Western Weekender September 3 2026 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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the western Thursday, September 3, 2026

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Awesome prizes to be won every week! Pages 10-11

BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS: EXTRA TIME – SEE CENTRE PULL-OUT

NIGHT TO REMEMBER St Dominic’s College Principal Natalie Devenish and OnePointHealth’s Chris Farrugia. Photo: Melinda Jane.

A men’s health event that started with just a few dozen attendees five years ago has outgrown its original venue and is heading to St Dominic’s College. OnePointHealth’s Boys Night In 2026 is set to be the biggest and most attended yet. Keely Marsh reports on Page 20

JETSTAR LANDS AT WSI Practice makes perfect: Page 15

REAL FESTIVAL RETURNS Penrith’s best event: Page 16

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VALE JIM MASON Community stalwart dies: Page 2

LOCAL NEWS

Gidget Foundation expands support service to Penrith

Vale Jim Mason: Loss of local icon TROY DODDS

Jessica Galivan and Lauren Adams. Photo: Melinda Jane.

KEELY MARSH

idget House has officially landed in Penrith. Penrith families now have greater access to free, face-to-face perinatal mental health support with the official opening of the service in the heart of the community, located on High Street in Blooms the Chemist. The new service marks another step in Gidget Australia’s expansion across western Sydney, providing families with access to professional support five days a week at no out-of-pocket cost. The opening comes as Penrith continues to grow, with increasing numbers of young families calling the area home. For local Jessica Galivan, who previously accessed Gidget’s services virtually, the new space represents the support she wished had been available locally when she became a mother. “I was the first out of my friends to have a kid, so I kind of had no idea, and it sort of hit me like a truck,” Galivan said, describing the mental health challenges that came with pregnancy and early parenthood.

Now, she says having a dedicated space in Penrith is a “game changer”. “It was beautiful, such a warm space,” Galivan said. “A lot of people have never heard of Gidget before, so I think it’s important now that it’s here.” Gidget Foundation Australia is now in its 25th year and operates 48 Gidget Houses nationally including 31 across NSW and 17 in regional areas. The not-for-profit has provided almost 140,000 free appointments to families. The Penrith house will also provide opportunities for collaboration and outreach, including working alongside local organisations such as Blooms the Chemist. Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson described the new space as one of the “most special and calming places”, while emphasising the many mental and physical challenges that accompany parenthood. For Penrith families navigating one of life’s most challenging and transformative periods, the message is simple: support is now closer to home. For details, visit www.gidgetfoundation. org.au/support/gidget-house.

im Mason OAM, who had a 45-year career in local government and worked tirelessly on the famed Penrith Show, has died. The community stalwart was 84. Mason lived in Penrith for more than 80 years and became an active and beloved member of the community. He is perhaps best known for his work with the Penrith District A H & I Society and therefore the Penrith Show and Penrith Paceway. He joined the Penrith District A H & I Society in 1980 and served on the Committee for 34 years before retiring in 2014. He served as both Director and Treasurer during that time.

Mason was extremely passionate about the Penrith Show and the Penrith Paceway, and was a strong advocate for both. “It is especially poignant that Jim’s passing came as the gates closed on this year’s Penrith Show – an event to which he had given so much of himself over many years – and only days after celebrating his 84th birthday,” Penrith District A H & I Society said in a statement. “Our deepest sympathies are extended to Jim’s wife Julia, his children Cameron and Stephanie, his friends and all those fortunate enough to have known him.” Mason had a long and distinguished career in local government, commencing work with Penrith City Council in 1960.” He was honoured with an

Jim Mason at Penrith Paceway with Penrith MP Karen McKeown. Photo: Penrith City Council.

Have Your Say

The opening of the new op shop.

ʵ˥˔˗Ѓ˘˟˗ ʶ˜˧ˬ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˛ˢˠ˘ ˧ˢ ˙˨˧˨˥˘ ˚˘ˡ˘˥˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˙ ˊ˘˦˧˘˥ˡ ˆˬ˗ˡ˘ˬϠ˦ ˗˜˩˘˥˦˘ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬʡ ˊ˘ ˪˔ˡ˧ ˬˢ˨˥ ˜˗˘˔˦ ˧ˢ ˦˛˔ˣ˘ ʴ˨˦˧˥˔˟˜˔Ϡ˦ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˡ˘˪ ˖˜˧ˬ ˜ˡ ʤʣʣ ˬ˘˔˥˦ʔ ˪˪˪ʡ˛˔˩˘ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬʡˡ˦˪ʡ˚ˢ˩ʡ˔˨ʢ˕˥˔˗Ѓ˘˟˗ʠˡ˔ˠ˜ˡ˚

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

OAM in 2002, something of which he was very proud. Mason was a Life Member and Foundation Club President at the Penrith Emus, which on Monday said it was “deeply saddened” by his passing. “Jim played an important part in the foundation and history of our club, and his contribution will always be remembered,” the club said in a statement. Former Penrith Mayor Greg Davies said he was a “true gentleman”. In 2020, he was honoured for 50 years of service as a Justice of the Peace. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who was interested in their local community and who took the trouble to become involved in the local community and try to preserve the history of the local community,” Mason told the Weekender’s ‘On The Record’ podcast in 2022.

New op shop for St Marys

Artist’s impression

Help name Central Park, roads and places ˜ˡ ʵ˥˔˗Ѓ˘˟˗ ʶ˜˧ˬ

Jim Mason. Photo: Penrith City Council.

Cancer Wellness Support has opened its new Op Shop at 170 Queen Street, St Marys. Deputy Premier Prue Car and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney helped declare the new store open. CEO Deborah Shepherd said the ambition was for St Marys to become a great Op Shop in its own right – offering good-quality pre-loved fashion, homewares and lifestyle pieces – while giving every purchase a greater purpose. “We want people to come because they love the store and what they can find here,” Shepherd said. It is the organisation’s third local op shop.

LOCAL NEWS

Local venues get proactive on tackling cocaine use

Tributes after passing of tireless community advocate EMILY CHATE

The launch of Every Line’s A Risk at Penrith RSL recently.

EMILY CHATE

he Nepean Liquor Accord has launched a new anti-cocaine campaign in licensed venues across the region, with ‘Every Line’s A Risk’ visuals everywhere from the back of toilet doors to video screens. The campaign was launched to member venues recently at Penrith RSL to consolidate the approach across the area. The campaign has been designed around three risks that the Nepean Liquor Accord believe patrons rarely weigh up in the moment: being identified by venue staff, detection by police and a criminal record, and the health harm of a substance whose contents can’t be verified. Nepean Liquor Accord Chairman David Want presented the campaign to members at the launch and explained why the Accord has chosen to champion this cause. “Cocaine use has crept into the night-out

routine for a lot of young people, and our venues are where it plays out,” Want said. “We have a responsibility to the people who walk through our doors, and turning a blind eye isn’t an option.” The Nepean Liquor Accord’s decision to lead the campaign reflects their view that venues are uniquely placed to shift behaviour – rather than waiting for the problem to be addressed elsewhere, member venues will display coordinated materials that present a consistent message across the region. The campaign is aimed to confront the growing use of cocaine among venue patrons aged 18 to 25. The campaign targets younger patrons deliberately because the Nepean Liquor Accord believe that habits are harder to reverse once established, and reaching people early offers better outcomes. ‘Every Line’s A Risk’ has now been rolled out across member venues with posters, educational flyers and social media.

beloved local has peacefully passed away, aged 101-years-old. Mavis Reynolds was recognised last week in Council Chambers for her community contributions across Penrith and Australia. Born in 1925 Reynolds was the youngest of five and would go on to be the first in her family to attend university. Reynolds spent 36 years as a home economics teacher in NSW high schools. After she retired, she became the first full-time Coordinator of Volunteers at the then Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. In the early 1980s Reynolds co-founded the Volunteer Centre in South Australia with Joy Noble, which has now been expanded to include the Northern Territory. In 1984 she returned to Penrith where she founded the Disability Resource Centre, the Penrith Volunteer Resource Centre, and the Foundation for Creative Enterprise Incorporated.

Co founders of the Volunteer Centre of South Australia Mavis Reynolds and Joy Noble.

She would also go on to start the Creative Embroiders of Penrith Valley Group. Reynolds authored and worked with Council to publish a book titled Not Just Stitches, that is available to borrow in Penrith Library and is also held at the State Library of NSW. In 2001, she received Council’s Wall of Achievement Award and in 2002 received an OAM for her extensive

service to the local community. Longtime Penrith Councillors Ross Fowler and John Thain spoke highly of Reynolds and her contribution to the community. “She certainly has left a legacy to this city,” Fowler said. Reynolds is survived by her three daughters, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

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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

Banks, by-elections, books Big bank having a laugh I opened The Daily Telegraph on Monday and right there on Page 2 was a full page ad for ANZ Bank. Now we all know that banks have provided less and less customer service over the years, so I’m always intrigued when one of the big guys claims it’s doing something for the customer. “Get it sorted on Saturdays,” the ad screamed, excitedly promoting that “selected” ANZ branches would be open on Saturdays. How did we reach a point where this is groundbreaking news? A bank open on a Saturday? You mean, like they used to be not so long ago? Penrith isn’t one of these lucky branches. In fact, if you need to speak to a person in the flesh you’ll need to rock up between 9.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday. Schools are almost open longer hours. But this odd marketing – promoting the return of something they took away in the first place – actually got a bit weirder when I got to the fine print of the ad. “Over-the-counter transactions, including deposits, withdrawals and money transfers are unavailable on Saturdays.” Wait. Is ANZ sponsoring the Sydney Comedy Festival? They’ve taken a full page ad to promote that some, but certainly far from all, branches will be open on Saturdays. Except you can’t deposit your money, you can’t withdraw your money and you can’t sort out sending someone else money. Am I being pranked? These Saturday hours, by the way, are 9.30am to 1.30pm. I guess you don’t need to be open very long when you’re not offering much in the way of service to your customers anyway. A home loan appointment is about the best you’ll achieve, I guess. Modern technology means banks probably don’t need to be open on Saturdays, I get that. But spending big dollars on a full page ad in a major metropolitan newspaper to advertise

INDEX

Business Directory...................30-32 Extra Time.......................................33-48 Entertainment.............................49-58

Home & Lifestyle........................59-74 Motoring....................................................75 Sport.....................................................76-80

Formerly of Kingswood Devoted wife of Leslie (dec). Loving mother/mother-in-law of Brenda and Bill, Ian and Jo-Ann, and Phillip. Loved grandma and great grandma. Loved daughter of Mary and Bill (both dec). Loved sister/sister-in-law of Lionel (dec), Cherie & Vernon. Loved aunt of John and Catherine. Loved great aunt.

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

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

And I’m not sure they’ve quite figured out what to do. Their strategists are used to dealing with the Liberal Party, they know their opposition and they know who votes for them. It’s reasonably easy to mount a defence when you know the opposition so well. But One Nation? Labor has no idea how to counter it. Which is scary, because it likely means they’re oblivious to the issues that are sending Australians towards Pauline Hanson in the first place. Albanese reached a new low in the battle with One Nation at the weekend when he accused the party of bending the truth and spreading misinformation.

Dolly’s legacy will live on If you’ve known me or read the paper for long enough you’d know I’m a huge country music fan. Hank Williams lover. Merle Haggard lock. Certified Ella Fella. The loss of Dolly Parton was felt heavily across not only country music, but widely around the world last week. I dare say she may be one of the last major celebrities to be universally mourned with such love; popular culture is so much more segmented these days that there will never be another icon like Dolly. But it is away from music where Dolly Parton made an even bigger impact. Her Imagination Library in particular is something I’ve known personally; my daughter was a subscriber. For some five years a free book arrived every month under an international scheme backed by Dolly Parton. The concept was all about encouraging kids to read, about creating excitement around that book arriving each month. I can say first hand that the mission was accomplished. Many Imagination Library books have and still do form part of the nightly bedtime reading routine in our household. Dolly Parton was one-of-a-kind, and her legacy will likely never fade.

Nee Bernie ~ 29/10/1937 – 13/8/2026

Contact Tanya

“Labor is in trouble, and I’m not sure they’ve quite figured out what to do”

There’s a few people who would love to chat about Labor’s own record on such measures. Labor is trying to pitch One Nation as dangerous. As divisive. Albanese risks losing the electorate even further if he tries to sell the story that One Nation is the enemy of Australians. Indeed One Nation has done a terrific job pitching that they are a friend of Australian values, not a foe. Labor cannot change that messaging. But it can respond to it by accepting that there are serious lessons to be learned from the rise of One Nation at the moment. Rather than listen, it appears to have its fingers in its ears. That won’t end well.

THOMAS, Gwen

• Family and Community Services • Ageing and Disability • Fair Trading • Local Government • Land and Water Management • Primary Industries

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Under-estimate Pauline at your peril If Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan to fend off the rise of One Nation is to close his eyes and hope it goes away, he could be delivered a rude shock when Australians next go to the polls. One Nation’s success at the Secret Harbour by-election on Saturday, a seat previously held comfortably by Labor, is all the evidence Albanese should need that voters aren’t just talking, they’re taking action. Labor is in trouble.

News..........................................................1-24 Business.............................................25-26 Connection to Country.........27-29

HOW I CAN ASSIST YOU:

Shop 43, 155 Bennett Road St Clair NSW 2759

the fact you’ve opened a handful of branches on a day they used to be open anyway, but you won’t actually be able to do core transactions, is one of the more bizarre marketing plays I’ve seen this year.

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LOCAL NEWS

DEADLY LOVE TRIANGLE Jealous ex-boyfriend jailed until at least 2040 after killing man at St Clair in 2023 MORGAN REINWALD, AAP

man who went into a murderous rage after finding a love rival in bed with his ex-girlfriend will remain behind bars until at least 2040. Prince Fahnbulleh, 24, attended his former partner’s home in St Clair after their relationship ended to retrieve clothes she left outside for him in June 2023. He instead entered her home through a window and found Yohana Angok asleep in bed with her. Fahnbulleh ran to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and murdered Angok with a single stab to the heart, who had by that time awoken to the ruckus and attempted to defend himself with a pillow. “The killing was not planned or premeditated... the killing was a spontaneous, jealous response,” Supreme Court Justice Deborah Sweeney said on Thursday. “Angkok was 24 ... killed a day before his birthday ... a much loved son and brother to his nine siblings,” she said. “He was defenceless”. Fahnbulleh appeared in court via

Prince Fahnbulleh. Photo: AAP.

video link from prison where he has remained since his arrest days after the murder. The 27-year-old’s head remained down and shook from side to side as Justice Sweeney described his “obsessive jealousy”. It included texts Fahnbulleh sent

Angok days before the murder. “I’ll find you soon or later,” he messaged him alongside a picture of a handgun. “I’m not going to stop ‘til you get shot in your head think I’m playing,” Fahnbulleh wrote in another message to his soon-to-be victim.

During his murder trial in May, the jury heard from his friend Adrian Shillingsworth who dropped Fahnbulleh off at the home. The killer returned to the car two minutes later. “He just told me to drive”, Shillingsworth told the jury.

“I just saw blood and I was panicking,” he recalled. After dropping Fahnbulleh at home, Shillingsworth walked to the nearest police station and told officers what happened, electing not to drive because of bloodstains on his passenger seat, dashboard and roof lining. Fahnbulleh meanwhile fled to Canberra but his attempted escape failed. Police picked him up after he was involved in a minor car accident four days later and extradited him back to Sydney. The victim’s DNA was found on swabs taken from Shillingsworth’s Ford Falcon door, seatbelt buckle and sun visor. Fahnbulleh argued self-defence during the 10-day murder trial and claimed Angkok had a cheese knife on him. It did not convince the jury, which found him guilty after an hour of deliberations. Justice Sweeney handed him a head sentence of 23 years in jail, set to expire in June 2046 with time already served. He will be eligible for parole in June 2040.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

LAWandORDER Police Snapshot

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Legal Matters

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

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

Penrith: Woman arrested after giving fake name A woman has fronted court after running from police and then giving a fake name when they caught up with her in the Penrith CBD. At about 6.05pm on Friday, August 28 police were called to the taxi rank at Penrith Train Station because a man and woman were having an argument. Police arrived and found the couple who upon seeing police both ran from the area. Police soon found the 28-year-old Vale of Clwydd woman and her partner in Triangle Park. Both were spoken to but the 28-year-old gave police a fake name. Both were searched and inside the woman’s handbag police found a small container containing cannabis and a glass pipe. As police were searching the 28-year-old’s bag she admitted that she had given police a fake name and then gave her correct name, which they confirmed using the identification in her handbag. The 28-year-old was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where she was charged. She appeared in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, September 1.

Penrith: Military style man arrested after attempted home invasion Police have had to use force to arrest a man behaving strangely in Penrith late last week. At 12.05am on Friday, August 28 police received an urgent call to an address on Brown Street in Penrith. It is alleged a man appeared out of nowhere when the resident got home. The man stood on the driveway holding a large kitchen knife and wearing black clothing and a balaclava. Moments later, police arrived and found the man pushing a trolley while wearing a black hooded jumper, camo style long pants, and a face covering with multiple bags strapped around his body. The man had the general appearance of a military soldier. Police challenged the man and gave him multiple commands to get on the ground, but he did not do so. Police drew their firearms and again told the man to get on the ground. Further police arrived at the scene, and they drew a taser and again asked the man to get on the ground. An arc warning was deployed from the

taser and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray was deployed but had no effect. Police then used strong physical force and took the man to the ground. A short wrestle ensued between the man and police before handcuffs were successfully placed on him. The man was searched with police finding a knife, helmet, knee pads, and three ballistic style vests. A further search of the man’s property revealed more knives, multitools, hammers, screwdrivers, a brown leather chest holder for a firearm, face chainmail, and a blue pump action water gun. The man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where his fingerprints were taken. The man was revealed to be a 49-year-old from Doonside. Checks revealed the 49-year-old was wanted on other matters. He was charged with 17 offences. He was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on a later date.

St Marys: Man found carrying gel blaster arrested A man has been charged after being caught with allegedly stolen items. At 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 26 police were called to an address in Putland Street in St Marys in relation to a man walking up and down the driveway, approaching the garage, and crouching down behind a Mercedes that was parked at the end of the driveway. The man was not known to the address. Police arrived at the home and found the man who was slurring while speaking and was no making sense. The man was asked for his details, but he became argumentative. Police could see the man was in possession of an expensive mountain bike. The man was again asked for his details, but he refused. The man was told he was under arrest and asked to put his hands out to be handcuffed but the man refused and continued to be argumentative. The man was taken to the ground by police and handcuffed. The man was searched with police finding several items they believed to be stolen. Police also found a black Glock style firearm believed to be a gel blaster in the man’s backpack. The man was taken to St Marys Police Station where he was identified as a 43-yearold North St Marys man. The 43-year-old was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, September 11.

Generations of Trust.

WHAT’S A “PUT AND CALL OPTION”? A put and call option allows a landowner and a proposed purchaser to agree on a future sale without immediately entering into a contract for sale. The purchaser’s “call option” gives the purchaser the right to require the landowner to sell. The landowner’s “put option” gives the landowner the right to require the purchaser to buy. Usually, the purchaser has the first opportunity to exercise the call option. If it does not, the landowner may then be able to exercise the put option. The option deed and the contract for sale are separate documents. The option deed sets out how and when the options may be exercised, the option fee, the purchase price and any rights the purchaser has during the option period. For example, it may allow the purchaser to inspect the land, carry out investigations or apply for development approval. A copy of the agreed contract for sale is usually attached to the option deed. Signing the option deed does not mean the land has been sold. The contract for sale comes into existence only when the call or put option is properly exercised. The option must be exercised within the required time

and in the exact way stated in the deed. Once exercised, the contract becomes binding and the parties must proceed to settlement in accordance with its terms. Purchasers often use options to secure a property while deciding whether the purchase is suitable. The option period can give the purchaser time to carry out due diligence, seek development approval, arrange finance, secure nearby properties and things like that. Options are often used in relation to land that is being sold for future development. The purchaser pays an option fee to essentially take the property off the market while the purchaser works out what parts of the land it can develop, where the roads should go, what size each lot in the subdivision should be and ultimately determine if they think the development is commercially viable before locking into the deal. Usually, the option fee is released to the seller and not refundable even if the purchaser does not exercise their option. Options are very common, but also very technical in nature. If you are considering buying or selling pursuant to an option, you need expert advice from an experienced property law lawyer.

WOMAN THROWS ICE PIPE AT POLICE DURING DRAMATIC PENRITH ARREST A woman will front court today in Sydney after an incident in Penrith last weekend in which a police officer was allegedly assaulted. At 11.50pm on Saturday, August 29 police were called to a premises on Henry Street in Penrith in response to a disturbance. Police arrived and saw a 42-year-old homeless woman searching through a bin before getting into a car quickly. Upon seeing police, the 42-year-old locked the doors of the car and wound up the windows. Police then spoke with a nearby man who gave them the 42-year-old’s details. Police then checked the 42-year-old’s details and saw that she had three outstanding warrants. The woman was told she was under arrest and was asked to get out of the car, but she refused. Police were eventually able to get one of the

doors open and again told the woman to get out of the car. The 42-year-old refused to get out of the car and police took hold of one of her arms, but she resisted and began to flail her arms around. During the struggle, the 42-year-old struck a police officer. The woman continued to resist arrest and threw an ice pipe at an officer. Additional officers attended the scene, and the 42-year-old was removed from the car and arrested. She was bail refused and will appear in the Downing Centre Local Court today. Want more local police news as it happens? Follow us on Facebook, X or BlueSky, and make sure you download The Western Weekender app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Visit us online at www.westernweekender.com.au.

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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PROPOSED REGENTVILLE BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (BESS) Castle Group is proposing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near the existing Regentville Transgrid Substation on Mulgoa Road.

Penrith

The project is in the early stages of preliminary planning. No development application has been lodged, and no planning approval has been granted. WHY IS THIS LOCATION BEING INVESTIGATED? Located beside existing Transgrid infrastructure, the ƪƭƆƪƆƵĲīɥ§ĲŋĲźǁǡŗůůĲɥ ćǁǁĲƭǨɥƆșĲƭƵɥćɥƵǁƭćǁĲŋŗĤćůůǨɥ positioned opportunity to strengthen Western Sydney’s electricity grid, support the energy transition from coal to renewables, improve energy security, and help deliver reliable power for our growing communities. Early site investigations are underway, including areas ƵǉĤŒɥćƵɥģŗƆīŗǡĲƭƵŗǁǨɪɥȟƆƆīŗźŋɪɥģǉƵŒȞƭĲɪɥ ģƆƭŗŋŗźćůɥ ĤǉůǁǉƭćůɥŒĲƭŗǁćŋĲɪɥǁƭćȚĤɥćźīɥźƆŗƵĲɪɥćźīɥǡŗƵǉćůɥŗŸƪćĤǁƵɥ to help inform early project design, including where infrastructure could be located and what should be included in any future planning application.

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Regentville Substation Roads Existing High Voltage Transmission Line

568-612 Mulgoa Rd No batteries placed here

WHAT WE KNOW TODAY Based on investigations completed to date, the current area being considered seeks to avoid: ȧɩɥ ɥůćźīɥŗīĲźǁŗȞĲīɥćƵɥȟƆƆīɥćșĲĤǁĲīɥƆƭɥǢŗǁŒŗźɥɥǁŒĲɥ ŸćƪƪĲīɥȟƆƆīɥƪůćźźŗźŋɥćƭĲć 2. land zoned Environmental Conservation These matters will continue to be tested and ĤƆźȞƭŸĲīɥǁŒƭƆǉŋŒɥǁŒĲɥīĲǁćŗůĲīɥǁĲĤŒźŗĤćůɥćƵƵĲƵƵŸĲźǁɥ and NSW planning process.

Regentville Substation

Temporary Site

Developable Site

629-653 Mulgoa Rd No batteries within land zoned Environmental Conservation within Developable Site Glenmore Valley Heritage Golf Course

YOUR QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK MATTER We are engaging with the community before lodging any planning application. This means your questions and feedback can help inform the investigations and development of the proposal.

Western Sydney International Airport

Scan the QR code or call 1800 024 871 to stay informed about the latest project information or to contact the project team. RegentvilleBESS@castlegroup.com.au WW59389

castlegroup.com.au

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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

Council Briefs Have your say on the Draft Our River Plan 2026–46 Penrith City Council has developed a long-term plan for the Nepean River corridor to help guide planning, advocacy, partnerships and investment over the next 20 years. Informed by community feedback, the Draft Our River Plan ʥʣʥʩϝʧʩ ˥˘Є˘˖˧˦ ˪˛˔˧ ˣ˘ˢˣ˟˘ ˩˔˟˨˘ ˠˢ˦˧ ϝ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˧ˢ ˡ˔˧˨˥˘ʟ ˕˘˧˧˘˥ ˖ˢˡˡ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ʟ ˡ˘˪ ˘˫ˣ˘˥˜˘ˡ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˣ˥ˢ˧˘˖˧˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˥˜˩˘˥Ϡ˦ unique landscapes and character. The draft plan is on public exhibition until Sunday 20 September 2026. Learn more and provide feedback at Your Say Penrith or visit the activation at Real Festival from 11–13 September 2026. Learn more at ˬˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨ʢˢ˨˥ʠ˥˜˩˘˥ʠˣ˟˔ˡ

Magnetic Places: The Art of Law Workshop ʷˢ ˬˢ˨ ˞ˡˢ˪ ˬˢ˨˥ ˥˜˚˛˧˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˢ˕˟˜˚˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˔˦ ˔ ˚˥˔ˡ˧ ˥˘˖˜ˣ˜˘ˡ˧ʲ

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

Meeting Dates Monday 14 September – 7pm (Policy & Strategy Committee Meeting) Monday 21 September – 7pm (Ordinary Council Meeting) Online via ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

penrithcouncil penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˃˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟˦ ˙ˢ˥ ʴ˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˃˘˥ˠ˜˧˧˘˗ ʿ˔ˡ˗ ˈ˦˘ ʠ ʸ˫˛˜˕˜˧˜ˢˡ ˉ˜˟˟˔˚˘ ϝ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˆ˧˔˚˘ ʦ ʛˇ˪ˢ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ʜ

ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˜ˡ˩˜˧˘˦ ˬˢ˨ ˧ˢ ˩˜˘˪ ˔ˡ˗ ˣ˥ˢ˩˜˗˘ ˙˘˘˗˕˔˖˞ ˢˡ ˧˪ˢ ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˃˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟˦ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔ˡ˗ ˪˜˧˛˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˆ˧˔˚˘ ʦ ˈ˥˕˔ˡ Release area. The Planning Proposals seek to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (PLEP 2010) to enable the land use 'Exhibition Village' ˔˦ ˔ˡ ˔˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˣ˘˥ˠ˜˧˧˘˗ ˨˦˘ ˔˧ ˧˪ˢ ˦˘ˣ˔˥˔˧˘ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ʟ ˕ˢ˧˛ ˭ˢˡ˘˗ ˅ʥ ʿˢ˪ ʷ˘ˡ˦˜˧ˬ ˅˘˦˜˗˘ˡ˧˜˔˟ʟ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ʺ˟˘ˡˠˢ˥˘ ˃˔˥˞ ˆ˧˔˚˘ ʦ Urban Release area. The Planning Proposals relate to the ˙ˢ˟˟ˢ˪˜ˡ˚ ˦˜˧˘˦ʭ • ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˃˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ ˃˃ʠʥʣʥʩʠʪʣʨ ˜˦ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˘˗ ˔˧ʭ 2183 The Northern Road, Mulgoa (Part of Lot 5001 DP 1312559). • ˃˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˃˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ ˃˃ʠʥʣʥʩʠʩʨʩ ˜˦ ˟ˢ˖˔˧˘˗ ˔˧ʭ 2337 The Northern Road and 35–53 Chain-O-Ponds Road Mulgoa (Lot 2 DP 1240361 and Lot 30 DP 244610).

Learn more about copyright, contracts, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, Moral Rights and co-authorship practices ˪˜˧˛ ˢ˨˥ ˀ˔˚ˡ˘˧˜˖ ˃˟˔˖˘˦ʭ ˇ˛˘ ʴ˥˧ ˢ˙ ʿ˔˪ ˊˢ˥˞˦˛ˢˣ ˢˡ ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ 17 September from 6–9pm at Penrith Civic Centre.

The Planning Proposals and supporting information are on public exhibition from Thursday 3 September 2026 to Thursday ʤ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʩ ˔ˡ˗ ˖˔ˡ ˕˘ ˩˜˘˪˘˗ʭ

RSVP at ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢ˘˩˘ˡ˧˦

• ʼˡ ˣ˘˥˦ˢˡʭ at Penrith Civic Centre, Penrith Library and St Marys Library during normal business hours.

FOGO in Businesses Program

ˊ˥˜˧˧˘ˡ ˦˨˕ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ˦ ˠ˔ˬ ˕˘ ˠ˔˗˘ ˧ˢ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˩˜˔ʭ

ʹˢˢ˗ ˢ˥˚˔ˡ˜˖˦ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ˜˦ ˡˢ˪ ˔ ˥˘ˤ˨˜˥˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˠ˔ˡˬ ˁˆˊ businesses in 2026. ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ ʶ˜˧ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʟ ˪˜˧˛ ˙˨ˡ˗˜ˡ˚ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ˙˥ˢˠ ˧˛˘ ˁˆˊ ʸ˃ʴʟ ˜˦ supporting local businesses through the FOGO program, a free initiative designed to prepare businesses for these changes and ˛˘˟ˣ ˗˜˩˘˥˧ ˩˔˟˨˔˕˟˘ ˥˘˦ˢ˨˥˖˘˦ ˙˥ˢˠ ˟˔ˡ˗Ѓ˟˟ʟ ˜ˠˣ˥ˢ˩˘ ˘˙Ѓ˖˜˘ˡ˖ˬ ˔ˡ˗ ˟ˢ˪˘˥ ˢˣ˘˥˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˖ˢ˦˧˦ʡ Under the NSW FOGO Business mandate, relevant businesses ˔˥˘ ˡˢ˪ ˥˘ˤ˨˜˥˘˗ ˧ˢʭ • ˆ˘ˣ˔˥˔˧˘ ˙ˢˢ˗ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˙˥ˢˠ ˚˘ˡ˘˥˔˟ ˪˔˦˧˘ʟ • ʻ˔˩˘ ˔ ʹ˂ʺ˂ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘ ˙˥ˢˠ ʤ ʽ˨˟ˬ ʥʣʥʩʡ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ ˪ˢ˨˟˗ ˟˜˞˘ ˧ˢ ˛˘˟ˣ ˪˜˧˛ ˬˢ˨˥ ˧˥˔ˡ˦˜˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ FOGO and support your business in every step of ˧˛˘ ˪˔ˬ ˧˛˥ˢ˨˚˛ʭ • ʼˡʠˣ˘˥˦ˢˡ ˔ˡ˗ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˪ˢ˥˞˦˛ˢˣ˦ • ˂ˡʠ˦˜˧˘ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˔˦˦˘˦˦ˠ˘ˡ˧˦

penrith.city.council

Public Exhibition

ˇˢ ˥˘˚˜˦˧˘˥ ˬˢ˨˥ ˜ˡ˧˘˥˘˦˧ ˢ˥ Ѓˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˜ˡ˙ˢ˥ˠ˔˧˜ˢˡ ˩˜˦˜˧ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢʹ˂ʺ˂˜ˡ˕˨˦˜ˡ˘˦˦˘˦ Brought to you by the NSW Government through the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

• Online: yˢ˨˥˦˔ˬˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖ˢˠʡ˔˨

• ʸˠ˔˜˟ʭ ˖˜˧ˬʡˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ • Post: The General Manager (Attention City Planning) Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday 1 October ʥʣʥʩʡ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˘ ˧˛˘ ˦˨˕˝˘˖˧ ˟˜ˡ˘ ˧˛˘ ˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ ˣ˥ˢˣˢ˦˔˟ number relevant to your submission. ʹˢ˥ ˔˟˟ ˘ˡˤ˨˜˥˜˘˦ʭ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˖ˢˡ˧˔˖˧ ʹ˔˧˛˜ˠ˔ ˆ˛˔˝˔˥ʟ ˃˟˔ˡˡ˘˥ ˢˡ 4732 7839 or ˖˜˧ˬʡˣ˟˔ˡˡ˜ˡ˚ʳˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ

Development Applications ˇ˛˘ ˙ˢ˟˟ˢ˪˜ˡ˚ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ʴˣˣ˟˜˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˛˔˩˘ ˕˘˘ˡ ˥˘˖˘˜˩˘˗ ˕ˬ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʭ • Era Polymers

Mod26/0149

ˆ˃ ʪʥʩʨʬʟ ʬϝʤʨ ʾˢˠˠ˘˥ ˃˟˔˖˘ʟ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦ ˀˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ʷʴʣʬʢʣʪʧʬ ˧ˢ ˥˘ˠˢ˩˘ ʶˢˡ˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ʧ ϝ ʴ˟˟ ˠ˔˧˘˥˜˔˟˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˚ˢˢ˗˦ ˔˦˦ˢ˖˜˔˧˘˗ ˪˜˧˛ ˧˛˘ ˨˦˘ ˦˛˔˟˟ ˕˘ ˖ˢˡ˧˔˜ˡ˘˗ ˪˜˧˛˜ˡ the building at all times ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ʭ ˆ˔ˠ˨˘˟ ʻ˔˪˧˛ˢ˥ˡ˘ ˢˡ ʧʪʦʥ ʪʧʬʪ ʶ˟ˢ˦˜ˡ˚ ʷ˔˧˘ʭ ˇ˨˘˦˗˔ˬ ʩ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʩ • Samos Polymers Pty Ltd

DA26/0694

Twilight Tunes this week!

ˆ˃ ʪʥʩʨʬʟ ʬϝʤʨ ʾˢˠˠ˘˥ ˃˟˔˖˘ʟ ˆ˧ ˀ˔˥ˬ˦

ʽˢ˜ˡ ˨˦ ˜ˡ ˀ˘ˠˢ˥ˬ ˃˔˥˞ ˘˩˘˥ˬ ˇ˛˨˥˦˗˔ˬ ˧˛˜˦ ˠˢˡ˧˛ ˙˥ˢˠ ʨϝʫˣˠʡ With a stellar lineup of local artists and lots of dining options to ˦˔˩ˢ˨˥ʟ ˇ˪˜˟˜˚˛˧ ˇ˨ˡ˘˦ ˜˦ ˧˛˘ ˣ˘˥˙˘˖˧ ˪˔ˬ ˧ˢ ˘ˡ˝ˢˬ ˚˥˘˔˧ ˙ˢˢ˗ʟ great music and great company right in the heart of Penrith.

ʶˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ˔ˡ ˔˪ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ˟ˢ˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ˡ˗ ˨ˡ˟ˢ˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˢ˙ goods and materials (including dangerous goods) ʶˢˡ˧˔˖˧ʭ ˆ˔ˠ˨˘˟ ʻ˔˪˧˛ˢ˥ˡ˘ ˢˡ ʧʪʦʥ ʪʧʬʪ ʶ˟ˢ˦˜ˡ˚ ʷ˔˧˘ʭ ˇ˨˘˦˗˔ˬ ʩ ˂˖˧ˢ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʩ

ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ WW59405

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Deal an endorsement of “momentum of Penrith”

Integrated Developments Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. • The Trustee for Legpro Orchard Hills Unit Trust

DA26/0752

(Lot 35 DP 1344) 91–97 Castle Road, Orchard Hills (Lot 40 DP 1344) 133–139 Castle Road, Orchard Hills (Lot 21 DP 1304679) 25 Ulm Road, Orchard Hills (Lot 12 DP 1309130) 146a Caddens Road, Orchard Hills (Lot 2072 DP 1306996) 2 Ironwood Drive, Orchard Hills Works, including civil and stormwater works, recreational areas, and landscaping to embellish the Werrington Creek Riparian Corridor to create a Linear Park (Open Space 5) in Orchard Hills North The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith Local Planning Panel. The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the Development Coordination Authority under Section 91 of the 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 penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from 7 September 2026 to 4 October 2026.

Brookfield’s Tom Fekete, Bruce Baudinet from Precinct Capital, Penrith MP Karen McKeown, Precinct’s Dylan Baudinet and Matt Hawkins from FDC.

EMILY CHATE

n overseas real estate company has invested millions into Nepean Business Park, acquiring an industrial asset in the heart of Penrith. New York-based Brookfield Properties has made a $200 million investment into Precinct Capital’s commercial and industrial precinct located on the 49-hectare former quarry site adjacent to the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Brookfield will acquire a multi-tenant industrial asset spanning several buildings on a seven-hectare portion of the site, located less than two kilometres from the Penrith CBD. Brookfield’s Thomas Fekete said Nepean Business Park’s location in the heart of western Sydney was a key feature in his company’s selection of the site. “E-commerce growth, increasingly complex supply chains, and higher customer expectations are driving demand for modern, well-located warehousing facilities,” Fekete said. “Facilities like Nepean Business Park that combine commercial and industrial facilities are supported by resilient demand and strong long-term performance.” The initial stages of Nepean Business Park have been built during the first half of 2026. Progress so far at Nepean Business Park includes the completion of the first four

stages of the project, and the development will see Penrith’s Great River Walk extended further north to Western Sydney Lakes. Construction of this section of the Great River Walk will connect the Penrith CBD to Western Sydney Lakes via a walking and cycling path. Upon completion Nepean Business Park will contribute $500 million annually to Penrith’s economy and create thousands of new permanent local jobs. Precinct Capital Chair Bruce Baudinet was proud to see Brookfield investing in western Sydney. “We have always believed in Penrith and that this region would emerge as a key hub for Sydney in tandem with the new Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis,” Baudinet said. “That a global firm with almost $400 billion of property in its portfolio has made this investment is an endorsement of the momentum of Penrith and the Nepean Business Park. “It’s an endorsement of the NSW Government’s dedication to the west reaching its potential and Penrith City Council’s custodianship of Penrith’s evolving community.” Precinct and Brookfield have selected ASX-listed FDC Construction and Fitout Group to build the facility, with site preparation underway ahead of construction commencement later this month.

Prime Penrith CBD land heads to auction next month TROY DODDS

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Hannah Vousden on 4732 7646. • Bianka Saba

Mod26/0055

(Lot 7 DP 17231) 39–51 Devlin Road, Castlereagh ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʨ ʛʤ˔ʜ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˧ˢ ˔ ˇˢ˥˥˘ˡ˦ ˧˜˧˟˘ ˆ˨˕˗˜˩˜˦˜ˢˡ ʛ˔ˣˣ˥ˢ˩˘˗ ˨ˡ˗˘˥ DA17/1100) to amend conditions relating to OSSM and the NSW RFS General Terms of Approval The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith City Council. This development is Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The application requires concurrence from the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) in accordance with Section 4.47 of the EP&A Act with regards to Section 100B of the Rural Fires Act. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 7 September 2026 to Sunday 20 September 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˖˟˨˗˘ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘ number Mod26/0055. For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact James Heathcote on 4732 8389. • The Trustee for SHMH Penrith Property Trust

DA25/0059

(Lot 12 DP 234581) 164 Station Street, Penrith Staged Concept Master Plan – 10 stage mixed-use development comprising 1,995 residential apartments, hotel & commercial uses, above ground & basement car parking, 8 to 28 storey building heights & related infrastructure including access roads, public open space and landscaping The consent authority for the development application is Penrith Local Planning Panel. Section 2.3 of EP&A Act. The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker, in the period from Monday 7 September 2026 to Tuesday 6 October 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˖˟˨˗˘ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘ number DA25/0059.

mixed use land offering in the heart of the Penrith CBD will head to auction in October. Raine & Horne Commercial Penrith has listed the 2,996sqm land between Higgins and High Street. With prominent dual street frontage, the fully vacant site offers an exceptional platform for a substantial mixed-use development. With 108 approved car spaces, retail, accommodation, loading, landscaped areas and end-of-trip facilities, significant planning

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˖˟˨˗˘ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ˥˘˙˘˥˘ˡ˖˘ number DA26/0752.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Please contact Natalie Piggott on 4732 7607. Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ ʷ˘˩˘˟ˢˣˠ˘ˡ˧ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

A premium piece of real estate is headed to auction.

and design work has already been completed – allowing purchasers to take advantage of a well-advanced

development opportunity. The auction will be held on Thursday, October 8 at 10.30am.

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrith.city WW59406

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

Joke of the Week

Q: How do robots eat pizza? A: One byte at a time Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

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ay goodbye to kitchen clutter and hello to stylish organisation with Pyrex Colours Simply Store containers. With fresh style and a pop of colour, Pyrex elevates their classic class dishes kitchen storage staple for you to enjoy the serve-worthy, stackable design. These glass dishes and BPA-free plastic lids are perfect for leftovers and meal preparation, keeping your food warm after heating and fresh in the fridge. Moreover, each dish is dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, microwave and preheated-oven safe. Enjoy storing with fresh style today!

Get the Pyrex Simply Store Tinted Glass Round Storage Containers in a 10-piece set, mixed colours for $119 RRP in store now. For more information, head to https://globalkitchenbrands.com.au/products/ pyrex-ss-10pc-tint-set-pinkblue. The Weekender has a Pyrex set to give away. For your chance to win, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Pyrex’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Wednesday, September 23 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

PET

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OF THE WEEK

my name: Waffle my proud owner: Nathan and the rest of the May family i live in: Penrith a bit about me: I’m a Mini Fox Terrier, and I might be small, but I consider myself a big boy now. I’m also very clever! I finished dog school twice by the age of six months.

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

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

Dose of Dorin

Star Buffet at Penrith RSL.

The number of people who have their heads down looking at their phones at red lights is extraordinary. It’s a tragedy waiting to happen. More mobile phone cameras are needed.

Well done to students at Penrith Christian School who were holding a car wash this week in the school’s car park to raise money for their various charity endeavours.

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

prize S U cupboard N BO

enture down the rabbit hole for the exclusive 2026 Sydney season of ‘Cirque Alice’, an epic new show from the creators of Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘Mad Apple’ and the international smash hits ‘The Illusionists’, ‘Le Noir’, ‘Circus 1903’ and ‘Now You See Me Live’, that will transform Sydney Lyric Theatre from September 25 to October 11. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

Produced by Tim Lawson and Simon Painter, ‘Cirque Alice’ reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure and bring to life everyone’s favourite characters with extraordinary acts from some of the greatest performers around the globe. Lawson and Painter have created a unique circus show that celebrates one of the most recognisable fantasy worlds of all time, with ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ a ‘curiouser and curiouser’ source of inspiration for all ages.

The Weekender has a family pass to the September 25 7pm performance to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Cirque’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, September 10 and the winner will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception by calling (02) 4722 2998.

‘Cirque Alice’ will entice audiences down the rabbit hole, with an awe-inspiring set and an enthralling soundtrack featuring newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits. The show will feature a line-up of the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry and dancers, special musical guest, comedic artists and more. Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Penrith in charge: First BESS construction starts EMILY CHATE

he sod has officially been turned at the Penrith Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the first of eight across western Sydney. Penrith is the first site to start construction under a privately funded program worth more than $65 million, delivered by Ausconnex, part of the Endeavour Energy Group. Together, the eight batteries will provide about 40 megawatts of power and 136 megawatt hours of storage, enough energy to power 40,000 homes for up to three hours (based on standard household usage of up 20kWh per day). NSW Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe, along with other officials, turned the sod at the Penrith site – Penrith transmission substation – and said the program will help drive western Sydney’s energy growth. “Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most dynamic regions, and we’re building the energy infrastructure now to make sure

Leanne Pickering, Penny Sharpe, Danny Cooper, Karen McKeown, Matthew Porteous, and Brian Bird.

homes and businesses have access to reliable and affordable renewable energy,” Sharpe said. “Battery storage is already playing a critical role in keeping the lights on when demand is high, and these new projects will help strengthen the energy system as western Sydney continues to grow. “This investment shows real confidence in western Sydney’s future and will help support the region’s

growth for decades to come.” NSW now has more than one million rooftop solar systems; BESS’s store that energy while the sun is up and release it during periods of high demand when homes and businesses need it the most. Endeavour Energy Chief Executive Officer Danny Cooper said battery energy storage will play an increasingly important role in supporting growing energy demand.

“The batteries are being delivered in some of the fastest growing communities in Australia, where population growth, new housing, and increasing electrification are driving demand,” Cooper said. “Battery energy storage systems will make better use of renewable energy, provide greater flexibility across the energy system and support the region’s growth for decades to come.”

YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D

Kingfisher Grove Open Day Wednesday 16th September | 10:30am - 1:30pm 25 Sparrowhawk Circuit, Jordan Springs Walk through new apartments, tour the clubhouse amenities and attend an information session to explore modern retirement living.

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The Penrith medium-voltage BESS is the first project in the portfolio to begin construction; it will provide just under five megawatts of power and 17 megawatt hours of storage. Head of Ausconnex Matthew Porteous said the start of construction at Penrith marked an important milestone for the broader battery storage program. “Ausconnex is focused on working with our partners to turn technologies like battery energy storage into infrastructure that can be delivered at scale to support the region’s rapid growth,” Porteous said. “The benefits of this investment extend well beyond the battery itself. These eight BESS sites will create work for local businesses, contractors, and workers right across western Sydney, and help build the skilled workforce needed to operate and maintain this infrastructure in the years ahead.” The eight BESS will be built at Penrith, Emu Plains, Cranebrook, South Marsden Park, Seven Hills, Maldon, North Leppington and Cawdor.

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

Practice makes perfect at our new airport EMILY CHATE

WSI has been trialing airport operations.

navigating the inherently dynamic nature of round-the-clock airport operations. It’s a unique and positive opportunity we’re able to leverage as Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years. “The interest from volunteers within the community for the trials was overwhelming – thousands of trial slots were filled within days. We’re very grateful for the enthusiasm and support from the participants who are taking part each week in the lead up to our passenger services taking off in October.” Jetstar Chief Pilot Tyrone Simes said flying the first service into a brand-new airport is a once-in-acareer moment. “Australia hasn’t opened a major new airport like this in more than 50 years, so this morning was a genuinely exciting milestone for me and the team,” he said. “We’re doing this eight weeks out from the first flight deliberately. It

A Jetstar flight touched down at WSI on Tuesday morning.

gives us time to take what we learned today and build it into our procedures and crew briefings, ensuring everything is fully tested and refined well ahead of launch. “Today’s flight was about getting to know the airport before we carry customers. Crew flew the arrival and departure exactly as they will in October, then worked through the ground side of the operation: the taxi route to the gate, lining up on the aerobridge, and the turnaround that gets the aircraft back out again.

“By the time we carry our first customers from western Sydney, every element of this operation will be familiar to us – and we can’t wait to share that first flight with them.” Commercial passenger services begin taking off at WSI from October 25. Are you excited about the new airport? Have you booked your first flight? We want to hear your views! Email news@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998.

WSI has been trialing airport operations.

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estern Sydney International Airport (WSI) welcomed a Jetstar trial flight on Tuesday morning for the first time alongside hundreds of trial passengers as it ramps up the final phases of its Operational Readiness Program. The passenger trials involve members of the public participating as volunteers, helping WSI and its partners trial all stages of the terminal customer’s journey. The program simulates a genuine journey with trial passengers allocated domestic and international flights before checking in for their flight, moving through WSI’s security screening, and engaging with different airport facilities and staff as they would on any travel day. They use self-check in and bag drop facilities, and WSI’s modern security screening, which includes extra-long lanes, additional body

scanners, and central image processing to review multiple trays at a time and facilitate efficient processing. Officers from the Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishers also take part in the trials, facilitating their role in the international arrivals process and border security. WSI Chief Operating Officer Matt Dufty said this final phase of WSI’s operational preparations have been underway since August and involved hundreds of trial participants taking part each week. “By October, we anticipate that thousands of participants will have engaged in our trial program – each one of them playing an important role in stress-testing our systems, processes and people. We’re aiming to make these various elements to be as ‘fail safe’ as they can be,” he said. “This is also about giving us as much experience as possible in

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

PENRITH KEEPS IT REAL Popular river festival returns EMILY CHATE

enrith’s Real Festival will return for another year on the banks of the Nepean River from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13. The festival will be a three-day program with live entertainment, creative workshops, and exciting attractions. The festival will transform the Nepean River foreshore into a vibrant playground of immersive experiences, live performances, market stalls, food trucks and a diverse range of family friendly programs, inviting visitors of all ages to explore, discover and connect. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the Real Festival continues to be one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. “This year’s theme, ‘Flight’, reflects an exciting new chapter for western Sydney as the opening of Western Sydney International Airport brings new opportunities, connections, and experiences to our region,” Carney said. “Real Festival captures that spirit of optimism and possibility through

art, entertainment and experiences that encourage people to explore, dream, and see the world from a different perspective.” One of this year’s highlights is Monsters Can’t Fly by The Beautiful & Useful Studio, an imaginative and immersive installation with colourful, larger-than-life monsters to interact with. Foodies will also be treated with more than 20 food and beverage vendors locked in, alongside a riverside Boarding Lounge Bar. The fan favourite laser show will light up the night sky above the Nepean River with displays every 30 minutes. Families can also take part in the returning LEGO workshop to build their own creations or call on their inner Picasso in the festival’s glow in the dark community mural. Older teens can enjoy the dedicated Youth Stage on Friday night, featuring 4 Leaf Clover along with the Dauntless Crew who combine parkour, dance, and fire performance with stunts. On Sunday, the festival’s focus will turn to the river with free on water activities including rides on the Nepean Belle. For the more

The Real Festival is back later this month.

adventurous, there will be paddleboarding and Dragonboat racing. “Whether you’re enjoying the food, discovering immersive experiences, cheering on dragon boat racers, dancing with friends

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or simply relaxing by the river, Real Festival is all about bringing people together and creating memorable moments,” Carney said. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use the free Busways

shuttle services, operating every 20 minutes from Emu Plains, Penrith Station, Jamison Park, and Tench Reserve. The full festival program is available at www.realfestival.com.au.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

ADVERTISING FEATURE N A T U R A L

H E A L T H

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

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

family owned and Australian-made supplement business which has been operating for more than 10 years, as being a “life and career saver”. Hurley was not alone in his pain. Data from Arthritis Australia shows that 3.6 million people (or one in seven of us) are living with arthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and

early retirement due to ill health. Made in Australia from natural ingredients Aloe Vera, Papain enzyme and honey, plus a French pine bark extract, technically known as Pycnogenol, Arborvitae Joint Health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement that can enhance healthy joint function, supporting mobility and flexibility.

It can also provide relief from the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild joint pain and stiffness. The main ingredient, Pycnogenol, has been widely studied for decades, with more than 160 clinical trials. The results of a recent study on Arborvitae Joint Health, published in September 2020 in the journal Minerva of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, showed a 66 per cent decrease in pain test scores, a 50 per cent increase in walking distance without pain and a 56 per cent decrease in inflammation in blood tests. All of which lead to an impressive 78 per cent reduction in use of on-demand medications and a 50 per cent improvement in quality of life scores. Available in liquid form, stocked in over 2000 chemists and health food stores Australia wide, including Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart and Blooms The Chemist, Hurley says it took about a month to ‘‘really kick in” and he now has “absolutely no problems and almost no pain”. “First thing in the morning I take it out of the fridge, take the top off the bottle and have three to four mouthfuls on an empty stomach,” he explains. While arthritis affects many in older generations, it can begin causing trouble for people as young as 35. Regardless of your age, Hurley advises anyone suffering from the acute pain it causes to give Arborvitae a try. “You have absolutely nothing to lose,” he says. For Hurley, who’s now back on stage where he belongs, he says Arborvitae has “given me a new life and given me my career back”.

I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared. sore hands for years due to repetitive injury’s from my work as a cake maker. A friend suggested I try Arborvitae Joint Health. After the first bottle I wasn’t And yes! I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared. The relief that I get isn’t usually met with any other treatments I’ve tried. It is worth every cent! I highly recommend it!”

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

LOCAL NEWS

TRUE LOCAL HEROES EMILY CHATE

he Penrith finalists in this year’s Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grant program have officially been announced, with Greg Waddell, Heiki Forth, and Natalie Bennett named as some of the area’s most dedicated locals. Now in its ninth year, the program shines a light on leaders, volunteers, innovators, and everyday people who are making an impact in their local communities. “The Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates the extraordinary individuals who give their time, effort, and energy to making our local communities stronger and more inclusive,” Scentre Group National Community Manager Pam Wilson said. “Each and every one of our finalists represents the very best of community spirit and we encourage the community to get involved this year by voting for the cause or individual that resonates with them.” Each Westfield destination will award the winner $20,000, with each of the other two finalists receiving a $5,000 grant. Waddell had to rebuild his life after major injuries ended his pursuit of professional football. That experience now shapes every program Waddell runs through Creative Spring, an organisation he founded to give young people the safe spaces, guidance and connection he once needed himself. “Everything I’ve built through Creative

Gregory Waddell.

Heike Forth.

Natalie Bennett.

Spring comes back to my younger self. The programs exist to provide the support, guidance and safe spaces I once needed but didn’t always have growing up,” he said. “I know firsthand how powerful it is when a young person feels seen, supported and believed in.” Forth found a path to belonging through sport when she arrived in Australia as a child who had little English. Today, Forth is the President of Nepean Little Athletics and works to give others the same opportunities through coaching, mentoring, and fundraising across junior sport in Penrith

to build inclusive spaces where kids of all backgrounds and abilities can participate. “My motivation is that I benefited from similar actions when I was younger,” Forth said. “This enabled me to achieve success on the sporting field and provide me with my career as a teacher. Now I have the opportunity to give back to the community, to enable others to achieve their goals and develop lifelong friendships and career opportunities.” For the last five years Bennett has helped children entering out-of-home care receive a suitcase of brand-new belongings through Hope in a Suitcase.

“I was initially inspired by close friends who have spent their lives fostering children and giving them a safe path in life. Watching them over the years made me realise that I am in a position to also help children in need,” she said. “Since beginning with HIASC it has now become a passion to not only help the children feel worthy and safe, but to highlight the need we have in our community to support foster children’s mental health and wellbeing through being cared for and supported.” The community can now cast their votes on the Westfield website.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

PUTTING HEALTH FIRST KEELY MARSH

or a fifth year, OnePointHealth will host its annual Boys Night In, an event dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health and funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. This year the event will take place at St Dominic’s College on Friday October 9, bringing together local businesses, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and supporters for a powerful night focused on prevention, awareness, education and most importantly connection. Alicia Whiticker, Marketing Coordinator at OnePointHealth, explained that five years ago there was gap in men’s mental health support and services. “We saw a real gap as far as men’s mental health was concerned,” Whiticker said. “Five years ago we decided to run an educational night, and get some guest speakers to see where the night took us, we weren’t planning on this being an annual thing.” In its inaugural year the event saw a decent turn out, but they were shocked at the amount of involvement these men were taking and knew this had to continue with numbers growing at each event. “Back when we ran our first ever

OnePointHealth’s Chris Farrugia and St Dominic’s College Principal Natalie Devenish are hosting Boys Night In 2026. Photo: Melinda Jane.

men’s health evening, I think we had 35 guests attend that night, and what shocked us most on the night was, we had guys turning up on a Friday evening on their own to this event to hear about mental health, with guys standing up talking to the crowd about their own struggles,” Whiticker said. “That night was really special for us, and we thought this is actually something that we need to do more, and it’s just grown in audience numbers over the years, going from 35, to the next year around 60, then a jump to 80.”

Being really close to their heart, OnePointHealth focuses on raising money and awareness around MND. Founder of OnePointHealth Jeff Jenkins was diagnosed with MND at the age of 38, two years ago, and he’s still battling that fight. The event is in support of FightMND, with every dollar raised helping support the fight against MND, aiming to raise vital funds for MND research, provide support to those affected and continue breaking down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and wellbeing.

With a real community focus and its first year in partnership with St Dominic’s College, the event aims to help men understand how to reach out for help, have those uncomfortable conversations and get out on a Friday night in a new environment. “We hope people learn a little bit about how to reach out for help, how to have those conversations and notice the signs of if your friends aren’t feeling okay,” Whiticker said. “It’s a reason for guys to head out on a Friday night with their mates, but somewhere different, not just a catch up at the pub, this is somewhere they can go and they can really get something out of it.” With men’s mental health at the forefront of the event, Whiticker explained the night focuses on other aspects significant in a man’s life too in hopes there’s something to take away from the night that will spark conversations. “We don’t just focus on mental health, there’s lots of general health advice, talks on the struggles of business and managing a business with a family and the juggles that come with that,” Whiticker explained. “There’s a lot that guys can take away from this event, and we just hope that it will spark conversation.” OnePointHealth has teamed up with Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk once again, a community that has

been great advocates for this event, because OnePointHealth wanted to capture where people can continue to access help surrounding men’s mental health. “It’s about introducing them to this team and saying this is somewhere you can go for ongoing support and mentorship,” Whiticker said. This year, with a bigger venue to host, it’s allowed OnePointHealth to include a health expo, with five local businesses offering free advice, different sorts of health testing and screenings, all of which is included in your ticket. There will be a Q&A panel as well as an interview style panel, with the guest speakers to be announced closer to the date and an entertainment piece to end the night, with auctions and prizes to happen too. Dinner will be catered by local restaurant Gellafrenda, which has donated all the food for the evening. Whiticker stresses this is a community event, where men are encouraged to come along, invite their mates and enjoy a memorable night. There’s currently an early bird offer for tickets at $75 until September 18. There is also a father-son package (minimum age 16) for $130. To find out more and purchase your tickets visit https://onepointhealth.com. au/event/boys-night-in-2026.

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LOCAL NEWS

Joy and tea at special fundraiser KEELY MARSH

n October 1, Uniting Edinglassie Lodge Penrith will transform their courtyard for a landmark event, with a goal of bringing immense joy to their residents, connect local families and raise vital funds for dementia research and care. “I want people to walk in and the courtyard just be a sea of bright joyful colour,” Lead Event Coordinator Amanda Hillyard said. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics show that between 2009 and 2024, dementia related deaths have doubled. The disease is also the leading cause of death in Australian women, and one in 10 older Australians will get dementia. Hillyard said all funds raised will

go directly to Dementia Australia in support of its critical research to find answers. “Every single cent that we receive for this Cuppa for Dementia, goes directly to Dementia Australia, so they can do the vital research for

Residents of Uniting Edinglassie Lodge.

this horrible disease,” she said. With dementia being a truly heartbreaking disease, the goal of the charity garden party is to celebrate all involved and bring light to such a dark experience. “We want to celebrate, not only our residents with dementia, but the family members, the grandchildren, the care and nursing staff, and bring a bit of joy and light into a dark period of everyone’s lives,” Hillyard said. The day will be a joyful experience for all involved, with many activities planned and a special appearance from Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh. “Our federal MP Melissa McIntosh will be coming, where she’ll be doing a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside some of our beautiful residents,” Hillyard said. “There will be bake sales, a mega

Residents of Uniting Edinglassie Lodge.

raffle, the ribbon cutting, the Penrith Harmony male choir playing and for the little ones and the residents too a fairy face painter.” With the event falling during the school holidays, Uniting Edinglassie Lodge is focusing on creating a true multigenerational event for quality family time. “We want to make this a beautiful community and multigenerational event, so families can bring grand-

kids, great grandkids and as it’s school holidays what a better way to bring everyone together for quality family time,” Hillyard said. The Cuppa for Dementia on October 1 promises to be a joyful celebration for everyone to enjoy. “I just want to make it a really fun, joyful experience for everyone, with the bursts of colours and all the entertainment,” Hillyard said. The event starts at 10.30am.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS Family movie night this Friday

Doctors, nurses join Royce on Big Walk KEELY MARSH

T A poster for the movie night.

Emu Heights Public School is inviting families and community members to enjoy a movie night under the stars. To be held on Friday, September 4, the fun kicks off at 4pm, two hours before the movie begins, with food trucks and a BBQ ready to feed families. With something for everyone, the night will see a variety of inclusive activities such as lawn games, make your own Viking hat paper craft, a silent disco, a candy bar and live music for entertainment. On the night, a screening of the live action movie, ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ will happen on an outdoor inflatable movie screen. This is a ticketed and alcohol-free event. To find out more and to purchase your tickets visit https:// events.humanitix.com/under-thestars-movie-night-hcndz62c.

he Royce Simmons Foundation walk kicked off last Monday in Gilgandra, birthplace of Panthers Club legend John Farragher. On Wednesday, Penrith Grand Final hero Simmons was accompanied by two dementia specialist nurses, Kushmar KC and Sewit Mengisteab, as well as researcher Dr Shantel Duffy, who each work for the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. They walked on West Miala Road and finished on Pantomime Road, helping raise awareness and funds for the leading cause of death in Australia. “Dementia is a big part of all our jobs and we’re very passionate about making a difference, promoting and raising awareness of dementia and doing what we can to support a really good cause,” Duffy said. Simmons was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2021 and turned a personal diagnosis into a mission: raise awareness, fund vital dementia research and support people living with dementia, their families and carers. Since its beginning in 2022, the Foundation has raised over $2 million with every $400,000 raised funding a single dementia research project. “This is bigger than me – it’s about families

Book now

On the road with Royce.

living with dementia across Australia,” Simmons said. “Every dollar we raise helps us get closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure.” For Kushmar, she feels there’s a lack of knowledge surrounding the deadly disease, with Simmons urging people to talk about dementia in hopes more people will understand and show support. “There is a lack of knowledge out there on what dementia actually is and what the challenges are that come with it, so I think there’s a bigger missing piece of information out there,” Kushmar said. Simmons added: “I want people to talk about dementia. The more we talk, the more

we can understand, support and act.” As of 2026, there are 446,500 Australians living with dementia and 1.7 million people involved with caring for people with dementia. Mengisteab explained witnessing firsthand the struggles involved with living with dementia but also the impact on families and carers. “Some of us have been doing this for a very long time, we’ve seen the struggles that come with it, not just to patients but to family members and carers,” she said. Now in its fifth year, the walk demonstrates an act of perseverance and support to those involved with dementia. Duffy explains how exercise is a crucial part of the early stages of the diagnosis, and the Foundation’s walk is very beneficial. “We have really good evidence that participating in exercise regularly really helps to slow the memory and thinking skills changes that we see in patients with dementia, and has a really beneficial impact,” Duffy said. “Keeping active, keeping social and keeping engaged is really beneficial, so it’s great to see Royce out here doing all of this.” This year’s walk is due to wrap up in Cowra tomorrow. To donate and support Simmons and those living with dementia visit www.roycesimmonsfoundation.com.au.

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

Real Festival set to light up the Nepean River

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS Morning Melodies - A Tribute to Woodstock Wed 9 Sept, 10am The Killer Queen Experience Friday 11 September, 8pm Two Of Us ft. Darren Coggan & Damien Leith Sat 12 Sept, 8pm Meg Washington Saturday 19 September, 8pm MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival Thursday 24 September, 7pm The Sydney Comedy Festival ENCORE! Friday 25 September, 8pm A Little Bit of Blue Wednesday 7 October, 10am Puppetry of Paper Workshop Wednesday 7 October, 11:30am BOX OFFICE 4780 5050 www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au 106 Macquarie Road, Springwood

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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Paul Tabone salutes Andrea Bocelli Sunday 27 September, 3pm

The Nepean River will again come alive for Penrith City Council’s popular Real Festival from September 11-13. Council is proud to continue delivering this flagship event at Tench Reserve, Jamisontown. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the river as one of our greatest assets while bringing our community together. Last year’s event attracted a record 50,000 attendees over three days and Council looks forward to welcoming more residents and visitors in 2026. I always enjoy exploring Real Festival with my family and I encourage you to come along because there really is something for everyone. The banks of the river will be transformed with creative displays that you can interact with, live music from talented acts and roving performers. There will also be hands-on workshops including Lego building, origami and a glow-in-the-dark community art mural. There’ll be plenty of market stalls to support small businesses and more than 20 food and drink stallholders offering flavours from around the world. Once the sun sets, a laser show will light up our beautiful river every 30 minutes and on Sunday, people can try

free on-water activities like dragon boat racing and paddleboarding and enjoy a free cruise on the iconic Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler. Festivities will run from 4pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday. To keep our community safe, there will be traffic changes in place during this time, as well as a shuttle bus service to get people to and from the event. Visit realfestival.com.au to plan your visit and for more information. Real Festival and the Tench Reserve upgrade are two of the many outcomes from the Our River Master Plan 2013, which responded to community feedback and aimed to revitalise and celebrate the river. We recognise that the river is a significant part of Penrith’s identity and are focused on the future of its transformation. Council’s Draft Our River Plan 2026-46 outlines the next steps in our vision for the river corridor, which you can read and share your thoughts on at yoursaypenrith.com.au/our-river-plan. You can also learn more in person at Council’s stall during Real Festival.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

and Grab the Mic are both designed to get people laughing, singing and competing, making them ideal for guest segments, presenter challenges, product placement, giveaways or review features. HITSTER is the award-winning music card game where players build a timeline of hit songs simply by scanning a card, guessing when each track was released and arranging them in the correct timeline order. Grab the Mic is a karaoke-style party game packed with fun challenges that gets everyone singing, performing and competing. It’s perfect for creating entertaining, shareable moments on camera or on-air. Out now in retailers and online.

Δ Game night: Looking for something to give family nights a boost or add a twist to your next dinner party? HITSTER

Δ Air-fried hot chips: Zambrero has launched air-fried hot chips, making it the first major fast-food chain in the country to offer chips cooked this way instead of deepfried. They are seasoned with Zambrero’s chicken salt and are available in regular and large sizes. The chips are also featured in Zambrero’s new Cali Burrito, which replaces

Δ KFC goes pickles mad: KFC is launching its next major limited-time menu, and this one is going all-in on pickles. The new KFC Picklecore range launched this week. The campaign includes a Pickle Burger, Golden Frickles, Picklecore Meal, Pickle Feast and a special $15 Pickle Boxfull, bringing fried pickles and pickle flavours across burgers, sides and larger meals. At the centre of the range is the new Pickle Burger, while the most unusual addition is Golden Frickles, KFC’s name for its new fried pickle pieces. Δ Shop closes: The discount variety shop at Southlands has closed its doors. Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about store openings, new menus and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

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Photo: Destination NSW

Δ Skin care with a difference: As skincare evolves from routine to ritual, Australia’s AyurScience comes to the conversation from a very different place. Raised with Ayurvedic rituals centred on balance, its founders are second-generation custodians of Ayurvedic wisdom and registered pharmacists who have translated generations of lived practice into Ayur-Active, a proprietary complex pairing two of Ayurveda’s most revered botanicals, Amla and Tulsi. Amla contains up to 20 times the vitamin C of oranges, while clinical research on Tulsi extract has shown a 14 per cent improvement in skin tonicity and 15 per cent improvement in elasticity after eight weeks. Ayur-Active sits at the heart of the PURITY Skincare Ritual ($214.80), designed to reset, rebalance and restore. From a Gel Cleanser to Spot Treatment, Lotion and a Purifying Mask, your new skincare routine is here. Visit www.ayurscience.com.au.

the usual rice with chips and includes guacamole, a choice of protein, salsas and sauces. The Hot Chips are available at selected Zambrero restaurants across Australia, with prices starting at $4.

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

•

B E Y O N D S K Y W AY. C O M . A U

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

TURNING BACK TIME This photo, taken in the 1930s, shows Nepean Butchers on High Street. Perc Hall owned the shop and is pictured outside with his trotter Ariel Night. Perc Hall went on be a success in trotting at Harold Park and received an MBE for his services to training in 1978. The butchers shop was located next to Bussell Brothers. (Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

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

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

UNTING EDINGLASSIE • 5 EMERALD STREET, EMU PLAINS • 1800 864 846

Seniors’ living boost in Emu Plains A

peaceful pocket of Emu Plains is set for a seniors’ living boost with Uniting Edinglassie. Uniting NSW.ACT is opening the next chapter of its well-known Edinglassie community in Emu Plains with the launch of a new retirement living community, an expansion of its award-winning residential aged care precinct offering local over-70s the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful, connected lifestyle in the heart of western Sydney. Uniting NSW.ACT Director of Property and Housing, Simon Furness said Uniting Edinglassie offered a rare combination of modern design, comprehensive amenities and a location that keeps people close to the community they already call home. “This community is about much more than building new homes,” Furness said. “Edinglassie has a long and proud history in the local community, and we recognise the importance of maintaining those connections.

SALES DISPLAY OPENING SEPTEMBER REGISTER TODAY!

“We’re creating an opportunity for locals to retire in a neighbourhood they know and love, while enjoying the security, convenience and social opportunities that come with being part of a vibrant retirement community. “The community sits in a peaceful pocket of Emu Plains that hasn’t been overdeveloped, with quiet streets, familiar faces, and a real sense of belonging. “Everything you need is right on your doorstep, including supermarkets, cafés, pharmacies at Lennox Village directly across the road, and the Nepean River and the foothills of the Blue Mountains are just minutes away. “This Spring, we will mark the opening of the sales display in the 160-year-old chapel at the heart of this site, and welcome future residents and locals to come in and discover more about the community.” Uniting Edinglassie will deliver contemporary one, two and three-bedroom resi-

Artist’s impression, subject to change.

dences for over-70s, including 118 retirement living apartments and 29 dedicated affordable apartments. Co-located alongside the award-winning Uniting

Edinglassie Residential Aged Care community, residents can age in place and remain connected to local services, support networks and familiar surrounds as they age,

with a range of amenities on-site for residents. Furness said the project responded to growing demand for high-quality seniors’ housing in western

Sydney, where population growth continues to outpace many other parts of the city. “Western Sydney is changing quickly, and with that comes increasing demand for housing options that offer both quality and accessibility,” he said. “At Uniting Edinglassie, we’re creating a place where people can live independently, stay socially connected and have peace of mind knowing care is available on site if needed. “Designed to promote wellbeing and social connection, the village’s amenities will feature a clubroom, library, café, hair salon, landscaped gardens, barbecue areas and a chapel.” Uniting Edinglassie is located on Emerald Street in the riverside suburb of Emu Plains and offers easy access to local shops, community facilities and transport. Homes at Edinglassie are move-in ready from mid-2027. Visit www. uniting.org/services/retirement-and-independent-living/villages/edinglassie.

Uniting Edinglassie Coming to Emu Plains, Uniting Edinglassie Retirement Village is the latest addition to our award-winning community, set at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Designed for over 70s, each home offers the space, quality and flexibility to enjoy independent living today, with services close at hand for whatever tomorrow brings. With Lennox Village directly opposite and Penrith just minutes away, enjoy the convenience of everyday essentials, shopping, transport and medical services, all within the local community you know and love. Soon, you can visit our beautifully restored heritage-listed chapel to meet with our Sales Specialist and discover more about life at Uniting Edinglassie.

Live well today. Feel good about tomorrow. Register your interest today.

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Call us on 1800 864 846 or visit edinglassie.com.au 5 Emerald Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 Uniting operates under the Retirement Villages Act. You will have to pay a departure fee when you leave.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

BUSINESS MATTERS

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

UNDERSTAND YOUR COSTS!

BIG REVENUE. TINY PROFIT. WHY BOTHER?

efore a business spends money on solar panels, batteries or new equipment, there is another investment worth considering: understanding exactly where the electricity is going. Many businesses receive a monthly electricity bill but have very little visibility over which equipment is responsible for the cost. Air conditioning, refrigeration, compressors, pumps, electric hot water, production machinery and even equipment left running overnight can create significant consumption. Smart energy monitoring can break the site into individual loads and show when they are operating, how much power they use and when the business reaches its highest demand. This matters because

Practical strategies. More profit. Stronger businesses.

commercial electricity bills can include demand charges based on the highest level of power drawn during particular periods. A short spike caused by several large pieces of equipment starting at the same time can contribute significantly to costs. NSW Government guidance specifically identifies metering and monitoring as a way for businesses to identify inefficiencies, manage peak demand and reduce energy costs. Once businesses have good data, relatively simple operational changes become possible. Air conditioning can be staged rather than starting simultaneously. Hot water can be heated during periods of solar production. Compressors or pumps can be scheduled differently. Faulty or inefficient equipment can be identified

“ LORENZO TASSONE Director of Good Earth Group Pty Ltd Penrith Chamber Board Member

before it quietly adds thousands of dollars to annual energy costs. Monitoring also improves the accuracy of solar and battery investment decisions. Instead of sizing a system from a total quarterly bill, businesses can design around their actual daytime consumption, peak demand and operating hours. If you don’t measure it, it is difficult to manage it. Finding efficiencies can be a key to success.

I run a $3 million business.” Great. But how much of it do you actually keep? Revenue is one of the most overrated numbers in business. We celebrate hitting $1 million, $5 million or $10 million in turnover as though revenue is the ultimate scoreboard. But I’ve seen businesses turning over millions while their owners work ridiculous hours, carry enormous risk and still earn less than some of their employees, or worse, consistently lose money. That’s not success. That’s an expensive job. Welcome to our next Financially Unshakeable focus: Profit. Revenue might impress people at a barbecue, but profit is what builds wealth, funds growth and rewards you for the risk of owning a business.

Here’s a number I want you to obsess about: your net profit margin. Take your profit before tax and divide it by your revenue. If your business turns over $2 million and makes

$100,000 profit, your net profit margin is five per cent. For every $100 of revenue, you fight to generate, you’re keeping just $5. While every industry is different, I’d consider a 10 per cent net profit margin a solid starting target for most established SME businesses. If you’re well below that, your business is on life support and you need to understand why. If you’re above it, protect it,

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.

then look for opportunities to push it even higher. And please don’t assume the answer is simply more sales. More revenue at lousy margins can mean more staff, more stress, more complexity and more risk for very little extra reward. Your challenge this week: improve net profit by just 1% of revenue. On $2 million turnover, that’s $20,000. Increase prices. Cut waste. Fix unprofitable jobs. Improve productivity. Stop giving work away for free. Find your one per cent. This quarter, we’re not chasing impressive revenue. We’re chasing profitable businesses worth owning.

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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CONNECTION to country

A special supplement focused on local Indigenous affairs and services

Next steps for Closing the Gap agreement

he Federal Government has released the Terms of Reference for the second Productivity Commission Review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The goal of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap is to overcome the entrenched inequality faced by too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Productivity Commission will assess the outcomes, effectiveness and impact of measures by all governments and the Coalition of Peaks to reach Closing the Gap targets, in addition to progress towards the targets. The Government has requested the Productivity Commission complete a more explicit examination of funding, investment practices and community-controlled sector resourcing, including whether government expenditure is aligned with, and supporting, the National Agreement’s Priority Reforms. As part of the review, the Productivity Commission will consult broadly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations, and with local, state, territory and Commonwealth governments. The Productivity Commission will provide its final report to the Joint Council on Closing the Gap by late 2027. “Closing the Gap is all about improving the lives and prospects of First Nations people and that makes it an important focus for the economic portfolios,” Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. “Releasing these Terms of Reference will help the Productivity Commission get the work underway.” Senator Malarndirri McCa-

rthy said partnerships and pathways was key. “The Albanese Government is committed to Closing the Gap, working in partnership with the Coalition of Peaks as

well as the states, territories and local government,” McCarthy said. “The National Agreement provides a pathway for change for First Nations people and

communities, and we are building on what is working. “The Productivity Commission review, along with the I ndep endent Aborig ina l

and Torres Strait Islander-led Review, is an important part of making sure all partners are accountable to their commitments to the National Agreement.”

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

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Thursday, September 3, 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, September 3, 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

Stories, culture and more C

hildren, Elders, musicians, authors, artists and astrophysicists came together at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday, September 2 for the 19th Indigenous Literacy Day, with a free film and livestream inviting audiences across Australia to celebrate First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures and languages. Inspired by this year’s theme, Country Is Our Teacher, Indigenous Literacy Day 2026 was presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House and hosted by award-winning children’s performer and ILF Ambassador Lucas Proudfoot. Lucas Proudfoot said ahead of the day: “This year’s ILD is going to be a cracker! Country Is Our Teacher sets the tone perfectly, with stories, music, stars and Country all coming together, from an amazing film from the Central Desert and learning language along the way, to a special book launch and performances from some incredible artists.” During the film, audiences met Niningka and Chris, two young Aboriginal people from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and Nyirripi in the Northern Territory, as they explore Warlpiri and Arrernte language, plants,

animals, culture and caring for Country. Following the film, the livestream took audiences on an exploration of Sky Country, with ILF Ambassadors and astrophysicists Dr Kirsten Banks and Krystal De Napoli exploring the connections between the stars, Sky Country, science, culture and storytelling. “Krystal and I are going to take curious minds on a journey of the night sky to reveal constellations they may not have seen before, and if they have seen them, they won’t look at them the same way again,” Banks said prior to the event. The celebration will also mark the launch of My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country, a bilingual English and Ngaanyatjarra picture book written by respected Warakurna Elder Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward. Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward said: “I live on the country my family walked for generations before me. Mum said I was born in Pirriya-Pirriya time, when the sweet flowers were growing. Every season brings something special. Rain, Wind, Fire, Sun. My Country changes, but it’s always home.” The event was considered a major success.

Krystal De Napoli.

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

A powerful exhibition A

First Nations-led exhibition will be among the first to be on show at Powerhouse Parramatta when the new museum opens in November. ‘Overflow’ is an exhibition grounded in the living principles of Water Country, working with seven Aboriginal organisations to consider the importance and care of salt and freshwater systems throughout NSW. These

stories are brought to life through the cinematic lens of acclaimed filmmaker and Kamilaroi man Ivan Sen. The installation captures community projects spanning species protection, flood mitigation, sustainable and commercial fishing, water monitoring, language revitalisation and cultural water rights from Baramadagal Community; Gamay Rangers; The Goondee

Aboriginal Museum and Keeping Place; Jagun Alliance; Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Land Corporation; Moogalin Performing Arts; and Naru Aboriginal Corporation. “Powerhouse Parramatta will redefine how museums connect with community, industry and learning,” a Powerhouse Parramatta spokesperson said. “As western Sydney’s first NSW cultural institution, it will be a

place that celebrates the creativity, ambition and diversity of our communities, connecting local stories and knowledge with international innovation. “We are deeply grateful to our patrons for their visionary support and for joining us on the journey to create one of the world’s great new museums. We can’t wait to open the doors this November.” Opening day is November 7.

‘Overflow’ is an exhibition at Powerhouse Parramatta.

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

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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ike ‘moving day’ at The Masters, Rounds 25 and 26 always deliver something that changes the game in the NRL. And like clockwork, it’s happened over the last two weeks. The Roosters, seemingly flying and at one point bound for the Minor Premiership, have dropped two straight games including one to the Tigers and have now lost their halfback in Sam Walker. The Warriors, with enormous support behind them, have conceded 26 points against the Rabbitohs and 32 points against a 12-man Newcastle in back-to-back weeks. Their position on the ladder is hiding a defensive issue that could cause them serious grief in September. Penrith meanwhile, the old head, has just

Broadcast

gone about business. Nothing too flashy, but a strong performance against Canterbury; a side that was fighting for their season. Penrith completed at 93 per cent on Friday night – the best completion rate of any side in the competition last weekend. It is the best statistic to tell you where the side is at. Yet the wider rugby league world will talk about the Warriors, they’ll heap praise on the Dolphins, they’ll talk up the chances of the Rabbitohs with Latrell Mitchell back. Good. Let them. And let the Roosters’ woes and Cronulla’s drop out of the top four be deserved distractions. Meanwhile, the greatest side in a generation is just sitting back, stalking its prey. Waiting for the big games, where they rarely falter. Sunday afternoon’s match against the Tigers is difficult to get a read on. Penrith have named a full-strength side, but there will be some

NINE | FOX LEAGUE

tactics at play. I highly doubt the key men play 80 minutes. The Tigers were impressive against the Roosters and probably got the wrong end of some 50/50 calls against the Cowboys, so their finish to the season has not been dreadful. They’d like nothing more than to finish on a high with a win over the Panthers on Father’s Day. I can see the Jarome Luai Instagram post now. Maybe a round of golf to celebrate. I reckon the Tigers will come out firing in this one. Might even grab the first try, perhaps the second too. But as the 80 minutes rolls on and as the sun sets over CommBank Stadium, some reality often hits in these types of matches. The end of a long, arduous season is almost there for one side. For the other, the dream of September and the first Sunday in October looms. Penrith should come home strong, regardless of the cattle on the field, and get the job done.

2GB 873 | ABC 702

Whatever happens, we should not read too much into the final result. To suggest the Panthers will show all their cards against the lowly Tigers a week out from the Finals, with a home Final already secured, would be foolish. But the game will certainly be used to give Mitch Kenny some much-needed minutes ahead of the biggest part of the season. We might even see Isaah Yeo, too. And Ivan Cleary may just keep tweaking that halves combination as he works out the best option for the Finals. Remember, he dropped Thomas Jenkins on the eve of the Finals last year – so he often uses this part of the year to work out what his final line-up of troops looks like. This Father’s Day clash offers the perfect transition from the chill of winter into the glisten of September. In the end, the Panthers should be too strong and will assert their dominance as head of the household. Tip: Panthers by 12.

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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Which brings me to the two players who are in some doubt as to whether they’ll stay on beyond next season. The first one is Blaize Talagi. He seems to have fallen out of favour with coach Ivan Cleary with Jack Cole, who won’t even be at the club next year, picked ahead of him at five-eighth following a three-game suspension for Jack Cogger. With Jett Cleary on his way and Cogger signed until the end of 2028, unless there is a positional change for Talagi, I have him as one of the players moving on. Which leaves me with the one player no one in Penrith wants to see leave and of course that’s the man, Nathan Cleary. For the sake of this exercise, I’m leaving Nathan out of the team because it’s a scenario that Panthers supporters fear the most and yes, I am one of them. I want to be upfront and say that I have no inside or official knowledge about what Nathan will do beyond next year, of course I’m hoping he’ll stay. However if he doesn’t, taking into account all known official signings, mixed in with likely signings, this is what the firstgrade team could look like in

Round 1, 2028. 1. D y l a n E d w a rd s 2. Thomas Jenkins 3. Casey McLean 4. Izack Tago 5. Paul Alamoti 6. Jack Cogger 7. Jett Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14. Billy Scott 15. Billy Phillips 16. Luke Garner 17. Zakauri Clarke. There you go, still a pretty strong looking side and one which would be more than competitive under the guidance of new coach Peter Wallace. I personally think it’s good enough to easily make the Top 8. W h a t do you all think? S e e y o u a l l next Mitch Kenny re-signed recently. Photo: NRL Images. week.

WW59426

ith five of the biggest Panthers names still to be officially re-signed, I thought I’d take a look at what the team may look like in 2028 if several of those stars don’t stay. Now I can see a Cleary still playing halfback in two years’ time but for the sake of this exercise, what if his first name isn’t Nathan? I tried to be as realistic as possible when looking at who is likely to re-sign and here are my reasons why. Isaah Yeo is a lock to not only stay at the foot of the Mountains but also to continue playing in the lock-forward position. My sources tell me he’s already agreed to terms and it’s just a matter of time before Panthers makes the official announcement. The next player who also looks like he’ll stay is Liam Martin. After a positive meeting with Panthers management last week, all indications from his manager are that ‘Marto’ will stay at the foot of the Mountains beyond 2027. In somewhat of a surprise, I also think Moses Leota will finish his career at Penrith with all the fine details to be worked out once the team officially finishes its 2026 campaign.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

FE ATURE

Getting the band back together during that period.” Smith has filled in at lock for his co-captain six times this season, with the St Marys junior admitting he’s feeling more and more comfortable with the ‘13’ on his back. “This year is the first year that I’ve felt more comfortable in that position. I guess that’s just from the experience of doing it in the past,” he said. “I guess being able to do that gives me confidence but hopefully Yeoy’s back to full strength soon.” The Panthers will themselves field a fullstrength side this Sunday against the embattled Tigers. The afternoon fixture will also celebrate the life of late Panthers legend John Farragher, with the playing group set to wear a special commemorative jersey in his honour. Farragher passed away late last year aged 68 after suffering a heart attack. Smith said he always admired Farragher and is proud to represent him on the field this Sunday. “John’s an absolute legend! It was obviously sad with everything that happened, but he was just the epitome of – as his award says – courage and determination,” he said. “We’d had some interactions together over the years and talked a little bit about footy. I’d always see him in passing and say ‘hello’. He was just a pleasure to be around.” In a thoughtful gesture, coach Cleary named Farragher in jersey number 23 for S u n d ay ’s game. Kick-off is at 4.05pm.

NATHAN TAYLOR

enrith will welcome back injured hooker Mitch Kenny and potentially injured co-captain Isaah Yeo for this Sunday afternoon’s final match of the regular season. The premiership-winning pair were named in Ivan Cleary’s line-up for their Round 27 game against the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium. If Kenny plays as many predict, it will be his first game since mid-April, while Yeo – who was named in jumper number 22 – is also expected to return after a month on the sidelines. Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, representative forward Lindsay Smith said he can’t wait for the band to finally get back together. “Don’t get me wrong Fred [Lussick] has been doing an amazing job at hooker, but having Kenny back makes us better and he’s a wonderful player to play with and I can’t wait to have him out there,” he said.

“He’s excited. I’m excited. The whole team is excited.” “Then there’s Yeoy. Any time you can have him in your side is a massive in. I can’t wait for both of them to play.” Kenny hasn’t played in 20 weeks after he suffered a fractured fibula and a high-grade syndesmosis injury in Penrith’s golden point win over the Dolphins in steamy Darwin. The 28-year-old dummy half was scheduled to return to the field much sooner but the healing process took a lot longer than expected. Smith said the avid bird watcher is “pumped” to lace on the footy boots again. “Ever since he’s been out, he still comes to training full of energy. He’s helped us all throughout the year in various ways – he’s been unreal!” Smith said. “But to have him back out on the field will be even better. He’s excited. I’m excited. The whole team is excited. I can’t wait to see him back out there.” Another player Smith is excited to see return

Lindsay Smith wearing the John Farragher jersey.

on Sunday is the man whose position he’s currently filling in, Isaah Yeo. The 31-year-old NSW Blues and Kangaroos captain suffered a nasty pec injury during Penrith’s loss to the Warriors on August 7. Many feared Yeo wouldn’t be back at all in season 2026, but the Panthers have named him to potentially play again on Sunday. Smith said he’s enjoyed playing in the lock position while Yeo’s been away, but he’s more than happy to hand back the reigns to him this weekend. “Yeoy is the Australia and NSW captain for a reason. He’s a sensational player. It’s been cool to play in that position and take on a little bit more responsibility,” he said. “Ivan’s always told me to bring my game. I’m a different player to Yeo – everyone’s different to each other – and it’s about bringing your best footy. It’s been pleasing that I’ve been able to bring some of my better games

Lindsay Smith against the Bulldogs last Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with The Masked Panther

Jett feels the love in Auckland Family matters: Jett Cleary’s arrival at Penrith next year, which has still not been formally announced but will be happening, has the potential to be one of the great rugby league stories of 2027. The scenes at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, where the entire family flew to Auckland to see Jett make his NRL debut, were something truly special. The Clearys received the VIP treatment, certainly putting to bed any rumours of angst between the two clubs following Jett’s request for a release. Stadium sneak peek: When you see Fox League’s Finals promotion next week, keep an eye out for the all-new Helloworld Stadium. Fox and the Panthers were given special access to film the promo, which will air across Fox Sports in the lead-up to the opening weekend of the Finals. Members packages coming: Talking of Helloworld Stadium, corporate partners will get a first look at 2027 packages and pricing next week at a special function organised by the club. And members won’t be too far off receiving the same treatment. The club is putting finishing touches on its memberships for next year, including pricing and new packages. Of importance will be the club fulfilling commitments made as a result of members maintaining their membership during the time at CommBank Stadium. Spotted: Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary enjoying breakfast at Lewers Cafe the morning after the big win over Canterbury.

The Cleary clan.

Cheers to that: Talking of new arrivals, congratulations to former Penrith Panthers Cheerleader of the Year Jessica Gilarte, now known as Jessica Adams, who welcomed a baby girl with her husband Nick late last month. Merv locked in: The Panthers have confirmed this year’s Merv Cartwright Medal night will be held at the Western Sydney Convention Centre on Tuesday, October 6 – two days after the NRL Grand Final. Sponsor locks in: The Panthers announced last week that major sponsor MyPlace has extended its agreement with the club until the end of the 2029 season. MyPlace branding will remain on the front of the Panthers jerseys, apparel, signage, the Panthers Digital Network and NRL Digital network.

Spotted: A couple of old mates and Premiership winners – Viliame Kikau and Moses Leota – catching up for a yarn following Penrith’s win over Canterbury last Friday. New arrival: Congratulations to Panthers half Jack Cogger and his partner Hannah, who have welcomed little Beau Alexander Cogger into the world. He was born on August 24.

Old Boys Day: The Panthers are hoping for a huge crowd at CommBank Stadium on Sunday. While Father’s Day will create a clash for some, the club is hoping plenty of fans make the decision to incorporate an arvo at the footy into the day. The side will wear the special John Farragher jersey, while a host of former players will be in attendance for the club’s formal Old Boys Day celebration. It’s also worth noting there’s a chance the JJ Giltinan Shield will be presented post-game, should the Panthers be crowned Minor Premiers.

footy club

World Cup excitement: Lebanon star Alex Twal joined Jillaroos stars Jessica Sergis and Keilee Joseph at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal to celebrate ‘50 Days To Go’ until Rugby League World Cup 2026 kicks off last week. The best and most competitive Rugby League World Cup since the concept began in 1954 will feature 26 teams representing 14 nations in Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments. Tickets are on sale now at www. rlwc.com. Water works: Significant work will take place next week to improve the utility connections

into Penrith Stadium. A new connection to the existing Sydney Water network will be installed. This process will involve initial non-destructive digging investigation works, followed by trenching across Station Street to access the existing water infrastructure. The work will be carried out by an approved Sydney Water contractor, and will cause some traffic delays along Station Street. Spill the tea: Have you heard a rumour? Spotted a Panther out and about? I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Make sure you email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

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BEHIND THE GAME

Powerful forward edges towards debut P

enrith Panthers NSW Cup second rower Zakauri Clarke is on the journey to an NRL debut and hopes to one day meet his younger brother on the footy field. 21-year-old Clarke has been dominating in the Panthers’ NSW Cup side this year while his younger brother Cooper, 20-years-old, has made a whopping 23 appearances for the Melbourne Storm in first grade. “It’s cool watching him on TV! I’m so happy for him,” Clarke told Behind the Game on Wednesday. “He moved away from family when he was so young, and it was hard for him but to see him on TV playing footy it so good. “I try to go to all of his games that he plays up here.” With Clarke putting in the hard yards to earn himself a first grade debut, he says facing his brother

Zakauri Clarke. Photo: Melinda Jane.

with

one day in the NRL will give him mixed feelings. “I try not to think about it because Mum would hate that!” he laughed. “But it would be cool to get out there and play against him, show a bit of brotherly love. “Mum probably wouldn’t watch to be honest; Dad would be there telling her what happens.” For now, Clarke is enjoying an ideal season in Cup. The Panthers sit first on the ladder and get to enjoy a well-deserved week off during the first week of Finals. “We’ve got a pretty strong team, and we’ve got some good leaders coming back,” Clarke said. “It’s been a good season, and we are just having fun and enjoying footy. I think that’s a big thing, we are all enjoying it and loving each other’s company.” Clarke is invaluable to the side given he also goal kicks, sitting at a conversion rate of 76.9 per cent for the season. “My dad was a goal kicker growing up and he taught me how to goal kick off the little sharpshooter black tee since I was young,” Clarke reflected. “It wasn’t until I was about 17 that I started kicking properly.”

Emily Chate Quick Questions Go to coffee order: Caramel latte with oat milk

Cheat meal: Zinger box Favourite movie: Anything Marvel

Favourite musician: Chris Brown

Who did you support growing up? Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Pet peeve: People messing with his music when he is on aux

FATHER'S DAY Lunch Starters: S tarters r : Grilled Octopus & Chorizo Warm potato and tomato salad, toasted pine nuts and herbs Grilled Halloumi Thyme honey, candied walnuts and lemon olive oil 100g Kangaroo Steak Davidson plum, caramelised sweet potato purée & samphire

Lamb Rump Charred eggplant, warm lentil and preserved lemon salad, chimichurri and pomegranate molasses Aged Rump Cap Steak With Mum’s potato bake, beans and capsicum relish Smoky Chicken Mojo Crispy mixed slaw, BBQ pineapple salsa and mild harissa Baked Barramundi Steak Soft polenta, burnt tomato, beans and finger lime butter sauce

Desserts: De esserts: Taha’s Baklava Cheesecake With gelato and rose petal syrup Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Chocolate caramel ganache Assorted Gelato With ginger snap

WW57857

Marinated Confit Mushrooms Tofu, Jerusalem artichoke chips, cavolo nero and black sesame dressing

Mains: M ains:

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

THE Y S AID IT. . . “If he does leave Penrith, they’ll give him their blessing. There will be no criticism. But I think there is something about being a one-club player.”

“It’s just ridiculous, honestly. It was a huge call as they got a penalty and then they score. It’s frustrating.” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary on the Tom Jenkins ‘no try’ last week

Darryl Brohman on Nathan Cleary

“It was everything I dreamed it would be. The boys spoke about it all week. ‘Just do your job and we’ll do ours and we’ll get the win’.” Warriors debutant Jett Cleary

“The ecstasy of winning is so strong and so addictive. Why you would not do everything you can to feel that again is beyond me. I can’t imagine being Brisbane now.”

“Sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise. Get a bit of time off and hit the ground running come Finals time.” Nathan Cleary on Penrith’s injuries

“They’ve shown enough. They are priming themselves for an enormous Finals series.”

Mitch Kenny

Michael Ennis after Penrith’s win over Canterbury

“Big game DNA is right throughout that Penrith club.”

“When Penrith are in that big game mode, they’re so focused.”

Denan Kemp on SEN this week

Chad Townsend on SEN

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

NRL

FATHER’S DAY CLEARANCE

25% OFF STOREWIDE!

PANTHERS

Tries: L Martin 2, C McLean Goals: N Cleary 6/6

AND PLENTY MORE!

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 3, 2026

Tries: T Crosby 2, T Ale, B Talagi, H Lemoto, J Liddiard, P Moimoi Goals: Z Clarke 6/7

Tries: M Burton, J Preston Goals: S Crichton 1/2

BULLDOGS

Tries: K Dykes 3, S Alatini, J Underhill Goals: J Teaupa 4/5

JERSEY FLEGG

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It’s time to spoil Dad — or treat yourself!

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PANTHERS

Tries: C Kanaan 2, H Bell, E Birve, J Colley, Z Selwood, J Fifita Goals: K Raven 6/6, T Patea 1/1

BULLDOGS

Tries: L Fing 2, L Mifsud, B Reuben, K Patterson Goals: B Reuben 4/5

NRL L ADDER & FIX TURES CLUB

+/-

PTS

Warriors

697

388

+309

Panthers

645

337

+308

Dolphins

638

486

+152

Roosters

599

451

+148

Sharks

652

499

+153

Rabbitohs

644

561

+83

Knights

633

591

+42

Cowboys

538

602

-64

Sea Eagles

593

493

+100

Bulldogs

456

502

-46

Storm

23 10

570

556

+14

Raiders

23 10

531

596

-65

Eels

475

654

-179

Wests Tigers

435

661

-226

Broncos

437

657

-220

Titans

457

639

-182

Dragons

368

695

-327

Thursday, September 3 7.50pm Accor Stadium

Friday, September 4 6.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

Friday, September 4 8.00pm Allianz Stadium

Saturday, September 5 3.00pm Go Media Stadium

Saturday, September 5 5.30pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Saturday, September 5 7.35pm Ocean Protect Stadium

Sunday, September 6 2.00pm WIN Stadium

Sunday, September 6 4.05pm CommBank Stadium

Face in the C r

owd

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a $100 Rusty Penny voucher thanks to Rusty Penny Brewing. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2026-027 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender

BYE:

Knights

EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Emily Chate ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 4722 2998 / sales@westernweekender.com.au

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

Current Ladder 1st

Nathan Cleary

117 6th

Lindsay Smith

2nd Dylan Edwards

83 7th

Paul Alamoti

3rd

Thomas Jenkins

67 8th

Liam Martin

4th

Isaiah Papali'i

48 9th

Isaah Yeo

5th

Brian To'o

42 10th Liam Henry

WW59221

Round 27

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S K ANE TOWNS

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EELS

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DOLPHINS

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PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

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RAIDERS

EELS

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WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS

EELS

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WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS

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DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

SHARKS

PANTHERS

ANTHONY WALKER

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

RAIDERS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

AARON GAMPE

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RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

DRAGONS

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DOLPHINS

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STORM

PANTHERS

CHARBEL GEAGEA

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666

DOLPHINS

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EELS

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PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

DANIEL GALEA

BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

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PANTHERS

LEE BANISTER

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

JOSHUA VAN DEN BROEK

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

DROID MEDIA | 0415 844 247

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

268 258 254 254 254 250 250 246 246 244 240 238 236 234 234 234 232 232 232 232 230 230

CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S ROSS FOWLER

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

RAIDERS

EELS

ROSS FOWLER & CO | 0419 738 484

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

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DRAGONS

TITANS

WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

JOHN VEITCH

ARUM ADVISORY | 8302 3677

SHANIL LAL

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

PARRAMATTA MOTOR GROUP | 0447 517 711

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

SHARKS

PANTHERS

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS

DRAGONS

LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING | 4735 6411

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

ANDREW BERGER

BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

JAMIE GOLDFINCH

BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

JAY JAY BUILDING SUPPLIES | 4731 1533

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

IAN GARTON

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

RAIDERS

EELS

MCDONALD’S GARTON GROUP | 4721 2992

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

NATHAN TAYLOR

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

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BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

GOURMET MEAT CO | 4735 1400

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

DARREN LATTY

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

RAIDERS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

DEE BARLOW

BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

COWBOYS

EELS

COUNTRY BREWER | 4731 5444

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

KEN HALE

BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

KEN HALE PLUMBING | 4773 9275

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

BRENT JONES

BRONCOS

RABBITOHS

RAIDERS

EELS

LAMROCKS SOLICITORS | 4731 5688

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

JIM HILL

BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

EELS

NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS | 4760 0809

DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

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BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

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BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

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EELS

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DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

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BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

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DOLPHINS

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BRONCOS

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BRONCOS

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DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

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PANTHERS

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BRONCOS

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DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

COREY PHILLIPS

BRONCOS

ROOSTERS

RAIDERS

EELS

DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES

STORM

PANTHERS

LEISURE POOLS | 0415 699 086

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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

WITNESS THE POWER ON STAGE MADELINE DANTIER

“

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If you can touch just one more soul and one more person and give them joy and peace, and the sense of belonging, you have succeeded,” said Producer and Project Lead Minette Mendens, of the powerful and stirring musical, ‘Be The Witness’. A retelling of the original 1978 musical ‘The Witness’, ‘Be The Witness’ tells the story of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as told through the eyes of his disciple Simon Peter. Utilising a chorus of more than 60 voices, principal cast members, musicians, dancers, creative teams, production crews and administrators, ‘Be The Witness’ tells an extraordinary story, straight from the hearts of western Sydney locals. Directed by Joe Cordo, who oversaw the show in its first run in India during the 1970s and ‘80s, ‘Be The Witness’ focuses heavily on the journey of the disciple Simon Peter, on his path from an ordinary fisherman, to one of Jesus disciples, then to someone who denies him in the face of adversity, and ultimately becoming an early leader of the Christian church. The story of Jesus’ life is told from the perspective of his disciples, friends and relatives, providing deeply emotional and personal reflections. The show has transcended a typical stage performance, uniting over 130 volunteers, entire families and performers from all across the globe. “It’s Christianity on the whole. There’s no denominations, it’s just anyone who wants to be inspired and touched by this

story,” Mendens said. For many involved, the production is about more than simply producing a stage show. It has become a celebration of community, connection, and a shared purpose, with people from all ages and backgrounds, as well as some overseas travellers, coming together to create a story that they hope will leave a lasting impression for generations. Centering on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, ‘Be The Witness’ features powerful storytelling and 20 moving original songs, drawing audiences into an emotional and deeply human journey. Its contemporary music, dynamic visuals and compelling narrative has resonated with people of all religious affiliations for decades, making the show accessible to everyone. “You do not need to be Catholic – or even religious – to connect with this story. At its heart, it is about hope, belonging, compassion and the ability of ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things when they come together,” Mendens shared. In conjunction with the musical, an exhibition featuring the most recent forensic evidence for the burial cloth of Jesus Christ (known as the Shroud of Turin), will be available for viewing at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, just a short stroll from the show. The display features a lifesize replica of the burial cloth and will be running alongside the show dates to anchor the experience. ‘Be The Witness’ is being held at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta from September 10-13. To purchase tickets, visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

THINGS TO DO Extraordinary story: Book launch

Father’s Day Car Show

Real Festival is back

Koko Casey was a trained international flight nurse, retrieving critical patients from all over the world. After a bad storm turned a routine flight into a survival situation, Casey shares her story on how she took control to save her own life. STAY: From Flight Nurse To Patient launches at Harry Hartog on Thursday, September 3. Hear Casey retell her extraordinary journey.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Panthers with a day of cars, family fun and free entertainment. On Sunday, September 6, Panthers Penrith is showcasing a huge range of vehicles across The Backyard and Aqua Golf car park, alongside free kids rides, face painting, reptiles, food trucks and more. Looking for a relaxed Father’s Day out? This one’s for you.

Real Festival returns for another year at Tench Reserve, inviting you to let your imagination take flight. Expect a dynamic program of entertainment, art and experiences designed to surprise, inspire and connect. Get Ready to explore, discover and soar from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13. Visit www.realfestival.com.au for details.

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 Older Women’s Group Launching soon. Interest meeting Monday, October 5 at Penrith Senior Citizen’s Centre. Sue 0439 550 976.

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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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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COUNTRY CORNER

Radio waves If you love your country music, tuning into Nashville-based radio stations can be a great way to hear your favourites as well as new tracks. Famed station WSM 650 has just had a shake-up to its schedule, launching ‘The Kelly Sutton Show’ as its new breakfast offering. Country Corner has been tuning in over the past few weeks, and we’re enjoying the mix of light-hearted banter, artist interviews and great music – including live performances from the Opry stage, given WSM has access to its extraordinary library. Known as “country music’s BFF”, Sutton is well-respected in Nashville and is expected to land plenty of great guests. Charlie Mattos is serving as co-host, along

with Annie Ney. The show replaces ‘Coffee, Country and Cody’, which was hosted for many years by the legendary Bill Cody, who passed away suddenly earlier this year. You can listen to ‘The Kelly Sutton Show’ in Australia live at 9pm Sydney time and you can listen through the WSM website or app, or just ask your smart speaker to play WSM. There’s also a YouTube live stream that kicks off at 10pm to coincide with the second hour of the show.

Sarah’s gone country Rising Australian country artist Sarah Catania is kicking open the honky-tonk doors with her new single, ‘Once You’ve Gone Country’, inviting everyone to join the party.

SALUTING ONE OF THE GREATS Upbeat, playful and made for the dance floor, ‘Once You’ve Gone Country’ captures the irresistible pull of country music and culture. From the music and honky-tonks to the warmth and freedom of the lifestyle, the track celebrates finding a sense of belonging in the country community – regardless of where you were raised. “‘Once You’ve Gone Country’, while upbeat and fun, really did start as an idea from a deeper place,” Catania said. “It’s about being an unapologetic city girl that loves the country lifestyle. Whether it be the music, the honky-tonks, or the living, ‘Once You’ve Gone Country’ is a track that welcomes everyone into the country space, whether they were born into it or not. It’s a song about acceptance and putting differences aside to have a damn good time.” The song is out now on all the streaming services.

Track of the Week Melanie Dyer has just dropped her new track ‘Daisies from Dirt’. Give it a listen!

nternational lyric tenor Paul Ettore Tabone brings audiences a powerful and emotional concert event celebrating the music of Andrea Bocelli in ‘Paul Tabone Salutes Andrea Bocelli’. Described by the BBC as “Australia’s own Bocelli” and praised by Theatre Direct as “a powerhouse voice that could fill a stadium”, Tabone brings extraordinary vocal power and emotional depth to this spectacular tribute to one of the world’s most beloved voices. Tabone leads audiences on a sweeping musical journey through Bocelli’s most iconic repertoire. The concert features timeless favourites including ‘The Prayer’, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, ‘Canto della Terra’, ‘Besame Mucho ‘and more, all performed with Tabone’s signature blend of operatic mastery and theatrical storytelling. In 2016, Tabone shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli at the Arena di Verona before an audience

of 20,000, with the performance broadcast to more than 20 million viewers worldwide. That milestone appearance alongside his musical hero became the inspiration for this heartfelt tribute concert now touring to audiences across Australia. Tabone is one of Australia’s most accomplished international tenors. His career spans London’s West End and Broadway, appearances at the Sydney Opera House, the National Opera of Bucharest and Teatro Carlo Felice in Italy, as well as a record-breaking 1,800 performances in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in London. His rare ability to move effortlessly between opera, classical crossover and musical theatre has made him a favourite with audiences both at home and abroad. From heartfelt ballads to soaring anthems, the concert celebrates not only Bocelli’s extraordinary music but also Tabone’s own remarkable journey – from growing up on a North Queensland sugar

cane farm to performing on some of the world’s greatest stages. ‘Paul Tabone Salutes Andrea Bocelli’ promises an unforgettable afternoon of beauty, passion and world-class vocal artistry. The show is at the Blue Mountains Theatre on Sunday, September 27 at 3pm. Visit www.paultabone.com for tickets. The Weekender has three double passes to the show to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to c omp et it ion s @ w e ste r n w e e ke n d e r. c o m . au with ‘Bocelli’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, September 11 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at our website.

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

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

At the movies... PREVIEW

PREVIEW

Fall 2: Deadpoint

Practical Magic 2

1 hour, 37 minutes The terrifying heights are back in this nerve-shredding sequel to ‘Fall’. After surviving a deadly climb, Becky faces another terrifying challenge when she becomes trapped high above the ground

1 hour, 50 minutes with no easy escape. With danger closing in and every decision potentially fatal, she must confront her fears once more in a desperate fight for survival against impossible odds.

See these movies at...

The Owens sisters are back, proving that some family bonds are stronger than any spell. Reuniting Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, ‘Practical Magic 2’ returns to the

magical world of the beloved 1998 classic. As old secrets resurface and new dangers emerge, Sally and Gillian must once again embrace their extraordinary powers and rely on family to protect those they love.

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 Holy Days

& Sons

(PG)

(M)

The Dog Stars (MA)

Gone With The Wind (PG)

3 to 16 Sep

Now Showing to 9 Sep

CLASSIC 5 Sep

Raiders of the Lost Ark (M) CLASSIC 6 Sep

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast Of Mossy Bottom (G) Advance Screening 6 Sep

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (PG) CLASSIC 8 & 9 Sep

Direct to your email inbox: Weekly Session Times & Coming Attractions

www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC 54

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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LISTEN NOW ON

Ê New observational series ‘Sydney Harbour Cops’ is coming to 10 on Tuesday, September 15 at 7.30pm. The series takes viewers beyond the postcard views and onto the water with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, offering unprecedented access to the officers charged with keeping Sydney Harbour and the NSW coastline safe. Across the series, officers pursue drug traffickers exploiting the coastline, manage the thousands of boats that descend on Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve, use sophisticated sonar technology to search for sunken vehicles, respond to lost weapons, investigate the discovery of a World War II grenade, and even join forces with Taronga Zoo to rescue and release sea turtles.

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

Ê 10 reality TV juggernaut ‘Big Brother’ is moving to Brisbane for the first time. Construction is underway on the new house, which will be located at Screen Queensland Studios in Hemmant. ‘Big Brother’ is also teasing a house with gossip nooks, a diary room, “mad tuna storage”, and most importantly – unfiltered access, 24 hours a day. Casting for the new season is underway.

DECEMBER 8 ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, DISNEY+

SEPTEMBER 15

7.30PM

SYDNEY HARBOUR COPS, 10

Ê The first-ever regular season NFL game will be played in Australia on Friday, September 11 between the LA Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. ESPN will provide a dedicated localised live broadcast on ESPN and Disney+ with wall-to-wall coverage – including the halftime headline performance from the Jonas Brothers. In addition, ESPN has extended rights to RedZone on Disney+ exclusively and a selection of other NFL live content in Australia. Ê New 10-episode Canadian comedy series ‘Slo Pitch’ will premiere on HBO Max on Friday, September 5. In ‘Slo Pitch’, Joanne Pico coaches six-time league losers, ‘The Public Lass Brovaries’ and is determined to turn the team’s fortunes around after being dumped by her girlfriend and team co-founder. As the season unfolds, Joanne and her chaotic crew navigate petty rivalries, questionable sponsors, disastrous fundraising schemes and the ultimate challenge: facing her ex on a rival team.

Ê The new season of Disney+ hit ‘Only Murders in the Building’ will drop on Tuesday, December 8. For the first time ever, the beloved crime-solving trio, comprising Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, are leaving New York City for the UK. Special guest stars in season six include Tina Fey, Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep, David Tennant, Nicola Coughlan and Martin Freeman. Ê The second season of Stan hit ‘The Hunting Wives’ is arriving on Thursday, November 26. The new season will welcome back much of the original cast. Ê Apple TV sports comedy ‘Stick’ starring Owen Wilson swings back into season two on Wednesday, November 4. Ê Foxtel and Netflix have renewed their long-standing partnership is a multi-year deal. Under the agreement, Platinum Plus Foxtel iQ customers will continue to enjoy Netflix as part of their Foxtel subscription.

HUBERTUS

Friday 4 September – Sunday 6 September

FATHER ’S DAY SP ECI AL S

Country-Style Chicken Wings – $16 M | $19 V Crispy chicken wings tossed in your choice of BBQ, Buffalo or Korean glaze, served with ranch dipping sauce.

Texas Loaded Fries – $18 M | $21 V Seasoned fries topped with pulled pork, melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños and smoky BBQ sauce. Father’s Day Roast - $20 Dad’s Steak and Schooner - $25

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Pulled Pork Burger – $22 M | $25 V Slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork, crunchy slaw, smoky chipotle mayo, pickles and melted cheddar on a toasted brioche bun, served with chips.

M = Member | V = Visitor

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

TV Guide: September 4 - 10

Sunday 6 September

Saturday 5 September

Friday 4 September

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 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Portrait Artist Of The Year 1:50 The Cage (PG) 2:40 You Can’t Ask That (PG) 2:55 Fake Or Fortune? 3:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:15 SaintPierre (M v) 9:00 Portrait Artist Of The Year

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Movie: “No Good Deed” (M v) (’20) Stars: Michelle Borth 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 7:30 AFL: Elimination Final: Geelong Cats v TBA *Live* From The MCG 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:15 GetOn Extra 11:45 The Voice (PG) 1:30 Eyewitness (MA15+) 2:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Rancher 101” (AKA ‘The Movie Star And The Cowboy’) (PG) (’23) Stars: MacKenzie Porter 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Sydney Roosters *Live* From Allianz Stadium 9:55 NRL: Post-Match

10:00 Farm To Fork 10:30 Entertainment Tonight 10:50 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 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) 9:30 10’s Late News

10:05 Such Was Life (PG) 10:15 Vintage Voltage (PG) 11:10 Inside Oxford Street (M l) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Bettany Hughes - The Silk Road Treasures 3:00 NITV News - Nula 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy! 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The Good Ship Murder (M v) 8:30 WWII With Tom Hanks (M) 10:10 SBS World News Late

1:00 Escape To The Country 2:00 The Great Australian Doorstep (PG) 2:30 Sydney Weekender 3:00 Malaysia Kitchen 3:30 Harry’s Practice 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Escape To The Country 6:00 Bargain Hunt

2:30 Kick Ons 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Deadliest Roads (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown *Live*

3:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special 3:30 Dream Academy (PG) 3:55 The Big Adventure (PG) 5:10 Britain’s Got Talent (PG) 6:40 Movie: “The Emoji Movie” (PG) (’17) Stars: TJ Miller 8:30 Movie: “No Hard Feelings” (MA15+) (’23)

4:30 Dreaming Big 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Whale Rider” (M) (’02) Stars: Keisha CastleHughes (In English/ Maori)

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) 10:20 Bull (M s,v) 11:15 JAG (PG)

2:00 My Lottery Dream 11:00 Millionaire Hot Home (PG) 3:00 The Seat (PG) 11:30 Lingo Block: Glasshouse (PG) 12:30 Becker (PG) 1:00 Friends (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Why The Heck Did I Buy 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With This House? (PG) 5:00 The Justine Schofield 4:30 Becker Flipping El Moussas 6:00 House Hunters International (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Half Men (PG) 9:30 Becker (M) Barnwood Builders

3:40 Fizzy And Suds 4:05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures 4:35 SuperKitties 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior

3:10 QI (PG) 3:40 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Would I Lie To You? ABC News Day 3:00 (PG) 4:10 MythBusters ABC News Afternoons (PG) 5:00 Portrait Artist Of The 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 Year UK 5:45 George Clarke’s ABC News With Joe O’Brien Old House New Home 6:35 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 The Richard Osman’s House Of Pacific 8:00 ABC News Tonight Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:35 If You’re Listening

5:30 Poh & Co. 6:00 Rick Stein’s Seafood Odyssey 6:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s Party Feast 8:40 Battle Of The Brands 9:40 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw

1:40 We’re All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel) (M l) 2:45 Forged In Fire (PG) 3:30 Worldwatch 5:35 Inside The Huddle 6:05 Over The Black Dot 6:35 Jeopardy! 7:25 NITV News Update 7:30 Celebrity Jeopardy! (PG)

12:20 Rugby Heaven (PG) 1:20 IndyCar Series Highlights 2:30 Baywatch (M v) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 Movie: “Black Adam” (M v) (’22) Stars: Dwayne Johnson

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Grantchester (PG) 1:15 Father Brown (M) 2:00 Saint-Pierre (M v) 2:50 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 3:20 Tampa (PG) 4:20 Australian Story 5:35 Landline 6:05 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Grantchester (M v) 8:20 Father Brown (M) 9:05 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 10:35 Falling (M l) 11:15 rage (MA15+)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special 12:30 The Voice (PG) 2:15 Surveillance Oz (PG) 2:30 AFL: Pre-Game 3:00 AFL: Qualifying Final: Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions *Live* From The SCG 6:00 Seven News 7:00 AFL: Elimination Final: Adelaide Crows v TBA *Live* From Adelaide Oval 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:00 King Of The Big Game: West Coast Eagles (PG)

6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday (PG) 12:00 Drive Reviews 12:30 NRLW: New Zealand Warriors v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks *Live* 2:30 NRLW Wrap (PG) 3:15 NRLW: North Queensland Cowboys v Sydney Roosters *Live* 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 NRL: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Melbourne Storm *Live*

10:00 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 10:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 11:30 The Traitors Australia (PG) 1:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 1:30 Country House Facelift 2:00 Deal Or No Deal - Celebrity Jackpot (PG) 3:00 The Finish Line 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 7:30 Selling Houses Australia 9:40 Love It Or List It UK - Brilliant Builds 10:40 Watson (M) 11:40 FBI (M) 12:30 Home Shopping 5:00 Religious Programs

5:00 Worldwatch 7:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 8:00 Worldwatch 10:00 Plat Du Tour 10:05 South Africa From Above (PG) 11:05 Wonders Of The World I Can’t See (M l,s) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Splice Here A Projected Odyssey (PG) 4:30 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 5:30 Plat Du Tour 5:35 War Trains 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Queen Victoria And The Groomsman Scandal (PG) 8:45 The Airport Chaplain (M) 9:50 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey (M s)

12:30 AFLW: Round 4: Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans *Live* 2:30 Blokesworld (PG) 3:00 Night Thunder 4:00 Deep Water Salvage (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 6:00 AFL: PostGame 6:30 AFL: Pre-Game

1:00 New Idea Test Kitchen 1:30 Behave Yourself (M l) 2:30 Zumbo’s Just Desserts (PG) 3:45 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 5:30 Movie: “The Smurfs 2” (G) (’13) Stars: Brendan Gleeson 7:30 Movie: “Friends With Benefits” (MA15+) (’11)

3:10 Homesteads (PG) 3:45 Karla Grant Presents (PG) 4:30 Anthem Sessions 5:00 Movie: “Exile And The Kingdom” (PG) (’93) Stars: Mike Innes 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l)

11:00 Roads Less Travelled 11:30 Building The Dream Home 12:30 The Living Room 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Reel Action 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 JAG (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping

7:30 Deal Or No Deal 8:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 11:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 11:30 Becker (PG) 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two And A Half Men (PG)

2:30 Renovation Aloha (PG) 3:30 Why The Heck Did I Buy This House? (PG) 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 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 3:30 Shaun The Sheep The Breakfast Couch 3:55 Talking Tom 3:00 ABC News 3:30 Heroes 4:30 Little J And Big Cuz 5:05 Peppa Pig 5:25 That Pacific Sports Show 4:00 ABC News 4:30 BTN 4:55 Wowsabout! 6:05 PJ Masks 6:20 Bluey 7:05 Do Not Watch Heywire 5:00 ABC News 5:30 This Show 7:30 Teenage Boss: Asia News Week 6:00 ABC Next Level 7:55 Harry Potter: Evening News 6:30 Stateline 7:00 ABC National News Wizards Of Baking

2:35 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:05 Not Going Out (M) 3:35 QI (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Portrait Artist Of The Year UK 6:10 George Clarke’s Old House New Home 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

5:30 David Rocco’s Eating Dirty 6:00 Searching For Soul Food 6:30 What Not To Eat 7:30 Jamie’s Kitchen 8:30 Rick Stein: From Venice To Istanbul 9:40 Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted 10:30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure

12:00 Who Killed The KLF? (M l) 1:40 Great Australian Concerts 2:45 If You Are The One (PG) (In Mandarin) 3:45 Worldwatch 5:45 Mastermind 6:45 Engineering By Catastrophe (PG) 7:40 History’s Greatest Machines

12:30 Tennis: US Open: Day 6 *Live* From New York 3:00 World Endurance Championship Highlights 4:00 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Dog House UK (PG) 5:30 TBA 7:30 Movie: “The Dark Knight Rises” (M l,v) (’12) Stars: Christian Bale

6:00 Tennis: US Open: Day 6 *Live* 3:00 Rugby Union: Blue Crane Capital Shute Shield: Teams TBA *Live* 5:00 NRLW: Newcastle Knights v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs *Live* 7:00 Customs (PG)

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Sandown/ Randwick *Live* 5:30 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 AFLW: Round 4: Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants *Live* From Brighton Homes Arena 8:30 Escape To The Country

9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:15 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG) 3:05 End Game With Tony Armstrong 3:55 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli (PG) 4:25 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)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 The Voice (PG) 1:35 Movie: “Battle: Los Angeles” (M l,v) (’11) Stars: Aaron Eckhart 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Voice (PG) 8:45 Seven News Spotlight (PG) 9:45 Poisoned (MA15+) 10:55 24 Hours In Police Custody (MA15+) 12:00 Curfew (MA15+)

6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 NRL: Sunday Footy Show *Live* 11:45 NRLW: St George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos *Live* 1:30 NRLW: Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans *Live* 3:30 NRL: Penrith Panthers v Wests Tigers *Live* 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 The Block (PG) 8:40 60 Minutes (PG) 9:40 NINE News Late 10:10 The First 48 (M l,v)

9:00 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 9:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:00 Good Food Everyday With Gary Mehigan (PG) 10:30 Frugal Foodie 11:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 11:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 12:00 My Market Kitchen 12:30 Gogglebox Australia (PG) 1:30 The Traitors 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 Watson (M) 9:00 FBI (M) 12:00 10 News Plus

5:00 Worldwatch 7:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 8:00 Worldwatch 10:00 Bonsai 10:15 Harry Chapin - Cat’s In The Cradle 12:00 Worldwatch 12:55 Living Black Shorts 1:00 Motorsport: Speedweek 3:00 Cycling: Arctic Race Of Norway Highlights 4:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 4:30 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 5:30 Plat Du Tour 5:35 War Trains 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Surviving 9/11 (M l) 9:10 Castle Secrets (M v) 10:05 Kennedy (PG)

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

12:30 Home And Away 2:30 The Voice (PG) 4:00 Ed And Karen’s Recipes For Success 5:00 Animals Aboard With Dr. Harry (PG) 6:00 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M v)

2:15 Naidoc Awards (M l) 4:20 UB40 Feat. Ali Campbell Live Concert (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 Extraordinary Animals 8:30 Movie: “Cassius X: Becoming Ali” (PG) (’23) Stars: Attallah Shabazz

11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 Building The Dream 12:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 1:30 Buy To Build 2:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 4:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

6:00 Home Shopping 7:30 Deal Or No Deal 9:30 Lingo 11:30 Becker (PG) 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 1:30 Frasier (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 10:30 The Traitors Australia (PG) 12:00 Becker (PG)

1:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt Renovation (PG) 2:30 Chateau DIY 3:30 Farmhouse Fixer (PG) 4:30 Barnwood Builders 5:30 House Hunters USA 6:30 House Hunters International 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Fixer To Fabulous (PG)

2:00 ABC News 2:30 3:00 Play School 3:25 Stateline 3:00 ABC Tabby McTat 4:15 Stan News 3:30 Offsiders And Gran 4:30 Little J 4:00 Landline 5:00 ABC News And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:20 Stick Man 6:05 PJ Masks With Auslan 5:30 The Regions 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 6:25 Zog 6:55 Rocket Club Foreign Correspondent 7:00 7:30 The Inbestigators 8:10 ABC National News 7:30 Wild Life 8:55 Animal Park 10:25 Secrets Of The Zoo (PG) Insiders

3:35 QI (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Portrait Artist Of The Year UK 6:10 George Clarke’s Old House New Home 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (M s)

5:30 River Cottage Reunited 6:30 Matt Preston’s Plating Locally 7:00 Frugal Foodie 7:30 Neven’s Portuguese Food Trails 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen 10:30 James Martin’s Spanish Adventure

2:25 Race For The Planet (M l) 3:00 The Power Of Activism (PG) 4:00 Jeopardy! 4:25 Worldwatch 5:45 The Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters (PG) 6:35 Abandoned Engineering (M) 8:25 The Center Seat

2:50 Lego Masters Australia 4:00 The Toys That Built The World (PG) 5:00 Cards And Collectables Australia 5:30 Movie: “Goosebumps” (PG) (’15) Stars: Jack Black 7:30 Movie: “Man Of Steel” (PG) (’13) Stars: Henry Cavill

6:00 Tennis: US Open: Day 7 *Live* 3:00 Getaway (PG) 3:30 My Favorite Martian 4:00 Agatha Christie’s Marple (PG) 6:00 NRLW: Canberra Raiders v Parramatta Eels *Live* 8:00 TBA 9:00 Paramedics (M) 10:00 Emergency (PG)

2:00 South Aussie With Cosi (PG) 2:30 Harry’s Practice 3:00 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 4:00 My Greek Odyssey (PG) 5:00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 6:00 Escape To The Country 7:00 The Vicar Of Dibley (PG)

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

6:00 Tennis: US Open: Day 5 *Live* 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Antiques DownUnder 4:00 Find My Country House NZ 4:30 Poirot (PG) 5:30 The Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Find My Country House Australia

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

Thursday 10 September

Wednesday 9 September

Tuesday 8 September

Monday 7 September

Get Macca’s® delivered. 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Landline 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Fake Or Fortune? 4:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:20 Media Watch (M) 9:35 Planet America (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Beat The Chasers UK 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 The Voice (PG) 9:15 The Rookie (M v) 10:15 The Agenda Setters (M)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 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) 8:40 100% Footy (M l)

5:30 The 77 Percent 12:00 Revenge (M) 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV 3:00 The Voice (PG) News Update 6:40 4:30 First Dates UK (PG) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 Law & 8:30 Living Black Order (M s,v)

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 Deal Or No Deal - Celebrity Jackpot (PG)

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

4:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Martin (PG)

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

4:30 SuperKitties 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:40 Kangaroo Beach 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels

2:55 SBS50 (PG) 3:00 5:30 Poh & Co. 6:00 5:40 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing Over The Black Dot Rick Stein’s Seafood Old House New Home 5:00 ABC News With 3:30 Worldwatch 5:30 Odyssey 6:30 Everyday 6:30 Richard Osman’s Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Alone Denmark (PG) (In And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Danish) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC NITV News Update 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw 7:30 Nigella Kitchen News Tonight

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Grantchester (M v) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Fake Or Fortune? 4:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Foreign Correspondent (PG) 8:30 Tampa (PG) 9:20 I Was Actually There (M l) 9:50 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (M) 4:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 The Block (PG) Seven News At Noon 1:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven 1:00 Ski Rescue Down Under (M l) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 7:30 First Dates Australia (M l,s) 8:40 Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The World’s Biggest Cruise Ship (PG) 9:40 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (MA15+) Block (PG) 8:40 Travel Guides (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)

4:30 American 4:00 Australia’s Restoration (PG) 5:00 Deadliest (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)

2:00 Bettany Hughes - Treasures Of Estonia (PG) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Nefertiti - The Raiders Of The Lost Tomb (PG) (In English/ French) 5:05 Jeopardy! 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey

4:00 Everyday 1:30 Bondi Rescue 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Arctic 3:00 A Moveable Feast Gourmet With Justine (PG) 2:00 The Traitors Secrets (PG) 7:30 The (PG) 3:30 My Greek Schofield 4:30 Becker Australia (PG) 3:30 Bull Point 8:00 The First Odyssey (PG) 4:30 (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 First Dates UK (PG) 5:30 Bondi Inventors (PG) 8:55 Movie: Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) “Joy Luck Club” (PG) (’93) Half Men (PG) 10:20 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 CSI: New York (MA15+) Stars: Tamlyn Tomita

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 The 1% Club UK (PG) 8:30 The Front Bar (M l) 9:30 Unfiltered (PG) 10:00 The Agenda Setters (M)

9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 Getaway (PG) 1:30 Destination WA 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 70 Years Of Television (M)

5:00 Christina In The Country (PG) 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Masters Of Flip

4:00 Find My Country 4:30 The Addams House NZ 4:30 Poirot Family 5:30 Bewitched (PG) 5:30 The 6:30 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 “National Lampoon’s European Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (M v) Vacation” (PG) (’85)

3:15 Worldwatch 5:20 5:30 Poh & Co. 6:00 5:40 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 SuperKitties 5:00 Alone Denmark (PG) Rick Stein’s Seafood Old House New Home 5:00 ABC News With Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking (In Danish) 6:30 Odyssey 6:30 Everyday 6:30 Richard Osman’s Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Tom Heroes 6:05 News Hour 7:00 ABC National House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Jeopardy! 7:20 NITV News Spidey And His Amazing And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Update 7:25 Beam Me Up, Friends 6:25 The Adventures News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC Sulu 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels News Tonight

12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 Media Watch 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Fake Or Fortune? 4:00 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 9:00 Small Town Scandal (M)

12:10 Worldwatch 2:00 SBS50 (PG) 2:05 Bettany Hughes - Treasures Of The Adriatic (PG) 3:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy! 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam (PG)

6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Chateau DIY 8:30 TBA 9:30 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses

4:00 Find My Country 2:30 Baywatch (M v) House NZ 4:30 Poirot 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 (PG) 5:30 The The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 Baywatch Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 (M v) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 New Tricks (PG) TBA 10:30 Seinfeld (PG)

2:00 Dateline (M) 2:30 Insight (M) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:05 Jeopardy! 4:30 Letters And Numbers 5:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:40 The Airport Chaplain (M l) 9:40 James May - Our Man In India (PG) (In English/ Bangla)

4:00 Everyday 1:30 Bondi Rescue 5:00 Ocean Warriors: 3:00 A Moveable Feast Gourmet With Justine (PG) 2:00 The Traitors Mission Ready (PG) (PG) 3:30 My Greek Schofield 4:30 Becker Australia (PG) 3:30 Bull 5:30 APTN National Odyssey (PG) 4:30 (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 First Dates UK (PG) 5:30 Bondi News 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Arctic (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) Secrets (PG) 7:30 Friday Night Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) Half Men (PG) 10:20 Bull (M s,v) Thunder 7:30 The Rookie (M v)

4:00 Why The Heck Did I Buy This House? (PG) 5:00 TBA 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town

4:00 Find My Country 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 2:20 Race For The 5:30 Poh & Co. 6:00 5:40 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 SuperKitties 5:00 House NZ 4:30 Poirot The Addams Family Planet (M l) 3:25 Rick Stein’s Seafood Old House New Home 5:00 ABC News With Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking (PG) 5:30 The 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 Worldwatch 5:30 Alone Odyssey 6:30 Everyday 6:30 Richard Osman’s Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Tom Heroes 6:05 News Hour 7:00 ABC National House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Denmark (PG) (In Danish) 6:40 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 Seinfeld Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 Spidey And His Amazing Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As (PG) 8:30 Movie: “We’re The And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Friends 6:25 The Adventures News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC Time Goes By Millers” (M l,n,s) (’13) Update 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels News Tonight

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Falling (M l) 2:00 Parliament Question Time 3:00 Fake Or Fortune? 4:00 Frankie Drake Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Back Roads (PG) 8:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 9:00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job 9:30 The Cage (PG) 4:00 Australia’s Deadliest 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M)

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 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 9:30 Hear The Mighty Roar: Brisbane Lions: The Hunted (M l)

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)

12:00 The Block (PG) 1:00 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRLW: Sydney Roosters v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs *Live* 9:45 NINE News Late

3:30 My Greek Odyssey (PG) 4:30 First Dates UK (PG) 5:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Judge Judy (PG) 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares

2:00 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey (M s) 3:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 3:35 Jeopardy! 4:00 Letters And Numbers 4:30 Matt Preston’s Plating Locally 5:00 Cycling: La Vuelta Highlights 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Alone Australia Reunion (M l) 8:40 9/11 - One Day In America (M l)

4:00 Everyday 1:30 Bondi Rescue 5:00 Ocean Warriors: Gourmet With Justine (PG) 2:00 The Traitors Mission Ready (PG) Schofield 4:30 Becker Australia (PG) 3:30 Bull 5:30 Te Ao With Moana (In English/ Maori) 6:00 Bamay (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (M s,v) 6:30 (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 6:40 Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 Law & Order: Friends (PG) 8:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) Going Places With Ernie Dingo SVU (M v)

4:00 Why The Heck Did I Buy This House? (PG) 5:00 Help! I Wrecked My House 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA

4:00 Find My Country 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 2:25 Insight 3:25 5:30 Poh & Co. 6:00 5:40 George Clarke’s 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 SuperKitties 5:00 House NZ 4:30 Poirot The Addams Family Worldwatch 5:30 Alone Rick Stein’s Seafood Old House New Home 5:00 ABC News With Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking (PG) 5:30 The 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 Denmark (PG) (In Odyssey 6:30 Everyday 6:30 Richard Osman’s Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Tom Heroes 6:05 Baywatch (M v) 7:30 Seinfeld Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 News Hour 7:00 ABC National House Of Games 7:00 Spicks Gourmet With Justine Schofield Danish) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 Spidey And His Amazing And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out (PG) 8:30 TBA 10:55 Seinfeld Antiques Roadshow 7:30 RBT Friends 6:25 The Adventures News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC (PG) 11:55 Jane The Virgin (M) (M l) 8:30 Emergency (PG) Of 10 Cats Does Countdown 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) Liaw Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels News Tonight Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

INCORPORATING Western Property | The Experts | Relax & Unwind

WHAT MATTERS MOST KINGFISHER GROVE OPEN DAY | SEE PAGE 60 Western Property

The Experts

Relax & Unwind

OPEN YOUR EYES TO ORAN PARK

THE LATEST FROM OUR PET EXPERT

WHAT DO THE STARS HAVE IN STORE?

SEE PAGE 61

SEE PAGE 65

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

MAKE MORE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST K

ingfisher Grove in Jordan Springs is redefining retirement living, offering a lifestyle that is connected, active and full of opportunity. Nestled alongside the natural beauty of Wianamatta Regional Park, this established community combines modern apartment living with the benefits of a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood. While the newest apartments have recently been completed, Kingfisher Grove is far from a new community. Residents moving in today are joining a village that is already flourishing, with friendships, activities and social connections firmly established. In fact, more than 70 per cent of the 103 new apartments have already been sold, with new residents moving in every week and settling into village life just in time to enjoy the warmer spring and summer months. For many residents, moving to Kingfisher Grove has been about more than securing a new home, it has been about creating space for the things that matter most. Freed from the upkeep of a larger property, they are spending less time on household maintenance and more time enjoying family, friendships, hobbies and new experiences. It is a lifestyle shift that residents frequently describe as liberating, and many share a common sentiment: they wish they had made

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the move sooner. Life at Kingfisher Grove offers the perfect balance of independence and connection. Residents can enjoy morning walks through nearby parklands, relax with a swim in the heated indoor pool or spend time with neighbours in the clubhouse. A wide range of hobby groups, social events and resident-led activ-

DON’T MISS THE OPEN DAY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 ities create opportunities to stay engaged, learn something new and build lasting friendships. One of the village’s greatest strengths is its genuine sense of community. New residents are welcomed into an environment where there is always something happening, making it easy to feel at home from day one. Whether it is joining a social gathering, attending a movie screening or simply enjoying a coffee and conversation with neighbours, connections are formed naturally.

The apartments themselves have been carefully designed for modern retirement living. Set in contemporary low-rise buildings, they offer spacious layouts, quality finishes and a low-maintenance lifestyle. Recognising that downsizing does not mean giving up the things you value, each apartment includes thoughtful storage solutions, including a separate storage cage for less frequently used items. Location is another key advantage. Situated directly opposite Jordan Springs Shopping Centre and only a short drive from Nepean Hospital and Penrith, Kingfisher Grove has everyday essentials, services and entertainment within easy reach. As more people seek a lifestyle that offers freedom from home maintenance without compromising on comfort, community or convenience, Kingfisher Grove continues to attract strong interest. For many, it represents the opportunity to embrace a new chapter while remaining connected to the people, places and activities that matter most. Kingfisher Grove will host an Open Day on Wednesday, September 16, giving visitors the opportunity to tour the display apartments, meet residents and experience firsthand the lifestyle that is seeing more people choose to make their move sooner rather than later.

Independent travel reviews from writers who’ve been there!

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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OPEN YOUR EYES TO BEAUTIFUL ORAN PARK What is so great about this property? Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods. Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day. With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit? Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes. Tell us about the suburb this property is in? Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.

Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s. The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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Discover exclusive townhome living in Oran Park.

The Residences Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a backyard and the low-maintenance qualities of apartment living.

Arena - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved attractions. Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences offer excellent value-for-money. • • • • • • •

Spacious, designer interiors Landscaped grounds Two to five-bedroom layouts Private porches and courtyards Family-friendly living areas Premium finishes and inclusions Tranquil locations

The Circuit - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfort and practicality. A beautiful lifestyle in one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits. Banksia - Typical example of Oran Park townhomes

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A wide range of affordably priced residences now selling.

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

PET HEALTH The Experts

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE ITCHY... S

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

pring brings warmer weather, blooming gardens and more time outdoors with our pets. Unfortunately, for some dogs and cats, it also brings an unwelcome side effect – itchy skin. Seasonal allergies, or seasonal dermatitis, are common causes of skin irritation in pets and can become particularly troublesome during spring and summer. Environmental allergens such as pollen, grass, mould spores and dust mites can trigger inflammation and leave pets scratching, licking and chewing at their skin. Occasional scratching is perfectly normal, but persistent itching should never be ignored. Signs of seasonal dermatitis can include red or inflamed skin, hair loss, scabs, sores, excessive licking or chewing, and repeated rubbing of the face, belly or paws. Some pets may also develop recurrent ear infections, hot spots or secondary bacterial and yeast infections. One of the challenges with skin disease is that allergies are not always the cause. Fleas, infections and other conditions can produce very similar symptoms, which is why a veterinary assessment is important when itching persists. Flea allergy dermatitis is another common cause of intense itching. Some pets are allergic to proteins in flea saliva, meaning

even a single flea bite can trigger a significant reaction. The irritation often affects the area around the base of the tail, but can become more widespread. Fleas can easily be brought indoors, so all pets in the household should receive appropriate, year-round flea prevention, regardless of whether they spend most of their time inside or outside. Atopic dermatitis occurs when a pet reacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mould. It commonly affects the paws, belly and armpits. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to atopy and have a weaker skin barrier, making them more vulnerable to environmental irritants. There are several simple ways owners can help reduce exposure to allergens. Wiping paws and coats after walks can remove pollen and other irritants, while regularly washing bedding can reduce the build-up of allergens. Keeping grass maintained and avoiding areas with heavy pollen when possible, may also help. Bathing can be particularly beneficial for itchy pets, but it is important to use the right product for the individual skin condition. Veterinary-recommended shampoos can help remove allergens, soothe irritated skin and support the skin barrier. A leave-on conditioner may also provide additional

moisture and relief. For pets experiencing more severe or ongoing problems, veterinary treatment may include anti-itch medications or treatment for secondary bacterial or yeast infections. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy may be considered to gradually reduce the pet’s sensitivity to particular allergens. Seasonal dermatitis may not always be curable, but it can usually be managed successfully. The key is recognising the signs early rather than allowing a few scratches to develop into painful, widespread skin disease. This spring, if your pet seems itchier than usual, don’t simply put it down to the warmer weather. Early veterinary advice can help identify the cause and get your pet back to enjoying the season – without the scratch. For more information phone the friendly team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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LOAN LOWDOWN The Experts

BRIDGING THE GAP: HOW BRIDGING LOANS HELP F

STEVEN KORNER The Finance Korner thefinancekorner.com.au

or many western Sydney families, the moment arrives when the family home no longer fits the family. A third child, a work-from-home setup, or simply the need for more space can make upsizing feel urgent but selling and buying at the same time is rarely simple. This is where a bridging loan can offer a practical solution. What is a bridging loan? A bridging loan is a short-term finance facility that “bridges” the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one. Rather than waiting for a sale to settle before making an offer on a new home, a bridging loan allows buyers to secure their next property first, with the loan typically repaid once the existing home sells. Why it suits upsizing families Avoiding the double-move: Without bridging finance, many families sell first, move into rental accommodation, then move again once a new home is found. For a household with young

children, that’s two disruptive moves instead of one. A bridging loan can allow a family to move directly from their old home into their new one. Competing confidently in the market: In a tight property market, offers that are contingent on selling an existing home are often less attractive to vendors. Bridging finance allows a family to make an unconditional offer, strengthening their negotiating

position against buyers without that flexibility. Time to sell properly: Rather than rushing a sale to align with a purchase settlement, bridging finance can give families breathing room to prepare their existing home for market, negotiate a fair price, and avoid underselling out of urgency. Things to consider Bridging loans are not without cost. Interest is generally charged

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on the peak debt (the combined value of both properties) until the old home sells, and rates are typically higher than standard home loan rates. Lenders will also usually want a realistic sale price and timeframe for the existing property, often around six to twelve months. For this reason, bridging finance tends to suit families with reasonable equity in their current home and a clear, realistic plan to sell. Getting the structure right Every lender approaches bridging finance differently, and structuring it well from loan-to-value ratios to end debt calculations, makes a real difference to the overall cost. Speaking with a broker before committing to a purchase can help families understand what’s achievable and avoid being caught short between settlements. This article is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Speak with a licensed broker or financial adviser.

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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

There’s an opportunity for emotional release. Something you’ve carried for longer than necessary may finally feel ready to be put down. You don’t need to understand every detail before moving forward. Shared finances or commitments could also require an honest conversation. Facing something directly will bring far more peace than continuing to wonder about it.

Relationships are teaching you an important lesson about balance. Notice who meets you halfway and who consistently leaves you doing the emotional heavy lifting. An honest conversation could strengthen a meaningful connection, while another situation may require firmer boundaries. Trust what people consistently show you.

You may feel a strong urge to get organised and regain control of an area that has felt scattered lately. Small changes to your routine could make a surprisingly big difference. In relationships, avoid reacting too quickly to something said in the moment. Give yourself time to understand what’s really going on. Clarity comes when you respond rather than react.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

This week invites you to reconnect with the things that genuinely make you happy. You may have been so focused on responsibilities that fun has slipped further down the list. Romance, creativity and connection are beautifully highlighted. Follow what feels good without needing to justify it. An unexpected invitation or conversation could also bring a welcome change.

Home and family matters may require a little extra attention this week. Something that has been left unsaid could finally come into the open, giving everyone an opportunity to move forward. Be honest about what you need rather than automatically adapting to everyone else. Creating more peace in your personal world will help everything else feel more manageable.

Your words carry extra weight, use them wisely. A conversation you’ve been avoiding may actually go far better than you imagined. This is also a powerful time to trust your intuition when making plans or decisions. Pay attention to unexpected messages, repeating signs or chance encounters. Something insignificant could contain exactly the guidance you’ve needed.

@ amandajaneclairvoyant

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Your relationship with money and self-worth comes into focus. You may find yourself questioning whether you’re receiving the same value that you’re giving. Don’t be afraid to raise your standards. A practical opportunity could improve your security, but take your time before committing. Knowing your worth changes what you’re willing to settle for.

Your season continues to bring fresh energy and an opportunity to redefine what you want. This isn’t about becoming someone different; it’s about returning to the version of yourself that feels most authentic. Make yourself a priority without feeling guilty about it. A personal goal that once felt out of reach may suddenly seem much more achievable.

You may need more space from the noise of the outside world this week. Your intuition becomes clearer when you stop filling every quiet moment with distractions. Something you’ve been questioning may finally make sense once you give yourself time to reflect. Protect your energy and don’t feel obligated to explain every boundary. Peace is reason enough.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Connections are important, particularly those that encourage you to think bigger. A friend or new acquaintance could offer advice or an introduction that proves valuable later. Be open to receiving support instead of doing everything yourself. A long-held dream may also return to your thoughts. Perhaps it hasn’t been forgotten because it still belongs in your future.

Career and purpose take centre stage, and you may find yourself ready for greater recognition or responsibility. If you’ve been waiting for someone else to notice what you’re capable of, stop waiting. Put yourself forward. A professional conversation could lead somewhere interesting. Confidence will open doors this week, but remember that you don’t need to have everything.

You’re being encouraged to look beyond what feels familiar. A new idea, destination, course or experience could spark something within you that’s been missing lately. Don’t dismiss an opportunity simply because it wasn’t part of the original plan. Sometimes the unexpected path becomes the most rewarding one. Allow curiosity to guide you somewhere different this week.

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, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

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We have sponsorship packages starting from $3,000. Please contact Sean Hogan on 0414 637 513 to find out more.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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

ACROSS DOWN 1. Unsightly fat 1. Rural holding 4. Survey public opinion 2. Opera solos 8. Epic tale 3. . .. appetit! 11. Riding & roping show 4. Cipher 13. Swedish prize for 5. Recesses medical achievement 6. Disgusts 15. Horned beast, white 7. Drawback ... 8. Behold 17. Trophy 9. Change 18. Conceded (goal) (3,2) 10. Actress, ... Paquin 20. Missing in action 12. Singer, ... Parton (1,1,1) 14. Lose blood 21. Parasite 16. Mud-wallowing 24. Bicker creature 27. Age 19. Very angry 28. Bible song 22. Comperes 30. Friendly word on 23. Munched meeting 25. Cad 31. Land, ... firma 26. Perfect society 33. Washing machine 29. Trapeze artist settings 32. Dreaming period, ... 34. Marched sleep (1,1,1) 35. Sullen 35. Shared out, ... up 36. Lowly 37. Glorify 39. Complied 38. Door aperture 42. Brown photo shade 40. Prairie animal 44. Curved-bill bird 41. College supervisors 45. Prohibit 42. Satisfied 46. Dancing Queen pop 43. Monastery superior group 44. Scientist, Sir ... 48. Short-stay Newton authorisations 47. Below 49. Burp 51. Vend 50. At summit of 52. Ruined 52. Junior to 53. Moses parted the ... 54. Will not (3’1) (3,3) 55. Fluorescent colours 54. More cautious 56. Discuss 58. Affair 57. Cube (vegetables) 59. Ostrich cousin 60. Attendant 61. Design transfer 62. BSE, ... disease (3,3) 63. LP record 65. Avail 64. Wild pack canines 67. Skeleton head 65. Stick (to) 69. Pen name, ... plume 66. Mode (3,2) 68. Rascal 70. Moral principle 71. Alphabetical guide 72. Daylight provider 72. Omit 73. Smoothed furniture 74. Overriding vote edge 76. Fragrant flower 75. UK prince 78. Existed 77. Catch (thief) 80. Non-verbal yes 79. The Matrix actor, ... 83. Before now Reeves 81. Do battle (with) 82. Soup-serving utensil Previous solution - Tough 84. Throw up 85. Military blockade 2 1 9 7 6 3 86. Piebald 7 3 1 2 8 5 6 4 87. Vulgar 8 9 7 6 4 1 2 88. Bullocks

edium

1 8

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

r8ts.com

2 5 7 8 3

8 9 7

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

SUDOKU No. 809

7 6

5 3 8 1

Medium

8 7 4 5 7

1 7 9 6 4 5 2 8 3

6 5 6

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.

3 8

Previous solution - Easy

7 2 5 4 6

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

6 1 2 9

9 7

Crossword

4 6 8 2 9 3 5 1 7

3 2 5 1 8 7 6 9 4

2 1 3 9 5 6 4 7 8

8 9 6 4 7 2 1 3 5

7 5 4 8 3 1 9 6 2

6 3 7 5 2 9 8 4 1

5 8 1 7 6 4 3 2 9

9 4 2 3 1 8 7 5 6

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: SPRING SEPTEMBER SPRING SUNSHINE FLOWERS OCTOBER BLOOM SPROUT GREEN FRESH BUTTERFLY CLOVER HATCH SPRING CLEAN NEW LIFE NOVEMBER AWAKENING Last week’s solution

Test your knowledge about Dolly Parton in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. Where was Dolly born? 2. What is the name of Dolly’s husband? 3. How many songs did Dolly write throughout her career? 4. Who is Dolly’s goddaughter? 5. What charity did Dolly found that delivers free books to children worldwide? 6. What year did Dolly’s hit song

‘Jolene’ come out? 7. What instrument did Dolly use to create the rhythmic percussion in the opening of ‘9 to 5’? 8. What Whitney Houston song did Dolly write? 9. In what movie did Dolly make her film debut in? 10. How many Grammy Awards has Dolly won throughout her career?

ANSWERS 1. Tennessee 2. Carl Dean 3. Over 3,000 4. Miley Cyrus 5. Imagination Library 6. 1973 7. Her acrylic fingernails 8. ‘I will always love you’ 9. ‘9 to 5’ 10. 11

Trivia Quiz

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

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TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOKU No. 809

Medium

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

2 4 1 2

3 9 7

5 1 8

5 7

Str8ts

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

No. 809

Previous solution - Tough

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

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

2 1

7 6

8 9 7

8 3

3 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.

LOPNALNINEOSESTSSHMEESNITH R

E Previous solution:

Who Am I? HINTS

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.

www.30secondchallenge.com

half of IT

of IT

less

of ThIs

3. M y lifelong love is named Jenny. ansWeR

of ThIs

ansWeR

of ThIs

Last week’s answer: 30-second challenge ansWeRs To 166 - BEGINNER - 35, INTERMEDIATE - 72, ADVANCED - 360.

4. I run across America for no particular reason. 5. “ Life is like a box chocolates.” Last week’s answer: OASIS BROTHERS – NOEL AND LIAM GALLAGHER

30-second challenge ansWeRs To 167 - BEGINNER - 121, INTERMEDIATE - 3.5, ADVANCED - 192.

250 2% of IT x25

+6 ÷9 x11 +1 ¼ ÷5 x7 x3 2/3 ÷12 x7 -9 1/3 -7 x3 80% 37½% x4¼ x11/3 10% -45

douBle IT

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douBle IT

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douBle IT

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

www.30secondchallenge.com

of ThIs

ansWeR

douBle IT

ansWeR

2. I became a college football star, a war hero, and a successful shrimp boat captain.

InTeRMedIaTe

TIMes By ITself

1. I unknowingly influence several major moments in American history.

87 +13 ÷10 x6 -4 ÷8 x4 +5 ÷3 +4 +6 x4 10% x7 5% 51 ÷3 8 +19 /11 x22/3 +22 40% 5% +39 200% 40

BegInneR

Plus 17½%

adVanced

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,

adVanced

Previous solution: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

30 Second Challenge InTeRMedIaTe

7 5

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Ingredients:

Base: – 1 cup Self-Raising Flour – 1 cup Brown Sugar – 1 cup Desiccated Coconut – 125g Butter Filling: – 440g Condensed Milk – 2 Tbsp Golden Syrup – 30g Butter Topping: – 125g Dark Chocolate

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°. Sift flour into a bowl and add the sugar

and coconut. Stir until combined. 2. M elt the butter and add to dry ingredients, mixing well. Press the mixture into the oven-safe dish. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside. 3. F or the caramel, place all ingredients into the saucepan on low heat and stir until the caramel has thickened. Bring slowly to the boil, then remove from the heat. 4. S pread the caramel on top of the base and bake for another 10 minutes. 5. O nce the base is completely cool melt the chocolate until smooth and silky. Spread the melted chocolate in an even layer over the caramel, and cover and place in the fridge. Once the chocolate is set, cut into pieces and enjoy!

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • DESSERT

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Elexio adds spark to SUV A

s global regulations push manufacturers towards an electrified future, Hyundai has released its latest electric SUV, the Elexio. An all-new design, rather than a de-carboned version of an existing car, the Elexio is ‘same but different’ in an increasingly cookie cutter market. Despite its dimensions almost mirroring the Tucson, the Elexio is a separate model with its own design architecture, although it retains classic wagon proportions, with an engine bay and combined cabin/ cargo area.

that could disrupt airflow over and around the body, the roof rails act as aero ‘fences’, channeling air along the body, pushing the Elexio onto the road as speed increases, and increasing straightline stability. Having raised four sons, and now having grandchildren, I am not sure about the Dove Grey interior, it could be a magnet for spills, although this is not a problem restricted to young children! That said, it has a stylish feel, not cold or austere, there is a definite ‘hi tech’ theme about the car, dominating everything is the slimline 27” widescreen display, focused on the

“SWIFT AND SILENT, ELEXIO OFFERS FUSS-FREE DRIVING”

The air intake is mounted low, under the bumper line, feeding the battery and electric motor cooling systems. The bumper line flows upwards into the gently sloping bonnet, sandwiching the LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights, the charge port is mounted high on the driver’s side guard. With no fuel tank needing to meet crash regulations, designers are making the most of the freedoms created by integrated battery systems, often mounted under the floor, to relocate charge ports away from traditional fuel filler locations. Deeply contoured body lines run the length of the doors and rear quarters, giving the Elexio an angular appearance, the downward sloping roofline adds to this look, also improving the aero performance without drag-inducing wings or spoilers. Aero efficiency is a key aspect of EV design, minimising energy usage and delivering maximum range, this includes the 20” polished alloys wearing low friction Kumho tyres. The quest for low drag includes flush-mount door handles that pop out on unlock, retracting when you drive off. Unsurprisingly, the panel gaps are fractional, reducing stray elements

passenger rather than the driver, offering lounge room image resolution from the touchscreen LCD with its 3D graphics display, showing every function of the car. The driver literally only has the steering wheel to worry about, although it does access cruise, audio and telephone controls, with no instrument panel in front of them.

This was the only real fault I found, the driver has a small pod at the base of the windscreen with a projector Heads Up Display, unfortunately wearing prescription polarising sunglasses in daytime, the display vanished. Even increasing brightness to maximum only showed faint and hard to read numbers, the solution was to drive without the sunglasses, not ideal on bright, glare-filled days. Seats were firm but comfortable, compressing under body weight, you didn’t feel like you were riding in a bean bag, but you weren’t perched on them either. Heated and ventilated, the fronts are power adjustable, 4-way for the passenger and 14-way for the driver, I found about eight of them during our week with the Elexio. With the rise of reusable drink containers, the cup holders have a magnetised rim, gripping metal drink bottles solid, no spills here! The Elexio is loaded with features, controlled from the widescreen, more than we could discover in a week of driving, my partner was disappointed she couldn’t play the pre-loaded video games while we were on the move. She knows the road rules, before anyone asks, her disappointment was not being able to use the screen to its full potential, when we arrived at our destination, we left the car. This illustrates the changing

The new electric vehicle from Hyundai.

nature of vehicles, where previously they were a mode of transportation, the modern car is as much a destination as a way of getting somewhere. It can be daunting to learn the technology, in fairness to Hyundai everything is designed to make life easier and more comfortable, but it is a longterm process. The good news is the basic operations are easily understood and you can gradually expand your knowledge over time. Powering the Elexio is a 160kW/310Nm single electric motor, driving the front wheels through a direct drive transmission, the harder you push, the faster you go. As fuss-free family motoring, it is simple to drive, push the ‘On’

button, rotate the drive selector and off you go. A prod of the accelerator has the Elexio leaping away, pushing you back into the seat, family-friendly doesn’t have to mean turtle-like progress. This is perhaps the Elexio’s biggest challenge, and best feature, it is quick to react to driver inputs. For the uninitiated, this instantaneous burst of acceleration will be unlike anything they have experienced, making the extensive suite of safety systems, including emergency braking (AEB) almost mandatory. This is offset to a degree by the driver selectable regenerative braking, choose maximum energy

See that screen?

capture and the Elexio stops as hard and fast as it launches. My preference is the ‘iPedal’ mode, push to go, lift to slow, add the ‘auto hold’ feature at traffic lights and you only use the brake pedal to engage gears or for dead stops at low speed. While ‘purists’ complain this is ‘dumbing down’ driving, I suggest the opposite, this requires a delicate touch, balancing power and brake in the one movement, and encouraging greater awareness and perception to pre-empt situations. This is a car for cruising, wellequipped and comfortable, with a supple, compliant, ride, yes, THAT pothole still hurts, but it copes well with average roads. As an EV, range is everything, recharging is still the big sticking point, Hyundai will likely help with a home charger, but drive to Orange or Parkes, and you are looking to recharge before the next leg.

Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

SPORT

LEGENDS TO DEPART

Shake-up for Wanderers ahead of A-League Women’s season starting next month NATHAN TAYLOR

Club legend Danika Matos is leaving the Wanderers.

club,” he said. “To play almost 100 games for one club is a significant achievement and Amy has given so much to the Wanderers across different periods of her career. “We’re incredibly grateful for everything Amy has contributed and she leaves with the respect of everyone within the football program.” Abrahams also praised Matos for the consistency and commitment she has shown throughout her time at the club. “Danika has been an incredible servant to this club and what she has achieved across seven seasons speaks for itself. To become the all-time appearance leader for the Wanderers women’s team is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of her consistency, professionalism and commitment to the team,” he said. “Danika is western Sydney through and through and she should be incredibly proud of the legacy she leaves behind at this club. She will always be an important part of the Wanderers family.” The 2026/27 A-League Women’s season starts on October 17.

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he Western Sydney Wanderers have said goodbye to a host of A-League Women’s players ahead of the new season, including two club legends. Amy Harrison, Danika Matos, Ying Wang, Alana Cerne and Ava Collins have officially departed the Wanderers following the conclusion of their playing contracts. The departures see the club farewell two significant figures in the history of the Wanderers’ women’s program, with Harrison and Matos having represented the Red & Black on a combined 207 occasions. Matos departs the Wanderers as the club’s all-time appearance leader in the A-League Women, having represented the Wanderers on 111 occasions. A product of western Sydney, Matos developed into a mainstay of the Wanderers across her seven seasons at the club, becoming synonymous with the women’s program through her consistency, versatility and commitment. Capable of playing across a number of positions, Matos’ reli-

ability saw her become a regular presence in the side across multiple eras of the Wanderers and she leaves having made more appearances for the club than any other player in the history of the women’s team. Harrison also departs following an outstanding contribution across multiple spells at the Wanderers, finishing her time at the club with 96 appearances, the third most in the history of the women’s team. Harrison has been a significant figure in Red & Black since first joining the Wanderers and played a key role in the club’s historic 2019/20 campaign, which saw Western Sydney qualify for the Finals Series for the first time. After returning to the Wanderers following a stint abroad with PSV Eindhoven, Harrison continued to establish herself as a leader within the squad and was later appointed club captain. Wanderers coach Geoff Abrahams paid tribute to Harrison’s contribution and leadership during her time at Wanderland. “Amy has been an outstanding leader and an incredibly important person for this football

the western weekender » Thursday, September 3, 2026

SPORT

STAND AGAINST SUICIDE Raising awareness: Inaugural Steps for Love of Living Walk to take place next week NATHAN TAYLOR

ocal sporting champions, an acclaimed vocalist and a world renowned neurosurgeon will lace up their walking shoes next week for the inaugural Steps for Love of Living Walk. The four-day suicide prevention awareness walk will bring together elite athletes, internationally recognised professionals, survivors, families and community groups in a united stand against suicide. Co-hosted by The Australian Man Cave Support Group and the Step Into Action Foundation, the 226km trek will get underway on World Suicide Prevention Day next Thursday, September 10 and finish on Sunday, September 13, covering a challenging route from McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle to Penrith Showground on Station Street. Participants, including local MMA athlete Rama Pattinson, Penrith-born Olympic diver Melissa Wu and champion Jordan Springs fighter Arelene Blencowe, will journey through regional and metropolitan communities, honouring loved ones lost to suicide and raising awareness of the urgent need for stronger mental health support across Australia. “I’m joining the charity walk because I want to help break the stigma around mental health issues,” Blencowe told the Weekender. “It’s important to me to show support for

Event organiser Lou Greco.

MMA and boxing champion Arlene Blencowe.

those who might feel alone in their struggles and to encourage conversations that matter. Every step I take is for everyone who needs to know they’re not alone.” President and Founder of The Australian Man Cave Support Group Lou Greco said he’s proud to be involved in the inaugural Steps for Love of Living Walk. “Myself and Chris Barton, the Founder of Step Into Action Foundation, had a discussion recently about doing something together and we decided on a walk from Newcastle to

Penrith,” Greco explained. “The support we’ve had so far through donations has been absolutely amazing!” Sadly, suicide touches the lives of many Australians with around nine Aussie men and two Aussie women taken by it every single day. “Just about everyone you speak to knows somebody who has taken their life. It’s so, so sad and an horrific statistic in this country,” Greco said. “I’ve lost enough people and I don’t want to lose anymore – that’s my passion!”

Also joining the walk from Newcastle to Penrith at various stages is world renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo, operatic singer Gaetano Bonfante, and politicians Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh and State MP Rose Jackson. The walk also carries deep personal significance for several families and community groups. Kelly and Matt O’Brien, parents of Charlotte O’Brien and the driving force behind Australia’s social media reforms, will walk in honour of their daughter. The Southlakes Roosters Junior Rugby League Club will walk in tribute to their 12-year-old teammate Alisha Rush, who recently took her life following the loss of her father last year. Former police officer and three-time suicide survivor Peter Dwyer will join the walk to share his lived experience and ongoing commitment to suicide prevention. At the conclusion of the 226km walk on Sunday afternoon, a huge celebration will be held at Penrith Showground with Oldskool Muscle Cars on display, food trucks and entertainment from country music artists Cooper Lane and Col Finley. “Chris and I want this to be an annual event. World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 every year and it’s so important we recognise this day,” Greco said. For more information on next week’s walk or to donate, visit stepsforloveofliving.com.au.

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

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Thursday, September 3, 2026 « the western weekender

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Panthers girls make footy history RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers will play Finals football for the first time in the NSW Women’s Premiership after defeating the Cronulla Sharks 24-12 last Saturday at Parker Street Reserve. The 12-point win means Penrith finished the regular season in third position with seven wins, one draw and three losses. Samantha Hanrahan scored a hat-trick of tries in her team’s solid win over the Sharks, with Jacinta Tui and Chloe Pallisier also crossing the line. This Sunday morning, the Panthers will face-off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a 2 v 3 Finals battle at Leichhardt Oval at 11am. A win over the Bunnies will see the Panthers advance to the next round. AFL: Despite a strong regular season, the Penrith Rams have been eliminated from the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 Finals. Playing last Sunday afternoon against Macquarie University at Bruce Purser Reserve, the Rams were down 21-4 at half-time before staging a comeback in the second half. Penrith held Macquarie University scoreless in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done, losing 38-32. The one goal defeat ends Penrith’s season after finishing third on the competition ladder. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes remain alive despite losing their opening Finals game against Macquarie University last Sunday 54-6. Macquarie University were dominant in the Qualifying Final at Rosedale Oval, holding the Ramettes to just one goal the entire game. Thankfully, the Ramettes remain in the hunt for the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 title and will battle the Wollondilly Knights in an Elimination Final this Saturday afternoon at Rosedale Oval. AFLW: The GWS Giants almost notched up their second win of the season, going down to Port Adelaide 52-48 in Round 3 of the AFLW. The Giants kicked four of the last five goals of the game to snatch the lead last Sunday

return to the club and embrace a new challenge in familiar surroundings. “I’m excited to be returning to Western Sydney Wanderers and I’m looking forward to a new challenge,” she said. “It’s special for me to be moving back to western Sydney. The Wanderers were the first club I moved to when I moved interstate, so I’m really looking forward to being back.” Langham said she’s hoping to overcome recent injuries to be back to her brilliant. “Personally, I want to return from my injury and get back to playing at my best, and Western Sydney has the foundations to allow me to do that,” she said. “I learnt that winning a Championship requires more than just talent. It requires hard work, dedication, teamwork and resilience. I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences with me and doing everything I can to help the team this season.”

The Panthers have reached the NSW Women’s Premiership Finals.

afternoon at Manuka Oval before Power’s Lauren Young scored the match-winning goal at the death – breaking the Giants’ hearts. Giants star Alyce Parker continued her impressive start to the season with 21 disposals and five clearances after an injury-hit 2025 campaign. Alicia Eva, Jess Doyle, Georgia Garnett and Mowbray each kicked two goals in the loss as the home side kicked a remarkably accurate 8.0 for the match. GWS will travel to Queensland this Saturday evening to play the Brisbane Lions in Ipswich.

The GWS Giants team had a tough loss to Port Adelaide last weekend. Photo: AFL Photos.

NETBALL: Round 18 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition took place at Netball Central last week. Playing against North Shore United, Panthers Netball’s U23s team were demolished 67-50, ending their 2026 campaign in eighth position with four wins and 14 losses to their name. Panthers Netball’s Opens team didn’t fare any better, losing to North Shore United 72-58, ending their disappointing season in ninth position with three wins and 15 losses. FOOTBALL: Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the signing of 2024/25 A-League Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Sarah Langman to the club for the upcoming season. The experienced goalkeeper has added significant experience to her career since she was last in Red & Black, most recently playing an important role at Central Coast Mariners, where she was part of the squad that claimed the A-League Women’s Championship. Langman returns to Western Sydney with valuable experience and a winning mentality, adding further leadership to a Wanderers squad featuring an exciting group of young players. Langman said she was excited to

Footballer Charlotte Bradshaw. FOOTBALL: Local football sensation Charlotte Bradshaw has been named in the Football Australia World Cup Training Camp ahead of the upcoming FIFA U17s Women World Cup in Morocco. 21 players plus one reserve will be selected from the camp, which will be held in Spain this October. Meanwhile, Bradshaw recently signed a three-year deal (one-year Youth Development Agreement and two-year Scholarship) at the Western Sydney Wanderers for the upcoming A-League Women’s season. Late last month, Bradshaw’s Wanderers team qualified for the Football NSW National Premier League (NPL) semi-finals, marking the first time in club history that a men’s or women’s side had qualified for the NPL Finals. Well done, Charlotte! GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also direct message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

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

Sandown R6 #3- BLIND RAISE

Randwick R7 #7- IDLE FLYER

Sandown R7 #2- EVAPORATE

Two great fresh wins last prep as a 2yr old. Draws a beautiful barrier here with Blake Shinn on board and he will look to cross the other on pace horses drawn inside him. If he does find the lead, he will be hard to catch.

Second up this prep and Zac Lloyd back on who’s ridden her 8 times for 7 wins. Had great closing splits resuming behind some of the best horses in the country. Is 4 from 4 2nd up and should get all the favours from the barrier.

First up had to cross from a wide barrier in the P.B Lawrence to lead. Got overrun with 100m left by the fit Cosmic Crusader who went on to run 3rd in the Memsie. Will now be fitter, drawn barrier 6 so it can either lead or take a sit, and meets an easier field. Second up form is solid so expect a good performance.

@threewide_nocover

3. Blind Raise (4) J: Blake Shinn T: T Busuttin & N Young W: 57.50kg

7. Idle Flyer (3) J: Zac Lloyd T: Matthew Smith W: 56.00kg

2. Evaporate (6) J: Blake Shinn T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes W: 58.50kg

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HISTORY ON OFFER The St Marys Sydney Shield team. Photo: NSWRL.

NATHAN TAYLOR

he St Marys Saints will be aiming to create some rugby league history this weekend when they look to claim not one but two NSWRL premierships. This Saturday afternoon at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, St Marys will compete in the Sydney Shield Grand Final at 12.45pm and the Ron Massey Cup Grand Final at 3pm. Speaking with the Weekender, St Marys Rugby League Manager Adam Przybyla said it’s been a busy week. “It’s busy, but it’s a good busy! I’d much rather be preparing for grand finals than not,” he admitted.

“It’s a real proud moment for the club, to have both teams through is an awesome achievement.” St Marys qualified for the Sydney Shield Grand Final after finishing the regular season as undefeated Minor Premiers, with 15 wins, one draw and zero losses. Brad Drew’s men will take on an in-form Mounties outfit, who finished the season in second position with just three losses. “I’m expecting a close and tough Grand Final,” Przybyla said. “Mounties have a few players back. Their Ron Massey Cup team bowed out of Finals contention after week one, and they had a few players qualify for Sydney Shield. “All we can do is our very best against whoever takes the field. The group has

prepared really well again. Grand Finals comes down to moments and being on the better side of those.” St Marys last won the Sydney Shield title back in 2022, while it’s only been a year since their Ron Massey Cup team were crowned Champions. This Saturday, the Saints will be looking to go back-to-back in the Ron Massey Cup when they battle this season’s surprise packets the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks. The Hawks finished the regular season as Minor Premiers, while St Marys ended the year in second spot with 14 wins and four losses. “Ryde are a good footy team, and they beat us a Magic Round earlier in the season. They’ve been very consistent and

have come out of nowhere this year. It’s going to be a really tough game,” Przybyla said. The Saints are hoping to see a huge crowd on deck at Campbelltown Sports Stadium this Saturday afternoon, with the club putting on a free supporter bus for the occasion. “As a club, we’re extremely proud and grateful to be part of Grand Final Day,” Przybyla said. “To my understanding, no club has won both titles in the same year – that would be a special moment to achieve.” Following the Ron Massey Cup decider, a post-match function will be held at St Marys Leagues Club for family, friends and supporters.

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