms Charishma Kaliyanda MP and the NSW AECG Inc. for their invaluable support of First Nations artists, students and communities,” Mannoun said. “I also want to acknowledge the dedicated team at Liverpool Powerhouse, whose ongoing commitment to championing First Nations arts and culture continues to make this exhibition a success year after year.” “This exhibition continues to demonstrate the power of art to bring people together, strengthen community and celebrate the enduring strength of First Nations culture. “I encourage everyone to visit and experience these remarkable works for themselves.”

A major celebration was held for the winners of the annual Exhibition & Art Prize in Liverpool.

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CONNECT WITH US ON S OCIAL MEDIA Thursday, October 1, 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.

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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.

CONNECTION to country

Encouraging voting signs T

he latest annual estimation of Indigenous enrolment shows that approximately 93.8 per cent of all eligible Indigenous Australians are enrolled to vote. Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the June 30 2026 figures show a modest growth of 0.8 per cent from this time last year with an estimated 20,000 additional Indigenous Australians on the electoral roll. “There is a small gap to the overall national enrolment rate, which sits at 97.8 per cent, but the maintenance of high Indigenous enrolment in the past few years is incredibly pleasing,” Pope said. “Each state and territory is marginally different with some estimated enrolment rates increasing slightly, some stable and others with a slight dip - but all maintaining high levels. “Indigenous enrolment rates in New South Wales and Tasmania are almost equal to overall enrolment rates in those jurisdictions, while Western Australia and the Northern Territory continue to have the highest proportion of unenrolled Indigenous Australians.” “We have seen a slight decline in the South Australian rate, largely driven by the pausing of direct enrolment activity that normally happens in the lead up to state elections.” The broader democratic participation challenge “Enrolment is a critical building

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

Around 93.8 per cent of all eligible Indigenous Australians are enrolled to vote.

block for participation in elections but there is obviously so much more to it than just that,” Pope said. “To understand and connect with elections, all citizens require information about how elections work, how to participate and why their vote matters. “Our Indigenous Electoral Participation Program is now an enduring body of work, which allows staff across the country to build on the important connec-

tion they’ve had within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.” “Long term and meaningful engagement and the input of local voices empowering their own communities is something we feel is very important. “Our message of ‘why vote’, along with familiarity and comfort with the voting process, will be a continuing focus for our communication and engagement work leading up to the next

federal election.” While Australia’s national enrolment rate is published every quarter, Australia’s Indigenous enrolment rate is estimated as at June 30 every year. Indigenous enrolment estimates are derived from a combination of data sources – this includes self-identification of indigeneity and information from enrolment, Services Australia and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Better support for families T

he State Government will introduce reforms to better support grieving families through the coronial process with important changes to how senior next of kin are appointed. Legislation has been introduced following a statutory review of the Coroners Act 2009 and concerns raised about how senior next of kin are appointed to represent families during the coronial process. The reforms give coroners discretion and flexibility to determine the most appropriate senior next of kin. Coroners are currently restricted to a fixed hierarchy of the deceased person’s spouse, adult children, parents, siblings or executor or legal representatives. Coroners will be able to appoint an alternative person if the statutory senior next of kin is not appropriate including where there are concerns about family and domestic violence or estrangement. This will help prevent or resolve disputes after someone has died. Anyone with sufficient connection to the person can nominate themselves for consideration and coroners will be required to decide competing claims. The changes regarding senior next of kin appointments will also recognise extended familial or kinship structures among different cultures such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The reforms respond to eight recommenda-

tions of the Statutory Review of the Coroners Act 2009. They are also informed by the advocacy of Kylie Bailey following the 2023 death of her daughter Caitlin Thornton and Nicole Barry whose sister Megan Best died in 2025. The Government plans to begin public consultation on a broader package of coronial reforms by early next year to address the statutory review’s remaining recommendations. Attorney General Michael Daley said: “I want to thank Kylie Bailey and Nicole Barry

for their powerful advocacy and express my sincere condolences for the deaths of their loved ones. Senior next of kin play a vital role in representing families during the coronial process. We’re giving coroners the ability to pick the most appropriate person based on each family’s circumstances.” Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said: “These are commonsense reforms that grieving families have called for.”

Attorney General Michael Daley.

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

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

Extra Time

1991

2022

2003

2023

2021

2024

A devastated Penrith fan. Photo: Melinda Jane.

SHATTERED DREAMS HEARTBREAKING END TO A MEMORABLE SEASON Full 2026 review inside, plus a Grand Final Day preview

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

NE W S

Cleary hurt in sour end to season NATHAN TAYLOR

ewcastle Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland has paid the price for his ugly hip-drop tackle on Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary, suspended from this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final. On Tuesday night, the NRL judiciary declared Crossland guilty of a dangerous contact charge on the Penrith champion, suspending him for four matches, including this weekend’s decider against the Roosters. “I want to thank everyone inside for a fair hearing, I apologise to Nathan and the Panthers and the game and fans,” Crossland said after the hearing. “It’s a terrible start to the most important week of the year due to myself and as soon as I walk out of this building my focus goes to the Newcastle Knights and winning this Grand Final and helping Harrison Graham prepare as best he can and get a win on Sunday.” Crossland’s fate was decided while Cleary was laying alone in a hospital bed at Royal North Shore Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery on a double leg fracture. The 28-year-old was under the knife within hours of being taken from Accor Stadium in the back of an ambulance. Cleary suffered the horrific injury late in the first half of Penrith’s devastating 22-14 loss to Newcastle. The compound fracture suffered due to

Penrith players gather around an injured Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

Crossland’s illegal tackle left Cleary in severe pain on the field as Penrith’s medical team rushed to his side. “It was a bit hard. I went and saw him at half-time and saw the whole crew were in there, my family, so that was a bit hard and I was a bit emotional,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said post-game. “When the boys were all around the medicab, I got a bit emotional there because I thought that was pretty cool. I didn’t know it was a compound [at that time]. “He watched the game in the ambulance apparently and made him feel worse.” Cleary faces a long recovery and also has issues with his other foot, which will also require surgery after a break was revealed last week. On Monday afternoon, Cleary took to Instagram to share a post-surgery image from his hospital bed. “I’ll be back,” Cleary declared in the post. “Thank you so much to everyone that has reached out, the support has been unbelievable. “Yesterday sucked but it’s all part of the journey and it’s made me even more grateful for the people I have around me.” Cleary’s post attracted high-profile support including opposing teammates and rival clubs as well as NSW Premier Chris Minns and his partner Mary Fowler. Attention now turns to Cleary’s recovery, which could see him sidelined for the start of the 2027 NRL season. Recovery times for compound fractures vary significantly.

CONGRATULATIONS Penrith City Council and the whole community congratulate the Penrith Panthers on such an inspiring year. You’ve done our City proud! WW59212

penrith.city

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

PHOTO SPECIAL

A special Sunday ends in tears T

he result didn’t go Penrith’s way, but Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium provided a terrific atmosphere, and a game of footy that had almost everything. The photographers from NRL Photos captured the big moments of a dramatic Sunday in Sydney...

Penrith supporters out in force.

Moses Leota arrives at Accor Stadium.

A happy Panthers fan braves the rain.

The pre-match coin toss.

Penrith and proud.

Nathan Cleary prepares to come on.

Isaah Yeo crashes through the Knights.

WELL DONE IF IT’S A PEST PROBLEM WE’LL FIX IT

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Congratulationss to the Penrith Panthers on another great season. Keep up the effort next year boys!

Jack Cogger started the game at halfback.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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

WW59558

Blaize Talagi celebrates a try.

PHOTO SPECIAL

for Penrith Reality hits as full-time arrives for Penrith.

A big crowd despite the wet weather. Brian To’o makes a break.

Liam Martin soaks it up.

You’re off!

Isaah Yeo fumbles, then re-gathers the ball.

Proud fans.

Devastation: Nathan Cleary is attended to by medical staff after suffering a horrific injury in a tackle.

Well done to the mighty Penrith Panthers! Another amazing season under the belt. You’ve done us proud!

2027 THE LEGACY CONTINUES!

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

SE A SON RE VIE W

A season of highs ends one game H

ow will season 2026 be remembered? It is a question Penrith will grapple with over the summer, balancing the enormous achievement of a Minor Premiership and a seventh straight Preliminary Final, with the reality of falling short of the ultimate prize. Penrith has achieved what every rugby league club strives to reach – consistency. They are now an almost permanent fixture in the Finals, and there is no indication that will change any time soon.

They are the new Melbourne Storm, if you like. The Storm achieved unparalleled consistency during a 15-year run of making the Finals, which only ended this year. They made seven straight Preliminary Finals from 2016 to 2022. But the Storm never won back-to-back Premierships during that remarkable run of consistent success, so Penrith’s four straight titles is something to behold. There is a deflation around Penrith following the premature end to the season – both the club and the city. When you are ‘up’ for so long, the disappointments can often cut deeper. The gap between average and success is often smaller than the gap between average and failure.

“The gap between average and success is often smaller than the gap between average and failure.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.

But there is still much to celebrate in 2026. Winning the Minor Premiership is remarkable when you consider this was Penrith’s second year away from home, forced to play at CommBank Stadium. That hasn’t been given enough credit by the wider rugby league world and while it may only be a short trip down the M4, it changes everything about your match day routine and structure. Penrith’s start to the regular season was as good as anyone could have wanted. Ivan Cleary’s side thumped the Broncos, Sharks, Roosters and Eels in the first month, and even had some pundits suggesting they could go through the year undefeated. Those calls only intensified when Penrith stunned Melbourne 50-10 at CommBank Stadium on Good Friday, but a shock loss to the Bulldogs the following week brought things crashing down with a thud. Penrith would bounce back though, thanks to a Golden Point win over the Dolphins in Darwin that was overshadowed by a serious injury to hooker Mitch Kenny, who would miss the bulk of the remaining regular season.

Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

Penrith settled into the season well, with big wins over the likes of Newcastle and impressive performances against a revived Manly and the Warriors in what was one of the games of the year. A 68-0 thrashing of the Tigers proved Penrith still had plenty of points in them, before a disappointing middle part of the season. While impacted by Origin, losses against three Queensland clubs – Gold Coast, North Queensland and Brisbane – had some questioning Penrith’s Premiership credentials. But as always, the Panthers won when it mattered. A 42-18 thumping of the Raiders in Mudgee was just what the doctor ordered, and a last round win over the Tigers secured the Minor Premiership. Losses to Premiership heavyweights the Warriors and the Roosters were tough to take, but offered important lessons. Another Finals series beckoned, and after an impressive win over the Roosters in the opening weekend, Penrith fell in the Preliminary Final against Newcastle – headlined by a devastating leg injury to Nathan Cleary that prematurely ended his year. When reflecting on the 2026 season, one may use the word unsettled. While Penrith did enough to dominate the competition in so many facets, things were never quite as clear as previous years. Ivan Cleary struggled with nailing down his perfect halves combination, dropping Blaize Talagi from five-eighth at one stage as both Jack Cole and Jack Cogger came into the picture. Penrith’s defensive deficiencies on the left clearly had the coaching staff rattled at times and they continued to tinker in an attempt to get things right. The Panthers also had to deal with Kenny being out for a huge chunk of the season, and while Freddy Lussick did an admirable job filling in through the early weeks, opposition sides figured him out pretty quickly by the end of his stint. A serious pec injury to Isaah Yeo also left Penrith unsettled towards the end of the year.

WW59584

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

SE A SON RE VIE W

short of the decider There is a lot to package into the 2026 highlights. Tom Jenkins’ remarkable try-scoring feats, which at one stage had him on track to break NRL records. Nathan Cleary’s dominance throughout the season, further establishing himself as the game’s best player – topped off with a stunning State of Origin victory. In the background of it all was news about future change – Ivan Cleary announcing he would not continue with the club beyond his current contract, while Brian To’o signed a rich deal with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs and

will head there in 2028. There is much to be happy about in 2026. And when all is dissected, there is no doubt more things to be positive about than not. But the ultimate measure of success comes on Grand Final Day and Penrith will watch that unfold from the grandstand. You can only imagine it would make them hungrier. There are clouds hanging over the start of the 2027 season. While a return to Penrith at the new HelloWorld Stadium will offer plenty of hope and anticipation, the long-term nature of injuries to Cleary, Yeo and Talagi will be a major talking point in the lead-up to kick-off next year.

In the end, Penrith’s 2026 season will be remembered for plenty of highs – but ultimately, the most heartbreaking of conclusions.

The Panthers had a strong season. Photo: NRL Photos.

The Penrith Panthers were the 2026 Minor Premiers. Photo: NRL Photos.

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

THE STORY OF SEASON 2026 ROUND 1

ROUND 2

ROUND 3

ROUND 4

Penrith open their campaign with an impressive 26-0 thrashing of defending Premiers Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium. Thomas Jenkins scores a double in the impressive victory away from home.

The Sharks are no match for the Panthers in Bathurst, with Penrith leading 18-0 at half-time and going on to win 26-6. A sellout crowd of 12,000 watches on as the Panthers please the Bathurst locals.

Thomas Jenkins scores four tries and Nathan Cleary has a blinder as the Panthers tear the Roosters apart at Allianz Stadium. Penrith score seven tries to one in the 40-4 thumping.

The Battle of the West sees Penrith demolish Parramatta 48-20 at CommBank Stadium, with Isaah Yeo opening the scoring with a try after five minutes. The Eels are never really in the match.

ROUND 5

ROUND 6

ROUND 7

ROUND 8

Penrith shock Melbourne 50-10 in a win that sounds a huge warning to the rest of the competition and extends the team’s unbeaten streak to five. Thomas Jenkins grabs a double.

Penrith are brought down to earth with a thud on a Thursday night at Accor Stadium, with Canterbury pulling off a major upset and winning 32-16. It is Penrith’s first loss of the season.

A Nathan Cleary field goal in Golden Point secures Penrith a thrilling 23-22 win over the Dolphins. Redcliffe run riot with three tries in nine minutes at one stage in the second half.

Dylan Edwards scores three first half tries and the Knights offer very little in response as Penrith cruise to a 44-12 win at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers take a 24-6 lead into half-time.

ROUND 9

ROUND 10

ROUND 11

ROUND 13

Penrith hang on to beat a resilient and revived Manly 18-16 in front of nearly 15,000 fans at CommBank Stadium. An Izack Tago try 20 minutes from full-time ends up being the match winner.

Blaize Talagi grabs an early double as Penrith take an 18-12 lead into half-time over Canberra. While the Raiders score first in the second half, Penrith ultimately come home strong to win 30-18.

Penrith do enough to beat last placed St George-Illawarra in a scrappy Magic Round match. Ivan Cleary’s side wins 28-6 after taking a 12-0 lead into half-time. Thomas Jenkins scores a double.

In one of the games of the year, Penrith hang on to beat the Warriors 20-18 at CommBank Stadium. It’s billed as an early Grand Final preview, with the two sides producing defensive masterclasses.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

ROUND 14

ROUND 16

ROUND 17

ROUND 18

Penrith show no mercy against the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, leading 36-0 at half-time and going on to win 68-0 in front of 21,803 fans. Freddy Lussick grabs a double.

A bumbling Penrith falls to Gold Coast 19-18 in a surprise defeat at Cbus Super Stadium. A Zane Harrison field goal close to full-time secures the unlikely win for the home side.

The Panthers suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, losing 26-12 to North Queensland. It’s one of Penrith’s most disappointing performances of the season.

The Panthers bounce back from consecutive losses to demolish South Sydney 36-14 at CommBank Stadium and ensure they go into a next round bye full of confidence and with a win under their belts.

ROUND 20

ROUND 21

ROUND 22

ROUND 23

Brisbane cause a boilover at CommBank Stadium, upsetting Penrith 14-12 and leaving plenty to question the Panthers’ Premiership credentials. Brisbane keep their Finals chances alive.

Parramatta start well and lead Penrith 12-6 at half-time, but the Panthers storm home with three second half tries to win the Battle of the West for a second time this season, 24-18.

Liam Martin grabs a double, as does Thomas Jenkins while Jaxen Edgar scores his first NRL try as the Panthers punish the Raiders in Mudgee. 10,000 watch on as the Panthers win 42-18.

The Warriors declare their Premiership credentials with a punishing 28-12 win over Penrith in Auckland. The Panthers storm home late, but it isn’t enough to stop a home team thumping.

ROUND 24

ROUND 25

ROUND 26

ROUND 27

The Roosters target Nathan Cleary and ultimately hold on to beat the Panthers 12-6 at CommBank Stadium. It’s back-to-back losses against Premiership heavyweights for the Panthers.

Penrith bounce back to their winning ways with a 22-14 victory over Melbourne in wet conditions at AAMI Park. With sin bins and set restarts galore, the game reaches no great heights.

Penrith get revenge on Canterbury and end their Finals hopes with a 24-10 defeat at CommBank Stadium. Liam Martin grabs two tries in his best performance of the season

Penrith secure the Minor Premiership with a comfortable 38-10 win over Wests Tigers. Thomas Jenkins scores a double, as does Casey McLean. The Panthers lead 26-0 at the break.

FINAL S WEEK 1 Penrith earn a week off with a 19-12 victory over the Roosters in the opening weekend of the Finals at CommBank Stadium. Liam Martin, Dylan Edwards and Brian To’o score tries while Nathan Cleary kicks a 70th minute field goal. Cleary is sin-binned just before halftime in a dramatic moment. With the scores level at 12-all at the break, the Roosters fail to score a point in the second half.

FINAL S WEEK 3 Nathan Cleary suffers a devastating broken leg as Penrith fall 22-14 to the Knights in the Preliminary Final. Dylan Edwards and Blaize Talagi also pick-up injuries in a disastrous end to the season. Phoenix Crossland was sent off for Newcastle, but the Knights managed to hold on with 12 players for the entire second half to record one of the club’s most famous victories and secure a spot against the Sydney Roosters in the Grand Final.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with The Masked Panther

Panthers toast tough finish Cleary injury rocks Panthers: The Panthers held a very subdued Mad Monday of sorts this week, still deflated and rattled by the events at Accor Stadium on Sunday. Nathan Cleary’s horror injury shook the team significantly, and the fallout has months and months to play out. Cleary had emergency surgery on Sunday night at Royal North Shore Hospital. I understand the very experienced Dr Andrew Wines conducted the surgery. The double leg fracture was bad – there is no sugar coating it. It’ll be some time before the full impact is known, but the chances of Cleary being ready for the opening of the 2027 season are slim. He posted a photo from hospital on Monday, declaring: “I’ll be back”, and thanking everyone for their support.

Self-made momentos: A number of Panthers fans are planning to make unofficial membership cards next year so they still have a physical memento of their 2027 membership. The club is dumping physical cards next year, with only digital access to be offered. Spotted: Panthers CEO Matt Cameron making his way from the broadcast area to the dressing sheds in a rush after learning of the seriousness of Nathan Cleary’s injury on Sunday.

Bench start explained: Nathan Cleary reportedly only got through 60 minutes of training on Thursday, which made the final decision he would start Sunday’s Preliminary Final from the bench. Cleary prepared away from the main squad on Sunday, not taking part in the warm-up on-field. All was going to plan – until the unthinkable happened.

Nathan Cleary in hospital.

Spotted: Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh watching son Buster go around in the NSW Cup Grand Final on Saturday night. The youngster will forever have dinner table bragging rights over his famous Dad, already winning a Grand Final so early in his grade career.

Spotted: Panthers Directors Greg Alexander and Mark Mulock at CommBank Stadium on Saturday cheering the Panthers’ lower grades on to victory in the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup Grand Finals.

Movements begin: Now that Penrith has entered off-season mode, you can expect a busy period on the player movement front. The club should soon formally announce some re-signings, including that of skipper Issah Yeo (who I revealed some weeks ago had agreed to terms on a new deal). And there’s two players who I keep hearing may be on the move if agreements can be reached: Izack Tago and Luron Patea. Both are contracted to be at the club next season, but I wouldn’t be putting my house on that. That’s all, folks: This is the final edition of my column for the year. I’ll be back next year in the freshly launched Panthers News, which will replace Extra Time in the Weekender. Remember, you can always email your news, gossip and sightings to maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

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Forgotten injury: The man who shouldn’t be forgotten in all the Cleary coverage is Blaize Talagi, his one-time halves partner. Talagi ruptured his achilles in the second half of the Preliminary Final and faces a long road to recovery. He won’t be back until the middle of next year. Where that becomes even more problematic for the youngster is that he’s off-contract at the end of next season. He would have been hoping a strong start to 2027 would have either convinced Penrith to re-sign him or showed other clubs his value.

Shirt celebrates history: A new shirt has lobbed in the Panthers shop that true fans of the game will love. It’s a collaboration between Steeden and Panthers, featuring classic Steeden football artwork and classic Panthers logos. It’s available online or in-store.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

ANALYS IS

Looking up to the Panthers I Lang on

League with Peter Lang

could think of no better role model for my daughters than Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and the current crop of Penrith players. The way Ivan and the players handled the loss to the Newcastle Knights in Sunday’s Preliminary Final was nothing short of inspiring. I’ll start with the players first. Let’s look at Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards. For Nathan to even play on what we now know was a broken foot, showed incredible fortitude and then for Dylan to play the whole second half of the game with a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee. That’s called courage. Then there was the gesture that even Ivan said made him feel emotional. It was after seeing their co-captain Nathan go down with one of the worst on-field injuries you can suffer, a severe compound fracture (an open fracture) to his left lower leg and ankle. The gesture came once Nathan was safely on the medicab. He watched every Penrith player walk over and one-by-one tap his son, their skipper, on the shoulder to let him know they were thinking of

him. That’s called respect. The fact that every Penrith player shook hands with every Knights player after the match despite being shattered after losing the game under difficult circumstances. That’s called being a good sport. Now there’s a reason why this current crop of players possess all these redeemable qualities. And that’s because they are led by a man named Ivan Cleary, a great leader because he leads by example. Ivan lost no fans but gained plenty after his post-match press conference on Sunday. He would have been hurting badly after seeing what happened to his son and then watching him being taken in an ambulance to hospital. Yet he still had the wherefore to coach his team right until the fulltime hooter sounded. As he said in the press conference, when asked how he did it, “The show must go on”. To be able to still have such focus to coach, to continue to be a team player and care for the other players and try and steer them to victory. That’s called being a great coach. Then instead of being angry or blaming the opposition, Ivan instead congratulated the opposi-

tion for the win not once, but twice. No bitterness or excuses, just humility. That’s just called being a wonderful human being. Courage, respect and being a good sport, they are all qualities I want my daughters to posses as they grow up. Being a more gracious person, well maybe there’s a thing or two I can take out of Ivan’s playbook in that regard. I have one wish for Ivan Cleary in 2027. I sincerely hope he gets the chance to coach both his

sons, Jett and Nathan, to a first grade premiership next year. It would be the perfect finish to a wonderful coaching career. And to a wonderful father and role model as well.

Dylan Edwards and Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

th on th Well done to the Panthers another amazing year. The team at RE/MAX wishes the Penrith Panthers all the best in recovering, and we can’t wait to see you back on the field next season!

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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63 14th Luke Garner

5th

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44 15th Jack Cogger

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34 16th Freddy Lussick

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30 17th Mitch Kenny

8th

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27 18th Billy Phillips

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25 19th Jaxen Edgar

10th Liam Henry

21 20th Izack Tago

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NE W S

Cleary stands out in 2026

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Editor Troy Dodds, rugby league journalist Nathan Taylor and veteran rugby league writer Peter Lang throughout the season. The four select the best three Penrith players in every game, awarding points on a 3, 2 and 1 basis. It is the second year in a row Cleary has taken home the honour. Cleary polled a total of

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hampion Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has been named the Weekender’s Player of the Year, taking home the Luke Priddis Medal. Named in honour of Penrith’s first ever Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis, the Luke Priddis Medal is voted on by Priddis, Weekender Managing

Luke Priddis Medal winner Nathan Cleary.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

120 points through the season, finishing 13 clear of the second placed Dylan Edwards. Thomas Jenkins’ try-scoring feats ensured he finished in third spot. In total, 21 players polled points throughout the season. Cleary finishing on top is no surprise. He dominated the regular season, leading the competition in kick metres, all kicks and attacking kicks, and scoring 218 points (the second best in the NRL). He also landed 96 goals this season, and two field goals. Along with Isaah Yeo, he co-captained Penrith to the Minor Premiership and through to a Preliminary Final. Nathan Cleary is without doubt a worthy recipient of the Luke Priddis Medal as Player of the Year.

E X TR A TIME AWARDS

The best of the best from 2026 won an impressive 18 games this season, with the JJ Giltinan Shield now proudly on display in the foyer of Panthers Leagues Club. 2025 winner: Panthers open season in Las Vegas

Extra Time Player of the Year: Nathan Cleary For the second consecutive year, Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary has been judged Penrith’s best for season 2026. Cleary topped this year’s Weekender Luke Priddis Medal poll with 120 points, beating out nearest rivals Dylan Edwards on 107 points and Tom Jenkins on 73 points. The 28-year-old halfback played in 23 games for the Panthers this season, recording six tries, 96 goals and two field goals for a personal tally of 218 points. It’s set to be a huge week for the injured star, with many predicting him to win his first Dally M Medal last night. 2025 winner: Nathan Cleary

Extra Time Rookie of the Year: Billy Phillips At the start of the year, no one could’ve predicted the impact this young backrower from Lake Cargelligo would have on this experienced Panthers side. Phillips, a hard-nosed quiet achiever played 23 games in first grade this season – more than any other Panthers rookie – scoring two tries and earning himself a two-year contract extension in the process. Phillips played all but one game this season off the interchange bench, with his lone start in the backrow coming against South Sydney in Round 13. Phillips also played in his first NRL Finals Series last month and is the red-hot favourite to take out the coveted Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year award next week. 2025 winner: Luron Patea

Extra Time Headline Event of the Year: Nathan Cleary suffers compound fracture in Finals loss

Nathan Cleary against the Knights. Photo: NRL Images.

Extra Time Win of the Year: v Tigers, Round 14 Afternoons like the one on Sunday, June 7 will be hard to forget for any Panthers fan. Up against the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, the top of the table Panthers put on an absolute clinic against their western Sydney rivals, pummelling the Tigers into oblivion 68-0. In front of more than 21,000 fans, the red-hot Panthers ran in a whopping 12 tries to zero with nine different players crossing the tryline. Co-captain Nathan Cleary scored a try and booted nine goals in the monster win for a total of 22 individual points. The 68-0 victory was also Penrith’s biggest ever win in their history, surpassing their previous record win of

72-12 over Manly in 2004. 2025 winner: v Broncos, Magic Round

Extra Time Moment of the Year: Panthers claim Minor Premiership Penrith snatched the coveted JJ Giltinan Shield in a thrilling final round shootout, crushing the Wests Tigers 38-10 at CommBank Stadium. Entering the final day trailing the Warriors on points, Ivan Cleary’s men needed a victory to leapfrog the Auckland-based club, who had temporarily claimed top spot after a gritty 31-30 win over Manly. The ruthless Panthers left nothing to chance, dismantling the Tigers to secure their fourth Minor Premiership in seven seasons on points differential. The Panthers

All eyes were on Nathan Cleary’s troublesome fractured right foot heading into Sunday’s Preliminary Final against the Newcastle Knights, however it was his other leg that stole the show. Starting the game from the interchange bench, the superstar halfback finally hit the playing field midway through the first half with scores level at 6-all. Roughly 10 minutes after entering the match, Cleary took the ball up to the defensive line. Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland dragged Cleary down awkwardly, executing a hip-drop technique. Cleary immediately screamed out in pain, suffering a severe compound fracture and ankle dislocation. Crossland was subsequently sent off for the remainder of the match, while Cleary left the field on a medicab receiving medical treatment and was rushed to hospital in an ambulance for emergency surgery. Penrith went on to lose the Preliminary Final 22-14, despite playing against a 12-man Newcastle side for 45 minutes. Cleary has declared he’ll be back, posting from his hospital bed soon after the surgery. Crossland fronted the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night and will miss the Grand Final. 2025 winner: From the wooden spoon to the Finals

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

S TATE CHAMPIONSHIP

THE FINAL WORD

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 1.20PM | ACCOR STADIUM | REF: KIEREN IRONS

NATHAN TAYLOR

he Penrith Panthers Rugby League Academy was full of mixed emotions this week. On one side of the building was a devastated NRL team, still picking up the pieces from their shocking Preliminary Final loss to Newcastle, while on the other side of the building was a jubilant NSW Cup outfit, who were not only celebrating one trophy acquisition but preparing to win another. This Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium, the Penrith Panthers will play a role in Grand Final Day after all when their premiership-winning NSW Cup side take on Queensland Cup champions the Redcliffe Dolphins in the 2026 NRL State Championship. Penrith qualified for this Sunday’s blockbuster against the Dolphins after a dominant 36-6 victory over the Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup Grand Final last Saturday night at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers ran in seven tries to one in the thrashing to secure their first NSW

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Cup title since the 2022 season. North of the border, Redcliffe were too strong for the Sunshine Coast Falcons 28-18 in the QLD Cup Grand Final. The Dolphins trailed 18-10 at half-time before turning it around in the second half to win their first premiership since 2018. Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, former NRL forward turned rookie Panthers NSW Cup coach Matt Eisenhuth said pure joy turned to despair in the space of 24 hours. “For me, personally, and the playing group, it was such a high winning the comp on Saturday. That’s been the goal all year and we celebrated that as you would expect,” he said. “Then we all wanted to get behind the NRL boys on Sunday, but that day was just flattening. The mood got totally sucked out of the club – not only because of the grim loss but the devastating injuries to Nat (Cleary) and Blaize (Talagi).” Despite now being a coach in the famed Panthers system, Eisenhuth felt Penrith’s loss on Sunday to the Knights as deeply as he would as if he was still one of the players. “At the club, whether you’re a coach

or a player, you’re so invested in wanting everyone to go well. We got to the point of where we wanted to be. We put ourselves into a position to get to the Grand Final and we just fell short,” Eisenhuth said. “At the end of the day, we had the opportunity to win even after the injuries, but we couldn’t get it done. That’s footy. Life goes on.” And life most certainly will go on for Eisenhuth and 22 of his troops this Sunday as they prepare to face a red-hot Dolphins outfit brimming with NRL talent including Trai Fuller, Jake Averillo, Brad Schneider and Felise Kaufusi. “The Dolphins have a stacked team,” Eisenhuth said. “Felise Kaufusi has been named. There will be a lot of emotion heading into the game, and they’ll be up for it. We’ll have to match that and go with them.” Eisenhuth is no stranger to State Championship games having played in Penrith’s victorious 2022 team. He said he’ll draw on that experience this week when he motivates his players. “This week is really cool; we have

NINE | FOX LEAGUE

another opportunity to win another trophy!” Eisenhuth said. “We don’t know much about our opposition, but we can do a little bit of film on them. It’s a completely different game. It’s going to come down to the simple stuff early. Whoever gets the simple stuff right and gets off to a good start will put themselves in a good position to win.” It’s been a huge year for Eisenhuth, who secured the role of Penrith’s NSW Cup coach right before the season started. Still under contract as a player for this year, Eisenhuth had to make the difficult decision to retire prematurely and take on a new career path. “Coaching was not something I wanted to do. I had another year to play but I was starting to dip my toe into welfare and education courses,” Eisenhuth said. “Everyone wants to stay in footy, but you’ve got to find something that you’re passionate about. I felt like I could dive into that (welfare and education). “But when Ivan offered me the coaching role, I sat back and thought I have to retire early to do it.”

2GB 873 | ABC 702

After much thought and consideration, Eisenhuth decided the best way to help young talent is to hang up his footy boots and pick up the coach’s whistle and clipboard. In his first season as reserve grade coach, he’s been a huge success. Not only did his side win the NSW Cup Grand Final last Saturday with ease, but they were also Minor Premiers. Eisenhuth said he’s “blessed” with the amount of guidance he’s received during his debut season. “Benny Harden is the attack coach but he was the Cup coach for the past three years and before that it was Peter Wallace for three years. They’re both working in the NRL now,” he said. “I’m sitting across from them every day. Whatever questions, ideas or queries I have, I just bounce off them, and Ivan as well! “They’ve all been super helpful throughout this journey. My team wouldn’t be doing well without those boys as well.” The Penrith Panthers take on the Redcliffe Dolphins for the NRL State Championship this Sunday at 1.20pm at Accor Stadium.

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

NRLW MATCH PRE VIE W EMILY CHATE

THE

FINAL WORD Broadcast

he storyline couldn’t be better: a rematch of last year’s Grand Final, with the added emotion of farewell games for some of the NRLW’s most respected players. Now in its ninth year, the NRLW has grown from a fourteam competition into a thriving 12-team season featuring some of the game’s best athletes. Even casual fans will know the big names: Ali Brigginshaw, Millie Elliott, Isabelle Kelly, and Tamika Upton. These are the players who have the ability to create special moments when the pressure is at its highest. This Sunday, the Sydney Roosters will face the Brisbane Broncos to determine the winner of the 2026 NRLW season. It will be more than just a game this weekend. It’s a grudge match between two sides that met in last year’s decider, where the Broncos prevailed 22-18

to claim their fourth NRLW premiership. But the Roosters are no strangers to Grand Final success either, having claimed two titles of their own. Adding even more emotion is the retirement of some of the game’s greats. Broncos veteran Ali Brigginshaw will play her final NRLW game after a remarkable career. The 36-yearold has spent her entire NRLW career in Brisbane, becoming one of the competition’s most respected players. Brigginshaw has also represented Queensland and Australia, captaining both sides. Her teammates will no doubt draw inspiration from giving their leader the perfect farewell. The Roosters will farewell two senior players in Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott. Baxter was a foundation member of the Roosters’ NRLW team and will retire as a one-club player. She captained the side to its first premiership in 2021. Elliott is another fan favourite and one of the most decorated players in the competition. A

four-time premiership winner, she has lifted the trophy twice with the Broncos, once with the Knights and once with the Roosters. She will be hoping to add another ring to her collection after reaching her 50th NRLW appearance in last week’s Preliminary Final against the Raiders. The Roosters enter the Grand Final undefeated and will be confident, although tightening up some defensive issues could prove crucial. Centre Isabelle Kelly is the player to watch from their side. The Broncos have talent across the park, including Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, Jesse Southwell and Romy Teitzel. Upton is the standout, having already claimed her second consecutive RLPA Player of the Year Award this week. Expect a high-quality contest with plenty of attacking opportunities. Ultimately, defence will decide the result. Kick-off is at 4pm. Tip: Roosters by 6.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 4.00PM | ACCOR STADIUM | REFEREE: BELINDA SHARPE

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ABC 702 | 2GB 873

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, October 1, 2026

MATCH PRE VIE W BROUGHT TO YOU BY

THE FINAL WORD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 | 7.30PM | ACCOR STADIUM | REFEREE: ADAM GEE | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER

TROY DODDS

t’s the Grand Final that, on paper, should never have been. The two Preliminary Finalists who had the weekend off went out last weekend, leaving the fourth placed Sydney Roosters and the seventh placed Newcastle Knights to battle it out in the season decider. There is a clear head and heart battle at play ahead of this one on Sunday. The head obviously says the Roosters. They are battle hardened, experienced and have had their eyes on the prize all season. At times when things looked to be getting off the rails, Trent Robinson found a way to steady the ship. They hit their straps at the right time of the year, and stayed relatively under the radar as far as premiership talk went, likely enjoying the attention put on sides like Penrith.

Broadcast

Newcastle meanwhile is the rugby league fairytale everyone, except Roosters fans, appears to be on board with. An incredible comeback story – from wooden spooners to potential Premiers in just 12 months. Justin Holbrook has rediscovered Newcastle’s DNA. It had been lost in the Adam O’Brien years, and the connection between the team and one of rugby league’s most loyal cities was waning. The scenes post-game at Accor Stadium on Sunday showed just how they have come together again, galvanised by a side constantly written off but now with a place booked in the big dance. Newcastle will obviously be without Phoenix Crossland, but injury and suspension woes have worried Newcastle little this year. The key to the Knights causing a monumental upset here lies with Kalyn Ponga and Sandon Smith. They need to have the games of their

CHANNEL NINE

lives. If they are at their absolute best, they may just be a chance of stopping the Roosters. But I fear the Roosters will just be too clever for the Knights. I like this Roosters team and I’ve feared them since before a ball was kicked this year. The likes of Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins set the tone so well, and then you’ve got the creative Sam Walker and the sensible Daly Cherry-Evans, whose reactions to opportunities are still top level this late in his career. And then there’s top-class finishers like Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Daniel Tupou to get the points. The Knights have earned a reputation of scoring points from anywhere on the field but the Roosters do that too. Yes, you can have an obvious Nawaqanitawase try out wide – but the likes of Collins or Victor Radley are just as likely to crash over and James Tedesco is always sniffing around. James Tedesco. How good is he?

The Knights will want this game to stay close for as long as possible. If the Roosters get out to a lead, I can’t see Newcastle clawing their way back. But if they can stay in the game, belief will grow – and they’ll take confidence from their defensive prowess against the Rabbitohs, Warriors and Panthers to believe that they can get the game late. Write off Newcastle at your peril. The experts have done so for three weeks of the Finals and Justin Holbrook’s side has proven them wrong every single time. And it’s worth noting that both of Newcastle’s previous Premierships have come in unlikely circumstances – underdogs against Manly in 1997 and Parramatta in 2001. Every rugby league fairytale needs a villain. I get the feeling the Roosters will play that role well on Sunday night. Tip: Roosters by 13.

2GB 873 | ABC 702 | SEN

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

GR AND FINAL Naufahu Whyte.

Why the Roosters can beat the Knights KEELY MARSH

he Roosters have one thing Newcastle cannot manufacture overnight: experience. Victor Radley, Daly Cherry-Evans and captain James Tedesco have all been through the biggest games rugby league can offer. When the pressure rises and the Grand Final becomes a battle of composure, those big game players could be the difference. And the Roosters side has plenty to play for. Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton are preparing to leave the NRL for rugby union, while Cherry-Evans is set to finish his NRL career with a move to Hull FC. There is a genuine opportunity for the Roosters to send their departing teammates out with the ultimate prize.

But it is not just the old heads carrying this side. Robert Toia has enjoyed a breakout 2026, scoring 15 tries and producing 18 line breaks across 23 games. His combination of power and explosiveness has given the Roosters another dangerous attacking weapon. In the middle, Naufahu Whyte has been almost impossible to stop. His 2026 numbers have been enormous, leading forwards for post contact metres, and over 4,000 run metres, his work rate has made him a constant headache for his opposition packs. Then there is Sam Walker. Unpredictable, instinctive and capable of producing something from nothing, Walker is exactly the type of player who can change a Grand Final in seconds. With Nathan Cleary out of Australia’s World Cup

campaign, is Walker now in the conversation for the Kangaroos? And the Roosters have another important recruit in Reece Robson, whose arrival has added toughness and reliability through the middle. The Knights cannot be dismissed. They have earned their place on the biggest stage and have plenty of belief behind them. Their coach Justin Holbrook also knows the Roosters intimately, having previously worked as an assistant under Trent Robinson. He knows their systems. He knows their strengths. But so do the Roosters. Newcastle are living on a dream. The Roosters have experience, motivation and players desperate to make their final chapter count. That could just be enough to bring the trophy back to Bondi.

THE FUTURE IS SECURE Congratulations to the Penrith Panthers

PREMIERS JERSEY FLEGG NSW CUP

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GR AND FINAL

Why the Knights can beat the Roosters EMILY CHATE

t’s the Grand Final few could have predicted. The fourth-placed Sydney Roosters will face the seventh-placed Newcastle Knights on Sunday, with the game’s biggest prize on the line. The Roosters last lifted the trophy in 2019, and the Knights haven’t tasted premiership glory since 2001. Just last year, Newcastle finished with the wooden spoon. Now, they have the chance to trade it for a Premiership ring come the final whistle. Newcastle has come alive this week. Punters are getting tattoos, the town is alive with red and blue, and club greats have rallied behind a side that has spent years threatening to fulfil its potential. The Roosters come in as favourites and have greater big-game experience across their squad. But Newcastle has belief, momentum and a storyline that has captured the city and the nation. If not now, then when? For years, the Knights have been a team with potential that never quite translated into results. But in the background, they kept

grinding, building and believing, until finally the pieces fell into place. Captain Kalyn Ponga is at the centre of that story. Long touted as a star, Ponga has often been hampered by playing in sides that couldn’t quite take the final step, but he never abandoned the belief that Newcastle could get there. Now, he has the chance to be rewarded for it on the biggest stage. The Knights have X-factor across the park in Bradman Best, Fletcher Sharpe and Ponga, balanced by the experience of Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell. In a game likely to turn on the smallest moments, their composure could prove crucial. A key player to watch will be Best who in both defence and attack can change a game. Newcastle will be without hooker Phoenix Crossland, who was suspended for four games following a hip-drop tackle on Nathan Cleary. Harrison Graham will step in, with Crossland likely spending the week working closely with his replacement. This won’t rattle the team, if anything it will fuel them even more. For a club that finished last only a year ago, the Knights are now 80 minutes from making history.

Dylan Lucas has been part of Newcastle’s resurgence. Photo: NRL Photos.

THANK YOU PANTHERS! WW59309

)URP 7KH 5R\FH WR WKH IRRW\ ŚHOG ZHĸYH EHHQ SURXGO\ EDFNLQJ WKH 3DQWKHUV DOO VHDVRQ :KDW D \HDU LWĸV EHHQ Congratulations to the team on a fantastic season! 1 Royce Way, Penrith | theroyce.com.au

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

GRAND FINAL

Penrith’s business community y is getting getting g behind behin hin nd the Grand Final!

With the NRL Grand Final being played on Sunday night, one lucky business advertising here will walk away with corporate tickets to a Penrith game next year – if the player number they’re sponsoring scores the first try. Enjoy the game and make sure you support these great local businesses!

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

GR AND FINAL DAY

Your Grand Final Day playlist H

olding a Grand Final house party? Driving to the game? Wherever the music is pumping, we’ve got you pumping with the Weekender’s Grand Final Day play list.

Boston – Stella Lefty I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen I Got a Problem – Drake Milligan Only Wanna Be With You – Hootie & The Blowfish Eagle Rock – Daddy Cool That’s Freedom – John Farnham Good Feeling – Flo Rida Amazed – Lonestar When It Rains It Pours – Luke Combs Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band Pour Me A Drink – Post Malone

Jimmy Barnes.

(Simply) The Best – Jimmy Barnes Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison Friday I’m In Love – The Cure The Horses – Daryl Braithwaite Choosin’ Texas – Ella Langley Fast Car – Luke Combs

Pre-game with Post Malone.

Luke Combs.

Whiskey In Reverse – Morgan Wallen The Gambler – Kenny Rogers Hurricane – Luke Combs Two Strong Hearts – John Farnham Jack & Diane – John Mellencamp You’re The Voice – John Farnham Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma – Luke Combs Tubthumping – Chumbawamba

Broken Halos – Chris Stapleton World On Fire – Nate Smith Meant To Be – Flordia Georgia Line

Another Drink – Kelsea Ballerini Rich Girl – Daryl Hall and john Oates Hurts So Good – John Mellencamp Drinkin’ Problem – Midland Alright – Darius Rucker I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing - Aerosmith

Chris Stapleton.

Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton Hot In Herre – Nelly Bar None – Jordan Davis Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker Toes – Zac Brown Band Over and Over – Nelly Neon Moon – Brooks & Dunn Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd A Little Lime – Jordan Davis Pressure Down – John Farnham Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes The Best – Tina Turner Hells Bells – AC/DC Go The Mighty Panthers – Jane Scali You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC Follow Me – Uncle Kracker Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey Whiskey Glasses – Morgan Wallen Drops of Jupiter – Train Last Night – Morgan Wallen

Get some Kid Rock into your day.

All Summer Long – Kid Rock Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel One Of Them Girls – Lee Brice Torn – Natalie Imbruglia Austin – Dasha

Kelsea Ballerini.

Aerosmith.

Lies Lies Lies – Morgan Wallen Cold Heart – Elton John and Dua lipa Bound For Glory – Angry Anderson Whoomp! (There It Is) – Tag Team I Had Some Help – Morgan Wallen Time of Our Lives – Pitbull and Ne-Yo Copperhead Road – Steve Earle Barefood Blue Jean Night – Jake Owen Yours – Tucker Wemore It’s All Coming Back To Me Now – Celine Dion Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor Eternal Flame – The Bangles

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THE Y S AID IT. . . “I thought he beat him then he dropped down on the leg. I thought it was a fair call. There was a fair amount of pressure on the leg which is why it was broken.” Steve Roach on the Phoenix Crossland send-off

“He wasn’t going to let 30,000-plus Newcastle fans down.” “He’s one of my best mates and you don’t like to see that. It’s a lonely place out on the field when you’ve got something like that going on.” Isaah Yeo on Nathan Cleary

Peter V’landys on Chris Minns cancelling trackwork

“I think Peter V’landys just choked on his pickle. That was insanely good .” Clint Stanaway after Kylie’s AFL show

“I want to just pay full credit to the Knights and their supporters, it was just a great day for their club and sets up a pretty good Grand Final.”

“There’s extreme risk of serious injury. You’re off.”

“Rugby league is like a religion for Newcastle.”

Gerard Sutton to Phoenix Crossland

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary

2GB’s Mark Levy

“What an awful moment in this match, in this season. The stadium is silenced by this. He’s had injuries in his career, but nothing like this, Nathan Cleary. I don’t care who you support but that is a very sad moment for the game.” Commentator Andrew Voss

NE W S

Gee gets whistle for decider NATHAN TAYLOR

xperienced referee Adam Gee has been appointed to officiate his first NRL Grand Final since the 2023 epic between the Panthers and Broncos. This Sunday night at Accor Stadium, Gee will have the honour of refereeing his second decider when the Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights battle it out for the 2026 NRL Premiership. Gee said he’s very grateful to be given the massive task that he’s worked so hard over the years to achieve. “It has been a bit of a process, the ups and downs, and even this season there’s been the trials and tribulations of being a referee,” Gee said on Tuesday. “It has been a long road, every referee knows

there is that adversity that comes within and externally the criticism, it has been a bit of a long path but just very grateful to be back here again. “The week was a bit of a whirlwind leading into the first one, it all flies so fast and I probably wasn’t expecting the appointment. “You appreciate the next one even more because you don’t know when it is going to come around again after you’ve had that great experience. “It’s just a privilege and an honour to get the call up again.” Assisting Gee will be touch judges Tyson Brough and Phil Henderson, with Chris Butler in the Bunker. Meanwhile, the NRLW Grand Final between the Roosters and Broncos will be refereed by Belinda Sharpe, who takes charge of her fifth decider.

Adam Gee and Belinda Sharpe.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

PHOTO SPECIAL

Cheers to another huge season T

he Penrith Pantherettes cheered their way through another huge season. The photographers of NRL Photos and Melinda Jane captured some of the highlights...

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PANTHER MEMORIES

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Brad Izzard was one of the toughest players to ever pull on a Penrith jersey, but the end of his career was somewhat sad – and tinged with controversy. He made his debut back in 1982, toiling away and eventually being rewarded with Premiership success in 1991. He even scored a try in the season decider against Canberra. A four-time New South Wales representative, a neck injury caused Izzard significant grief in the 1992 season. In the end, doctors discovered it was a degenerative condition, and he was forced to have surgery. Doctors raised concerns to Penrith management that Izzard should not play on – that he risked paralysis if even the simplest of tackles went wrong. Panthers boss Don Feltis made the tough call to bring the curtain down on Izzard’s career. Izzard was angry, and the pair famously didn’t speak for several years. Izzard unknowingly played his last game for Penrith on Saturday, July 11, 1992 in Darwin of all places. He scored a try in Penrith’s 24-20 win over South Sydney.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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

THE POWER OF WORDS AND MUSIC MADELINE DANTIER

atie Noonan, one of Australia’s most versatile and dedicated artists is back touring her latest album ‘All Alone But One’, and is heading to The Joan on Friday, October 16. Having produced 30 studio albums, Noonan is no stranger to using music as a means of coping with life’s challenges. Finding herself in the wake of a 26 year relationship, once again she turned to music to make sense of it all. “That’s my way of navigating the world, understanding my place in the world, and understanding my relationships with myself and others,” Noonan shared. With her latest album focusing on themes of love, loss, grief and stillness, Noonan explores the intimate moments that happen when falling in and out of love. Recorded in her lounge room on Gubbi Gubbi Country, in the hills behind Nambour, Queensland, the album is extremely raw and stripped-back, featuring just her voice, a piano and a string quartet; in Noonan’s words, “A small collective of beautiful, amazing musicians”. A dichotomous body of work, half of the record grapples with the fallout of Noonan’s 20 year marriage ending, while the other half unearths and discusses the birth of new love, using pages supplied by Australian author, Trent Dalton. With a friendship built on common ground and shared experiences growing up in Brisbane, Noonan and Dalton lived through the seasons of life at a similar pace.

In the early 2000s, Dalton crafted song lyrics about his then partner, now wife, Fiona. Gifting these 156 unpublished pages to Noonan, these excerpts have been woven within Noonan’s lyrics to produce a beautifully heartfelt album. Eager to return to Sydney’s west, Noonan implores audiences to be in the moment when experiencing her show. “It’s a very intimate, gentle world we’re creating... It’ll just be an opportunity to forget all your troubles of the world. I would highly recommend leaving your phone in the car or at home and just disconnecting from the world,” Noonan said. Honouring the vulnerability this record provides, Noonan hopes that others will identify with the themes of the album, and understand that although they may feel it, they are not alone. “We are alone, all of us, ultimately, but we are all one and we are all connected,” she said. Supported by singer-songwriter Mark Wilkinson, the pair promise an emotional, bare-bones performance, with Wilkinson joining Noonan for a duet during her set. A raw, rare, and intimate look into her journey with loneliness and grief, Noonan is vulnerable and candid as she weaves painful and beautiful memories into a rich tapestry of life. In the aftermath of one of life’s most painful experiences, she found solace in the wonderment of Dalton’s words, proving that “grief is the price we pay for the wonder of loving.” Touring across Australia, tickets are available via www.thejoan.com.au.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

THINGS TO DO Penrith Highland Festival

Leura Gardens Festival

NRL Family Fun Day

Experience the sights, sounds and spirit of Scotland at this spectacular celebration of culture and tradition. On Saturday, October 3, enjoy the power of pipe bands, the athleticism of Highland dancers, the colour of traditional kilts, and the unmistakable energy of Scottish pride. Playing at Penrith Paceway, the festivities start at 8am.

Think Spring, think Leura! The Leura Gardens Festival is back for 2026, with the special new edition of 10 private gardens, including four new properties that have never been opened before. Explore the magnificent displays of Tulips, Bluebells, Rhododendrons, Azaleas and so much more. Running from Friday, October 2 to Monday, October 5.

Join in the fun at St Marys Rugby League Club on Sunday, October 4 with free face painting and a live reptile show, all before watching the NRL Grand Final, live and loud on the big screen. It’s a great place to watch the game. With special offers for Saints members, there’s no excuse not to! For more info, see https://stmarysleagues.com.au.

BARGAIN BUYS

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

BUSINESS

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

CLASSES AND FUN

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.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

VISUAL EXPERIENCE

2026

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THIS LONG WEEKEND

iverside Theatres will present Monkey Baa Theatre Company’s much-anticipated stage adaptation of ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’. A wild, fun and magical journey, ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’ is an immersive visual theatre experience for children aged one to six, playing Riverside Theatres in Parramatta as part of Spot On Children’s Festival from October 7 – 16. Loved by millions of families for more than 20 years, this enduring tale is perfectly timed for a stage adaptation. Monkey Baa is the award-winning team behind ‘Possum Magic’, ‘Josephine Wants to Dance’, ‘Diary of a Wombat’ and more. Blending puppetry and animation, the show invites young audiences to join three farmers on their quest to find the elusive Green Sheep. Along the way, we meet Blue Sheep, who loves blue flowers; Red Sheep, who cartwheels through the fields; Bath Sheep, who adores bubbles; and Bed Sheep, who loves to bounce. But where is that Green Sheep? Co-created with students from Banks-

town West Public School, this production features their voices as narrators, ensuring the story connects deeply with young audiences. The stellar creative team is led by Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare (‘Edward the Emu’, ‘Diary of a Wombat’, ‘Where the Streets Had a Name’). The show also features ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’ illustrator Judy Horacek as Visual Art Director. ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’ is a co-production between Monkey Baa and Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Out of the Box Festival. It was created in association with Arts Centre Melbourne, the Sydney Opera House and The Art House, Wyong. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accessible theatre for young audiences and to celebrating Australian stories on our stages. High-quality theatre in the early years nurtures a lifelong love of the arts. This production offers a visually rich and engaging experience for children and families alike. Tickets are available at https://riversideparramatta.com.au.

Tim Webster for Breakfast 5am-9am Weekdays Chris Smith Across Australia 9am-12 Noon 68

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

COUNTRY CORNER for another intimate Nashville-style ‘in the round’ session, where four artists swap songs, stories and plenty of behind-the-song moments in a stripped-back acoustic setting. Tickets are available now through AXS.

M I X T A P E

MONDAY MONDAY

Icons head down under

Ella breaks records

Playing your votes for the best compilation albums of the 80s

MON OCT 5 FROM 7AM THANKS TO

Track of the Week In honour of Brooks & Dunn returning to Australia, let’s get some ‘Red Dirt Road’ on your speakers!

Cnr Woodriff & Derby Sts, PENRITH

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Ella Langley has made Billboard Hot 100 history, with ‘Choosin’ Texas’ enjoying 24 weeks at number one. That takes the song past Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, which topped the charts for 22 weeks. It’s an incredible feat for Langley and the song, which has become the biggest country track in years. The song has crossed over to the pop charts, and continues to enjoy broad popularity. Who knows when the record will next be broken.

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

58936

Brooks & Dunn will return to Australia for the first time in 20 years as part of the CMC Rocks line-up next year. The country music icons will join Eric Church and Ashley McBryde on stage in Queensland. 30-plus years into an unparalleled career, the best-selling duo of all time will bring their generation-defining catalogue – including 20 #1 hits – to the stage for an unforgettable celebration of country music, nostalgia and timeless music. “Brooks & Dunn were one of the first US acts that our festival founder, the late Rob Potts, ever toured in Australia almost 20 years ago, so it feels fitting to have them headline CMC Rocks’ 20 Year bash in 2027,” said Festival Director Michael Chugg. “We have lots in store for next year, it will be a mega celebration – our biggest and most ambitious festival yet – and we can’t wait to kick it all off in March!” There’s plenty more to discover beyond the main stage, with festival favourites bringing the country spirit to life all weekend long. The ever-popular Songwriters Show returns

At the movies... PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Digger

Verity

2 hours, 8 minutes Billionaire oil tycoon Digger Rockwell has wealth and power, but his latest venture has unleashed an environmental disaster. Racing to prove he can save humanity before his own actions destroy everything,

1 hour, 54 minutes Digger embarks on a frantic mission that pushes him to the limits. Starring Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed and Sandra Hüller, this darkly comic drama comes from acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu.

See these movies at...

Struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh is hired to ghostwrite the unfinished novels of bestselling author Verity Crawford after a mysterious accident leaves her una-

ble to write. Moving into the Crawford family home, Lowen uncovers a disturbing manuscript containing shocking confessions about Verity’s husband, Jeremy.

Starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett, this psychological thriller blurs fiction, reality and obsession. In cinemas now.

PENRITH

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(MA)

Heart of the Beast (M)

The Mummy (M)

Forgotten Island (PG)

1 to 14 Oct

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Classic 5 Oct

1 to 12 Oct

Coyote vs. Acme (PG)

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom (G)

Paw Patrol – The Dino Movie (G)

The Social Reckoning (M)

Now Showing to 12 Oct

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WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU /DIGITALEDITION/

Nathan Taylor

Ê Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer from ‘The Block’ are about to star in their own Italian reno challenge titled ‘1 Euro House’. Across Europe, local councils are offering historic, abandoned houses for sale for a single euro to breathe new life into declining towns and villages. Taking advantage of these innovative regeneration schemes, the powerhouse pair are putting their stellar reputations on the line after purchasing a dilapidated, multi-century-old property to restore in the historic Sicilian village of Castronovo, for the grand sum of one euro. Navigating narrow, medieval Italian streets instead of local hardware stores, the duo face an unpredictable journey filled with tight budgets and timelines, frustrating language barriers, and unexpected structural disasters in a faraway land. ‘1 Euro House’ premieres on Nine on Tuesday, October 6 at 8.40pm.

OCTOBER 6

8.40PM

1 EURO HOUSE, NINE

Ê Upcoming comedy telemovie ‘Cop This’ – created, written, produced and co-directed by Ed Kavalee – will land on 10 on Monday, October 5 at 9.40pm. Set across 24 hours on Grand Final Day, ‘Cop This’ follows a suburban police station where the two remaining officers are about to be replaced by an AI-powered police “Terminal”. Filmed entirely on location in Melbourne, ‘Cop This’ is described as a love letter to Australian comedy.

TV NEWS

Ê Paramount+ reality series ‘Aussie Shore’ is returning on Thursday, October 22 from a new Queensland location. For the upcoming third season, the ‘Aussie Shore’ gang will leave tropical Cairns behind and take on the party capital of Australia, the Gold Coast. Five new faces will join the cast.

OCTOBER 22 AUSSIE SHORE, PARAMOUNT+

Ê The new season of ‘The Amazing Race’ will premiere on Seven on Tuesday, October 6 at 10.05pm. Season 39 of the US series will head to Melbourne and New Zealand.

Ê Season three of popular Netflix series ‘Nobody Wants This’ will premiere on Thursday, October 22. The romantic comedy-drama stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody is highly acclaimed and definitely one of the better shows out there. Ê Another popular Netflix series, ‘Man on the Inside’, is ending after its upcoming third season. The Ted Danson comedy-mystery series is currently shooting in San Francisco with Nick Offerman joining the cast. Ê Fans of ‘The Kardashians’ will be thrilled to learn that the new season is coming to Disney+ on Thursday, October 8. Ê The second season of the ‘Scrubs’ revival will land on Disney+ today Thursday, October 1. In season two, J.D., Turk and Elliot have levelled up from interns to icons at Sacred Heart. Now, the respected doctors inspire the next generation while balancing the ups and downs of working in a hospital.

CELEBRATE THIS YEAR AT

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

TV Guide: October 2 - 8

Sunday 4 October

Saturday 3 October

Friday 2 October

Your guide to the week’s television viewing 6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job 10:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 11:00 Austin (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Portrait Artist Of The Year 1:45 The Cage (M l) 2:35 Poh’s Kitchen 3:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Grand Designs Transformations (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:20 Death Valley (M) 9:05 Portrait Artist Of The Year 3:00 The Outdoor Room With Jamie Durie 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 (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Movie: “Farmer Seeking Love” (PG) (’22) Stars: Donna Benedicto 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “Oppenheimer” (MA15+) (’23) Stars: Cillian Murphy 12:30 GetOn Extra 1:00 The Midwich Cuckoos (MA15+) 2:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Million Dollar Minute

3:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFLW: Round 8: Richmond Tigers v Geelong Cats *Live* From IKON Park

12:00 ABC News At 3:00 Play School 3:40 Noon 1:00 ABC News Fizzy And Suds 4:05 Day 3:00 ABC News Andy’s Global Adventures 4:30 SuperKitties Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:25 Octonauts 6:05 Spidey And His Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 The Pacific 8:00 ABC And Flour 7:05 Gardening News Tonight Australia Junior 7:35 TBA

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) 1:25 Father Brown (M) 2:10 Death Valley (M) 2:55 Griff’s Great Australian Rail Trip 3:45 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Tori Amos (PG) 4:10 The Tony Blair Story (PG) 5:05 Australian Story 5:35 Landline 6:05 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Beyond Paradise (PG) 8:30 Father Brown (M)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 The Block (PG) 1:15 Destination WA 1:45 My Way 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 Chateau DIY Australia 8:30 Movie: “The Accountant” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Ben Affleck 11:00 See No Evil (MA15+) 11:50 Tipping Point (PG) 12:40 Pointless (PG)

9:00 The Finish Line 10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Entertainment Tonight 11:00 Building The Dream Home 12:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 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 Love It Or List It Australia 8:30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M)

10:10 Prince’s Master Crafters Next Generation (PG) 11:05 Canal Boat Diaries (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:55 The Truth About Anxiety With Celia Pacquola (M) 3:00 NITV News - Nula 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Structures Of Marvel - Medieval Paris (In English/ French) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Hotel Portofino 8:35 WWII With Tom Hanks (M)

4:30 Thalu 5:00 Ocean 3:00 The Food Dude Warriors (PG) 5:30 (PG) 3:30 The Big NITV News: Nula 6:00 Adventure (PG) 5:00 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 6:25 Bamay 6:40 Great Parks Of Africa (PG) 7:30 Movie: Movie: “Ron’s Gone Wrong” “Watership Down” (PG) (’78) (PG) (’21) Stars: Jack Dylan Grazer 8:30 Movie: “My Big Fat Stars: John Hurt 9:20 Movie: “Mars Attacks!” (PG) (’96) Greek Wedding 3” (PG) (’23) Stars: Jack Nicholson Stars: Nia Vardalos

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 s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

11:30 Shaun Micallef’s Parents’ Evening 12:30 Becker (PG) 1:00 Friends (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) 9:30 Becker (M)

1:00 Fixer To Fabulous 2:00 My Lottery Dream Home (PG) 3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Good Bones (PG) 5:00 No Demo Reno 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Barnwood Builders 8:30 House Hunters: Cabin Dreams

6:00 Rick Stein’s Food Heroes 6:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Beyond Bali With Lara Lee 8:30 Beyond The Logo: The Story Behind Brands 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

12:00 DW The Day 12:30 Hudson & Rex (M v) 2:20 Forged In Fire (PG) 3:05 Stories From The Cities (PG) 3:35 Worldwatch 5:40 Inside The Huddle 6:10 Over The Black Dot 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update

2:30 Baywatch (M v) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:40 The Addams Family 5:40 Movie: “Uptown Girls” (PG) (’03) Stars: Brittany Murphy 7:30 Movie: “Freaky Friday” (M d,l,v) (’03) Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis 9:30 Movie: “A Cinderella Story” (PG) (’04)

1:05 Movie: “Summer Holiday” (G) (’63) Stars: Cliff Richard 3:20 Movie: “It’s All Happening (AKA ‘The Dream Maker’)” (G) (’63) Stars: Tommy Steele 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Find My Country House Australia

3:10 QI (PG) 3:40 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:10 MythBusters (PG) 5:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:50 Portrait Artist Of The Year UK 6:35 Richard Osman’s House Of Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Randwick/ Flemington *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movies: “Pitch Perfect” (M l,s) (’12) Stars: Anna Kendrick 9:50 Movie: “The Invention Of Lying” (M l,s) (’09) Stars: Ricky Gervais 12:00 The Midwich Cuckoos (MA15+)

7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday (PG) 12:00 Rugby League: Women’s Prime Minister’s XIII: PNG Orchids v Women’s PM’s XIII *Live* 2:00 Rugby League: Men’s Prime Minister’s XIII: PNG Kumuls v PM’s XIII *Live* 4:00 Drive Review 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Basketball: Melbourne United v Cairns Taipans *Live* From John Cain Arena

9:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 9:30 The Finish Line 10:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 11:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 12:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 12:30 Shaun Micallef’s Parents’ Evening (PG) 1:30 Sydney Harbour Cops 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 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 7:30 Selling Houses Australia 8:40 Love It Or List It Australia

3:00 Night Thunder 1:00 House Calls To 4:00 Frozen Gold (PG) The Rescue 2:00 Better 5:00 Counting Cars Homes And Gardens (PG) 6:00 Storage Wars (PG) 4:00 Escape To The Country 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: AFLW: Round 8: Port Adelaide Randwick/ Flemington *Live* Power v Adelaide Crows *Live* 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 9:15 Movie: “Ghost Rider” (M) Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The (’07) Stars: Nicolas Cage Yorkshire Vet (PG)

1:30 Bringing Sexy Back (PG) 2:30 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 4:00 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” (G) (’09) Stars: Bill Hader 7:30 Movie: “Field Of Dreams” (PG) (’89) Stars: Kevin Costner

7:30 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 Home Shopping 3:00 Movie: “S.O.G.: 8:30 The Bold & The 9:00 Reel Action 9:30 The Book Of Ward” (M) Beautiful (PG) 11:00 Building The Dream (’23) Stars: Michael Home 12:30 The Living Room Everyday Gourmet With Jordan 5:00 Murder In Big Justine Schofield 11:30 Becker 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Reel Horn (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 Action 5:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) (PG) 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 NITV News Update 6:40 The Becker (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) Other Side (PG) 7:30 Pro Bull 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two Riding Teams USA 8:30 Movie: (M v) 10:20 JAG (PG) 12:15 And A Half Men (PG) Home Shopping “Let Me In” (MA15+) (’10)

12:30 Big Little Reno 1:30 No Demo Reno 2:30 Renovation Aloha (PG) 3:30 House Hunters: Cabin Dreams 4:30 My Lottery Dream Home (PG) 5:30 Dream Homes Revealed 6:30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses 7:30 Bargain Mansions

2:00 ABC News 2:30 The Breakfast Couch 3:00 ABC News 3:30 That Pacific Sports Show 4:00 ABC News 4:30 BTN High 5:00 ABC News 5:30 Asia News Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Australian Story 7:00 ABC National News

2:55 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 3:35 QI (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You (PG) 4:35 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:25 MythBusters (PG) 6:15 Portrait Artist Of The Year UK 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

6:00 Searching For Soul Food 6:30 Jeremy Pang’s Hong Kong Kitchen 7:30 Jamie’s Kitchen 8:30 Rick Stein: From Venice To Istanbul 9:40 Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted 10:35 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure 11:30 Yes, Chef!

3:10 World Endurance Championship Highlights 4:20 Tennis: Laver Cup Highlights 5:30 Basketball: Brisbane Bullets v Tasmania Jackjumpers *Live* 7:30 Movie: “The Mask” (PG) (’94) Stars: Jim Carrey 9:30 Movie: “Yes Man” (M l,s) (’08)

3:20 NRL: Grand Final 2001: Parramatta Eels v Newcastle Knights *Replay* 5:25 NRL: Grand Final 2013: Sydney Roosters v Manly Sea Eagles *Replay* 7:30 NRL: Grand Final 2025: Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos *Replay*

5:00 Children’s Programs 6:00 Mittens & Pants 6:30 Shaun The Sheep 7:00 SuperKitties 7:30 Bluey 7:30 Teenage Boss: Next Level 8:00 Movie: “Spy Kids 3: Game Over” (PG) (’03) Stars: Antonio Banderas 9:20 Merlin (PG)

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 2:20 Portrait Artist Of The Year 3:05 Grand Designs: House Of The Year (PG) 4:00 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli (PG) 4:30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job 5:00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 5:30 Back Roads (PG) 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG)

1:10 Great Australian Concerts (M l) 2:15 Beautiful Game Changers 2:20 If You Are The One (PG) (In Mandarin) 3:25 Worldwatch 5:30 Mastermind 6:00 7 Up (PG) 6:35 14 Up (PG) 7:35 21 Up (PG) 9:30 28 Up (PG) 12:10 Brassic (M)

6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 NRL: Sunday 12:00 Supercars Preview Show - Bathurst (PG) 1:00 AFLW: Round 8: North Melbourne Footy Show *Live* 1:00 NRL: Grand Final Day 1:20 NRL: State Cup Championship Kangaroos v Sydney Swans *Live* 3:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special (PG) Grand Final: Norths Devils v Penrith Panthers *Live* 4:00 NRLW: Grand Final: 3:30 Border Security - International (PG) Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos *Live* 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 7:30 NRL: Grand Final: Sydney Roosters v 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Royal Edinburgh Newcastle Knights *Live* 9:30 NRL: Grand Final Night Post-Match Military Tattoo (PG)

9:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 9:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:00 UFC: Prelims *Live* 12:00 Farm To Fork 12:30 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 1:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 1:30 Exploring Off The Grid 2:00 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 3:00 The Finish Line 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 10 News Plus 7:00 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 8:00 The Graham Norton Show (M) 9:00 Shaun Micallef’s Parents’ Evening (PG) 10:00 FBI (M) 12:00 10 News Plus

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 SBS50 (PG) 9:05 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs 9:35 Beyond The Scorecard (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) 4:00 The Last Violin (PG) 5:25 Empire Builders - The Rust Belt (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Roman Empire By Train With Alice Roberts (PG) 8:25 Ancient Superstructures (PG) (In English/ German)

2:00 A Moveable Feast - All New Series (PG) 2:40 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 3:40 My Greek Odyssey (PG) 4:40 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 5:40 Escape To The Country 6:40 The Vicar Of Dibley (PG) 8:30 Vera (M) 10:30 Genius (M s,v)

2:30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates (PG) 3:00 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 4:00 Frozen Gold (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Border Security - International (PG) 7:00 Border Security Australia’s Front Line (PG)

12:30 Home And Away 3:30 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 4:30 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters (PG) 5:30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M v)

9:00 Rugby League: Koori Knockout *Live* 5:00 All Stars: More Than A Game (PG) 5:35 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Great Parks Of Africa (PG) 7:30 Extraordinary Animals (PG)

10:30 Building The Dream Home 12:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 1:30 Roads Less Travelled 2:00 The Living Room (PG) 3:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Fire Country (M v) 11:15 JAG (PG)

12:30 Restored 1:30 6:00 Home Shopping Mexico Life 2:30 7:30 Deal Or No Deal Chateau DIY 3:30 9:00 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 11:30 Becker (PG) House Hunters: Cabin Dreams 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 Becker 4:30 Barnwood Builders 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two And A House Hunters International 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Fixer To Half Men (PG) 10:30 Becker Fabulous (PG) 9:30 TBA (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG)

6:00 Children’s Programs 6:20 Ready, Steady, Wiggle! 6:30 Shaun The Sheep 6:40 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:50 Supertato 7:00 SuperKitties 7:20 Dance With Tom 7:30 Bluey 7:30 Movie: “Paddington In Peru” (PG) (’24)

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 Foreign Correspondent 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 Insiders

3:35 QI (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 5:25 MythBusters (PG) 6:15 Portrait Artist Of The Year UK 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (M s)

5:30 River Cottage Vegetables 6:30 Matt Preston’s Plating Locally 7:00 Frugal Foodie 7:30 Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails 8:30 Jamie Cooks Italy 9:30 Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen 10:30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure 11:30 Yes, Chef!

11:30 Motorsport: Superbike World Championship 12:30 Movie: “The Lost Boys” (M) (’87) 2:20 Movie: “The Goonies” (PG) (’85) Stars: Sean Astin 4:30 Beautiful Game Changers 4:35 Worldwatch 6:00 35 Up (PG)

1:45 Movie: “The Cure” (PG) (’95) Stars: Brad Renfro 3:45 Movie: “A Cinderella Story” (PG) (’04) Stars: Hilary Duff 5:45 Movie: “Doctor Dolittle 2” (PG) (’01) Stars: Eddie Murphy 7:30 Movie: “The Notebook” (M) (’04) Stars: Ryan Gosling

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

10:00 Unwheel Adventures (PG) 11:05 Icons Of Auto (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Yacht Racing: Sail GP Highlights 3:00 Gymnastics: World Challenge Cup Highlights 4:30 Churchill’s Forgotten War (PG) 5:25 Empire Builders - The Rust Belt (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Jewels Of The Mediterranean (PG) 8:20 The Langham - Britain’s First Grand Hotel 9:20 Sagrada Familia - Gaudi’s Challenge (In Various) 10:20 Cumbria - The Lakes & The Coast (M)

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

11:00 Movie: “Cairo Road” (PG) (’50) Stars: Laurence Harvey 1:00 Movie: “The Blue Lamp” (PG) (’50) Stars: Dirk Bogarde 2:45 Movie: “Red River” (G) (’48) Stars: John Wayne 5:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 7:30 Clarkson’s Farm (M l)

Thursday 8 October

Wednesday 7 October

Tuesday 6 October

Monday 5 October

Get Macca’s® delivered. 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Landline 2:00 Back Roads (PG) 2:30 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) 3:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:40 Grand Designs Transformations 4:40 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:20 Media Watch (M)

6:00 Sunrise 10:00 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) 9:05 The Rookie (M v) 10:05 The Agenda Setters

4:30 American 4:30 Better Homes And Restoration (PG) 5:00 Gardens 5:30 Escape Storage Wars (PG) To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 (PG) 8:30 A Touch Of Frost The Agenda Setters (M v)

12:00 Movie: “Hashtag Proposal” (PG) (’23) Stars: Scout Taylor-Compton 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 The Block (PG) 9:10 Australian Crime Stories - The Investigators (M v) 10:10 NINE News Late

5:30 The 77 Percent 3:00 My Kitchen Rules 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV 4:30 First Dates UK (M News Update 6:40 l) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) Great Parks Of Africa (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M s,v) 8:30 Law 7:30 Who Do You Think You & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) Are? (PG) 8:35 Living Black

12:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 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 Shaun Micallef’s Parents’ Evening (PG)

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 12:45 The Young And Everyday Gourmet The Restless (PG) 1:30 With Justine Schofield JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Two And A Half Men (PG) 10:20 Bull (M s,v)

3:00 The Block (PG) 4:00 Good Bones (PG) 5:00 TBA 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Masters Of Flip

4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Seinfeld (PG) 6:30 NBL Overtime (PG) 7:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 TBA 10:30 NBL Overtime (PG)

3:40 Movie: “Barnacle Bill” (G) (’57) Stars: Alec Guinness 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M v)

3:10 Worldwatch 5:05 5:30 My Market Kitchen 4:55 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:40 Jeopardy! 5:55 NITV 6:00 Rick Stein’s Food Amazing Spaces 5:40 5:00 ABC News With Kangaroo Beach 6:05 News Update 6:00 56 Heroes 6:30 Everyday Portrait Artist Of The Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 Flower News Hour 7:00 ABC National Year UK 6:30 Richard Osman’s Gourmet With Justine Schofield Up 8:50 63 Up 11:35 The House Of Games 7:00 Spicks 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Americans (MA15+) 12:30 And Flour 7:05 Batwheels 7:35 News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC Brassic (MA15+) And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Liaw 7:30 Nigella Kitchen News Tonight Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Beyond Paradise (PG) 2:00 Back Roads (PG) 2:30 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (PG) 3:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Grand Designs Transformations 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 Foreign Correspondent (PG)

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) 9:05 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu (M l) 10:05 The Amazing Race (PG)

12:05 Worldwatch 2:00 Peace Wilderness Man 2:45 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 3:20 Oleg - The Oleg Vidov Story (PG) (In English/ Russian) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Jury - Skeleton In The Garden (M) 8:30 24 Hours In Emergency (M l)

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:30 Find My Country House Australia 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 The Block (PG) 8:45 1 Euro Houses (PG) 9:45 TopKnotz Wild On Water (M l) 10:45 NINE News Late

2:00 The Jury - Skeleton In The Garden (M) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey: South (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Jury - Skeleton In The Garden (M)

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)

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

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 12:45 The Young And Everyday Gourmet The Restless (PG) 1:30 With Justine Schofield JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M) 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) Bull (M s,v) 11:15 JAG (PG)

4:00 Good Bones (PG) 5:00 Masters Of Flip 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Chateau DIY

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)

4:30 The Addams 3:15 Inside The Huddle 5:30 My Market Kitchen 4:55 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing Family 5:30 Seinfeld 3:45 Worldwatch 5:50 6:00 Rick Stein’s Food Amazing Spaces 5:40 5:00 ABC News With (PG) 6:30 Baywatch The Mega-Brands That Heroes 6:30 Everyday Portrait Artist Of The Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC (M v) 7:30 The Big Bang News Hour 7:00 ABC National Year UK 6:30 Richard Osman’s Gourmet With Justine Schofield Built The World (PG) 6:40 Theory (PG) 8:30 TBA 11:00 House Of Games 7:00 Spicks 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC The Big Bang Theory (PG) Update And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Liaw News Tonight

3:45 Movie: “Home At Seven” (PG) (’52) Stars: Ralph Richardson 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (M)

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch 2:00 Back Roads (PG) 2:25 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 3:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Grand Designs Transformations 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) 8:30 Class Clowns (M)

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) 9:05 A Taste For Murder (PG) 10:05 House Of Wellness (PG) 11:05 The Agenda Setters

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:15 Getaway (PG) 1:45 My Way 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 The Block (PG) 8:40 Chefs Ahoy 9:40 TBA 10:40 NINE News Late 11:10 Sight Unseen (M v)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Dateline (M) 2:30 Insight (M) 3:30 Plat Du Tour 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 The Jury - Skeleton In The Garden (M) 8:30 70 Up (PG)

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 12:45 The Young And 5:00 Ocean Warriors 3:00 My Kitchen Rules Everyday Gourmet The Restless (PG) 1:30 (PG) 5:30 APTN 4:30 First Dates UK (M) With Justine Schofield JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M) National News 6:00 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier Bamay 6:40 Guardians Of The 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Bull (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Rookie (M v) 10:30 NCIS Wild (PG) 7:30 Friday Night Two And A Half Men (PG) (M s,v) 11:15 JAG (PG) Thunder (PG) (MA15+)

4:00 Good Bones (PG) 5:00 Escape To The Chateau 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town

4:30 The Addams 3:10 Big Zuu’s 12 5:30 My Market Kitchen 4:55 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing Family 5:30 Seinfeld Dishes In 12 Hours 6:00 Rick Stein’s Food Amazing Spaces 5:40 5:00 ABC News With (PG) 6:30 Baywatch 3:45 Worldwatch 5:50 Heroes 6:30 Everyday Portrait Artist Of The Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC (M v) 7:30 The Big Bang News Hour 7:00 ABC National Year UK 6:30 Richard Osman’s Gourmet With Justine Schofield The Mega-Brands That Built House Of Games 7:00 Spicks 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam The World (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! Theory (PG) 8:30 TBA 10:45 News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC The Big Bang Theory (PG) 7:30 NITV News Update And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Liaw News Tonight

3:45 Movie: “Three Cockeyed Sailors” (G) (’40) Stars: Tommy Trinder 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow

4:30 American 4:00 Medical Restoration (PG) 5:00 Emergency (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The 5:30 American Pickers (PG) Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) Heartbeat (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)

5:00 Ocean Warriors 3:00 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 5:30 Indian 4:30 First Dates UK (M Country Today News l) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Great Parks 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Of Africa (PG) 7:30 Cold Justice - Mark Haines (M) (M s,v) 9:30 CSI: Miami (M)

12:00 ABC News 12:55 Doc Martin Christmas Special (PG) 2:00 Back Roads (PG) 2:30 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 3:00 Frankie Drake Mysteries (PG) 3:45 Grand Designs Transformations 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 Back Roads (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Time Is Money 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 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 Chefs Ahoy 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 The Block (PG) 8:40 Paramedics (M l) 9:40 RPA (PG) 10:40 NINE News Late 11:10 Chicago Med (MA15+) 12:00 Tipping Point (PG)

12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 The Jury - Skeleton In The Garden s (M) 3:00 The Film I’ll Never See 3:35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Julia Bradbury’s Irish Journey (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Tucci In Italy (In English/ Italian)

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

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

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 12:45 The Young And 5:30 Te Ao With Moana 3:00 The Food Dude Everyday Gourmet The Restless (PG) 1:30 (In English/ Maori) 6:00 (PG) 3:30 My Greek With Justine Schofield JAG (M s,v) 3:30 Bull Bamay 6:40 Guardians Odyssey (PG) 4:30 (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (M s,v) 6:30 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier First Dates UK (M l) 5:30 Bondi Of The Wild (PG) 7:30 Going (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) Two And A Half Men (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell (M l) 8:30 Rabbit Fall (M)

4:00 Good Bones (PG) 5:00 Help! I Wrecked My House 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Bargain Block (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)

4:30 The Addams 3:45 Worldwatch 5:50 5:30 My Market Kitchen 4:55 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing Family 5:30 Seinfeld The Mega-Brands That 6:00 Rick Stein’s Food Amazing Spaces 5:40 5:00 ABC News With (PG) 6:30 Baywatch Built The World (PG) Heroes 6:30 Everyday Portrait Artist Of The Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC (M v) 7:30 The Big Bang News Hour 7:00 ABC National Year UK 6:30 Richard Osman’s Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV House Of Games 7:00 Spicks 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Theory (PG) 8:30 TBA 10:30 News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) Liaw 7:30 River Cottage Spring Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) The Big Bang Theory (PG) News Tonight

3:45 Movie: “The Ghost Of St Michael’s” (PG) (’41) Stars: Will Hay 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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efore writing off a cloudy shower screen, stained tap or rust-marked outdoor fitting, Australians are being urged to consider what is causing the mark. Australia’s fastest cleaner, Jason Shipway, says calcium, limescale and surface rust can be mistaken for ordinary dirt, permanent staining or signs that an item is past its best. Recognising different cleaning challenges early can help households spend less time scrubbing and better maintain fixtures, appliances and outdoor items. “When these marks keep returning, the instinct is often to scrub harder or try another everyday cleaner. But understanding what is causing the mark first, means a much better chance of selecting the right approach from the beginning,” Shipway said. According to Shipway, recognising the difference between removable

build-up and permanent damage can also prevent households from prematurely writing off items that may simply need a more targeted clean. Recent research shows 79 per cent of Australians would consider repairing an item before buying new, with cost cited as the primary motivator. This shift is placing greater emphasis on products that help preserve the appearance and performance of fixtures, appliances and outdoor surfaces over time. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is people thinking a stubborn mark means something needs to be replaced or treating every mark as if it’s ordinary dirt,” Shipway said. “A quick look can often tell you what you’re dealing with. If a mark wipes away with a damp cloth, it’s probably surface grime. If it’s white, chalky and feels slightly raised, it’s likely calcium or limescale. Orange-brown discol-

ouration that starts from a single point and spreads outward is often surface rust. Identifying the cause early can save a lot of unnecessary scrubbing and help prevent long-term damage.” CLR is a powerful solution that can be used to remove Calcium & Limescale buildup, rust, salt, mineral deposits, oxidation, algae and soap scum, across a wide range of suitable surfaces and applications, from bathrooms and kitchens to appliances and outdoor equipment. CLR Calcium, Limescale & Rust Remover contains no phosphates and is septic safe, providing a powerful and safer cleaning solution for calcium, limescale and surface rust build-up. CLR products are available from major retailers, hardware and outdoor stores nationally.

JASON SHIPWAY’S CLEANING TIPS Know the difference between dirt and mineral build-up: If a mark transfers to a damp cloth, it’s usually surface grime. If it remains after cleaning and feels chalky or slightly raised, it may be calcium or limescale that requires a specialist cleaner. Check the places most people overlook: Mineral build-up commonly forms underneath tap spouts, inside tap aerators, on shower head jets, around drain covers and on sink plugs, often before it becomes obvious elsewhere. Your shower screen may be a water problem, not a cleaning problem: Cloudy shower glass is often caused by hard-water minerals left behind as water evaporates. Because deposits build layer by layer, regular cleaning may not completely remove them once established. Watch for the early signs of hard water: Chalky rings around taps, cloudy glassware, mineral deposits in kettles, stiff towels and recurring shower-screen haze can all be indicators that your home’s water supply contains higher mineral levels. Coastal homes need to monitor metal fittings: Sea air and moisture can accelerate rust formation on flyscreens, hinges, window winders, outdoor furniture, BBQs and garage door hardware, even when these items are regularly cleaned. Don’t keep scrubbing if nothing is changing: If a mark remains after cleaning, agitation and dwell time, it may not be everyday grime. Identifying whether you’re dealing with calcium, limescale or rust can help guide a more effective solution. Prevent build-up before it becomes permanent: Mineral deposits can eventually etch glass and damage surfaces if left untreated for extended periods. Tackling build-up early can help preserve the appearance of fixtures and fittings.

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

15 & 15A DARRI AVENUE, SOUTH PENRITH

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SEEING DOUBLE! SOUTH PENRITH OPPORTUNITY What is so great about this property? This outstanding dual-income property features a three-bedroom home plus a modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom granny flat, currently returning a combined $1,180 per week.

$1,239,000 – $1,359,000 OR AUCTION

Who does this property suit? An excellent opportunity for investors seeking strong imme-

diate income, with the house leased at $700 per week and the granny flat at $480 per week. Tell us about the suburb this property is in? Positioned in a sought-after South Penrith street, walking distance to local shops and schools, Jamison Park and Southlands, with easy access on and off the M4.

AUCTION: Tuesday, October 6 6.00pm CONTACT: Property Central Penrith Lee Waterhouse • 0410 338 040 lee.waterhouse@propertycentral.com.au

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

HEALTH The Experts

THE TEEN YEARS: WHEN YOUR CHILD PULLS AWAY I

AMANDA DUGGAN OnePointHealth 4732 5188

f your once chatty teenager now answers every question with “fine”, and slams the bedroom door before you’ve finished asking, welcome to the hardest chapter of parenting so far! The teen years feel personal. Where there used to be cuddles and endless chatter, there’s now eye rolls, long silences and closed doors. Many parents I see in practice arrive carrying guilt and confusion. Did I do something wrong? Are we losing them? Here’s the reassurance. The pull-away is developmental, not personal. Teens are doing what their brains are biologically wired to do: separate, individuate, and figure out who they are without you at the centre. That work is messy, and it often looks like rejection. But it isn’t. They still need you. They just need a different version of you. So how do you stay connected when it feels like you’re being pushed out?

Start with curiosity instead of interrogation. “How was your day?” will almost always get you “fine.” Try “Did anything funny happen today?” or “What’s annoying everyone at school?” Specific, low-pressure questions open doors that “how was your day” keeps firmly shut. Show up without an agenda. The best conversations with teenagers happen in the gaps: car trips, washing up, walking the dog. When they sense you’re not fishing for information, they often offer it. Validate before you advise. When they share something hard, resist the urge to fix. “That sounds really tough” or “Tell me more” goes further than any solution you could offer. Advice can come later. Connection has to come first. Respect the door. The closed door is about autonomy, not rejection. Knock, ask, and give them space when they need it. Don’t take the eye-roll personally. It’s hormonal, developmen-

tal, and usually not about you. Stay calm in the storm. When they’re dysregulated, they need your steadiness, not your reaction. Your calm teaches them what calm looks like. Know when to get help too. If your teen is withdrawn for weeks, their mood is persistently low, or

you’re noticing self-harm or risky behaviour, reach out early. Your GP is the starting point. Raising a teenager is some of the most important work you’ll ever do. You’re not losing your child. You’re watching them become their own person, and you’re the safest place they’ll ever know.

TAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OFF DRY LAND Forget the function room and take your Christmas celebration to the water! The River Boat Bar is the perfect setting for work Christmas parties and corporate functions, with great food, drinks and plenty of atmosphere. Gather your team, leave the office behind and make this year’s celebration one to remember.

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Book this year’s Christmas party today! Call 02 4733 1888 or visit theriverboatbar.com.au

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

PET HEALTH

CELEBRATE THE LONG WEEKEND SAFELY A

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

long weekend is the perfect excuse to slow down, catch up with family and friends, fire up the BBQ and enjoy some well-earned time together. Whether you are gathering around the television for the footy, enjoying a backyard BBQ or simply making the most of an extra day at home, chances are your pets will be right there with you. And while they may not understand what all the excitement is about, they certainly know when there is food around! Unfortunately, some of the foods and items that are part of our celebrations can be dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, for our pets. Cooked bones are one of the biggest BBQ dangers. Chicken bones, ribs and other cooked bones can become brittle and splinter when chewed. These sharp pieces can cause choking, intestinal blockages or even tears in the digestive tract. No matter how much your dog begs, cooked

bones should never be on the menu. Kebab skewers are another hidden hazard. The smell of meat cooking may be irresistible to your dog, but swallowing a wooden skewer can cause serious damage, including punctures or blockages in the digestive tract. Once the food has been eaten, dispose of skewers safely and immediately. Be careful with onions and

garlic, too. Both can be toxic to dogs and cats and can damage red blood cells, potentially causing anaemia. They can easily be hidden in burgers, marinades, sauces, dips and other prepared foods. Then there are the salty snacks. Chips, pretzels and other heavily salted foods aren’t suitable treats for pets. Too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst and, in severe cases, trem-

ors or seizures. And don’t forget the dessert table. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, while sugar-free products may contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Grapes and raisins are also a concern and can cause serious kidney problems in dogs. One of the easiest ways to prevent an accidental feast is to give your pet their own quiet area away from the BBQ and food table while guests are visiting. Ask family and friends not to feed them and make sure rubbish bins are securely closed. After all, it only takes a moment for a curious pet to grab something they shouldn’t. A little planning can make all the difference, helping everyone — including your four-legged family members — enjoy the long weekend safely. So, relax, enjoy the company, enjoy the footy and make the most of the extra day. For more advice about keeping your pets safe, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital.

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL! At Orchard Hills ills Veterinary Hospital, we understand d that your pet is a cherished family ily member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pett care services to animals acrosss the Penrith district.

We offer: • Vaccinations ions • Radiography aphy • Microchipping pping • Surgery • Dental care are • Ultrasound nd

Contact us! s! Phone 4736 6 2027 49 Wentworth Road Road,Orchard Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

57725

The Experts

LOAN LOWDOWN The Experts

HOW SHOULD YOU REACT TO RATE RISE? T

STEVEN KORNER

growth of around 15–17 per cent. That growth has been good news for existing owners’ equity. It also means many recent buyers, especially first home buyers and families who bought in the past two years, are carrying larger loans than they would have a few years ago. On a $900,000 loan, which is typical for a recent Penrith house purchase, repayments have risen by more than $6,500 a year since

January. For households already dealing with higher fuel, grocery and energy costs, that is a real squeeze. There is some good news for local investors. Rental vacancy in Penrith remains well under one per cent, and rents have kept rising, which helps offset higher interest costs. Could rates rise again? Possibly. The RBA’s next meeting is on November 3 2026. ANZ is already forecasting

a fifth increase then, which would take the cash rate to 4.85 per cent. Other economists think the RBA may pause to see how the four rises so far are affecting household spending. Much will depend on inflation data over the coming weeks. Practical steps for Penrith home owners • Check your current rate. Many borrowers who haven’t reviewed their loan in a year or two are paying well above what new customers are offered. A difference of even 0.3–0.5 per cent on a $700,000 loan can add up to thousands of dollars a year. • Ask your lender for a better deal. A phone call quoting competing rates can sometimes secure a discount without switching. • Consider refinancing. Refinancing isn’t free, so weigh discharge fees, application costs and any cashback offers against the interest you’ll save over time. • Use your offset account. Every dollar sitting in an offset reduces the interest you’re charged. • Think carefully about fixing. Fixed rates offer certainty but already factor in expected rises, and break costs can be high if your plans change. • Act early if you’re struggling. Lenders have hardship options, but they are easier to arrange before repayments are missed.

WW59411

The Finance Korner thefinancekorner.com.au

he Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.60 per cent this week, its fourth increase of 2026 and the highest cash rate since late 2011. The new rate took effect today. The decision wasn’t a surprise. All four major banks had forecast it, and financial markets had priced in a rise weeks earlier. For the thousands of Penrith households with a variable home loan, though, it still means higher repayments. Why the RBA moved The Board’s decision was unanimous. It pointed to inflation that is “still too high”, along with higher global energy prices driven by oil supply disruptions in the Middle East and ongoing capacity pressures in the domestic economy. The Board also said it will keep doing “what it considers necessary”, including raising rates further if needed. Taken together, 2026’s four increases (February, March, May and September) have lifted the cash rate by a full percentage point since January. Why Penrith feels it more than most Penrith has been one of Sydney’s stronger-performing markets. Median house prices now sit at roughly $1.09 million to $1.2 million, depending on the data source, after annual

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

TALKING TECH The Experts

KEEPING YOUR PC HEALTHY AND SECURE A

DAVID NORRIS Nortec IT 9894 9514

couple of years ago, I wrote about a littleknown but powerful tool – Microsoft PC Manager. A lot has changed since then, and the tool has many more features. So many that I’ll cover it in a couple of articles. At its core, PC Manager is a comprehensive utility suite that streamlines PC maintenance and security. It combines various tools traditionally scattered across Windows into a user-friendly interface. The tools are split into categories that enhance system performance, security, and usability. In the next couple of articles, I will cover some of these key tools PC Boost – This was the first tool in the toolkit. It is a one-click optimisation feature that frees up memory by releasing memory used by non-essential background processes and applications. It also deletes temporary and cache files that have built up over time. When you click Boost, Windows usually

shows an immediate reduction in memory usage, and your PC may feel more responsive if you have many programs, browser tabs, or background tasks running. Whenever I feel my computer is slow, I run this. Startup Management – which monitors and controls programs launching at startup, ensuring faster boot times and smoother performance. If your computer is slow to start, this is where you can disable the startup programs. Background Process Management identifies and stops

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resource-intensive processes, enhancing overall system responsiveness. It lets you easily identify and terminate problem applications. Antivirus Protection integrates the core Windows Security engine, providing real-time protection against malware, viruses, and other threats. Network Booster analyses and diagnoses network issues, helping improve internet connectivity and speed. Battery Saver, which extends battery life by intelligently

managing system resources and reducing power consumption. File Management provides essential tools to organise and clean up your drives. These include tools to easily identify and delete downloaded files, identify large files on your computer, and identify and manage duplicate files. Pop-Up Management, which blocks annoying advertising pop-ups. Network Diagnostics Analyses your network connection and performs basic troubleshooting, helping to identify potential performance bottlenecks related to Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity. In a future column, I will cover the powerful Health Check and AI Toolbox features. Microsoft PC Manager is free and compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Installing PC Manager is straightforward. You can download it directly from the Microsoft website or the Microsoft Store app. Its intuitive interface suits users of all levels.

Celebrate the year’s wins with a Christmas party that feels like a real escape. Step aboard the iconic Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler and enjoy delicious food, beautiful river scenery and a relaxed celebration on the water. From smaller family, friends and team gatherings to whole-ofcompany celebrations, we make it easy to bring everyone together for a memorable day or night on the Nepean.

POPULAR CHRISTMAS DATES FILL FAST BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY TODAY

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

PRESENTS

PENRITH BALL CELEBRATING YEARS OF SUPPORTING GOTCHA LIFE, TOMORROW MAN & TOMORROW WOMAN

SATURDAY OCTOBER DRESS CODE: MASQUERADE BALL HAT OR MASK VENUE: WESTERN SYDNEY CONFERENCE CENTRE AT PANTHERS JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE YEARS OF CONNECTION, CONVERSATION AND SUPPORTING MENTAL FITNESS IN PENRITH.

YEARS SUPPORTING PENRITH'S MENTAL FITNESS WITH OUR PARTNERS

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

BUY TICKETS

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

You’re craving expansion, and staying inside your comfort zone may feel particularly frustrating this week. Follow anything that sparks curiosity, whether that involves travel, learning, spirituality or simply experiencing something new. A conversation could challenge a long-held belief in a positive way. You don’t need to have everything figured out.

Something is ready to be released. It could be an old belief, emotional attachment or fear that has quietly influenced your decisions for longer than you realised. Be gentle with yourself as it surfaces. This isn’t about going backwards; it’s about finally being ready to move beyond it. Spirit may be communicating more loudly than usual.

You may be eager to know exactly where something is heading, but not every answer is ready to reveal itself just yet. Relationships could bring an important conversation that helps you see things differently. Trust what feels consistent rather than what sounds convincing. By the weekend, a situation that felt complicated may suddenly seem much clearer.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

There’s a strong focus on your wellbeing and the way you’re spending your energy. If you’ve been running on empty, consider this your reminder that rest is productive too. A change to your routine could help you feel more grounded and motivated. Someone may also offer unexpected assistance this week. Allow yourself to receive support.

Make room for laughter, creativity, romance and experiences that remind you life isn’t supposed to feel serious all the time. An unexpected invitation or conversation could bring a welcome change of scenery. If you’ve been considering a creative project or new idea, stop analysing it from every angle and simply give yourself permission to begin.

Your intuition is particularly strong around home and relationships. You may sense that something needs to change before anyone actually says it aloud. Trust yourself, but avoid assuming you know exactly what someone else is thinking. A heartfelt conversation could bring reassurance. Creating more peace around you begins with being honest.

@ amandajaneclairvoyant

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Something you say could have more impact than you realise this week, so choose your words thoughtfully. Communication, meetings and important conversations are highlighted, making this a great time to put an idea forward or clear up confusion. An unexpected message may also bring exciting news. Don’t let pride prevent you from changing your mind.

You may find yourself thinking differently about money, security and what success actually means to you. Something that once felt incredibly important may no longer hold the same appeal. Trust that changing priorities are a sign of growth, not indecision. A practical opportunity could improve your financial situation, but look beyond the immediate reward.

Your season continues to place the spotlight firmly on you. This is your reminder to stop putting your own needs at the bottom of the list. You may feel ready for a fresh start, and the timing feels supportive. Listen carefully to your intuition around a decision. You already know more about what you want than you’ve been allowing yourself to admit.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

You may feel more sensitive. If something or someone leaves you consistently drained, pay attention. Dreams, synchronicities or a strong intuitive feeling could also bring insight into a situation you’ve been questioning. You don’t need to chase clarity. Sometimes the answer becomes obvious when you become quiet enough to notice what you’re feeling.

Your social world could bring a pleasant surprise. A new connection, invitation or conversation may lead to an opportunity you weren’t expecting. Be open to meeting people outside your usual circle. You’re also being encouraged to think bigger about your future. A dream you’ve been quietly carrying deserves more than occasional thought.

Career and purpose take centre stage, and you may feel ready to challenge yourself in a new way. An opportunity to lead, speak up or demonstrate what you’re capable of could arise. Don’t automatically assume someone else is more qualified. You’ve accumulated more experience than you realise. Take yourself seriously and others are likely to follow.

WW59002

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, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

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

Crossword

edium

3 2

3 4 8 5 6 4 5 6 8 7

3 8 7

6 7 9 8 1

Last 2week’s 1 5 solution 7 9 8 6 4 3

r8ts.com

2 1 3 2

Sudoku brought to you by The Western Weekender westernweekender.com.au/digi-subscribe

SUDOKU No. 813

Medium

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

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, October 1, 2026

Previous solution - Easy

1 9 5 3 7 6 2 4 8

ACROSS DOWN 1. Front part of the head 1. Unnecessary excitement or worry 4. Surname of dictionary pioneer Noah ___ 2. Country whose capital is Beijing 8. Long periods of time 3. Consume food 11. The ___, seat of the Dutch government 4. Past tense form of are 13. Drama set largely to music 5. Present or confer as a gift 15. Malicious desire to annoy 6. Prefix relating to heat 17. Perceive with the eyes 7. Top covering of a building 18. Period of rule by a 8. Present-tense form of be monarch 9. Increases or benefits 20. Male child 10. Dispatched or transmitted 21. Upright; standing straight 12. Plural of goose 24. Direct attention to 14. Mistake 27. Hard-shelled edible seed 16. Major Portuguese city on 28. Lift to a higher position the Douro 30. Spaces within a building 19. Answer without being certain 31. Small rodent; also a computer device 22. Restore to working order 33. Son of a sibling 23. Recognition for an achievement 34. People or things besides those named 25. Property and assets owned by a person 35. Route used by vehicles 26. Come into view 36. Otherwise; in addition 29. US state whose capital is 39. Inflammation of the iris of Indianapolis the eye 32. Put into service 42. Platform for performers 35. Surname of Russian 44. Just and impartial general Nikolay ___ 45. Number after two 46. River in Austria, tributary of 37. Continues for a period of time the Danube 38. Clear or obvious 48. Blood vessels carrying 40. Possibilities of harm or blood toward the heart loss 49. Marked with a calendar 41. Not long date 42. Number after six 50. Purpose or benefit, as in for the ___ of 43. Finished 52. Relating to Greece or its 44. Surname of American language philosopher John ___ 54. Obtains or receives 47. First name of a central character in War and 55. Clever or stylish Peace 56. US state containing Las 51. Early stage of Vegas development before a 57. Thought or concept foetus 60. Common seasoning; 52. European country with sodium chloride Athens as its capital 62. Healthcare professionals 53. Vessel used to boil water who care for patients 54. Prefix relating to the 65. Loop of thread used in stomach sewing 67. In a wild or intense manner 58. With little light 59. Word joining two items 69. Male given name shared 61. One thickness placed over by actor ___ Ritchard another 70. Prepared 63. Relating to the forearm 72. The whole amount bone opposite the radius 73. Short written records or 64. Set of connected parts musical symbols working together 75. Large sweet fruit with a 65. Not complicated thick rind 66. Hundredths of a dollar 77. Covered or saturated with 68. Without anyone else water 71. Lived in a place 79. Benign tumour of muscle tissue 72. In the middle of 81. Highest point or surface Previous solution74. - Objective Toughform of they 82. In or at that place 76. Curved transparent piece 85. Relating 6 to7the nose2 1 3 used 4 to5 focus light 78. Word or expression; also a 86. Ceased to live 7 8 9 3 4 5 period 6 fixed 87. People belonging to a 7 9 group8 6 1 4 2 583. P3ossesses 88. Main stalk of a 2 plant1 3 484. Relating 9 to8medieval Scandinavia 5 4 3 6 80. 17960s8youth-

3 6 4 5 2 8 9 7 1

2 7 8 4 9 1 6 5 3

8 4 2 6 5 9 1 3 7

9 1 7 8 3 4 5 6 2

5 3 6 7 1 2 4 8 9

4 8 1 2 6 3 7 9 5

7 2 3 9 4 5 8 1 6

6 5 9 1 8 7 3 2 4

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: TOOLS AX CHISEL CLAMP DRILL FILE HAMMER LEVEL NAIL PLIERS SANDER SAW SCREW SCREWDRIVER TOOLBOX VISE WRENCH MALLET SPLIT LEVEL HACKSAW POCKETKNIFE SCISSORS BRACE TAPE MEASURE Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about NRL Grand Final in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. When is the NRL Grand Final? 2. What teams are playing in this year’s Grand Final? 3. How many Premierships have the Penrith Panthers won? 4. Which team has won the most Grand Finals? 5. Who won the Clive Churchill

Medal in 2025? 6. Which two players feature on the NRL Premierships trophy? 7. Which NRLW teams are playing in this year’s Grand Final? 8. Who won the 2026 Dally M Medal? 9. Where will the 2026 Grand Final be played?

ANSWERS 1. Sunday, October 4 2. Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights 3. Six 4. South Sydney Rabbitohs 5. Reece Walsh 6. Norm Provan and Arthur Summons 7. Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos 8. Nathan Cleary 9. Accor Stadium

Trivia Quiz

LOOKING FOR A JOB IN PENRITH? www.penrithjobs.com.au Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

Grow your business by advertising with us! Contact sales@westernweekender.com.au or call 02 4722 2988

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 813

Medium

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

7 5

8 7 6

2 5 6 9 4 7

Str8ts

7 8 9

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

No. 813

Previous solution - Tough

1 4 2 3 6 7 9 5 8

3 4 5 5 3 4 7 9 8 8 6 6 7

5 6 7 9 8 1 4 2 3

9 8 5 3 1 2

8 7 3

4 9

2 4 8

Name the Movie

Hexwords

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.

TOGYOC I

Who Am I?

30 Second Challenge your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge, douBle IT

+6 ÷7 x9 -5 ¼ x5 ÷11 -40

InTeRMedIaTe 9/10 of IT

+1600 50% of IT -900 2/5 of ThIs 25% of ThIs

adVanced

Plus 15% ThIs +240 -110 of87½%

2000 6000

12½% of ThIs

www.30secondchallenge.com

7/10 of IT

ansWeR

of ThIs ansWeR

Plus 12½% 20% of ThIs

Last week’s 30-second challengeanswer: ansWeRs To 170- BEGINNER - 11, INTERMEDIATE -6400 , ADVANCED - 62 ½.

1. My career has lasted longer than most Hollywood marriages. 2. I can disappear into almost any accent or character. 3. I traded serious drama for overalls, a Greek Island and lots of singing. 4. I once had three possible candidates for my on-screen daughter’s father. 5. I proved that even an Oscar-winning actress can still be a “Dancing Queen.” Last week’s answer: RICKY BOBBY

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 171 - BEGINNER - 49, INTERMEDIATE - 70, ADVANCED - 18.

Plus 10% -290 of ThIs Plus 25% +25 of ThIs 5600 12½% of ThIs

62½% half of IT half of IT

62½%

TIMes By ITself

400 3/10 of IT douBle IT +10 ÷5

douBle IT

+14 ÷7 +19

InTeRMedIaTe

douBle IT 1/5 of ThIs 4/7 of IT

+6 ÷8 +15 ½

of ThIs

ansWeR ansWeR

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

www.30secondchallenge.com

÷6 x9

intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.

+15 ¼ of ThIs

HINTS

adVanced

Previous solution: CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON

Previous solution:

BegInneR

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

Every week, we encourage your kids to give some colour to an iconic Penrith landmark. Let their creativity shine with The Western Weekender!

LOOKING FOR STAFF IN PENRITH?

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

Maddie’s Meals

Spinach & Feta Layered Pie Great as a side dish or meal on its own, this flaky, buttery pie is sure to please.

What You’ll Need:

Method:

– Large pan (for Spinach) – Baking dish – Blender – Spatula

1. Preheat oven to 200°. In the large pan, wilt spinach with a few tablespoons of water on medium heat. Once all wilted, squeeze out the water and place into the blender. 2. To the blender, add the feta, shallot, eggs, lemon juice, yogurt and spices. Blend until smooth and no chunks remain. 3. Lay 2-3 sheets of Filo Pastry across your baking dish, covering the bottom but leaving the edges flowing over the sides. Pour some

Ingredients: – Approx. 300g Spinach – 1.5 blocks Feta – 1 Shallot (diced) – 2 eggs – 1 lemon (juice) – Approx. 200g natural Greek Yogurt – Filo Pastry – Spices (I used Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika) – Butter (melted, for pastry)

of the spinach mixture onto the pastry and spread to the edges with the spatula. Layer 2-3 more sheets on top of this, edges still out of the dish. 4. Repeat step 3 until no mixture remains. Once finished, starting from the middle, tuck the sheets of pastry into the middle of the dish. Spread melted butter on top of pastry and place in oven for 20-30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. 5. Once cooked, slice and enjoy (and share, if you must!).

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK EVERY EVER EV ERY ER Y WEDNESDAY WEDN WE 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, October 1, 2026

Pick up a copy of the paper

weekendeFrree THE GREATEST the western

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Brian To’o and Jarome Luai. Photo: NRL Images.

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PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS

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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Mark STEVENSON

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the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

30/09/2026 4:21:24 PM

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

KIA electrifies GT experience D

espite the company’s relative youth, or perhaps because of it, KIA has one of the most diversified product offerings on the market. Covering internal combustion (ICE), hybrid (HEV/PHEV) and electric (EV), there is a powertrain to meet virtually any customer demand, and an equally wide range of bodystyles, leading to this week’s test, KIA’s recently updated EV6 medium-large sedan range of EVs. Our test car was the mid-spec GT-Line, a single motor, rear-wheel-drive ticking plenty of boxes. The front end looks like a ‘normal’ car, gone is the blunt ‘heat shield’ look favoured by many EVs of all flavours, there is an air intake under the full-width bumper line, topped by the leading edge of the curving bonnet. The designers used the flexibility of not needing to clear the top of an ICE unit, creating an attractive and functional front end containing the cooling systems vital to EVs. KIA’s family ‘face’ remains, including the ‘Star Map’ lighting, the daytime running lights extend the full width, connecting the outboard headlights. These flow into raised, muscular, wheel arches, giving a sense of contained power, not outright aggressive, but hinting at performance. The arches are necessarily big, enclosing 20” alloys wearing 255/45 rubber, with enough clearance to achieve an 11.6 metre turning circle, good for a big car. The EV6’s waist angles upward to the rear, making a high doorline, combining with the downsloping roof to reduce the glasshouse. Otherwise good vision is impacted by thick A-pillars causing blindspots where the door mirrors sit, especially on the left, requiring some head bobbing at intersections to ensure all angles are clear. Aero devices abound, including gloss black sections on the doors channelling air over the rear wheel arches and increasing grip as speed builds. There is a spoiler on the top of the hatchback, as well as a ducktail wing spanning the taillights improving airflow over and around the body while generating extra downforce and grip. An odd omission is the rear wiper, with a long, sloping window, not being able to clear moisture was annoying, yes, airflow clears it at higher speeds, but it takes a lot longer in traffic, restricting vision. I love the ‘hidden’ details, recessed tail lights are a favourite, they abound on a design mixing smooth curves with sharply defined angles and creases. KIA’s build quality is first rate, panels are flush fitting, flexible seals eliminate air gaps, reducing wind noise, important in an EV with no driveline to mask other noise.

Red cars go faster, right?

The two-tone interior of other GT-Line models continues in the EV6, it felt familiar to slide behind the thick-rimmed, heated, flattened oval, steering wheel, the layouts are virtually identical. I like this, it establishes the GT-Line’s position, it is not a hash of different styles, the specification’s stability respects owners. Controls on the three-spoke wheel are also common, I love the Drive mode button under the horn pad, familiarity simplifies operation, muscle memory had me hitting buttons automatically. The display is the same widescreen used elsewhere, despite the extra size of the EV6 dash it fits perfectly, retaining the triple display function.

Having the driver display framed by the wheel focuses your gaze, you aren’t scanning the whole screen to pick up information. Add the Head-Up Display (HUD) and the GT-Line has everything the driver needs in front of them, the luminous HUD readable even through sunglasses. My only gripe is the climate display, a buffer between the main screens, is hidden behind the steering wheel, while the controls run under the central display, you can’t see changes without cranking the wheel 45 degrees. I do like the switchable control panel, you change between climate and infotainment, buttons reconfiguring to each setting. The other plus is although big, the screen

Inside, there’s pros and cons; but little to complain about.

doesn’t feel like a television, with the added bonus of not creating a massive light source at night. The lowline rotary gear selector sits ahead of the wireless phone charger and cupholders, with a deep storage bin under the armrest. The sculpted front seats are firm but comfortable, with plenty of bolstering for fun driving, the fronts are heated, cooled and 8-way power adjustable, with two-way lumbar support, all trimmed in artificial black suede and vegan white leather with white stitching. Despite the apparent austerity, the EV6 cabin is a welcoming, focused, place to spend your driving time, allowing you to enjoy the experience. The GT-Line is available with two drive options, a twin-motor All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) or our test car, the rear-drive single-motor version. This means we ‘only’ had 168kW and 350Nm, with a single speed direct drive transmission – the more you push, the faster you go, in this case 7.7 seconds to 100km/h.

“THE EV6 GT-LINE OFFERS BOLD STYLING AND FUN DRIVING”

Good news, both versions use the 84kw/h battery, giving our car an expected range of 560 kilometres, although a couple of long-ish highway drives saw this drop to around the 500 kilometre mark. While the 0-100km/h figure is close to similar cars, the rolling acceleration surprises, keeping pace with slow traffic, you can leap from 40-100km/h in a few moments, with 60-100km/h even faster. A caution for the uninitiated, you may have driven ‘fast’ cars, this is a different type of fast. Where an ICE or even hybrid needs a moment to pick up, the EV6 has no such issues, resulting in an eye-popping burst of instant acceleration as 2.4 tonnes launches down the road, nevermind the surrounding traffic. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, allowing you to push hard without getting crossed up, and not heavy in car parks. The battery’s 476kg is well hidden, the underfloor position gives a low centre of gravity, literally anchoring the EV6 to the road. No surprise, the suspension is firm, but not pogo-stiff, while you feel heavy impacts it is not a tooth rattler, it can get a bit loud, but road conditions have to share the blame. If you are looking for a tailpipe emission-free, genuinely sporty, medium-large sedan, check out the EV6 GT-Line, it ticks the boxes.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

SPORT

WE’RE OFF AND RACING

Penrith to host Western Sydney Lakes Marathon and Nepean Triathlon in November NATHAN TAYLOR

Penrith will host the Western Sydney Lakes Marathon.

the running community. “When we first looked at Western Sydney Lakes, we knew we had found something special. It’s not necessarily a location people immediately associate with distance running, but once you’re there the beauty of the lakes, the open space and those incredible views are impossible to miss,” he said.

“We wanted to create an event that would surprise people – an event that felt like an escape from the city without actually leaving western Sydney. It’s a picture-perfect setting and we’re incredibly excited to share it with runners from western Sydney, NSW and beyond.” Taking place in late spring, all distances will feature early starts

to give runners the best possible conditions and help beat any potential springtime warmth. The early start will also allow participants to experience the lakes and surrounding landscape in the cool morning light, adding to the atmosphere of race morning. For western Sydney, this race represents more than just running.

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new marathon is coming to Penrith that’s set to showcase a very different side of the region. Hundreds of runners have already committed to race the inaugural Western Sydney Lakes Marathon, which will be held on Saturday, November 21. Formerly Run Western Sydney, the event takes runners along the picturesque lakeside setting of Western Sydney Lakes, including sections of the lakes and surrounding landscape that have never before been included as part of a running event. The result is a scenic and unexpected race experience, just moments from the heart of Penrith. Produced by Elite Energy, Western Sydney Lakes Marathon features five popular distances – the full marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km – with the 42.2km and 21.1km courses showcasing the stunning lakeside environment and surrounding natural landscape. For Elite Energy CEO Mark Emerton, securing the venue was an exciting opportunity to create something special and unique for

While creating an opportunity for the broader community to benefit from a major new local sporting event, it will also bring athletes, supporters, families and visitors together to experience a unique local destination. “We can’t wait to welcome runners to Western Sydney Lakes for the inaugural Western Sydney Lakes Marathon, and to see participants and spectators enjoy our trails, lakes and beaches themselves,” General Manager of Western Sydney Lakes, Andrew Bondini said. “It’s a real privilege to keep building on this site’s sporting legacy, from hosting rowing, canoeing and whitewater at the Sydney 2000 Olympics to now welcoming the next generation of runners, as we build on the site’s transformation into one of western Sydney’s great recreational destinations.” The November weekend will also see the return of the iconic Nepean Triathlon on Sunday, November 22. Western Sydney Lakes Marathon entries are open and available across all five distances. For more information and to enter, visit www.eliteenergy.com. au/event/western-sydney-lakesmara.

the western weekender » Thursday, October 1, 2026

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Wanderers offer hope to fans FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have continued their strong pre-season form with a convincing 5-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners at Wanderers Football Park last Saturday. Playing in sweltering western Sydney conditions, the Wanderers dominated from the outset, using an aggressive press to keep the Mariners under constant pressure. Alex Gersbach opened the scoring after the first half drinks break before Miguel Di Pizio doubled the advantage with a well-worked team move. Angus Thurgate added a third before half-time. The Wanderers continued their attacking display after the break, with Aydan Hammond and Awan Lual finding the net to make it 5-0. Central Coast scored a late consolation through Ali Auglah, but the Wanderers comfortably closed out the match. The result follows recent wins over Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC. FOOTBALL: Western Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed the signing of defender Sofia Palywoda for the upcoming A-League Women season. Palywoda joins the Wanderers following an impressive campaign with Box Hill United FC, where she captained the side to the Victorian NPL Women’s minor premiership and helped lead the team through to the Grand Final. Despite her young age, Palywoda has already established herself as a leader at senior level, playing an important role at the heart of the Box Hill defence throughout a season that saw the club finish on top of the table and progress all the way to the competition decider. The versatile defender has continued to build her experience through the NPL system, demonstrating composure, competitiveness and an ability to perform in high-pressure environments. Western Sydney Wanderers A-League Women head coach Geoff Abrahams said Palywoda’s leadership and development at senior level made her an exciting addition to the squad. “Sofia has built a really strong foundation through the NPL system and has shown she can perform when the pressure is on,” he said. “To captain a team to a minor premiership and Grand Final at such a young age speaks volumes about her character, leadership and the trust that her teammates and coaches have in her. She is a versatile defender who competes well, reads the game strongly and has already taken on a lot of responsibility at senior level. We’re excited to give her the opportunity to take the next step in her career and see what she can bring to our environment this season.” AFLW: The GWS Giants have now lost six games on the trot, with their latest defeat

10. The Ducks will play the UTS Raiders in U18 flag football match and the Wollongong Mustangs in Men’s tackle football game. All fixtures will be played at Camperdown.

The Western Sydney Wanderers have enjoyed a positive pre-season.

coming last Sunday afternoon against Collingwood 34-25. Played in cold and windy conditions at Victoria Park, the Magpies enjoyed their first win of the season against the struggling Giants. Big off-season recruit Poppy Boltz suffered a nasty right leg injury in the clash, with the club expecting her to be out for an extended period. The Giants will continue to search for their second win when they tackle the Essendon Bombers this Saturday afternoon at Henson Park.

Nic Maddinson returns to Sydney Thunder. CRICKET: Left-handed power hitter Nic Maddinson has re-committed to the Sydney Thunder for BBL|16 following a resilient return to the game last year. Maddinson inspired cricket and sports fans across the nation last season after publicly detailing his battle with

cancer, which forced him away from the game. His courageous return to cricket, included a five-game debut season with Thunder highlighted by a match-winning 30 off 17 balls, in a 45-run partnership with Chris Green, to down the Melbourne Renegades. In 2026/27, Maddinson has stepped up his commitment to the game after taking on the NSW Blues Sheffield Shield Captain and is expected to be available for the full BBL|16 season. “I was really pleased to return last year to Thunder line-up,” Maddinson said. “Obviously the year before didn’t go to plan with missing the entire season, so I was really excited to play a role in that middle order.” Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said Maddinson’s return to the game last year was nothing short of inspiring. “We saw the impact he can have in the middle order, his experience in big moments and explosiveness is crucial to what we’re trying to build,” he said. “I personally see him as a leader in this group, we’ve seen his new captaincy with the NSW Blues in Sheffield Shield, and he’s one of the great human beings which is a big focus for Freddie and I when we’re building this team. We can’t wait to see him back this season!” GRIDIRON: The Nepean Ducks tackle football teams and U18 flag football had a bye in Round 2 of the Gridiron NSW competition. Following the October long weekend, all teams will return to the pitch in Round 3 on October

RUGBY LEAGUE: 18 young rugby league players from Cambridge Park are preparing to take their game international, with the Cambridge Park Under 16 Division 1 team set to travel to Auckland, New Zealand, from October 1 to 6. Coordinated through Cambridge Park Representative Sports Inc, the tour will give the local players the opportunity to represent their community on an international stage while experiencing rugby league, Māori culture and life in New Zealand. The team will be hosted by Auckland Rugby League, which is assisting with the organisation of local fixtures. During their visit, the boys are expected to take on an Auckland representative team as well as a Warriors development team. For some players, the trip will be their first overseas experience. For others, it will provide an opportunity to reconnect with family, culture and heritage in New Zealand. The tour has also become a major community effort, with players, families and volunteers working together to raise funds and secure sponsorship to help make the trip possible. Local businesses and community members have already thrown their support behind the team, with fundraising continuing to help cover the costs of taking the young players overseas. For the players and their families, the tour represents more than just rugby league – it is an opportunity to build lasting memories, strengthen community connections and proudly represent Cambridge Park on the international stage. The team is continuing to welcome community support and sponsorship ahead of the tour.

Local footy players New Zealand-bound.

THREE WIDE NO COVER: YOUR NEXT BET The boys have scoured the form guide and come up with their best tips for Saturday racing… @threewide_nocover

Randwick R6 #1 BANGKOK HOTTIE Found the speed and went on with it to win impressively in her last couple. I think she’ll do the same here in a small field and be too strong for them late.

1. Bangkok Hottie (3) J: Kerrin Mc Evoy T: David Payne W: 56.00kg

Eagle Farm R9 #1 STEADY READY

Randwick R9 #10 TEMPTED

Forgive last start when it was out of it’s depth and up against possibly Australia’s best sprinter in Tempted. Faded from on speed there, but now back to QLD and is a trk/dis specialist. Always runs better when 2nd up and will be in this for a long way. Gets the 3kg claimer to help and a good apprentice onboard. Should go close and worth an e/way play.

Classy mare and probably our only chance against Ka Ying Rising in a few weeks. Was great in the Concorde last run and 1200 will suit her even better.

1. Steady Ready (7) J: Emily Pozman (a3) T: Tony & Maddysen W: 57.00kg

10. Tempted (11) J: Chad Schofield T: C Maher W: 56.50kg

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Thursday, October 1, 2026 « the western weekender

SPORT

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PANTHERS TAKE TIMEOUT NATHAN TAYLOR

op-flight basketball in Penrith will take a break next year. It was announced on Tuesday afternoon that Basketball NSW (BNSW) and the Penrith & District Basketball Association (PDBA) have agreed in principle to pause the Penrith Panthers’ participation in the NBL1 East competition for one season, with a commitment to return in 2028. PDBA says the season off will provide the association with the opportunity to focus on strengthening the long-term future of the Panthers program while continuing to provide representative and senior playing opportunities for athletes across the Penrith region. “This was not a decision the Board took lightly,” PDBA President, Kurt Watts said. “Our players, coaches, staff and supporters gave a great deal in 2026 in far from ideal circumstances, and we’re grateful to every one of them. “We want the Panthers back in NBL1 East, playing in front of a home crowd in Penrith.” To ensure opportunities remain

Penrith in action on the court.

available for local basketballers, the Panthers will field men’s and women’s teams in the 2027 Waratah League competition. Importantly, home matches will be played in Penrith, maintaining a senior pathway for local basketballers while the association prepares for its return to NBL1 East. “Details regarding trials and registrations will be released shortly and we encourage local players to continue their basketball journey with the Panthers,” Watts said. BNSW Interim CEO David Simpson said the decision was supported by the game’s governing body. “The Penrith Panthers have a proud history of developing talented basketballers and contributing to the growth of the game in western Sydney,” he said. “While the challenges associated with securing a suitable long-term home venue have created some short-term obstacles, we fully support PDBA’s decision to consolidate and build for the future. “We look forward to welcoming the Panthers back.”

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