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PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Printed on 100% recycled paper

FRI 29 AUG 2014 • Issue 1168

ENTERTAINMENT One-on-one with Sarah McLeod p. 4

ENTERTAINMENT Wharf Revue is full of laughs p. 6

GIVEAWAY Win a Wolfe Brothers CD p. 13

LIFE & STYLE Anthony Walker’s ﬁnance tips p. 16

FATHER’S DAY Special feature inside p. 22-26

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special report

Steve Hewson. Photo: Melinda Jane

SPECIAL REPORT

Disability Expo aims to create inclusive community More than 2,000 people will pour through the doors of the Panthers Exhibition Pavilion to learn the latest about service delivery, technology and products for people with disabilities and their families ou may not think disability applies to you, but did you know 1 in 5 Australians has a disability, chronic medical condition or mental illness? Disability can affect anyone at different points in their lives. Some people are born with it, some people develop it over time and it is forced upon some people through accidents or misadventure. Whatever the circumstances, people need to know they aren’t alone and that there is an abundance of help and assistance right on our very doorstep. One organisation, which has been operating in the local area for 35 years, is Nepean Area Disabilities Organisation. NADO is a not-for-profit, community based, charitable organisation that supports people with disabilities and their families in the Nepean region including Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Penrith and surrounding areas. There are currently 400 people with a disability that are linked with NADO through various programs and activities. Denise Heath, CEO of NADO, explained to West Life the point of difference that NADO provides the local community.

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

“Our theme for 35 years has been community engagement, so linking people with disabilities to the community,” she said. “I think the overriding theme of NADO and what gives us that point of difference is the fun element. We do a lot of events, group activities, supported holidays – so we really look at the recreational side of life too because we think that’s a big key to community integration.” NADO predominantly focuses on assisting people in four specific areas; respite services, community participation, recreation and community events. “Respite services are regular planned activities to give families with disabled people a break,” Ms Heath said. “Community participation is for people who find it difficult to get a job or sustain a job because of their disability. We work on their independent and life skills. “Recreation and friendship is a very high priority among the disabled community – that is to develop friendships and have a social life through groups like Nepean Social Club. “Lastly, our goal for community events is that of inclusive community and that people with disabilities have the right,

need and value to be part of any community.” One NADO success story Ms Heath shares is that of a local lady with an intellectual disability who started her very own jam business. “She left school some years ago and moved from one thing to another, did a few courses but there seemed to be some real barriers for her joining the workforce,” Ms Heath explained. “Some special funding was released called ‘Self Managed Funding’ which took her independence to another level. She was then able to get a business mentor who helped her explore what she could do as her own business. “So she started making jams. From taste testing to branding to selling her produce. It’s been an exciting journey for her and she is so proud of her little business. It changed her life.” NADO will be one of more than 100 exhibitors at next month’s Nepean Disability Expo held at Penrith Panthers. The biannual event is run by the community for the community and offers a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, technology, aids and

People with disabilities have the right, need and value to be part of any community

due to the fact the sport is inclusive – meaning you don’t have to be disabled to play. Mr Hewson believes if it wasn’t for the demand and support of inclusive rugby league throughout the community, it may never have grown to its current level. “There are people out there with passion that you just cannot believe. They just love rugby league and nothing’s going to stop them playing it,” he said. “We weren’t pro-active in it initially; we were forced into it by people coming to us saying they want to play Wheelchair Rugby League. So the league jumped on board and made sure everyone’s done the right things behind-the-scenes to make it successful.” The NRL and NSWRL will be showcasing all versions of inclusive rugby league, including Wheelchair Rugby League at the upcoming Nepean Disability Expo. Organisers are planning to build an outdoor basketball court specifically for the event with the NRL providing One Community ambassadors to help assist. The Nepean Disability Expo, which will take place at the Penrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee, will be held over two days on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13. More than 2,000 people are expected to visit over 110 exhibitors including service providers, government agencies, advocacy groups, information and support services, employment providers, product and equipment providers, social and recreational providers and specialist technology providers. Entry to the Nepean Disability Expo is free with the opening ceremony to be held on Friday, September 12 at 10am.

special report

equipment as well as learn about the various service providers who assist people with a disability and their families. “If people visit the NADO stall they’ll find out what we do and what services we offer. We’ll also refer people to other providers if we think it’s more suited to them,” Ms Heath said. “Disability is a big area, not one size fits all. When we put the Disability Expo together we try and get a real variety of services and opportunities on board. This year I think there’s even more.” Also appearing at the Nepean Disability Expo is the NRL and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) who, in the last five years, have made monumental inroads towards disability inclusion in the game. The NSWRL, through the work of former player turned program coordinator Steve Hewson, have helped develop, promote and grow a number of modified versions of the game catering for people living with a variety of disabilities. Wheelchair Rugby League, which is about to enter its fifth year, is the most popular form of inclusive rugby league. Other versions include Physical Disabilities Rugby League, Intellectual Disabilities Rugby League and the rather intriguing Push and Power. “Push and Power is an interesting one because they don’t use a football, it’s all voice command. For example, if a player wants to pass the ‘ball’ to someone the other player has to say ‘got it’ otherwise it’s a knock-on,” Mr Hewson said. “It’s a very hard game to watch because unless you’re listening intently it’s hard to work out who has got the ball.” There are currently close to 100 Wheelchair Rugby League participants in NSW

Wheelchair Rugby League. Photo: Rev William A Stewart

BLACKWATER

GAELS CLUB

17th ANNIVERSARY Sunday August 31st Jumping Castle 12-4pm Georgie 4pm-9pm Monster Sunday Raffle

E Imp lvis erso Com n pet ator ition

$1700 Members Draw must be WON

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FREE ENTERTAINMENT

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Saturday August 30th - 7pm

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Friday September 5th - 8pm

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Saturday September 6th - 8pm 3 RAMS

September 20th, 8pm Best Performer wins $1000 Competition Entry Fee $20 Show Tickets $10

Why not enjoy your next special occasion in our fabulous function centre Enquiries at the club

Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd Kingswood phone 4722 8180 www.penrithgaels.com.au WW11899

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

Friday August 29th - 8pm

Saturday August 30th 7pm

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

entertainment

FEATURE STORY

Resurrection of Aussie rock legends not to be missed Front woman Sarah McLeod says she’s falling in love with the hits of The Superjesus all over again as the band reunite for a blasting time at the Tattersalls Hotel in Penrith

arah McLeod, accomplished solo artist and former frontwoman for Aussie rock band The Superjesus doesn’t like to be restricted by genre. “My brain is all over the place and I just get ideas every day that are totally different to the next idea,” she said.

KATE REID @kate_reid6

“They’re all musical, they’re all interesting, but they’re never the same.” Take for example the project that she has in mind for the future, one that may surprise those that only really know Sarah as an iconic woman in the world of rock. “I want to do a record in the next couple of years that’s a swing record. I want to do a full Frank Sinatra swing record but write the songs, I don’t want to be like Michael Buble,” she said. “I’ll still write them and I’ll keep them edgy and tough but with a bit of a swing edge, like big band stuff.” Fans of Aussie rock will no doubt have fond memories of Sarah’s time with The Superjesus. Though it’s been 20 years since the band formed they once again joined forces for a reunion show in February last year before heading out on ‘The Resurrection Tour’ in May and June – the first time the band had done an Australiawide tour in 10 years. “It was like being back with my brothers again and I’d forgotten how much I loved them, so for the soul it was nice to remember that part of my life again and remember who I was when I was younger and sort of feeling like that again because of the association of being with them,” Sarah said. “And then professionally it was great fun to learn how to play those songs again and fall in love with them again myself, because I hadn’t listened to them for 10 years.” Reflecting on her time with The Superjesus Sarah does admit that it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “In the public it all looked like it was fun but inside it was always – we had a lot of dramas – we were never really that comfortable and happy and we had a few line-up changes.” Regardless of the up and down nature of life in a band, there are some very fond memories that Sarah has of those days, including one particular rock star moment. “I remember we were on tour in America and we were in Chicago and I think we had two days off before the next gig. I had to come back to Australia for the Arias because we were nominated for Best Rock Album and so the label flew me back business class and I got to go from Chicago back to Sydney, fly in, win an Aria, party

I’m singing the living s**t out of everything just to impress him

all night, catch the red eye out back to Chicago and pretty much got a cab from the airport straight to the backstage of the gig, said ‘hey everybody we won, unreal’, had a beer and then got on stage,” she said. “It was particularly cool. I was totally shattered and hungover but just running on adrenaline.” Come October The Superjesus will once again hit the road – this time with The Tea Party – but before that they will be making a special stop off at the Tattersalls Hotel. It will be what Sarah describes as a ‘warm up gig’, as the band haven’t played together since the start of the year. “Those are always – to me anyway – the most fun gigs because they’re really impromptu and we don’t really know what we’re going to do until we get there,” she said. “There’s some sort of loose energy about that, that I always find is the most fun.” Of course after two tours fans are obviously keen to know whether The Superjesus will be recording new material. While Sarah states that they have been ‘doing a bit of writing’ there is no definitive answer just yet. “I think we’ll know more about how we feel about it after this tour,” she said.

Earlier this year Sarah hit the road for the ‘Man The Lifeboats’ tour with The Tea Party frontman Jeff Martin. The co-headliner tour was clearly a great experience for Sarah, who admits that the two are quite competitive with each other. “I find myself really inspired by Jeff and I find that I play better when I’m playing with Jeff because I know that he listens to me and I’m just singing the living s**t out of everything just to impress him,” she said. After the success of the tour Sarah and Jeff will be joining forces on an upcoming album, much to the delight of fans. “We just made a new album, we just finished it last week, that’s going to be coming out next year so that’s pretty exciting.” And of course, as you would expect from a musician who has no time for monotony, the album will be far from middle of the road. “You wait until you hear the new album I’ve done with Jeff. Variety with a capital V!” The Superjesus will be performing at the Tattersalls Hotel on Sunday, October 5. Tickets are $34.70. To purchase tickets visit www.tickets.oztix.com.au.

LIVE

Newcastle Indie rockers give the Fitzroy a spin KATE REID @kate_reid6

Though for Newcastle indie rockers, The Owls, not only have they had their music heard, but the four piece band has been added to rotation on Triple J and have won the praise of the station’s Music Director Richard Kingsmill and presenter Dom Alessio, who have both given the band four star track reviews. Listening to their music it’s not hard to see why. Their first single ‘Krakow’ from their latest EP ‘Own The Streets’ has a bit of an Arctic Monkeys vibe to it, while ‘Better Off Dead’ from their second EP ‘Swamp Love’ is dark, gritty and sexy. The band takes influence from a variety of genres, from dirty blues to alternative rock and even a little bit of country. The Owls formed in 2008 and consist of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Josh Bailey, lead guitarist Lewis Gillespie,

THE OWLS FITZROY HOTEL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 drummer Matthew McDonough and bass player Joey Bourke. To celebrate the launch of their third EP – which was released in July this year – the band have set out on a 26-date tour around Australia. Local audiences will

The only circus in NSW with

get to see The Owls in action when they take to the stage at the Fitzroy Hotel in September. The band have had plenty of time to hone their skills as a live act through years of touring, including support slots

with bands like The Living End, The Jezabels, Gyroscope, Cloud Control and Ball Park Music. The Owls will be performing at the Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor on Friday, Sept 26. Entry is free. Call 4577 3396.

entertainment

nybody trying to make it in the music industry will tell you it’s not easy to get your music heard by the right people.

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Sydney Theatre Company present

Performing Lions , Monkey, Camels, Miniature Donkeys and many other Animals

performing Lions , Monkey, Camels, Llamas, Horses, Miniature Donkeys, Dogs, Clowns, Flying Trapeze

ROSEHILL RACECOURSE Thrilling 2 hour show

Carpark 2 James Ruse Drive, Rosehill

Friday 15th - Sunday 31st August

SHOW TIMES FRI 15th Aug - 7PM SAT 16th Aug - 2PM & 6PM SUN 17th Aug- 11AM & 3PM

child

Adult

Front View Elevated Chairs

child

Adult

Ringside Row B

child

Adult

Ringside Row A

WED 27th Aug - 7PM THUR 28th Aug - 7PM FRI 29th Aug - 7PM SAT 30th Aug - 2PM & 6PM SUN 31st Aug - 11AM only

HOW TO BOOK

child

Adult

Children 2 years & under FREE if sitting on Lap @ BOX OFFICE 1 hour before each show or Wed-Sun 10am-4pm Phone 0408 536 666 or online

Please note: if internet has sold out, tickets are still available @circus box office

WW11570

Online: www.lennonbroscircus.com.au

4 – 6 SEPTEMBER

Everyone’s favourite lampoonists return in their 15th year for a special edition of The Wharf Revue packed full of their trademark irreverent, anarchic political satire. Musical Director PHILLIP SCOTT Lighting Designer MATTHEW MARSHALL With JONATHAN BIGGINS, AMANDA BISHOP, DOUGLAS HANSELL, PHILLIP SCOTT

BOOK NOW at jspac.com.au or call 4723 7600. Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street, Penrith WW11267

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

WED 20th Aug- 7PM THUR 21st Aug - 7PM FRI 22nd Aug - 7PM SAT 23rd Aug - 2PM & 6PM SUN 24th Aug - 11AM & 3PM

Side view Elevated Chairs sold at circus only

CONCERT

The closest to Freddie Mercury you’ll get

entertainment

STEPHEN BISSET

hen it comes to rock and roll frontmen, there are few, if any, who could hope to hold a candle to the late, great Freddie Mercury. His larger-than-life stage persona, coupled with a prodigious musical talent helped propel Queen to the very top of the classic rock tree. Now, some 23 years after Mercury’s death the music of Queen is still in demand and fans and newcomers alike will have the chance to relive the swagger and bombast of a Queen show when arguably one of the best Queen tributes – ‘Queen: It’s A Kind of Magic’ comes to Penrith next month. Giles Taylor, who plays Mercury in the show, admits that audiences can expect a show that is fitting of the band’s mammoth sound and reputation. “Effectively this is a two-hour version of Queen’s best performances over the years,” Taylor explained. “We cover all the bases – from

THE WHARF REVUE: OPEN FOR BUSINESS JOAN SUTHERLAND CENTRE SEPTEMBER 4 , 5 & 6

Laugh -a -minute ith the way Australian politics is going at the moment there is no better time to head to The Joan for some satire with ‘The Wharf Revue 2014: Open For Business’. No one is safe in this production. These talented satirists will take aim at political figures like the never dull Clive Palmer, the new and highly entertaining Senate, along with the myriad of Royal Commissions. ‘The Wharf Revue 2014: Open For Business’ brings together music and hilarious sketches and has been a hit each year with audiences at The Joan. The show was written and created by Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott. This will be the Australian premiere for the laugh-a-minute annual show. The Wharf Revue will be on at the Joan from Thursday, September 4 to September 6. Tickets are $50-$59. For more information call 4723 7600.

QUEEN - IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC EVAN THEATRE FRIDAY, SEPT 12 the early 70s right through to just before Freddie passed away. We’ve also got one of the most ridiculous light shows that you’ve ever seen with flames and everything. I mean, Queen were never a band to do things by halves so we’ve definitely got a lot to live up to.” Taylor said that while he had been a fan of the classic rock genre, and that Queen had always loomed in his musical background, it wasn’t until he joined

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

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the production at the beginning of the year that he truly began to appreciate the brilliance of Queen. “As a lad, I was really into that classic rock sound and I guess my first intro to them was my Dad who had a Queen greatest hits album.” ‘Queen – It’s A Kind of Magic’ will be on at Evan Theatre on Friday, September 12. Tickets are $80.54. For more information call 1800 061 991.

Winners of Comm Games are Seven Channel Seven has secured yet another major sporting event, this time grabbing the exclusive rights to the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. The announcement comes on the back of Seven winning the rights to the upcoming Summer and Winter Olympics. With the next Comm Games taking place in Australia, expect Seven to be the real winners.

Still on sport, from this Sunday, August 31 basketball lovers will get to watch the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup for the first time on free to air TV on ABC2. All the big international players from the NBA and all over the world will be making appearances in the tournament. With the competition taking place in Spain, expect many games to air during the early morning.

Former ‘Today Tonight’ presenter and Channel Seven personality Matt White will host a revived series of ‘RPM’ on Channel Ten in 2015. White, who announced his return to Ten in April, will host the once popular motoring show as well as the V8 Supercars.

The ABC will air a two part doco series on September 16 and 23 called ‘Brilliant Creatures’. The series will profile four prominent Australians who left our shores in the 1950s and 60s and became cultural successes in New York and London.

Fans of ‘90210’ will be pleased to know the show is due back on ELEVEN on Saturday, September 6 at 5pm. The series will pick up from season four, which originally went to air in the US in 2011. I guess we’re a little behind here but that won’t stop die-hard fans from watching re-runs.

Channel Ten can’t get enough of their reality shows and another popular overseas one has popped up on their radar. It’s been reported that Ten are interested in making a local version of the British hit ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ in 2015. Ten won’t confirm the rumour... yet.

ﬁnancial and physical stress on all members of the family - by reducing transport times, travel fatigue and the length of family separation, Little Wings supports family cohesiveness, recovery and family wellbeing.

Founder & CEO, Kevin Robinson has worked tirelessly since its inception only two years ago to get his mission off the ground. With the invaluable support of volunteer pilots in a state of the art Piper Malibu aircraft, Little Wings has been able to complete 165 ﬂights with 385 passengers in the last 10 months. Says Kevin “Such is the demand we plan to complete 250 ﬂights and help 600 people in the next 12 months.

www.littlewings.org.au/donations

Outcomes include: Ŕ

Better clinical outcomes and faster recovery times for children.

Reduced ﬁnancial stress for families.

Improved social and emotional outcomes, including for siblings of ill children.

More family cohesiveness because families spend less time apart.

Little Wings has been self-funded, but is now seeking Sponsor Partnerships Donations ensure that the Little Wings Flight Program can increase capacity to meet an evergrowing need.

Little Wings CEO Kevin Robinson

WW10205

Children diagnosed with a serious illness but living far from specialised medical treatment in NSW, face bigger challenges than their city counterparts. Long-term medical treatment for rural and regional children often involves multiple, long and arduous journeys from country locations for treatment in Sydney. Little Wings’ aim is to reduce the emotional,

We can proudly say that 100% of public donations will go towards helping these kids & families. To support these children and families in rural and regional NSW you can donate at

entertainment

Penrith RSL is supporting Little Wings, who are a not-for-proﬁt organisation that provides a free ﬂight and transportation service for children with serious, life-threatening medical conditions from rural and regional NSW to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The Little Wings Flight Program provides free air transport to seriously ill children and their carers who, for geographical or medical reasons are not suited to commercial air, road or rail transport. For example a child may live a long distance from an airport with a commercial air service, or a child’s medical condition or depleted immune system may make it dangerous to travel on public transport, or undertake long distance car travel. Children are accepted into the Little Wings Flight Program after recommendation from their medical specialist.

DONATE TODAY!

Terms and Conditions Apply. See in Club for full details. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPS/14/05297

THIS WEEK’S DRAW

$10,000 DRAWN SUNDAYS 5pm, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/14/05407.

RAFFLES

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OVER $3,000 IN PRIZES EACH WEEK

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*MEMBERS 1ST BOOK FREE. EXTRA BOOKS $1. VISITORS $4

8 Tindale St Penrith | 4728 5200 www.penrithrsl.com.au WW10206

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

DRAWN FRIDAYS 6pm, 7pm, 8pm & 9pm

THURSDAY MAJOR PRIZE

THE NEPEAN ART SOCIETY

2014 Spring Exhibition & Sale

entertainment

Saturday 13 September • 9am-5pm • Sunday 14 September • 10am-4pm • Admission FREE At the former Council Chambers,

129 Henry St, Penrith (entrance on Station St).

Official opening 3.00pm Saturday by noted sculptor and painter Neil Laredo. ALL WELCOME Around 120 paintings by local artists – all for sale. Further information: Rob Weaver 0418 791 039 www.nepeanartsociety.org

Raffle prize: Framed oil painting by Guenter Barth (value $400). Tickets at show. Drawn 4.00pm Sunday.

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

WW10576

WW11922

KEMPS CREEK SPORTING & BOWLING CLUB LIMITED 1490 Elizabeth Drive | Kemps Creek | NSW 2178 | Australia Telephone: 9826 1375 info@kcsb.com.au | www.kcsb.com.au WW11020

FILM

Get your movie fix without the travel

f you’re an independent movie buff then you probably spend a lot of time travelling to the city to get your independent cinema fix. But for four days in September you won’t have to. From the 11th to the 14th the fifth annual Indie Gems Film Festival will be coming to Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres. The film festival brings the best of local and international cinema to western Sydney. The festival will kick off on Thursday, September 11 with an opening night party that includes a screening of the short film ‘Tango Underpants’ and the five part web series ‘Bedhead’ along with an after party and networking event.

WEEKEND BREAKFAST ON THE RIVER Saturday & Sunday 8am-10.30am

INDIE GEMS FILM FESTIVAL RIVERSIDE THEATRES SUNDAY, SEPT 14 Audiences will get the chance to enjoy a range of film genres across the four day program including a festival exclusive, with the screening of ‘Blemished Light’ an Indian-American thriller with a sociopolitical theme. The critically acclaimed Australian film ‘The Rover’ will also be featured as part of the festival. This post-apocalyptic western follows a drifter who travels around Australia and stars Guy Pearce and ‘Twilight’ star Robert Pattinson. To purchase tickets call 8839 3399 or visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

NEPEAN ROWING CLUB

entertainment

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER

WW12011

The Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of Parramatta Presents

LET’S GO GREEK PARRAMATTA FESTIVAL SUNDAY 31 AUGUST 2014 Gates open at 11am – By the river at 163–165 George Street, Parramatta s Deliciou

LIVE

Greek Food od

Parramatta Eels* Greets Player Meet &

ls Stal ora Ag arket M derers dney Wan y. e tern Sy da Wes ta Eels & availability on the *Parramat to e subject players ar

Kapiniaris

LIVE BROADCAST LIV CAST CAST

– one of Australia’s best loved comedy, music and TV stars will entertain you as MC with his witty, versatile and friendly stage manner.

Farm APony Rides nimals

Face Painting

Fire Works at 6. 15pm

ȅ3ǹ

Dance Grou

by Papapetro

s Greek Dan

ce Schools

for the day

Georgie DV & Jimmy Karamela Show on 2RDJ 88.1 Tuesdays 9-11pm

WIN IN S SIG IGN NE ED D FO FOO OT TB BA ALLLL JE JER RS SE EYS

WIN Tw T o Airfares to Gre ece & Much M ore! Western Sydney Wanderers FC sgogreekparramatta lettsg & Greets* Player Meet

ps arranged

DJs

George

RIDES

+ Dodgem Cars Train + Space + Giant Slideall f + free t n + Traba dy Bugs + La les + Jumping Cast ll a W b m li + C s l l a B r + Wate ungees + B

F Fire Works W Work ks

Spectacular

Greek Folk Music Circle Community group Directed by Teecchhnic icaaall Pro roddu

Dimitri Koum

ctiio ct ionn by Enmor e

Live Ba an nd dss

baroulis

Theatre

nd his ba sonis &Sponsorednb&y Wrench Newtown T y m e rdso Tom a Liv Richa

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m www.letsgogreekparramatta.co

RY FREE ENT WW11824

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

val Carni

Science Show

R A FF LE S

ȅȆǹ

Greek Music & Dancing

entertainment

Gig Guide 29.08-07.09.2014 Friday, August 29 The Frocks Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Acoustic Soloist Venue: Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 2 Way Split Venue: Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Rapture Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Red Morning Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 DJ Stu Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4721 2060 Social Darts Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 7pm 9623 1211 The Beatnix Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $10-$15, 8pm 9625 5500 Clive Hay (Duo) Venue: Terrace Bar at Penrith Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 4720 5555

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

Saturday, August 30 The Nevilles Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 A Girl’s A Gun Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4732 6373 One Hit Wonders Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Urban Stone

edited by: Kate Reid

Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Blackwater Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Crossroad Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4577 3396 Abbalanche Venue: Evan Theatre at Penrith Panthers $29, 7.30pm 4720 5555 Walk Like A Man - The Lions Den Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $10-$15, 8pm 9830 0600 Fleetwood Mac Show Venue: St Marys Band Club $10-$15, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Joe Kalou Venue: Terrace Bar at Penrith Panthers Free entry, 5.30pm 4720 5555 Sunday, August 31 Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Steve Pasfield Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Karaoke Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 5pm 4721 2060 Imogen Clark Venue: Terrace Bar at Penrith Panthers Free entry, 2pm 4720 5555 Friday, September 5 Jalepeno Deluxe Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Totally Covered Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm

ABBALANCE @ EVAN THEATRE SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 7.30PM, $29 4577 3396 Cambridge Venue: Tattersalls Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4732 6373 Shuffle Boys Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Acoustic Soloist Venue: Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 DJ Stu Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Live Entertainment Venue: Wallacia Panthers Free entry, 7.30pm 4773 8417 Karaoke

Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4721 2060 Social Darts Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 7pm 9623 1211 Christie Lamb Venue: Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9pm 9623 1384 Safari Suits Venue: Terrace Bar at Penrith Panthers Free entry, 8pm 4720 5555 Saturday, September 6 The Michael Buble Show Venue: Evan Theatre at Penrith Panthers $10-$35, 7pm

4720 5555 The Buddy Holly Show Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $10-$15, 8pm 9625 5500 Masterpiece Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Beatels Venue: Blacktown Workers Club $7.50-$10.50, 8pm 9830 0600 Urban Stone Venue: St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Rock Monster Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 2060 3 Rams Venue: Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Live Entertainment Venue: Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 ROCK n’ ROLL Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1211 Matt Jones (Duo) Venue: Terrace Bar at Penrith Panthers Free entry, 9pm 4720 5555 Sunday, September 7 Aly Cook Venue: Rooty Hill RSL $5, 8pm 9625 5500 Jonny V’s ’57 Heaven Venue: Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Martin Lincke Venue: Fitzroy Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4577 3396 Karaoke Venue: St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Karaoke Venue: Penrith Hotel Free entry, 5pm 4721 2060 A great way to end the weekend!

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OUT THIS WEEK

Cinema

Music

DIVERGENT RATED M

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet Based on the first book of the hugely successful novel series by Veronica Roth, ‘Divergent’ follows the story of teenager Tris Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, who lives in a world where people are divided into factions based on human virtues. Set in a futuristic, dystopian Chicago, every citizen is born into one of five factions, before choosing – at the age of 16 – which faction they wish to belong to. For Tris this isn’t as easy as it sounds as she is ‘Divergent’, meaning she does not fit into one particular group but instead fits into a few. Of course her status as a Divergent puts her in grave danger because she is not accepted by society and with the help of Four, played by Theo James, she must discover the truth before faction leader Jeanine Matthews, played by Kate Winslet, succeeds in her plan to destroy all Divergents in an attempt to solidify the government’s power. ‘Divergent’ rated reasonably well at the Box Office.

IF I STAY RATED TBC Starring: Chlöe Grace Moretz & Jamie Blackley Now screening at Hoyts Penrith

MAROON 5 V Out Now

The film ‘If I Stay’ takes viewers into the life of 17-year-old Mia Hall, played by Chloe Grace Moretz. Mia is a talented musician who falls in love with the rebellious Adam, played by Jamie Blackley, a fellow musician. Mia’s dream is to attend the prestigious Julliard school but everything changes when her family is involved in a car accident, which leaves her parents and her little brother dead, and Mia in a coma. There she finds herself face to face with her past and her future, one which is nothing like she had imagined for herself. Ultimately Mia is left with a choice, to live and deal with the difficulties that lay before her or to pass away and leave it all behind. This is a story of love, family and choices and is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good tear jerker. ‘If I Stay’ follows in the tradition of film to novel adaptations, being based on the 2009 young adult novel by Gayle Forman. Lead actress Chlöe Grace Moretz is known for her roles in ‘Kick Ass’, ‘Kick Ass 2’, ‘Hugo’ and the 2013 remake of the horror classic ‘Carrie’.

Pop rockers Maroon 5 are back with the aptly titled ‘V’. The fifth studio album for the band sees the band doing what they do best, making catching pop/rock tracks. The first single from the album ‘Maps’ is a surprisingly upbeat track considering the dark lyrical content and confronting video clip. The album’s second single ‘Animals’ is a sexy dance track with some not so subtle lyrical metaphors; while the upbeat love song ‘It Was Always You’ is an admission of love between friends. The album also includes the track ‘My Heart is Open’ which sees the band collaborate with No Doubt frontwoman and accomplished solo artist Gwen Stefani. The track was co-written with the hugely successful singer-songwriter Sia, who has written songs for some of the biggest names in music. The band’s original keyboardist Jesse Carmichael has returned for this release after taking a break that meant he wasn’t involved in the band’s fourth studio album, ‘Overexposed’. ‘V’ is also the band’s first album with Interscope Records. Maroon 5 was originally with the label A&M Octone Records before they moved most of their artists to Interscope. The band took a year to record the album in LA at Conway Studios.

Games MADDEN NFL 15 RATED G

PS3, PS4, XBOX ONE, XBOX 360

The Madden NFL franchise is back and bigger than ever. This release has many new features that will bring the NFL experience to life. There is more control in defence with new pass rush moves, intuitive tackling and lock cameras to focus on defensive players. There’s also Player Sense 2.0 which sees improved contextual awareness, head tracking and player emotion. The game day experience is even better than before with a new broadcast

entertainment

DVD

presentation which includes new camera angles and pre-game and halftime features. In ‘Madden NFL 15’ you’ll know exactly what you’re up against with data and knowledge from millions of online games played by other gamers at your fingertips. This feature will give gamers more confidence and better insight into the opposition. The Gauntlet feature will allow you to test your skills under intense conditions and through a range of challenges.

Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

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FOOD & WINE

entertainment

CULINARY GUIDE

afé at Lewers is set in the beautiful grounds of the Penrith Regional Gallery and the Lewers Bequest. While the café has been around for years, it is now in the hands of a new, capable, young team who aim to bring their passion for food to the table. Business partners Ben, Penny and Steve are all in their late 20’s and though they are young the trio has plenty of experience in hospitality, with Ben working as manager and Steve working as head chef of the previous Café at Lewers for the last two years. Their focus is on sourcing fresh ingredients from local suppliers where possible, with vegetables and herbs coming straight from their own garden. The menu includes a range of delicious breakfast options including sweet corn fritters with bacon and homemade tomato chutney; smoked salmon and dill labneh; pesto scrambled eggs with goats cheese and spinach; traditional French toast; or the Lewers big breaky. There’s also a special kids’ breakfast menu with soldiers, bacon and egg on toast and mini French toast. For lunch there’s mouth watering meals like the slow-cooked pulled pork roll, American cheeseburger, roast beetroot salad, Lewers garden tart or the ploughman’s board with prosciutto, cheese, pickle, egg, toasted sourdough with Dijon

Cafe at Lewers Under new management, Lewers’ menu is full of great, new dishes picked straight from the brains of this fresh faced team mustard and homemade chutney. There is also a selection of sandwiches, including ‘The Margo’, which is made with prosciutto, goats cheese and caramelised onions on sourdough. Coming soon to the menu is a range of

brunch cocktails – including the passionfruit mojito and peach bellini – along with a selection of wine, beer and cider. If you have not yet ventured to the gallery now is the perfect time to head on down for some delicious food and beauti-

ful art. Café at Lewers is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8am to 4pm. Café at Lewers is located at Penrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest. For more information call 0401 774 215 or visit www.penrithregionalgallery.org.

WINE

A taste of Argentina that’s a winner DAVID ELLIS

ingara Wine Group have released a new and somewhat quirkily-named La La Land label; with a 2013 Tempranillo and a 2013 Malbec from its Victorian vineyards the first two to hit the shelves. And both live up nicely to the claims of winemaker Phil Spillman as to their great generosity of flavour. The Malbec is a particularly rewarding “buy now and drink now” wine with plump dark-fruit flavours, suggestions of spice and chocolate, and vanilla undertones. Phil suggests it as an ideal match with slow-cooked Argentinian-style barbecued beef short ribs. That makes sense as Argentina now produces 75 per cent of the world’s Malbec, and BBQ beef ribs are somewhat of a national dish over there (where they marinate it in red wine, sprinkle with rock salt, slow-cook over a medium fire, and put on the table with the Malbec). At $16 each, both the La La Land Malbec and Tempranillo are good-value buying. One to note: Howard Vineyard, which was established near Nairne in the Adelaide Hills less than 10 years ago, is gaining an almost cult following with some exceptional single-vineyard wines that are crafted with food very much in front of mind. One such is their 2013 Pinot Gris made from fruit from a vineyard at Schoenthal, 450m up in the Hills, and which shows just how well the variety does here. In fact the Adelaide Hills could be said to have the perfect climate for making some of the finest Pinot Gris in Australia. Pay $22 at Howard Vineyard’s cellar door for this beaut drop.

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GIVEAWAY

THE WOLFE BROTHERS

Penrith’s only

Innovate ntries are now open for Fast+Fresh Dance, a competition that encourages dance participation across a range of styles and levels. The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and FORM Dance Projects are looking for talented young dancers and choreographers 21 years and under to perform dance works of up to five minutes in length. All genres of dance are welcome; the most important thing is to showcase original and innovative choreography. The first heat will be held at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Monday, November 10 at 7.30pm. Winners of the heat will go on to perform at the Final on Saturday, November 15 at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. Registration will close on Monday, October 13. For more information or to register for Heat 1 go to www. jspac.com.au.

Waterview Restaurant

entertainment

he Wolfe Brothers have only one thing on their minds: becoming the first band from Tassie to make it to top spot on the ARIA charts. Their 2013 debut album ‘It’s On’ made it to No.18 on the ARIA Album Chart and to No.2 on the ARIA Country Chart and the band are hoping that with the release of their sophomore album ‘Nothin’ But Trouble’ on September 5 they will make it all the way to No.1. The Wolfe Brothers are brothers Tom and Nick Wolfe and their childhood mates Casey Kostiuk and Brodie Rainbird. Fans of the TV show ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ will remember them as the runners up from the 2012 season. Together they have been touring Australia for the last year and a half with superstar Lee Kernaghan. The album contains plenty of catchy tunes like lead single ‘That Kinda Night’. The Brothers will be touring up until December so fans will have plenty of opportunities to catch them in action. West Life has five copies of ‘Nothin’ But Trouble’ to give away. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘WOLFE’ to competitions@westernweekender.com. au with your name and contact details including phone number. Entries close Wednesday, September 3. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/14/00047. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

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SOCIAL SCENE

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PENRITH’S SOCIAL EVENTS

Light shines on local film talents SEPTEMBER 24, PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY

n Sunday, September 24 the Penrith Regional Gallery rolled out the red carpet for the Winter Light Film Competition. The event showcased over 16 films made by budding local film makers. The first film festival for the gallery was clearly a hit with over 100 visitors in attendance to watch the films. Not only were there some amazing short films but visitors were also given the VIP treatment with a red carpet entrance and free popcorn and lollies on arrival. The Junior winner was a film titled ‘Leaf’, which was a group entry by Naushaan Ahmad, Phoebe White, James Delaney and Kirani Hude. The Open Category winner was ‘Cold Country Town’ by Adrian Symes and the People’s Choice film was ‘Voices from the Cold Winter Light’ by St Dominic’s College.

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FASHION

Fashion and fitness go hand in hand KATHERINE TWEED katherine.tweed@ westernweekender. com.au @ktweed_

Buying work out gear can be a real motivation to get to the gym

JEWEL IN THE CROWN

MATTHEW ELY

Gems

Parting from tradition with engagement rings A trend of late seems to be the non-traditional engagement ring centre stone. This refers to the main stone of an engagement ring, which is normally a diamond, being replaced by a coloured gemstone or something of the like. At York Jewellers we are currently making a number of these in our workshop using sapphires, rare tourmalines and occasionally rubies or black diamonds. I thought it would be a good idea to touch on this in regards to wear and tear, and what questions to ask when doing your research for an engagement ring with a gemstone, or similar, as the centre piece. Diamonds are favoured for engagement rings not only because of their sparkle but because of their heartiness and capabilities to withstand knocks and bumps of everyday wear. Of course when they are hit on the right angle, diamonds can become abraded, chipped or cleaved, but generally speaking they are the perfect material for an engagement ring. Diamonds sit at a 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which is the most common method of ranking minerals and gemstones in terms of hardness; 10 being the hardest and 1 being the softest. Just underneath diamond sits sapphire and ruby ranking in at a 9, followed by emerald and aquamarine at 8, garnet at 7.5 and quarts at 7. Beyond that the list is comprised of materials like glass, fingernails and talc coming in at number 1. This gives you an idea of which stones are more suitable than others for engagement rings and which will be a little soft more susceptible to wear and tear. Sapphires are a more common choice thanks to their strength whereas emeralds become a little bit of a worry due to their ‘softness’ and likeliness to become scratched or chipped easily. Always ask your jeweller about the strength of the stone that you have in mind for your non-traditional engagement ring and consider your line of work and activities when it comes to daily wear and tear. The design can also assist in protecting your centre stone. For example a lower setting may be better and possibly think about some shoulder diamonds or a halo to offer some protection to your gem. If you need some help with choosing your non-traditional engagement ring please come and see the team at York.

Tails in Training Animal Training Solutions now holding puppy & adult obedience classes at Coreen Ave Vet Clinic. Phone Kylie 0449 940 702.

We have a fully equipped pet hospital with 30 qualified and experienced staff, which means that we provide a wide variety of services Winner of Pfizer Practice of Excellence in Customer Service 2007. Winner of Penrith Local Business Awards 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012. Finalist of Penrith Local Business Awards 2007, 2009. Winner of NSW Small Business Champion Awards 2008. Winner 2010 Outstanding Pet Care. NEW EXTENDED CONSULTING HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 9:00pm Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm PLEASE PHONE FOR AN APPOINTMENT

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

such as emeralds are not as popular because they are ‘softer’

Ten years ago, even five years ago, fashion and exercise were two things that just didn’t go together. Excluding the 80’s, where matching leg warmers and leotards ruled the gym, to work out we’d throw on a pair of shorts and a baggy shirt – but these days, fashion and fitness go hand in hand. Going to the gym in today’s society takes at least 30 minutes of outfit preparation because walking through those doors is like walking into a party full of scrutinising eyes that want nothing more than to judge your outfit choices. The same thing goes for heading outdoors for a run; it feels more like a fashion show than it really should, but I kind of like it. I used to be of the opinion that working out should be a time for wearing your old, daggy clothes and only that but, while your daggies are still acceptable at the gym, I have slowly been convinced that there is also a place for fashion. I used to believe that people who were wearing colourful gym tights, matching crop tops and designer prints were sacrificing their comfort for the sake of looking good while they work out, which is something that I was no okay with – and quite passionately so, I might add. But I had failed to realise that if this was the case, if they were sacrificing their comfort for looks, what does it matter? It wouldn’t be the first time that people have sacrificed their comfort for fashion – think about those shoes you love but can’t wear without first sticking multiple bandaids on tender spots to avoid killer blisters later; it’s the same situation. As someone who used to hate exercise with a passion, I am amazed at the difference throwing fashion into the mix has made. Buying new workout gear – matching tights, tops, shoes... you name it – and browsing the latest trends in sports wear is as exciting to me now as any other type of fashion and believe it or not, it makes me want to exercise more and more, which can only be a good thing for my health, right? The fitness-fashion industry is growing thick and fast right now but it hasn’t always been the case.

life & style

I’m going to put the industry’s growth down to being a direct result of fitness and health being on-trend or ‘in’ at the moment, and I think that something has to be said for the big brands and big names that are encouraging this growth. Brands like Lorna Jane and companies like Stylerunner, one of the internet’s leading fitness and exercise wear retailers, can be attributed to having a major role in the sportswear industry’s success at the moment. The creators of both, and other similar companies and brands, saw a gap in the clothing industry that needed to be filled and are now reaping the benefits. There are those fitness fans who have been enticed into the fashion side of things, as well as those fanatics like me, who have been more keen to check out the latest clothing and accessories with fitness being the after-thought. The two industries, fitness and sports wear, are now feeding off each other in a cycle that might never end. And this never-ending cycle seems to be for the best. If mixing fashion and fitness is encouraging people to improve their health, I say bring it on! I think it is totally worthwhile to buy a new gym outfit because I know that having the opportunity to wear it will motivate me to get out and about and keep exercising.

life & style

HOROSCOPES

ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

TAURUS APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

You’ll have to dig deeper if you want to decipher what’s really going on, especially when it comes to a child, teenager or friend. Make sure you focus on verified facts, rather than vague fantasies. If you have set ideas about the way the weekend should proceed, then the Aquarian Moon will turn your expectations upside down.

GEMINI MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

Weekly posts at www.BohoAstro. tumblr.com www.twitter.com/ JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2014.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Rambunctious Rams approach life in a direct and straight forward way but all is not as it appears this week, so a more subtle approach is required. You’re keen to pursue personal projects but don’t neglect the needs of others, clear communication is the key. Venus shifts into your wellbeing zone so look after your health.

Your daily job or routine chores may feel like one step forwards and two steps back. Saturn and Mars encourage you to persevere and keep your motivation levels high. As birthday great Lily Tomlin said: “The road to success is always under construction.” Venus visits your domestic zone from September 6-30 so strive to make your home a haven of peace, love and domestic harmony!

Mercury moves into your sign which is terrific for talking, texting and tweeting (but resist the urge to be indecisive). Money matters are on your mind as you weigh up the pros and cons of spending versus saving. Librans appreciate the finer things in life but, in the current economic climate, strive to reign in your love of luxury.

Star predictions for the week beginning August 31

CANCER JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

With mighty Mars moving through your sign (until September 14) it’s time to get some firm direction as you tackle projects with courage, confidence. Plus Pluto boosts your ability to affect others deeply via a social media blitz or a local community project. Don’t waste the opportunity to make a real difference.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Work and business get a welcome boost from the Sun/Pluto trine, as others sit up and listen to what you have to say. But don’t even think about cutting corners. If you are slap-dash and take short-cuts, it will only backfire and you’ll just end up having to do everything twice. If you are organised and focused, then you can move mountains and still have time for fun and games!

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Trust is a big issue in a romantic or platonic relationship this week Crabs. Avoid the temptation to stew over perceived slights and hold onto grudges. Find room in your heart to forgive and forget. The Moon and Saturn are at odds on Sunday, which sets your frustration levels on high. If something’s not working, leave it for another day.

This week many Capricorns will be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a long-standing relationship problem, courtesy of the powerful Sun/Pluto trine. Accept the opportunity gratefully, with outstretched hands and an open heart. Don’t let false pride stop you from taking a massive leap forward.

LEO JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Your recuperative powers are strong as you rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. Mid-week is the time to initiate professional projects and make financial decisions, as Pluto boosts your business acumen. Be inspired by birthday great Freddie Mercury: “I always knew I was a star. And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me.”

Being cool and detached won’t work this week. With Jupiter jumping through your relationship zone, passion and enthusiasm are what’s required when it comes to romance. Singles – be proactive and go looking for love! You’ll feel at home this weekend, as the Moon moves through Aquarius and you mix with creative friends.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

PISCES FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Car problems need to be attended to ASAP. Being a perfectionist is fraught with frustrations, so try to take things in your stride. On the weekend, it will be hard for others to resist your voluptuous Virgo charms. So ask your partner for the moon and the stars, and they might just deliver.

If you’re planning a business trip or heavenly holiday then don’t leave things until the last minute. Now is the time to do your homework, go through your itinerary and organise your paperwork. With Venus moving through your relationship zone from September 6-30 aim to be more positive about partnerships.

MONEY

ANTHONY WALKER Owner-Manager Bank of Queensland. Anthony.walker@ boq.com.au

Hostel Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

accommodation can be much cheaper than hotels

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Open the mind but close the wallet Aside from time, financial restrictions have always been a major roadblock for budding travellers – because, let’s face it, going overseas does cost a fair bit! However, with just a few simple money-saving strategies tucked under your belt, you can explore the world without breaking the bank. 1. Know when to go Simply by knowing which time of the year to travel to your destination, you can save stacks of money on everything from flights and accommodation to shopping. Every country has a tourist high season and with it a low season as well. Lonely Planet, one of the world’s most recognised travel guides, provides information on the low season for every single country so you know which months are the best for affordable travel. 2. Go for public transport Forget about renting a car or catching a taxi everywhere – jump aboard the public transport options on offer or, if feasible, consider walking. Getting a grip on your destination’s public transport network can be a fun way of acclimatising to your new surroundings and can be a relaxing way to see the sights while saving money. There are bus routes in some major cities that stop off at all the major attractions. 3. Be savvy with accommodation Accommodation is another key area where you can save money if you think smart. Hostels are considerably cheaper than hotels and are the best way to mix and mingle with fellow travellers and locals. The numerous options available nowadays mean there is a suitable option for everyone. If you must stay at a hotel, avoid the major chains and try to find one that has as many free perks as possible, for example those with breakfast included. 4. Make the most of your cards A few simple decisions made before you even hop on your plane can help keep a lid on expenses in the long run. If you haven’t already done so, touch base with your local BOQ Branch to discuss Travel Money options. Buy some foreign currency to save on exchange rates and organise a Multicurrency Cash Passport that allows multiple currencies to be loaded on the one card.

FITEC FITNESS CHAMPION

Fitec is the Fitness Industry Training & Education Centre. It’s where the trainers get their training! As part of raising awareness and promoting it in our community, we present the Fitec Fitness Champion! Each week we will interview someone who has successfully made health and fitness an integral part of their life...

How does fitness feature in your life? My health and fitness journey is very much a work in progress but small, daily changes have made such a difference already. I started to focus on healthy eating around six months ago. At the time my main motivation was being able to fit into my wedding dress, which had purchased almost two years earlier. I had not taken notice of the weight creeping on and my eating habits were all over the place. Once I felt comfortable in my new habits my motivation started to change. I managed to lose eight kilograms mostly from good food choices, yet, it was the way I started to feel that really has given me the biggest benefit and kept me going. I started waking up feeling refreshed instead of feeling like I hadn’t slept at all. Digestive issues started calming down and I found myself feeling a lot more relaxed and less anxious. Six months down the track I have kept the weight off and I feel really happy about that. I do have times where I slip up and eat pre-packaged foods or treats at a restaurant but now this is the exception rather than the rule. I have a sweet tooth so ditching the sugar was probably my toughest challenge, yet I managed to find some great alternatives in the form of raw paleo desserts that taste delicious. I look forward to enjoying healthy food that I’ve prepared and I even have the boys at work drinking green juices and smoothies!

Biggest health/fitness misconception? That it’s okay to eat that processed burger or bag of lollies because you’re going to the gym tonight. Your body works best on nourishing unprocessed food regardless of the amount of physical activity you do. What do you consider the biggest benefit of being fit and healthy? The biggest benefit is how I feel on a day to day basis. When I am looking after my body I feel happy, energetic and playful. What type of exercise do you enjoy most? I love to dance around the house, jump on my mini trampoline and take my dogs for a walk.

Top three tips for good health? 1. Eat real food. 2. Minimise or eliminate (if you can) sugar completely from your diet. 3. Take time out for yourself whether it be meditation, reading a book or taking a walk in the park. A daily ‘must do’? Remind yourself you’re valuable and you deserve to nourish your body with nutritious food today.

How do you stay motivated when it’s so easy to just ‘take it easy’? I keep in mind how lethargic I used to feel when I was not eating healthy and how much better I feel when I give my body the right foods it needs.

life & style

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

AMANDA PATERSON Health and fitness is a work in progress

Freestyle – anything else you want to say? Over the past six months I have managed to lose eight kilograms mostly from good food choices and now that I have adopted this way of eating I have not only kept the weight off but feel a whole lot better, which to me, is the biggest benefit. Amanda works at Mortgage Choice Penrith. You can contact her on Amanda.Paterson@ mortgagechoice.com.au.

HEALTH

We have the fat equals fat equation all wrong DAVID STEIN Owner & Manager of Fitec david@ fitec.com.au

Sugar activates insulin that then stores energy and fat in your body’s cells

ST MARYS First Consultation Free - Health Fund Approved - Claims on the spot Our dental professionals create affordable, comfortable and natural looking dentures. • Full & Partial Dentures • Repairs & Relines (same day) • Inplant Overdentures • Denture Polishing & Maintenance • Fabrication on site. Smile with confidence and book your first consultation today. We are very experienced Prosthetists dedicated to address your personal needs. No referral required.

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

I was talking to a group in the health industry this week and we discussed ‘low fat’ and ‘sugary’ foods and I wasn’t surprised to hear some of the responses. Many people think that eating fat is what makes you fat, and that’s great for a company selling low fat products. The people employed to sell all this low fat food must be worth the millions of dollars they make each year. I saw a processed cheesecake box with ‘low fat’ written in big letters and pictures of strawberries on it like that made it a great healthy food. What the! Don’t swallow the advertising, or the food. Here are some things that didn’t make the ads. When you eat, the food is digested into tiny bits and gets into the bloodstream. The hormone Insulin is responsible for storing away all this food and getting it out of the blood and into your cells. Yes including your fat cells! While Insulin is getting that food out of your blood, it shuts down the systems in your body that use fat for energy until it gets rid of all this energy already in the blood. The more Insulin released the more storage into your cells is happening. The more often your Insulin spikes up and down the more likely you are to suffer a host of medical issues from diabetes type 2 to cardiovascular disease and obesity; do some research on ‘metabolic syndrome’ too. Guess what food triggers the highest Insulin release? Simple sugars. Guess what type of food doesn’t trigger this Insulin jump? Fats. So you could eat fat and your body stay in a fat burning mode. Eat a heap of junky, sugary food and you turn into a fat storing machine. And yes, sugars can easily get stored as fat. Sugar has also been shown to lower the effectiveness of your immune system for hours and many other unhealthy effects. So don’t be scared of good fats like your meats, nuts and oils or a ripe avocado; they have lots of benefits. Eat the good natural stuff, feel the difference and have a good weekend.

Golden Smiles DENTURE CLINIC

life & style

NICOLE MCMILLAN Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

Blood tests can be conducted to see if your cat has a thyroid issue

VET

VIEW FROM ABOVE

Diagnosing the cause of kitty’s weightloss

Will you regain your senses and go home?

There are several diseases in cats that cause weight loss – the two most common are diabetes and a glandular disorder called hyperthyroidism. In this week’s article, we will focus on the signs, diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder in cats. It is caused by an over active thyroid gland that produces too much of the hormone known as T4. The thyroid hormone sets the ‘metabolic rate’ in the body; the more thyroid hormone produced, the harder the body’s cells work and the more energy they use. What are the symptoms of this disorder? Not every cat with this disorder will show the same signs but the most common symptoms are weight loss and an increased appetite. Weight loss is seen in about 95 per cent of cats with this disorder. Other less common signs include excessive thirst, hyperactivity, poor coat and occasional vomiting. Hyperthyroidism can occur in any breed of cat and occurs almost exclusively in older animals. It is quite rare to see a cat under 10 years of age with this disease. The average age that this disease begins is approximately 12 years. How is it diagnosed? Because several diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss, diagnosis starts with a blood panel to rule out other problems. In the majority of cases, a thyroid blood test is performed and shows that the hormone is elevated. In some cases, the thyroid level will be normal and it may need to be repeated several weeks later. Can it be treated? Yes! Treatment is generally very rewarding as you will see your cat’s weight return and the coat return to good condition in a matter of weeks. The most common treatment is daily tablets that block the action of the thyroid hormone so it stops making the body work in overdrive. For those of you that can’t give tablets, there is a cream that can be applied on the ears that also treats this disease! There is also the option that your cat can be cured from this disease by treatment with radioactive iodine therapy. This iodine is concentrated in the thyroid gland and destroys the hyperfunctioning thyroid tissue.

Have you heard the story of the young man who asked his father for his share of the inheritance? The father generously agreed to give it to him. The son then went off and blew the lot on reckless living. When bad times came, the son, now poor, was forced to get a job feeding pigs. Things were so bad he even had to eat pig food to survive. The son, eventually coming to his senses, realised what a fool he had been. He decided to go back to his father, admit his foolishness and hope his father would have him back. Even if he came back as a servant it would be better than eating pig food! When he was a long way off, his father saw him, and full of joy, ran to meet him. The father hugged him and shook his hand. The son barely had a chance for his confession, “Dad, I’ve been a fool. I’ve done the wrong thing. I’m not worthy to be called your son!” The father, full of love for his son, called everyone together and put on a huge feast, saying; “We must celebrate! This son of mine was lost. Now he is found!” This is a story Jesus told in the Bible. It is about us. It is the story of how we have treated God, ignoring God’s goodness and kindness to us, going off and making a mess of our lives. Jesus invites us to come back home, to come back into a relationship with God and to enjoy the privileges and benefits of being his children. How about you? Will you accept Jesus’ invitation to come home to God?

REV JOHN LAVENDER www.glenmore park.anglican.asn. au

Jesus has invited us to have a relationship with God as his children

STRUTH!

DAVE ELLIS

weird, wacky and wondrous travel stories

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

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Special available until Sunday 31st August or until sold out!!! This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offers.

You won’t get much more remote than this: the tiny Punta Grande Hotel on the furthest tip of the Canary Islands. Photo: Fell-Walker.co.uk Those looking for a holiday location that lets you get away from it all should look no further than Spain’s El Hierro Island in the middle of the Atlantic. The smallest and most south-western of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is a rocky outcrop regularly shaken by earth tremors and volcanic eruptions, and battered by regular Atlantic storms. It was long considered “the end of the world” until Christopher Columbus did the unthinkable one day and sailed past it to discover America. But despite its isolation and weather, adventurous tourists flock to it for walking holidays, scuba diving and to enjoy its quietly peaceful crowd and traffic-

free pleasures, with the biggest town having fewer than 2,000 residents. And those who can get a booking opt for the tiny Punta Grande Hotel that has just four double rooms (none with a phone or TV), a breakfast room and lounge but no bar. Guests wanting a drink have to walk several hundred metres into town from where the tiny hotel – originally a circa-1800 Customs Office that checked ships arriving from America into Europe – clings to an exposed natural rock breakwater. And its rustic décor comprises items salvaged largely from shipwrecks over the years: portholes, lanterns, old charts, a diver’s suit and compasses.

â€˜

Plan ahead with someone you can trust.

life & style

Fiona Boulous Funeral Director

Minchinbury 9625 8500 Pinegrove Memorial Park guardianfunerals.com.au

Proudly Australian | 24 Hours All Areas | Prearranged Funerals

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SENIORS

seniors

PENRITH’S #1 GUIDE FOR OLDER RESIDENTS

A day turns into a year Day Club says thanks to volunteers as first anniversary is celebrated

KATHERINE TWEED @ktweed_

he Nepean Valley RSL Day Club has become such a well-established group that it is hard to believe that it has only been around for a year. The local club, which provides a weekly social group for seniors who are both ex-service people and from the wider community, celebrated its first birthday on Wednesday, August 27, with members, volunteers and special guests. The Club is entirely run by volunteers, with the support of the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs,

Penrith RSL Club sub branch and other organisations. “The Day Club held its first meeting on August 28 last year, with just four members and 15 volunteers. Today they have 38 members and 20 volunteers,” Penrith RSL Club Sub-Branch President, Mick McConnell said. “The fact that the group has virtually outgrown their current premises in just one year is testament to the hard work that the volunteers have put in over this period.” One of these volunteers is Jan Eaton, who is president of the Day Club. She was thanked on Wednesday for her contribution as the driving force behind the scenes that has seen the club thrive.

Jennifer Collins, Deputy Commissioner from the Department of Veterans Affairs, with founding member of the Day Club Jean Pearl and Day Club Coordinator Jan Eaton. Photo: Melinda Jane

LOCAL RADIO

WHERE CAN I GO ?

WHAT TRANSPORT DO WE PROVIDE?

Small group transport is provided in:  Wheelchair accessible buses and vans  Service cars and volunteer cars. Clients are welcome to bring their own carers but they must be registered with the service

WHAT DOES IT COST?

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

GREAT Community Transport can assist eligible clients with: Regular mini-bus shopping services (carers may be available to assist )  Social outings  Medical and hospital appointments  Cancer care appointments

Costs vary and are determined by assessment with contributions negotiated individually.

www.greatcommunitytransport.org.au

Blue Mountains: 4759 2403 • Penrith: 4722 3083

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TEST YOUR BRAIN

crossword 1

Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine 3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

seniors

ACROSS 1. Car hooter 4. Wet slightly 8. Wound crust 11. Slice down the middle 13. Academy Award 15. Scan (credit card) 17. Scientist’s workplace 18. Untruthful 20. Universal age 21. River-mouth triangle 24. Knight’s spear 27. Distress call (1,1,1) 28. Hold royal oﬃce 30. Type in (data) 31. Explode 33. Joined forces, ... up 34. Elephant noses 35. Used to be 36. Feel pain 39. Wooden hammer 42. Jugs 44. US 10-cent coin 45. Wine shelves 46. Nobleman 48. Slack 49. More wicked 50. Writing implements 52. Jack & The Beanstalk ogre 54. Salesmen 55. Tennis trophy, ... Cup 56. Lubricant 57. Inhale audibly 60. Tidy 62. Ploy 65. Feasible 67. Garden ornament 69. Seedless orange 70. Mineral veins 72. Snooker stick 73. Boasts 75. Wight & Man 77. Ship’s record 79. Tier 81. Sick 82. Black timber 84. Upright 85. Leather belt 86. Eroded 87. Got to one’s feet (5,2)

sudoku

88. Mesh traps DOWN 1. Watering tube 2. German river 3. Doze 4. Culinary delight 5. Away from coast 6. Pill 7. Naming word 8. Speak 9. Starched (linen) 10. Marshes

12. Narrow shelf 14. Desk worker 16. Less well 19. Nick 22. Allow 23. Wobble (on brink) 25. Archery missiles 26. Core 29. Check oﬀ one by one 32. America (1,1,1) 35. Plaintive howling 37. Selectively eliminates 38. Form hard coating on

40. Alter (rules) 41. Cabs 42. Supplementing, ... out 43. Rescues 44. Drugs (horse) 47. Matured 51. Cat’s milk dish 52. Granting 53. Beaten paths 54. Disorderly crowd 58. Bicker 59. See next page (1,1,1) 61. Malicious ﬁre-setting

Last week’s solutions

63. Leisurely walk 64. Gambling venue 65. Shrouded 66. Defeated person 68. Not ever 71. Abscond with lover 72. Paw nail 74. Colony insects 76. Pronunciation defect 78. Exercise clubs 80. Before (poetic) 83. Forbid

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life

ment and non-government organisations in an easy to use and easy to access format. “60 per cent of NRMA’s 2.4 million members are over 50 and they have consistently told us that online support services around travel, transport, work and volunteering, and assisted living are either sporadic or difficult to find – that’s why the NRMA has launched Living Well Navigator,” NRMA President Kyle Loades said. “Working with a raft of partners across these sectors the NRMA has brought all these services under the one online location.” The Living Well Navigator can be found at www.livingwellnavigator.com.au.

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RMA has launched its one-stopshop for seniors’ services, the Living Well Navigator, in a bid to make it easier for seniors to find and get in touch with the services they need. The new online service can put seniors in touch with services related to anything from travel and getting around to health and volunteering, with just the click of a button. The creation of the new NRMApowered online service has come following feedback from the NRMA’s customers, who report that they often struggle to know where to look for their many needs. The Living Well Navigator groups together services from a range of govern-

• Assist in obtaining all necessary certiﬁcates

Father’s Day Feature

Win Dad a Father’s Day feast in Penrith

special feature

KATHERINE TWEED

Treat Dad like a King this Father’s Day

@ktweed_

hat more would a Dad want on Father’s Day than a big steak, a fry up, some peace and quiet from the kids and the chance to sit back and relax to some quality live music? All this and more is on offer at the Peachtree Hotel on Sunday, September 7, when everything ‘Dad’ is on the menu. They always say that the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this Father’s Day that key is most likely in the shape of a 350g bone in rib eye topped with a creamy bearnaise sauce but if Dad prefers to fill up on goods from the grill, the Peachy’s mixed grill for just $17.90 is the way to go. While the meals are enough to make this Father’s Day better than any other, throw in a jumping castle to keep the kids busy and Dad will be raving about this one for years to come. Dad can have a breather while listening to Rock and Roll soloist, Glenn Esmond pumping out a mix of everyone’s favourites from Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan to Daft Punk, Mumford and Sons and even Cold Chisel’s classics. So do something a little different this year, and head to the Peachtree Hotel for Father’s Day.

Lunch at the Peachtree Hotel

Some of the great meals on offer at King Henry’s Court

As a special treat for the occasion, the Western Weekender has an $80 Father’s Day food and beverage voucher to give away to one lucky Dad and his family. The voucher is valid on Sunday, September 7, for the purchase of meals and drinks at the Peachtree Hotel, not including bottleshop takeaway purchases. For your chance to win, email the code word ‘PEACHY’ to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au, with your name and contact details. Entries close at midday on Tuesday, September 2. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/14/00047.

hat better way is there to say thanks to Dad than by treating him to a delicious meal with the family? At King Henry’s Court, your Dad will be spoilt with a special menu designed just for Father’s Day. The Breakfast menu includes bacon and eggs; eggs benedict; or why not really spoil him with the King Henry’s Works including eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, beans, mushrooms and thick cut toast? Do you get hungry just thinking about it? But if Dad wants a sleep in, King Henry’s

has a great set lunch menu that includes favourites like the Angus beef burger; meat deluxe pizza, chicken schnitzel and scotch fillet steak. Plus there’s a Father’s Day kids menu for just $9.90. King Henry’s Court is also a great venue for other occasions including the Melbourne Cup, birthday parties, work functions and Hens nights. King Henry’s Court is open every day and offers a great dining atmosphere for the whole family. Call 4721 1155 to make a booking. They are located at 74 Henry Street, Penrith.

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Friday 29 August 2014 the western weekender • west life