PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP
weekender the western
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FRI 28 NOV 2014 • Issue 1181
Pride on the line
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Business Advice, tips and profiles on the best local businesses p.26-32
Ayres puts out fire
State Government to boost firefighting resources after public outcry TROY DODDS
Wanderers take on Sydney FC in derby p.40
Serious cancer concern p.5
Latest police information What’s keeping our cops busy? p.7
@troydodds
T
he practice of taking fire stations offline is set to end with the State Government bowing to public pressure and rolling out new firefighters and equipment ahead of what is expected to be a ferocious fire season. The temporary closure of fire stations at various times was set to be a burning election issue, but on Monday Emergency Services Minister and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres announced that Fire & Rescue NSW would now operate under a record $665 million budget. 40 new firefighters will be stationed at key locations across Sydney while five new state-ofthe-art tankers will be rolled out, with one to be located at Cranebrook Fire Station. “When it comes to frontline emergency services, you don’t get any more frontline than standing face-to-face with fire, protecting lives and property,” Mr Ayres said. “Today’s announcement of an extra 40 firefighters means there are more crews on the ground available to protect our communities.” With record temperatures in Penrith last weekend and a dangerous fire season predicted, the State Government was left with no choice but to act – a fire emergency on a day that a local fire station was taken offline could have had catastrophic consequences not only for life and property, but at the election in March. Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins welcomed the announcement, saying it was recognition of the important role that Fire & Rescue NSW plays in the community. Story continues on » p. 6
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres visited Cranebrook Fire Station on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane
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COUNCIL
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Residents remain concerned Council approves second place of worship after marathon debate on Monday KATHERINE TWEED
t’s the hottest topic in Penrith at the moment and some 400 people attended Monday night’s Council meeting where the area’s second Muslim place of worship was ultimately approved after a marathon debate. It was just last month that Penrith Councillors approved the development of the area’s first Muslim place of worship, sparking a fiery debate in the local area, and when an application for a second came before Council on Monday night, the outcome was similar. Councillors approved the development of the place of worship, which is to be located on Clifton Avenue at Kemps Creek, but the decision did not come without heated discussion from the public. Speaking before Council, local residents expressed their concern that the best interests of the local people were not being considered. “I am opposed to Council approving this DA because of the lack of community awareness and consultation of the proposed DA and the impact it will have on the social fabric of Penrith as we know it,” said resident May Spencer. “Council is not recognising the fact that
Penrith’s human and cultural values will be changed by this planned mass migration of Muslims from the Granville area.” Peter Maltese, a Kemps Creek resident who lives just metres away from the development site, spoke of his concerns about the traffic the development would bring to the area. “There is one way in and one way out. There are already 70 to 100 trucks passing through this street every day, if the development goes ahead traffic will be banked up and it is going to take hours to get out of the area,” he said. “There are people concerned. It is a quiet area. We want to leave Kemps Creek where it is and not where they want to take it.” The Council Chamber was full to capacity with a very vocal crowd, but some who had their say weren’t against the development application. A number of people addressed Council in favour of the place of worship, including Dr Atiya Zaidi, a spokesperson for the Muhammadi Welfare Association, the organisation that will be using the facility. She tried to dispel the public’s concerns that the development was for a Mosque. “It is a community centre but prayer is allowed, if someone wants to pray. This is primarily a place of socialisation…. In broad terms, the community centre is
Some of the signs at a Council meeting earlier this month. Below: Monday’s protest about breaking down the barriers between the Muslim community and the wider Australian community,” she said. Reacting to jeers from the crowd, Muhammadi Welfare Association Secretary, Abbas Alvis, said that he was “surprised” and saddened by the reaction from Penrith’s residents. “This is our home and we are exactly like you. We don’t want to create any kind of unpleasant situation, I promise you on behalf of the whole community,” he said. “In fact, I would like to invite all of you to come and see what it is that we do. On
any day, anyone of any culture will be welcome.” Penrith Mayor, Ross Fowler, acknowledged that the decision to approve the application was a tough one but said that it addressed legistlation requirements.
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Penrith embarrasses itself with debate over prayer halls
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I’m not racist, but... Those four words are usually followed by a racist statement or sentiment. And that has certainly been the case over the last month as the community has grappled with the building of two prayer halls at Kemps Creek on the outskirts of Penrith. As a city, Penrith has gone ahead in huge leaps and bounds over the last decade or so, in many ways successfully ridding itself of the ‘bogan westie’ stereotype that is often unfairly slapped on what is a beautiful part of Sydney. Unfortunately, some of that good work has been undone in the past month as certain small sections of the community went about embarrassing themselves and the area with the way they went about their opposition to the prayer halls and community centre. It is important to note I’m not talking about all Penrith residents here. I’m all for legitimate debate on this issue, and for concerns to be raised. But scenes at Penrith Council’s chambers on the two occasions these Development Applications have been discussed have been embarrassing. Grown adults holding ridiculous signs, with misinformed messages and essentially, inciting hatred. Hang on, isn’t hatred one of the things they apparently don’t like about members of the Muslim community? Ah, just one of many contradictions in this debate, folks. Seeing a young boy who would have been no more than 12 or 13 holding up a sign that said “Burqa or bikini – you decide” was a shameful lowlight of Monday night’s protest. But worse than that has been some of the awful comments posted on social media from members of the community. Calls for people to throw pig heads on the site of the development, accusations of Council bias
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TROY DODDS @troydodds
The debate has taken a ridiculous turn
and corruption, belief that Penrith will be “taken over”... the list goes on. Surely Penrith is better than this. Granted, the timing hasn’t been great for discussions of this type. The threat of terrorism both in Australia and overseas, often involving Muslim extremists, is very real. However, such threats in our world come from all sections of the community. We should never forget that the greatest act of terrorism on Australian soil – the Port Arthur massacre – was committed by a Tasmanian with long, flowing blonde hair. I actually can understand, in some ways, where some of the people protesting against the prayer hall are coming from. I accept that areas such as Bankstown and Lakemba are very different today than what they were in the 1960’s and 1970’s. I can also accept that it’s a tough pill to swallow for some who grew up in those areas – I’m not completely in the dark about those concerns. But the debate has taken a ridiculous turn, with misinformation and shameful comments being made by people who, in most cases, haven’t read the Development Applications in question. To have such a firm view, you would hope that those being the loudest in this debate would have researched thoroughly what this whole thing is about before they started sprouting racism and trying to incite hatred and illegal activities. Based on reading the DAs and getting a general understanding of the purpose of the developments, I personally don’t believe “the fabric of the community” is about to change. My faith in Penrith being a welcoming, understanding community has however been shaken. Let’s have this debate in a proper manner – not with foul language, outlandish claims and the inciting of violence.
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@ktweed_
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Jim Lord and Rodney Titovs are encouraging Aboriginal men to focus on their health Penrith Cancer Council Community Program Coordinator, Rodney Titovs, said that more research is needed into the prostate cancer journey of Aboriginal men. Men who are concerned about prostate cancer or want more information in general should visit their local GP or visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/prostatecancer.
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their doctor because “there is no room for shame with cancer�. “I got picked up early by chance. Maybe some of these other fellas won’t get picked up by chance and this is why it is so important to get checked,� he said. “I was just at my GP and had a blood test that showed something. If I hadn’t had that blood test I wouldn’t have bothered getting checked for prostate cancer.�
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n response to alarming statistics released by the Cancer Council, prostate cancer survivor, Aboriginal man Jim Lord, is speaking out to local Indigenous men, encouraging them to take their health seriously. The Cancer Council recently conducted research into the death rates of people who have prostate cancer, finding that Aboriginal men are 50 per cent more likely to die from prostate cancer than non-Aboriginal men. The age and spread of the diseases is similar for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men, however, prostate cancer deaths five years after diagnosis are higher for Aboriginal men. It also found that Aboriginal men are 13 per cent less likely to have surgery within 12 months of diagnosis. “I was shocked by these statistics. Obviously Aboriginal men are not getting all the follow up checks that they should be getting,� said Mr Lord, who is the Aboriginal Liaison Officer for Nepean Hospital. The 61-year-old said that it was important for Aboriginal men to talk about prostate cancer with each other and with
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STATE POLITICS
ANIMAL WELFARE
Labor still concerned despite funding boost
Sad case of cruelty as Hugo looks for a home
local news
Story continued from » p. 1
KATHERINE TWEED
“The additional funding and resources announced today is a credit to the professionalism and commitment of our firefighters,” Mr Mullins said. “The five new fire trucks, which will provide additional capability on Total Fire Ban days, during bushfires and severe weather events like the recent Sydney storms, will be based at Miranda, Lane Cove, Kellyville, Narellan and Cranebrook and will be staffed by 40 additional firefighters. “The additional firefighters will also be used to help ensure that full-time fire stations in Sydney are online and available to respond to fires and other emergencies both around the city and beyond.” The Fire Brigade Employees’ Union also welcomed the announcement. “This announcement is a welcome step, providing extra professional firefighters with state-of-the-art specialist trucks to strike at bushfires quickly, and reducing temporary fire station closures throughout the city,” State Secretary Jim Casey said. “Stuart Ayres is to be congratulated for addressing this issue, and backtracking from some of the extreme budget cuts imposed by his predecessor Mike Gallacher.”
A Cranebrook Fire Station But Labor’s State Election candidate for Penrith, Emma Husar, remains concerned. “After pressure from local communities, especially in Penrith and the Lower Blue Mountains, Stuart Ayres has been forced to provide an additional 40 firefighters – whilst admitting that their cuts had forced stations to close over the last couple of years,” Ms Husar said. “This will only go part of the way to covering the 70 positions that have been cut in recent years under Mr Ayres and the Liberals. This is just a con job from the Liberals to get them through the election.”
nimal Welfare League’s (AWL) Kemps Creek shelter has played a part in saving the life of a oneyear-old puppy found tethered in a backyard with no access to food or water. The Bull Arab cross, Hugo was recently rescued by AWL NSW Inspector Ian Hughes, who found the pup trapped in a small, dirty section area behind a garden shed in a Mount Druitt property. He was tied up, surrounded by faeces and urine, had no access to water or shelter and was forced to use a flyscreen door as a bed. Inspector Hughes said that the dog was “clearly neglected and distressed”. “Hugo was scared and stood frozen on the fly screen that was meant to be his bed, I walked over to him, let him smell my hand, tickled his chin and he responded to the touch immediately. It may have been some time since anyone had shown him any kindness,” Inspector Hughes said. Hugo was immediately rescued and taken back to the Kemps Creek shelter for urgent care and treatment. He is still under the care of AWL NSW, which was granted custody of him in court, and the organisation is now looking for a family to adopt him for life.
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Police snapshot St Marys: Woman held against her will for three days
Police are searching for a male who attempted to steal the mobile phone of a teenager at a local skate park last weekend. Police allege that the offender approached a 19-year-old at around 11pm on Sunday, November 23, asking if he could borrow his mobile phone to call a taxi. The victim handed the male his phone. As soon as he had handed over the phone, the male took off on a bicycle, attempting to leave the scene with the phone, however the victim was an accomplished runner and pursued the offender. The offender tried to get away on the bicycle however he crashed into a safety barrier. The victim managed to retrieve his phone. Police would like to speak to a person who is about 21-years-old, of Aboriginal appearance and wearing a blue baseball cap, white shirt and blue shorts.
A man has appeared in court after allegedly holding his former partner against her will for three days at a St Marys address. Police allege that between November 10 and 13, a 28-year-old woman was held against her will at the address and was sexually assaulted on a number of occasions. After three days she was allowed to leave and reported the matter to police. She was later admitted to hospital for treatment of her injuries and has since been discharged. As a result of inquiries by St Marys Local Area Command detectives, a 32-year-old man from St Marys was arrested on Thursday, November 20. He was charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’, ‘detain for advantage’ and ‘sexual assault’. He appeared at Blacktown Local Court the following day, and was again refused bail.
Penrith: Man tests positive to breath test after crash
Penrith: Police arrest man caught in difficult position
A man has been charged with drink driving after police happened across an accident in Stafford Street, Penrith. Police were patrolling the area when, at about 8.10pm on Sunday, November 23, they came across the scene of an accident that had just occurred. Police allegedly saw the driver trying to swap seats with the passenger in the car. Police conducted a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result. The alleged offender was taken back to Penrith Police Station for breath analysis. The analysis returned a reading that was in the mid range.
A member of the public’s tip-off led to the arrest and charging of a man who was exposing himself in a public place. At around 8.40am on Sunday, November 23, a 40-year-old man was walking around the Nepean River at Tench Reserve when he noticed something unusual. It is alleged that he saw a man in a vehicle, with the car door open, exposing himself and committing a lewd act. The walker contacted the police, who arrived at the scene shortly after. They arrested a 47-year-old from Emu Plains with ‘wilful and obscene exposure’. He will appear in court at a later date.
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HEALTH
WHITE RIBBON DAY
Program aims to help identify deadly illness
Stamping out violence against women
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KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
M Staff at Nepean Hospital this week KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
N
epean Hospital rolled out a first-of-its-kind program this week, designed to help staff be better equipped to recognise and treat sepsis. The illness, which is where the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs, can be deadly, especially if it is not treated promptly. It is very common in hospitals, in fact an average of 30 per cent of Medical Emergency Team calls in hospitals are related to sepsis, and until now, there
has not been a standardised system for recognising and treating it or for keeping a record of sepsis cases. The ‘Sepsis Kills’ program, a Clinical Excellence Commission initiative, is such a system and it is hoped that it will reduce the sepsis-related conditions, complications and deaths that occur in hospitals. It was rolled out in Nepean Hospital this week and saw staff wearing sepsis ‘time bomb’ t-shirts. “What you want to do is try to recognise sepsis early, resuscitate the patient with antibiotics and fluids and refer if you need to,” said nurse, Hailey Carpen.
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en from all over the St Marys local area this week pledged to help put an end to violence against women as part of White Ribbon Day. Nepean Community Builders Network (NCBN), with funding from Penrith Council’s Community Assistance Program, held an awareness and pledge-signing event at St Marys Village Centre on White Ribbon Day on Tuesday, November 25. The event aimed to educate the community about the impact of domestic violence, show women that they are supported by their community and encourage men to pledge their support. “We hope today shows women that they have support and helps good men to know we also support them,” said Anna Breen, Community Worker with Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services. Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, attended the event to show her support and to pin white ribbons on the shirts of St Clair Men’s Shed members. “The White Ribbon campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: s Property Innovations Group DA14/1445
Tanya Davies with Men’s Shed members most men are not violent and that women are more vulnerable and susceptible to violence,” Mrs Davies said. “This campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women, and to safely and effectively challenge the attitudes and behaviours of a minority of people in our society who use or condone violence against women.” The St Clair Men’s Shed members were among a number of men who signed the pledge to help put a stop to violence against women. “We as older men hear about this, we are concerned about it, it is alien to us and I think that supporting something like this is very important,” said Men’s Shed member, Allan Ward.
s Milestone (Aust) Pty Limited DA14/1366 104 Great Western Highway, Colyton Alterations to existing service station and site remediation works Contact: Mathew Rawson on 4732 7522 Closing Date: 5 January 2015
32 Canberra Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures, removal of vegetation and construction of 5 x attic style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works
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Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078 Closing Date: 15 December 2014 s Property Innovations Group DA14/1443 56 Brisbane Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures, removal of vegetation and construction of 5 x attic style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works Contact: Aaron Howard on 4732 7774 Closing Date: 15 December 2014 s Edwards Planning
DA14/1461
67–71 Littlefields Road, Mulgoa Demolition of existing temporary structures and construction and use of pedigree dog boarding and breeding kennels Contact: Mathew Rawson on 4732 7522
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s Property Innovations Group DA14/1444 24 Canberra Street, Oxley Park Demolition of existing structures, removal of vegetation and construction of 5 x attic style villas (multi-unit housing) and associated car parking, landscaping and drainage works Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078 Closing Date: 15 December 2014 Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre. By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Viewing of Development Applications The above development determination/s may be inspected between 8.30am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays (except Public Holidays) at Council’s Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.
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CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith OfďŹ ce Civic Centre, 601 High Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys OfďŹ ce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri.
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COUNCIL BRIEFS s Council is keen to make life easier for shoppers, workers and people doing business in Penrith in the lead up to Christmas by making about 230 extra temporary car park spaces available.
Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri.
This year, temporary parking will be in place from 24 November to 2 January.
P: (02) 4732 7777
The additional parking is a combination of all day and timed car
F: (02) 4732 7958
spaces. Timed parking enables a reasonable turnover of cars to
Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.
ensure that many more shoppers than actual spaces beneďŹ t.
E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Workers will also beneďŹ t from additional all day parking spaces within walking distance to Penrith CBD.
SERVICES
The extra temporary parking areas include:
Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735
s 7OODRIFF 'ARDENS BEHIND THE 0ENRITH TENNIS COURTS ABOUT
Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). GrafďŹ ti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182
Council Meetings 2 December 2014 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)
spaces – all day s *UDGES 0LACE 0ENRITH #"$ AN EXTRA SPACES n ALL DAY s #OUNCIL S #IVIC #ENTRE CAR PARK ABOUT SPACES n TIMED s As another hot summer arrives Penrith Council is urging residents to be vigilant and stay safe against possible high temperatures, ďŹ res, storms or oods.
MEETING DATES
Council plays key roles in supporting emergency service agencies during local emergencies to get important information out quickly during times of crisis.
15 December 2014 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)
During the upcoming summer, Council will promote useful
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithishere.com.au
Twitter as well as on local radio. We will also give useful links to
information for residents on social media such as Facebook and
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Use of sports ďŹ elds in Mulgoa Rise Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from sporting organisations and recreation groups for the use of playing ďŹ elds and associated facilities at: s 3OUTHERN &IELDS "RADLEY 3TREET -ULGOA 2ISE 'LENMORE 0ARK – Anticipated to be available from Winter 2015 for training and competition. s .ORTHERN &IELDS "RADLEY 3TREET -ULGOA 2ISE 'LENMORE 0ARK
emergency service agency websites where more detailed
– Anticipated to be available from Winter 2016 for training and
information is available.
competition.
To keep your ďŹ nger on the pulse and receive regular Facebook
The sportsgrounds comprise of playing ďŹ elds suitable for but not
AND 4WITTER POSTS FOLLOW THE LINKS ON THE HOME PAGE OF #OUNCIL S
limited to cricket, rugby league, rugby union, football (soccer),
website penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
AFL and athletics. The associated facilities at the sportsgrounds
s Penrith City Library recently won the Australian Library & Information Association (ALIA) NSW Public Libraries Marketing
include amenities including canteen, oodlighting, car parking and playgrounds.
Award for its Membership Drive for the 2013/14 Summer. During the drive 1,984 new members joined the library – an increase of 78 per cent on the previous summer.
consideration by 5pm Tuesday, 16 December 2014. An information pack which includes speciďŹ c EOI requirements
and you can visit a branch to read or research. Membership also
AND !PPLICATION &ORM IS AVAILABLE ON #OUNCIL S WEBSITE
entitles you to free online downloads of books and popular
penrithcity.nsw.gov.au OR FROM #OUNCIL S 2ECREATION
magazines.
Department on 4732 8092.
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Library membership is free for people who work or live in Penrith
Interested organisations are invited to complete EOI application for
10
STATE POLITICS
Labor demands housing plan Social housing wait list and maintenance backlog out of control, Opposition says
local news
KATE REID
@kate_reid6
S
hadow Minister for Housing Sophie Cotsis and Labor Candidate for Penrith Emma Husar were in Kingswood on Monday calling on the State Government to address the issue of social housing within the Penrith area. Ms Cotsis stated that there are currently almost 2000 eligible local families on the wait list while the number of properties available has decreased by 111 between 2011-2014. “That’s 111 families that are without a home because they [the homes] don’t exist,” Ms Husar said. “The emergency wait list is now two years and someone that’s not in an emergency or crisis situation is over 10 years.” Ms Cotsis wishes to see the government put a stop to the sale of social housing properties and instead shift their focus to increasing access and addressing current wait times. “That can be done through working with community housing providers as well as the government investing in social housing, and we haven’t seen that in the last three years,” Ms Cotsis said. Another issue within social housing is the maintenance of current properties,
Sophie Cotsis and Emma Husar in Kingswood on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane
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Mayor’s News
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The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor
Why DA was approved
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Christmas & End-of-year Parties – Book NOW! McCarthys Lane, Cranebrook, Ph: 4730 4333
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Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
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which Ms Husar said was suffering from a huge backlog. “The Auditor-General has actually come out with figures that the maintenance backlog is now worth $330 million, so we’ve got people that are sitting in houses that are needing maintenance and they can’t be done,” she said. Ms Husar wants to see the government put forward their social housing policy before the next election. “They’ve said that they’ll release their plan but not until after the State Election in March next year,” she said. “So currently we’ve got people languishing on lists and waiting and no plan, and no plan to even have a plan until after March next year.” A spokesperson for the Department of Family and Community Services said that the NSW Government is committed to a financially sustainable housing portfolio. “The recent release of the Discussion Paper, Social Housing in NSW: a discussion paper for input and comment, and the associated Request for Expressions of Interest for the Social Housing component of the Premier’s Innovation Initiative demonstrate this Government’s firm commitment to reforming the social housing system to deliver better outcomes for vulnerable people,” he said.
This week’s meeting of Council was a difficult one but upholding democracy is not always easy. Councillors met to determine the Development Application (DA) for a place of worship in Kemps Creek. We saw passion from many in the public gallery and although emotions ran high at times, it is important to understand Council’s obligation to consider Development Applications in terms of NSW’s planning laws. Council encourages community feedback on DA’s including impacts on views, overshadowing, pollution, visual quality of the building, the development’s scale, hours of use, parking provision and traffic generation. The development must address these issues adequately for it to be approved. If it follows all these planning matters then Council will approve
the development. Council is bound to approve DA’s which are compliant with planning requirements. The matter before Council this week was no exception. For a number of years Penrith has been recognised as a successful regional city providing services for up to 500,000 people from surrounding areas. These include health, education, government services, recreation, hospitals and many other basic social services. This is part of what makes us a welcoming community. It would be not in the public interest to refuse the application as this could ultimately cost Penrith rate payers hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Land and Environment Court.
ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith
Teen banned from shopping centre An 18-year-old has been handed a criminal infringement notice and banned from a local shopping centre after shoving a pair of socks down his pants.
Police were called to a variety store inside a large shopping centre in Penrith last Friday after security had witnessed the incident.
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Wednesday
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Friday
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On sale 5.30pm | First Draw 7pm $5,000 in toys & hampers to give away each session!
**Conditions *Co *Con Con Co ond on diiti diti tiion on ons nss Apply Ap Appl Ap App pp ppl pl p y | See Se S ee e website web we webs w ebs eb e b bssiit bsit ite tte e for fo fo orr details det deta d de eta eta tailils llss | Information In Inform Inform form orrm ma ati atio tiio tio on co ccorrect orr rrec rre rrec re ecct at at time tiim ttim me of of printing. prrint pri nti ntin tiiin ttin ng We We are are a safe ar ssaf sa affe premises afe premis pr pre misse mise ses that ttha th hat at practices p pract actices ices responsible respons ponsible ib ble e service se ser ervic er vvice iice ic ce ce of of alcohol alc al alco a lco lcco lc oh hol ho ol ol
Authorised Under NSW Permits
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MULGOA ROAD PENRITH NSW 2750 1800 061 991 P E N R I T H . PA N T H E R S . C O M . A U FA C E B O O K . C O M / P E N R I T H R U G B Y L E A G U E C L U B
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*A Ap pa payment yment yme men ment ent pr proc p processing roc rro o es ess e essin sssin sin in ing ng fee ffe ee off 1 1.95% .95% .9 95 app 95% 95 appl a appli applies pp ess to to al a allllll purc pu p pur purch purchases urrcha ases ase ses m ses se mad made ade byy ccr ade credit re ed edit diit o dit orr d de debit bit it ccard. ard ard. ard d A pa pay p payment ment m me men en proce proc processing roce ocessing ssin sing ing ng fee ng ee e do do doe does oess not no n ott apply o ap pp pply p y for ply fo orr purchases o pu urch urcha urc ur rrch rc rcha ccha hases e m made ad ade a de d e tthrough hrou hrou hroug hr roug ough ou oug ug u gh Ticketek agents or outlets when using cash, or when redeeming a Ticketek Gift Voucher. Transaction Fees may apply
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12
HEALTH
Medical breakthrough set to make a difference
local news
KATE REID
@kate_reid6
A
local biomedical engineer is behind a major research breakthrough that will make monitoring lung and heart conditions much easier. Dr Gaetano Gargiulo from the University of Western Sydney has been chosen as a finalist in the BUPA Health Foundation’s Emerging Health Researcher 2014 Awards for his low cost device which can monitor lung and cardiac function. “That is kind of a breakthrough because so far in order to assess the cardiac output the patient needs to undergo an invasive procedure,” Dr Gargiulo said. The wearable device, which looks like a t-shirt, will not only allow for quicker and easier diagnosis for patients at risk of ischaemic or pneumothorax events but will also remove the need for multiple tests as well as reduce the waiting time involved in current diagnostic measures. “Instead of days or several investigations, one single test, a few minutes and the doctor knows if the subject needs to be referred for further investigation or they need to crack open the chest or they need to put the subject under ventilation,” Dr Gargiulo said. According to the Heart Foundation,
around 30,000 Australians are diagnosed with chronic heart failure each year and Asthma Australia reports that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects one in five Australian people over the age of 40. The device will also allow for self-paced recovery for those currently undergoing cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation as well as helping healthy individuals to accurately monitor their heart and lung function during activity. “With the device it actually gives information of how much blood is being pumped in through the system during exercise,” Dr Gargiulo said. “It gives a scientific meaning under the words medium to high effort exercise, low effort exercise, because so far this is assessed simply with heart rate.” On winning the $5000 grant, Dr Gargiulo said it was a nice feeling to be recognised for his work. “It actually feels very good. I felt that finally I’m making a bit of a difference,” he said. So far the device has been tested on healthy subjects and Dr Gargiulo is currently in the process of obtaining ethical clearance to start clinical trials. If all goes well Dr Gargiulo is hoping the device will be available in about two years’ time.
Dr Gaetano Gargiulo with his invention. Photo: Melinda Jane
make it a
CHRISTMAS to remember
Ca Catalogue at Out Now Ou O Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia ‘Infinity’ Bracelet (valued at $79)
FREE
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
with every purchase of $99 or more from the current catalogue
Village Shopping Centre, Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys Ph: 9623 1655 104 Queen St, St Marys ph: 9623 1141 WW13241
COMMUNITY
WATER SAFETY
Christmas flick brings community together
Push for more people to wear lifejackets KATHERINE TWEED
13
@ktweed_
Families enjoying a similar Christmas Under the Stars event KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
I
n mid-December, when the anticipation of Christmas is at its highest, St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Team (SCYNT) will be holding a festive event that local families won’t want to miss. After a number of successful years, SCYNT’s Christmas Under the Stars event is back, which will see local families treated to an outdoor cinema screening of Christmas movie ‘Arthur Christmas’ on Saturday, December 13. “The event is to bring the community
together and to celebrate not only Christmas but the community as a whole,” said SCYNT community worker, Kim Carter. “Families are able to meet and get to know each other. They also get to know our centre and facilities as well as the staff and the volunteers that make it all happen.” The free event, which begins at 6.30pm, will be held at the Autumnleaf Neighbourhood Centre in St Clair. Local residents are also encouraged to bring along food items to be donated to the Holy Spirit Church and Anglicare, which helps struggling families in the local area over the Christmas period.
Maritime Management Centre’s Michael Drake with President of Sailability NSW, Neil Anderson can be quite physical. “This initiative is part of a wider collaboration with safety partners to develop a program that improves the wear rates of lifejackets and reduce the loss of life caused by drowning when boating,” Mr Glenn said. “Nearly two million people in NSW go boating each year, and accidents happen suddenly, and to anyone. This partnership is about educating people about the benefits of normalising the wearing of lifejackets.”
local news
W
earing a lifejacket when out on the water can be the difference between life and death; a fact that has driven a partnership between Sailability NSW and the Maritime Management Centre. The partnership between the two organisations has already started positively with the centre’s presentation of 50 new generation lifejackets to be used by Sailability volunteers. Sailability NSW has a branch that runs out of Penrith Lakes and it is hoped that by wearing lifejackets, the local volunteers can act as role models. “The lifejackets will be used to kit out Sailability NSW’s network of volunteers in 25 branches throughout the state and will improve their comfort and ease of movement when assisting sailors with disabilities into and out of water craft,” said Maritime Management Centre General Manager, Howard Glenn. “Nine out of 10 people who drowned when boating in NSW over the past decade were not wearing a lifejacket. By remembering to wear a lifejacket at all times on the water, it might just save your life.” The new generation lifejackets are designed to allow ease of movement and comfort for the volunteers, whose roles
News in Numbers Penrith MP Stuart Ayres has welcomed the announcement that over $6 million, an increase of $750,000, in needsbased funding has been allocated to Penrith government schools in 2015. “This additional support is a result of
$6m
in funding the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government being the first to sign up to the Gonski agreement, which will deliver $5 billion in additional funding to NSW
“The Project Harvest survey has found that nearly 50 per cent of consumers use beetroot in modern
1kg
of beetroot Australian cuisine, and that 36 per cent of consumers use it in traditional Australian cuisine.” Beetroot’s impressive versatility also shines through in the data, with 16 per cent of Australians using it in salads.
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Australian consumers’ love affair with beetroot continues, with shoppers saying its great taste and nutritional value are the main reasons they keep coming back to the summer classic. New data from Project Harvest, a monthly survey tracking Australian vegetable consumption, shows that Australian consumers are buying almost a kilogram of beetroot three times a month, with the summer staple featuring strongly in weekday dinners. “Beetroot has long been a mainstay of Australian burgers and soups, and this data proves that it remains a quintessentially Australian vegetable,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Andrew White.
students over six years,” Mr Ayres said this week. “It’s what NSW public schools have wanted – a significant increase in funding guaranteed into the future, with the greatest benefits flowing to schools and students with the greatest need. “Schools in Penrith began benefiting from additional resources distributed under the new Resource Allocation Model (RAM) last year. “Today’s announcement builds on those increases, and I am confident school communities and principals will be delighted at the prospect of planning their use of the additional funds.” Mr Ayres said many schools in the area will see extra benefits.
COMMUNITY
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
Flags help show our community diversity
E
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14
ven more community spirit than normal is on display at St Marys after the installation of new flagpoles. The new flagpole installation at St Marys will display the area’s diversity in the eastern part of our city as is currently the case at the Civic Centre in Penrith. The installation, comprising three flagpoles and lighting, will host the Australian flag, the Aboriginal flag and leave space for a third flag to reflect cultural events happening in the city. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said the installation, at St Marys Corner, invites the whole city to reflect its cultural diversity and unity. “We have many events and services in the city where national flags can fly proudly alongside the Australian and Aboriginal flags,” Cr Fowler said. “Some events include the Korean National Foundation Day, the Philippines declaration of independence and the Nepalese New Year celebrations.” Cr Fowler said it was a great way to show how much of a welcoming city Penrith is. “Displaying various flags at both major towns in our city enhances the ability of family and friends to gather and celebrate what’s great about Australia, and in particular Penrith city,” Cr Fowler said.
The launch of the flagpoles on Monday A ceremony was held on Monday morning where the Australian, Aboriginal and State flags were raised. Councillors Mark Davies, Greg Davies, Bernard Bratusa and Ross Fowler joined Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies for the official launch of the flagpoles.
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St Marys Town Centre Ltd invite you to join us for a
Magical Christmas Friday 12th December 2014 – 6.30pm till 9.30pm Cnr Charles Hackett Drive & Queen Street St Marys Christmas Tree lighting Twilight market stalls, main stage entertainment, jumping castle, Kozi and Pinky’s facepainting and balloonist and Santa’s special arrival Fairy Wishes Move and Groove Christmas Show with Tinsel the Fairy, Holly the Elf and Scratch the Christmas Cat. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer will be making a guest appearance as well as our Roaming Fairy Elves with their candy for the kids!
Proudly brought to you by
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Bring the family for a fun FREE magical night Don’t forget to bring your blanket or chair on the night
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16
Back in business In a testament to the resilience of local business, Kingswood’s Medical and Fitness Centre is once again fully operational after recent wild weather caused damage to the building which houses a range of health services. On Saturday, November 1, the centre bore the brunt of a storm which tore through the roof causing extensive damage within a matter of minutes. “It was a big surprise to find out how much damage there was and it was quite upsetting to see part of the building damaged the way it was. There was water coming through and basically everyone stopped, kind of stunned, not knowing what to do,” said Medical and Fitness Centre Manager, Samih Khan. Though the centre was expecting to be out of action for more than a week while the damage was fixed, with the help of the SES and community members they were able to get things cleaned up, cover the hole in the roof with tarps and re-open to the public in under 48 hours through the use of a side entry. “It really made it less of a burden because everyone was there to help and give a helping hand,” Mr Khan said. “It just made things a lot easier otherwise, by ourselves, it would have been almost impossible to do what we were able to do.” In a stroke of bad luck, the Medical and Fitness Centre, which has been in operation for over 23 years, suffered further water damage just a few days later when another downpour hit the area. Again they were able to recover quickly and continue to provide access to the centre. As of last Monday, the building’s roof has been restored.
BUSINESS
PBA’s future uncertain Council extends funding agreement, but only for six months KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
P
enrith City Council has agreed to extend its Deed of Agreement with the Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) but only for six months, leaving the future of the organisation in uncertainty. Council established and funded the PBA in 2009 and at the time both parties signed a Deed of Agreement, committing the PBA to undertake a range of economic functions, while Council continued to fund their work. The Deed was due to be terminated on Sunday, November 30, but at Council on Monday night, it was agreed that the deed be extended until June 30, 2015, and that the PBA be funded by Council until then. The extension of the Deed will allow for an independent review of the PBA’s effectiveness to be completed; the results of the review will be considered by Council next year. “Ideally we would want the Deed of Agreement extended for a period of years, not six months,” said PBA Chairman, Paul Brennan. The review will examine the current model of the PBA and assess how well it is working, what outcomes have been delivered since its creation and how it can be improved. Once completed, it will be used by Council to determine the future of the organisation.
Penrith Business Alliance Board Members Jim Aitken, Judith Field and Paul Brennan Mr Brennan will be presenting a new Business Plan to Council on Monday, December 8, which is to be submitted annually as a requirement of the Deed, and he said that the organisation is hoping to make some big changes. “When the PBA came into existence it was a new entity with a brand new board. Its key task was to play a vital role in creating 40,000 new jobs in the area by 2031. It was unique; never before had there been an organisation like it, especially one that
worked so closely with Council,” he said. “Similar organisations have started across the state, modelled on the PBA. We are no longer a different concept, we are part of a group of organisations doing similar things.” Councillor Maurice Girotto commented on the amount of funding the PBA receives from Council annually. “We are investing just under $600,000 in the PBA each year. For that sort of investment, what are we getting in return?”
Dancers from Colyton High School prove they’re real crowd pleasers
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
The winning dancers
Four students from Colyton High School have taken out the Audience Choice Award at the recent Fast+Fresh Dance competition at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, which showcases the work of dancers and choreographers 21 years and under. The piece titled ‘Switch’ was performed by students Ellena Delinaoum, Chevi Mulholland and Junior Maiki along with dancer and choreographer of the work, Leif Aquino, who was awarded a secondment with Bangarra Dance Theatre. The talented 15-year-old hop hop artist and choreographer said that the experience of being chosen as audience favourite was pretty overwhelming. “It was a feeling I’d never experienced
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before, it got me hyped up,” Leif said. His aim for the future is to continue to work with other dancers and hopefully be involved in the Schools Spectacular, a variety show which showcases the talent of thousands of students from across the state. Colyton High School Dance teacher, Amy Stenberg, said that the students had aimed to produce a piece which would be a crowd pleaser, so it was no surprise that out of the awards on offer the students took away the honour of Audience Choice. “It was the perfect award for them,” Ms Stenberg said. This year’s competition included 113 dancers and 61 choreographers with 45
going through to the final last Saturday where 16 short works were presented to judges including choreographer Marko Panzic and arts journalist Caroline Baum. Awards included Best Female Dancer, Best Male Dancer, Best Duet, Best Solo and Most Outstanding Choreography. - Kate Reid
URE ITERAT L H S I ENGL TO R Y NT HIS ANCIE FIELDS BATTLE C ARTS A Z AN MING R O F R & PE DA N C E AG E S LANGU I TRIPS S & SK T R O LO GY P S CHNO E T & E SCIENC ES SCIENC EARTH IPS ORT TR S TO R Y I H H S S & T AR TIONS R VAC A E M M SU
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dear weekender...
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The facts are clear Shadow Energy Minister Adam Searle has conveniently ignored the growing chorus of support to provide power price relief for NSW consumers by leasing 49 per cent of the state’s poles and wires (Power price hike warning, Western Weekender November 21). However, he was spot on when he said that the community deserves to know the facts. Firstly, the community should be aware that NSW’s publicly owned electricity networks have been the major driver of the hike in household energy bills – adding $580 to the average bill in just five years. Since 1997 the publicly-run networks in NSW have increased their costs by a staggering 122 per cent. The community should also be aware that this price hike could have been avoided, and we only have to look at the experience in Victoria to understand why. Since leasing its electricity networks in the 1990s, Victoria has seen network costs decline by 18 per cent. In 1996, NSW consumers paid $25 less than in electricity network costs than the average Victorian consumer. Today, with Victoria operating a
private electricity network, NSW consumers pay a staggering $474 more in network charges. In light of these facts it is clear that public ownership of electricity networks has failed consumers, and that leasing these assets is our opportunity to stop price hikes at their very source. Not only will this keep downwards pressure on prices, but the proceeds of leasing will release tens of billions of dollars for Sydney’s beleaguered transport, health and other public infrastructure, without more taxes. Leasing the poles and wires is the only sensible solution to addressing the high cost of energy for consumers and revitalising our communities with much needed investment in new infrastructure. GEOFF STARR, NSW BUSINESS CHAMBER
Labor’s concerns just a scare campaign? What an interesting photo on page three of the November 21 issue of the Western Weekender showing the Shadow Energy Minister Adam Searle with Prue Car and Emma Husar on the issue concerning power prices.
Well here we go again! Labor conducting the good old scare campaign. I am sure that the State Government has given a lot of thought and consideration to the privatisation of electricity before anything is done, which is more than what the State Opposition has ever done or is likely to do. What I do know is that if the State Government gets it wrong they have an election to look forward to. If the State Opposition gets it wrong, they have a lot of egg to clean off their faces. Let’s wait and see what happens next. H A MORFOOT GLENMORE PARK
Struggle street can’t last forever I for one am sick to death of the basics of life costing an arm and a leg. This has to stop and I blame all government for the situation we are in today. Families should not have to scrimp and save just to pay for electricity, gas, water. Prices just continue to spiral upwards. Does Australia have to have a revolution in order to get things right again? NERREL LOADER, VIA FACEBOOK
email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750
DA clarification from the Mayor of Penrith Recently there has been considerable community attention on development proposals for the construction of two prayer halls at Kemps Creek. The applications have attracted some strong and at times heated debate and emotion. It is important to understand Council’s obligation to consider development applications in terms of Council’s adopted policy and the State’s planning laws. The development applications in question complied with planning requirements. Community consultation was undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements and Council policy. The most recent item was debated for more than two hours giving adequate opportunity for matters to be raised and discussed. Upholding democracy may not always be easy but it is something we do because it is at the core of our beliefs. For a number of years Penrith has been recognised as a successful regional city providing services for up to 500,000 people from surrounding areas. These include
health, education, government services, recreation, hospitals and many other basic social services. This is part of what has always made us a welcoming community. I believe we are able to have debates such as these because we are a strong city. We are not, as some would suggest, a divided community, we are robust and mature and Penrith Council is proud to continue to reflect that community strength. ROSS FOWLER, PENRITH MAYOR
Council right to approve prayer hall I’m very upset at the way some people in the Penrith community have acted when it comes to the prayer halls at Kemps Creek. I do not believe that any one religion or group of people should be tarred with the same brush. Let the proof be in the pudding. People do not seem to understand that, either way, Council had no choice but to approve the Development Application as it did adhere to all requirements of the law. R SMITH, CRANEBROOK
The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.
COUNCIL SNAPSHOT Nepean River Green Bridge Geotechnical investigations at Nepean River, Penrith from Monday 1 December
There will be 230 extra temporary car parking spaces in and around the Penrith CBD from now until January 2. Penrith City Council has created the extra spaces in an effort to make life easier for shoppers and businesses throughout the Christmas period. The additional parking includes a combination of all-day and temporary timed spaces. About 130 additional spaces will be made available at Woodriff Gardens, behind the Penrith tennis courts, and will be all-day parking. An extra 55 all-day spaces will be made available in Judges Place and 45 additional timed spaces will be made available in Council’s Civic Centre car park.
Roads and Maritime Services will carry out geotechnical investigations to further inform the design for the Nepean River Green Bridge project. This work will be carried out between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm from Monday 1 December to Friday 19 December, weather permitting. Roads and Maritime contractors will use a truck-mounted drill rig to drill three boreholes on the western side and three boreholes on the eastern side of the river. In addition to this work, one test pit will also be excavated on the western side of the river. Additional boreholes will be drilled in the river bed using a truck-mounted drill rig on a barge. Pedestrian access will be maintained while drilling work is carried out along The Great River Walk on the eastern side of the river.
There may be some noise associated with this work but every effort will be made to minimise the impact on residents and businesses. We apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause and appreciate the patience of residents and water users.
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Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
A half day closure of the Tench Reserve boat ramp in Tench Avenue, Jamiesontown will be required to place the barge on the river. This closure will occur on Monday 1 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
For further enquiries call Anthony Dillon on (02) 8849 2421 during business hours or email Anthony.Dillon@rms.nsw.gov.au WW14077
Youth Week 2015 events run by Fusion Western Sydney and Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services are both to receive part of $6,150 in funding as part of the Youth Week Grants Program; a combination of funds from Council and the NSW Government. Fusion Western Sydney will be running the annual Valley Youth Festival and Nepean Community and Neighbourhood Services will use the funding to run three days of activities for local youth. Penrith City Council has awarded grants to fund nine Seniors Week
2015 activities. Seniors Week will be celebrated from March 14, 2015 to March 22, 2015 and there will be a range of activities running in the Penrith area. Grants were awarded to organisations holding activities from fitness sessions to feasts. The grants come to a total of $6,500. Penrith City Council has endorsed the recommendation that Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd be appointed as the preferred contractor for the construction of new concrete paths in the Penrith LGA for a minimum of three years. Referee checks confirmed that the company had positive performance and customer satisfaction ratings. The company will be charged with constructing, managing and maintaining council’s footpaths and shared paths from January 1, 2015. The Sparkle Team, a Sydney based company, will be serving Penrith City Council’s public toilet cleaning needs for the next two years. The company will be ensuring that all 26 public toilets in the Penrith LGA are opened daily and kept clean, which includes eight public toilets in the Penrith City Centre and St Marys Town Centre. The next Council meeting is on Tuesday, December 2.
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COMMUNITY
New courts promote sport Community thrilled as three new sporting courts open in rural parts of Penrith @natetaylor87
local news
NATHAN TAYLOR
R
esidents of Berkshire Park, Llandilo and Shanes Park are the proud owners of two new sporting courts. The newly opened $25,000 multipurpose courts at Llandilo and Shanes Park, and the $10,000 netball and half basketball court at Berkshire Park, were each funded by the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program. Member for Londonderry, Bart Bassett, said one of the highlights of being an elected representative was being able to secure tangible outcomes for community groups that may not be able to do so alone. “These sporting facilities will be of use and enjoyment to many in the community and will encourage young people especially to be more physically active and have another social outlet,” he said. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler added that the facilities lend themselves to be used for a wide range of activities. “The new netball court will encourage the sport to provide local opportunities for participants and will avoid the need for participants to travel so far,” Cr Fowler said.
Mario Pace, State MP Bart Bassett, Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler and residents of Berkshire Park inspect the new sporting courts “The courts will let more be involved in other court based sports such as basketball. The courts also provide a space where children can safely learn to ride bikes.”
Cr Fowler thanked Mr Bassett for the funding and hoped the new facilities would be enjoyed by the entire Berkshire Park community.
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The new facilities at Berkshire Park, Llandilo and Shanes Park are now open to the public following last week’s official launch.
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COMMUNITY
Changing perceptions St Clair’s Chris Bunton hopes to make a difference
Weekender Cup up for grabs
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local news
South Creek Football Club will be holding a Community Gala Day this Saturday, November 29 to celebrate the inaugural Western Weekender Cup. Happening at South Creek Fields behind Ripples Pools in St Marys, the Community Gala Day will feature plenty of family fun with rides, stalls, entertainment, food and raffles on offer. The day will also see a number of football matches take place including the first ever Western Weekender Cup which will be played between South Creek FC and a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) cadets team.
Football will be the focus this weekend Chris Bunton from St Clair is an ambassador for the Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign. Photo: Melinda Jane KATHERINE TWEED
@ktweed_
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hris Bunton’s disability does not define him, his abilities do and as an ambassador of this month’s Don’t DIS My ABILITY campaign, he wants his community to recognise this too. The 21-year-old St Clair resident is one of 19 people selected as ambassadors of the awareness campaign, aimed at promoting positive perceptions of people with disability. Mr Bunton, who has Down syndrome, is very passionate about creating an inclusive community, where people with disability are respected and celebrated for who they are and the abilities that they bring to their local communities. “My life motto is don’t judge us by our looks, judge us by our abilities. This
campaign is about raising awareness in the community and also in the future,” Mr Bunton said. “I would like to change the perceptions that people around the world have about people with disabilities.” Having competed as an Australian representative in the Special Olympics in gymnastics and having gone on to complete a Certificate III in Sports and Recreation, Mr Bunton is a role model to many in the community and was an obvious choice for an ambassador role, according to campaign spokesperson, Jim Longley, Deputy Secretary of Ageing, Disability and Home Care from the Department of Family and Community Services. “The Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign is about encouraging and challenging the public to re-think the way they engage with people with disability. I have no
doubt that Christopher will help bring the campaign messages to life,” Mr Longley said. “Christopher is a positive role model and a shining example of people with disability achieving their goals.” As part of his role with the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, Mr Bunton will also be taking part in western Sydney’s On The Streets, which falls on International Day for People with Disabilities, celebrated on Wednesday, December 3. On The Streets is part of a larger festival called Stare Fest, which showcases the talents of people living with disabilities through two weeks of theatre, film, dance, music and art at Riverside Theatres and around Parramatta. Mr Bunton will be taking part in two creative displays at On The Streets. For information, visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au/starefest.
South Creek FC, which was established in 2012, is an independent football club with 120 registered members. They are a club with a difference and are focused on bringing the game back to the public and making it more inclusive. “We’re trying to bring a different view of the game to the public,” Club President, Robert Davis said. “We notice kids drop out of sports in their teenage years because they don’t feel they’re good enough anymore. Our focus is on maintaining the game because you don’t have to be a great player as long as you enjoy it. “We also encourage older people to come back to the game through coaching and playing. Many parents come down with their kids and train with them.” The South Creek FC Community Gala Day is open to the public and begins at 9am this Saturday. - Nathan Taylor
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local news
Everything for your Home & more...
...for this Christmas
The Giving Tree Bring a gift for a child less fortunate this Christmas and place it at the Giving Tree, The Spirit of Christmas. Christmas tree dressed by Rudolphs Christmas
Penrith Harmony Will be performing your favourite Christmas Carols & Songs at these time Every Thursday Night from 27th Nov 6.30pm - 7.30pm
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COMMUNITY
Real estate agency’s Christmas spirit
23 How much does one
cage egg
The team from Glenmore Park Realty. Photo: Melinda Jane KATE REID
@kate_reid6
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SO TH I C SH ME S F O AV LO RID ME ED C AY AL A FO L & ON R ME SU G M N PP O G O VE ET R M TI T BE N R G
lenmore Park Realty will be helping families in need this Christmas by collecting donations for the Ronald McDonald House charity. The Ronald McDonald House charity is aiming to make up 23 hampers to give to families who won’t get to spend Christmas at home this year. “We feel really fortunate to be able to support such a wonderful charity,” Belinda Watts, Director of Glenmore Park Realty said.
“Unfortunately too many families at some point have their children unwell enough to be hospitalised.” The local real estate decided to take part in the collection after a staff member mentioned that they would be helping out the charity organisation this Christmas. The wishlist of items includes food products like Christmas lollies, chips, tinned fruit, long-life custards, chocolate biscuits, mince pies, long-life milk, tea, coffee and non-perishable tinned foods. Items can be dropped off at Glenmore Park Realty at 7 Glenmore Pkwy, Glenmore Park until Monday, December 15.
You wouldn’t keep your pet like this. But hidden away in sheds across Australia, hens who are just as smart and sensitive as the family pet spend every waking moment in a cage — all for the sake of a cheap egg. She cannot sit comfortably or stretch her wings. Without the ability to exercise, her body is weak. Chances are that she, or one of her cage mates, is living
with an untreated broken bone. But trapped in a cage, in a shed with thousands of cages, no-one is ever likely to notice. Here she will spend 30 long hours to produce just one cage egg. The first time she will see the outside world — the world she was meant to live in — will be on the last day of her life, as she is trucked to the slaughterhouse.
“THAT AIN’T NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY”
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Local residents urged to help grant a Christmas wish to a seriously ill child
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local news
Can you provide a safe, stable and supportive home to an adolescent? Barnardos Australia needs carers for young people aged 12-18 years.
Victoria Robinson had her Starlight wish granted This Christmas Starlight Children’s Foundation is appealing for help to raise $1.4 million to grant more than 200 lifechanging Starlight Wishes for seriously ill kids and teens across Australia. Starlight CEO, Louise Baxter, said the charity is busier than ever. “This Christmas the Starlight Wishlist is as long as it has ever been and demand continues to grow. A Starlight Wish is a dream come true for a sick child and their family, and we hope to give 200 families something positive to look forward to this festive season,” she said. Starlight child, Victoria Robinson, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour at the age of three and was granted her Starlight Wish to visit the snow for the first time with her family. Victoria’s parents, Wendy and Ken Robinson, said Victoria’s Starlight Wish was invaluable. “Victoria’s wish meant the world to her and us. It gave us time together as a
family and brought some light into our lives after a difficult few years. Conquering the ski slopes also gave Victoria a new confidence to face treatment when she returned to hospital,” Mrs Robinson said. Starlight grants about 500 unique Starlight Wishes each year, including travel wishes, hero wishes, experience wishes and gift wishes, all designed to promote wellbeing and increased happiness for the child or teen and their families. This Christmas 17 Starlight ambassadors are lending their support to the appeal including Delta Goodrem, George Calombaris, Neil Perry, Hi-5, Billy Slater, Mick Fanning, Kieran Perkins, Libby Trickett, David Campbell and Darryl Brohman. Anyone can help fulfil Starlight Wishes by making a donation to Starlight at www.starlightwish.org.au, or forming a team with friends, family or colleagues to fundraise as a group.
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Paws & Claws Shopsmart Shopping Plaza 10 Zoe Place, Mount Druitt 9675 7090 www.pawsandclawswarehouse.com.au
P BUSINE S S OF TH E W E E K
A passion for pets of all kinds Paws & Claws Warehouse has moved closer to Penrith and has an extensive range of products to suit all your pet needs
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aws & Claws Warehouse is a locally operated, family-owned pet supply warehouse with an extensive range of products to suit all your pet needs. Most pet owners consider their pet like a member of the family which makes Paws & Claws Warehouse dedicated to providing you and your pet with quality products at very competitive prices. Paws & Claws Warehouse stock several items including premium and budget pet food, treats, pharmaceuticals, toys, collars and leads, harnesses, grooming products, hutches and beddings for all animals including dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles and even the small kind like mice. “We deal with about 30 different suppliers and if we do not stock an item, we will be happy to source it for you,” Paws & Claws Warehouse Director, Suresh Kumar said. Paws & Claws Warehouse’s primary store is located at Milperra but they recently opened a second store closer to Penrith, in Mt Druitt, two months ago. Paws & Claws Warehouse is run by directors Suresh and Alina Kumar. Mr Kumar holds a number of degrees including a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Commerce while Mrs Kumar worked as a nurse prior to joining the family business. “We decided to venture into the pet business because we love pets,” Mr Kumar said. “We had several pets whilst living in Fiji including dogs, cats, fish, chickens, ducks and goats. We knew people in Australia loved their pets too so we decided to cater for this sector.”
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BUSINESS TIPS
27 MICHAEL TODD Small Biz Connect Advisor Penrith Valley BEC
Have you researched your target market?
What makes your business stand out?
A few days ago I received a telemarketing phone call on my business phone. A company rang to say “we are a digital marketing company and we are calling to see if we can create a website for you”. I laughed loudly and informed him “I’m a website designer”. He laughed too and hung up! While it was funny at the time, it did make me wonder whether many of us are doing enough market research. In the example I gave above, the telemarketing company had done some bare minimum research because they were contacting businesses (rather than cold calling through random phone numbers). But obviously the research stopped there and then! There are entire books (and many of them) written on this topic, but here are some important things to consider when you are researching your target market and working out the best ways to promote your product or service to them: • How does your product or service fulfil a need or solve a problem for a potential customer? • How do you differ from other compa-
nies in your industry (what makes you stand out)? • What do you need to know about your potential customers in order to appeal to them? • Create a customer profile (an in-depth description of who your typical customer is) • Where are your customers likely to engage? Social media? Email? Local papers? Personal contact? Most SMEs have a limited marketing budget. So it stands to reason that those dollars should be spent wisely. And the best way to do this is to make sure that any marketing efforts are targeted directly to your niche market. Focusing on a specific section of the population (ideally those who might be interested in your product or service) will allow you to communicate and engage with those people more deeply and specifically. What are your thoughts on this topic? Send us your views via email at news@ westernweekender.com.au or find us on Twitter @wwpenrith.
We live in a world where you and your competitors are largely selling products with similar benefits and features. The fragmentation of media makes it tougher to get your message to your consumers with a variety of methods available to promote your business. Right now, you need to be thinking about how you can ensure that you are building a long term competitive advantage based on a unique, different but relevant and compelling offer to your consumers. In order to do this, what few key things should you be doing to make you different enough to generate value and long term growth in today’s competitive global marketplace? Competitive strategy is about being different. It means deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver a unique service or product. Just simply being good at what you do isn’t enough. You need to build hype, paint the perception and get results for the people that buy from you. When everybody competes according to the same criteria, everybody starts to
seem the same. Start figuring out how you can be different than your competition. So many business owners or would be start-ups sit around trying to figure out how they can be better than the competition, whether it be a better product, better service, better features, and, in some cases, better price. But it can be much simpler to figure out how you can be different than the competition. Being better than the competition is not like being different to the competition. Instead of trying to be better or exactly like, build a strategy around a simple way that your company is different from the pack. This is sometimes a situation where businesses say, “well, we are different we have a better product, or we offer better service.” Really, and do your competitors all suggest they offer crappy service? Two questions you should ask yourself when starting to think about your business and how it is different are: 1. What are we doing that our competitors are not? 2. What are we doing like our competitors that we could change for good?
business
MICHELLE GRICE Founder of Shel Design
Creatively Innovating
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Call Today 4736 2214 or 1800 33 78 75
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Celebrating our remarkable women in business
W
omen with Altitude is a network for working women in western Sydney and regional Australia. It’s a community of inspiring, nurturing and welcoming women and is made up of members from all walks of life. Whether you are a business owner, employee, manager or mum heading back to work, Women with Altitude is a great way to connect. Women with Altitude exists to connect professional women and entrepreneurs together to collaborate, do business with each other and learn from one another. They provide inspiration, encouragement, support and experience with members ranging from sole operators or business partnerships, right up to business owners in business for 17 plus years. The Women with Altitude Awards are one of their main programs each year, and is an opportunity to acknowledge women from the Blue Mountains and western Sydney who have made outstanding contributions as business owners, volunteers, employees, creative thinkers, in retail, charities and community organisations.
Sponsors meet with some of the finalists in the Women with Altitude Awards “We look forward to this time each year when we celebrate and champion the achievements of women in business from our region,” Women with Altitude
founder, Andrea Turner-Boys said. “Each finalist was been chosen for their outstanding contributions in their field and were presented with their final-
ist certificates at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Friday, November 14. “An independent judging panel adjudicate the awards and we will be announcing the winner of each category at a Gala Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, December 4 at Tattersall’s Function Centre in Penrith.” The major sponsor of the 2014 Altitude Awards is York Jewellers in Penrith who are celebrating 40 years in business this year. They are joined by the following local businesses who have sponsored individual categories in the awards: Accounting and Taxation Advantage, Akorah, Compass Training, Write Copy, Penrith CBD Corp, Target Radio Network, The Western Weekender, Creative Queen Bees, Penzance Advertising Agency and Women with Altitude. If you would like to connect with like minded, dynamic and energetic women or for more information on the services Women with Altitude provide visit www. womenwithaltitude.com.au or call 1300 036 615.
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Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
We are open 6 days a week: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm; Thursday 9am to 7.00pm; Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm
Management would like to thank all their supporters for making them a finalist in the Big Ideas category. For all your gaming needs including board and card games, Jigsaw puzzles, Mind Teasers and Games Workshop Products visit Mega Games Penrith.
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I really want to thank everybody who nominated me. I feel so honoured to be a finalist in these awards. This is the first time I have been nominated for awards like this so I am very pleased. I am a Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Relationship Coach who works with individuals, couples and corporate professionals who want to create more satisfaction and happiness in life and in work environments. I do this in either individual sessions, couple sessions or workshop /group environments and have enjoyed at times doing this in places such as North Stradbroke Island facilitating weekend retreats for couples. I am trained in many modalities and have had 17 year’s experience working with many people and helping them lead more happy and fulfilling lives. I have practiced in the Nepean Region for 13 years particularly with couples who want more satisfying and happy relationships. I am very excited to be a finalist in two categories in The Women With Altitude Awards - Climb Every Mountain and Sky’s The Limit: Regional Businesswoman of the Year.
CONTACT: Melissa Ferrari - PH: 4733 4094 WW13902
SUB SECTION Women with Altitude Awards
Gina Field
All pets deserve the best care
Starting in security at the age of 19, her gender in this male dominated industry has not held this lady back. Here some 26 years later Gina now owns and operates one of the most awarded and recognised security companies in the state. Winning over 18 industry awards, Gina has featured in business TV programs, radio, magazines.
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Gina is now honoured for being nominated for the Sky’s the limit / Regional business woman of the year category.
Phone 1300SECURITY www.nepeanregionalsecurity.com.au WW14341
The team at Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic
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oreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital is owned and operated by three partners who have worked together for over 20 years. They pride themselves on being a family-friendly practice where clients become a part of the extended family. Dr Nicole McMillan, Dr Lynn Mathison and Kellie Tickner operate the business in partnership and lead a caring and dedicated team of nine veterinarians and 17 nursing staff. Their motto is ‘Quality Loving Care’. They believe that every pet should have the opportunity to be loved, cared for
and recognised as a priority. They understand that every pet entering the practice is an integral part of a family unit. They aim to deliver the same attention and love as they receive at home, acting as an extension of their own family. The staff at Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic understand that going above and beyond is what gives the clinic heart. Whether it is working with individual clients or within the larger community, all team members place the welfare of animals and their owners at the forefront of every action. Phone 4731 3055 to find out more about the business.
business
The regular columnist for a magazine, still finds time to oversee the security business, her 40 personnel , fleet of cars across Sydney and continue the commitment to the many boards she serves on.
The PCYC Citizens Café is a pathway to employment and increased self confidence, We hope to be able to turn around the doubts and frustrations suffered by many young people – building up the Citizens of tomorrow 9 Ayres Grove, Mt Druitt Hub Ph 8886 2005
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SUBWomen SECTIONwith Altitude Awards
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CYB Group’s double honour
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BEAUT-T-FUL BAGS Is proud to be a finalist in the 2014 Women With Altitude Awards For all the latest in handbags, fashion and accessories, visit us at Shop 10 Winmalee Village Centre WINMALEE WW14279
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s the 2014 Women With Altitude Awards draw closer, most Penrith businesses would be pleased to receive one nomination, let alone two. But that is exactly what has happened for two members of The Control Your Business (CYB) Group – Penrith Serviced Offices (finalist in the ‘Big Idea’ category) and Control Your Business (Tamara Dennis – finalist in the ‘Emerging Talent’ category). Tamara Dennis fills a number of roles at CYB. She is one of a team of five accountants who provide prompt and flexible solutions for a full range of professional and business needs. A Xero Certified Trainer and IT Manager for the business, Tamara is already an indispensable member of the CYB team. “To find out that I am considered an ‘emerging talent’ among the wonderful women within the Women with Altitude Network just feels incredible,” she said. Penrith Serviced Offices (PSO) has also been nominated for the ‘Big Ideas’ award, which is amazing considering it only commenced in September 2013. PSO offers its clients both fully serviced and virtual office solutions in Penrith’s prime CBD executive location and as part
Tamara Dennis and Amanda McAlister of the CYB Group provides “Complete Business Solutions” to the rapidly growing Penrith business community. Manager of PSO, Amanda McAlister, said she is proud of how far the business has come within such a short timeframe. A small idea in July 2013 has exploded to a big idea in 2014, and 2015 is shaping to be even bigger. “We started off by offering serviced and virtual office solutions, and in February Penrith Smart Work Hub was added. This week our brand new dedicated training/ conference room opened,” she said. For more information about CYB visit www.controlyourbusiness.com.au, www.penrithservicedoffices.com.au or call 4722 5535.
Our vision is to inspire leadership and positive futures for people with a disability in partnership with the community. Compass Training is a proud sponsor of the Women with Altitude Awards and would like to congratulate the finalists of the “Climb Every Mountain” – Best Business of the Year Award. This Award recognises local businesses that have been operating for more than four years and have achieved amazing successes through their hard work and dedication to their industry.
FINALISTS OF THE “CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN” BEST BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD . . . Simone Novello • PartnerUp Pty Ltd
Proud finalists in the categories of Community Spirit Award and Emerging Talent Award
info@nado.org.au | www.nado.org.au 66 Station Street, Penrith Head Office: 28 Gifley Street, St Marys
1300 738 229
WW14340
Fiona Kane • Informed Health Pty Ltd Lisa Mandavy-Sammour • LKM Dance Studio Amanda Wylie • Insignia Hair & Day Spa Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
Rebekah Drummond • Origin Fitness Melissa Ferrari • Melissa Ferrari Counsellor Linda Kemp • Complete Recruitment Solutions Tamara Reeves from Compass training is honoured to be a finalist in the “Sky’s The Limit” Regional Business Woman Of The Year Category.
Suite 6, 565 High St, Penrith Ph: 4722 5332 www.compasstraining.edu.au
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Women with Altitude Awards – The Nominees
Nominees Name
Company
Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo Soaring Solo
Sjorcha Daynes-Todman Vicki Cook Julie Lonard Lisa Gorman Linda Campbell Naomi Stevenson Jo Muirhead Renee Kennedy
Bubba Moe Slings Inspired Change 1st Choice Insurance Services Lisa G Communications Mind Mastery Infinity Health & Wellbeing Purple Co Motivate Nutrition
On My Way On My Way On My Way On My Way On My Way On My Way On My Way
Johanna Morley Lorna Hollinger Dana Byrnes Amanda O’Bryan Gina Mckay Fiona Donnelly Alicia Windeisen
The Aussie Mum Network Small Business Diva Blue Mountains Business Central Creative Queen Bees Abraskadabras Telopea Services Conveyancing Smart
Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain Climb Every Mountain
Simone Novello Fiona Kane Lisa Mandavy-Sammour Amanda Wylie Rebekah Drummond Melissa Ferrari Linda Kemp
PartnerUp Pty Ltd Informed Health Pty Ltd LKM Dance Studio Insignia Hair & Day Spa Origin Fitness Melissa Ferrari Counsellor Complete Recruitment Solutions
Service with a Smile Service with a Smile Service with a Smile Service with a Smile Service with a Smile Service with a Smile Service with a Smile
Peita Davies Deb Cash Maria Hami-Razavi and Vicki Vergotis Claire Hills Kellie Tickner Michelle Galloway Gina McKay
Choice Home Loans - Penrith & Blue Mountains Beau-T-ful Bags Mavii Hair Angus Car Service Coreen Ave Veterinary Clinic Café Fred Abraskadabras
Retailer of the Year Retailer of the Year Retailer of the Year Retailer of the Year Retailer of the Year
Gina McKay Deb Cash Shannon Preskett Kristie Trouchet-Nilsson Maria Silvestri
Abraskadabras Beau-T-ful Bags Little Knick Knacks The Hartley Saddlery Heavenly Curves
Community Spirit Community Spirit Community Spirit Community Spirit Community Spirit Community Spirit Community Spirit
Linda Wilson Barbie Bates Karen Quinn Belinda Leonard Kristine Gauci Donna Patriarca Hania Radvan
NADO Paint the Town Read Ltd Citizens Café PCYC Nordoff Robbins Our Community Cares BREED Penrith Performing & Visual Arts
Fiona Skrzypnik
AT+A
Alicia Williams
Choice Home Loans - Blue Mountains
Emerging Talent Emerging Talent Emerging Talent Emerging Talent Emerging Talent
Cassandra Elliot Shana Adair Naomi Pikse Brooke Wilkie Tamara Dennis
BMEE Mavii Hair BREED NADO Control Your Business
Big Ideas Big Ideas Big Ideas Big Ideas Big Ideas Big Ideas
Kirsten Flavell Carol Bennett Amanda McAlistair Nellie Barnett Jan Browne Christine Stamatakis
Loubell Kitchens Bennett Cruising Penrith Serviced Offices UpRaw Café & Juice Bar Sparta PT Mega Games Trader
Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY Sky's The limit/Regional Business Women OTY
Peita Davies Lisa Mandavy-Sammour Tamara Reeves Gina Field Melissa Ferrari Rebekah Drummond Linda Kemp
Choice Home Loans - Penrith & Blue Mountains LKM Dance Studio Compass Training Nepean Regional Security Melissa Ferrari Counsellor & Psychotherapist Origin Fitness Complete Recruitment Solutions
Member of the Year Member of the Year Member of the Year Member of the Year Member of the Year Member of the Year
Fiona Donnelly Trish Fehon Lisa Gorman Vicki Cook Melinda Leyshon Amanda O’Bryan
Telopea Services Online Influence Lisa G Communication Inspired Change Write Copy Creative Queen Bees
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
Emerging Talent Emerging Talent
business
Award Category
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business
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Women with Altitude Awards
Photos: Hilary Nathan Photograpy
Naomi Pikse, Donna Patriarca and Trish Fehon
Melinda Leyshon and Jo Randall
Graeme Beveridge, Rebekah and Lawrence Drummond
Andrea Turner
Rob Ely, Johanna Morley, Lorna Hollinger, Lynda Davis, Amanda O’Bryan, Dana Byrnes and Helen Ely
Food Sensitivities? Gluten? Lactose? Other? Brain fog? Tired, especially after eating? Bloated? Embarrassing Tummy Troubles? IBS? Food Sensitivities can cause many symptoms and ultimately FDXVH QXWULHQW GH¿FLHQFLHV DQG PDQ\ KHDOWK LVVXHV LQFOXGLQJ SUREOHPV ZLWK PRRG VOHHS HQHUJ\ ZHLJKW ORVV DQG ZHLJKW JDLQ Our Clinical Nutritionists specialise in helping you to identify those food sensitivities and help you to change your diet DFFRUGLQJO\ VR \RX FDQ VWDUW WR IHHO JRRG DJDLQ DQG EH FRQ¿GHQW DERXW what you can eat, especially in social situations! You don’t have to live with it any more, we can help!
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• Lack of confidence, poor self-worth and low self-esteem, especially in women • Limiting beliefs and thoughts, fears and anxieties, internal conflict (the negative voice within) that leaves you stuck and unable to move forward • Fatigue, lack of energy and exhaustion. Sleep issues and physical pain which restricts ability and movement
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www.informedhealth.com.au
We use a holistic approach including kinesiology, which is a non-invasive, holistic modality that addresses the ‘whole person’ and uses muscle monitoring to identify imbalances or stresses within the body’s structural, chemical, emotional or energy systems.
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Below are a few of the many services our business offers • Alternators & Starter Motors • Generators • Batteries (including dual systems) • Immobilisers • Air Conditioning Specialist • Lights • Regulators • Reverse sensors • Engine Conversion Wiring • Radio Installations • Motor Sport Wiring • Wiring Repairs • Reverse cameras, sensors and warning beepers • Trailer brake units • Driving lights/ led light bars • Tow bar wiring • Trailer wiring • Air conditioner servicing and re-gasing • Work lights,flashing lights • Free battery testing
efore b d e ic v r e s r a c r u Get yo nd get a s y a d li o h s a m t the Chris
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With the motor sport racing season winding up early next month, V8 Supercars ‘marathon man’ Aaron McGill is making a special pit stop to meet his fans. No one has more starts in V8 Supercars than McGill, who will chalk up his 152nd start when he takes to the grid on the street circuit at Homebush for the Sydney 500. The former regular in GT Production and two-litre Super Touring, will call into Battery World Penrith on Tuesday, December 2 to meet fans and sign autographs ahead of the season’s final race. Battery World franchisee David Atkinson, a huge fan of motor sport, said he was thrilled to be able to bring such a genuine driver to meet fans. He added that not only could fans check out McGill’s V8 Supercar and hear some race stories but they could also win a hot lap around the track. “He is a true grit driver who loves nothing more than talking about the sport with fans,” Mr Atkinson said. McGill is nicknamed the ‘marathon man’ because he holds the record for the most race starts in the V8 Development V8 Supercar Series. He has been a stayer and consistent driver for the last 20 years only missing six V8 races in the last decade. Meet V8 Supercar driver Aaron McGill at Battery World Penrith on Tuesday, December 2 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Battery World is located at Shop 2, 31-33 Henry Street, Penrith.
Marathon Man Penrith residents have the opportunity to meet V8 Supercars legend AARON MCGILL
PH: 02 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood
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Mazda 3, 2003-2013
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9 reasons to choose Penrith Mazda Centre Servicing Department next time you service your Mazda d nefor w o ed s ily at ear m r Fa pe 0 y o 3 & er ov
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Penrith
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AFL
CANOE SLALOM
Giants head north
Fox is year’s best NATHAN TAYLOR
@natetaylor87
sport
S The GWS Giants enjoying their time in Noosa last year NATHAN TAYLOR
@natetaylor87
T
he GWS Giants will head to Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast next month, not for a holiday, but to be put through their paces ahead of the 2015 AFL season. The entire football department of roughly 70 players and staff will travel north from December 14-20 for a preChristmas training camp. They’ll be based at the Noosa Tigers AFL Club in Noosaville.
“The Sunshine Coast is an excellent location for our training camp as it gives our players an opportunity to train hard in warm, tropical conditions and build on their fitness as they prepare for the 2015 season,” Giants coach, Leon Cameron said. “We really enjoyed our time there last year and felt it gave us an excellent fitness base as we prepared for the season.” Cameron could very well be onto something with the Giants enjoying their best season in 2014, notching up a club record six wins. The 2015 AFL season begins in April.
he may be on the other side of the world but that hasn’t stopped slalom queen Jessica Fox from taking out the 2014 NSW Institute of Sport’s Female Athlete of the Year Award last Thursday night. The awards night, which was held at the Australian Turf Club in Sydney, attracted some of the state’s most talented sportsmen and women and recognised athletes and coaches in a range of categories including academic excellence, career development, team and individual performances. It was a history-making year for the Leonay local, who won the women’s C1 and K1 gold at the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships. It was the first time a female paddler had triumphed in both disciplines at the same senior world championship event. Fox also achieved the same feat at the U23 World Championships in April. Speaking from her European training base, Fox said she was humbled to have won the award for the second consecutive year and paid tribute to her hardworking team. “I’d like to say thank you for this award
Jessica Fox after her world championship-winning performance back in September. Photo: Balint Vekassy and recognition, it’s a real honour to be named the Female Athlete of the Year,” the 20-year-old said. “This year has been fantastic and to achieve the double world championship title was a dream come true. I’ve been really fortunate to have an amazing support network here at the NSWIS with my coaches and teammates who make training so fun every day.” Penrith MP and NSW Minster for Sport, Stuart Ayres, who was in attendance, congratulated Fox on the accolade.
BOWLS // Mick Gilfoyle A WELL attended Presentation and Presidents Day was held at Springwood last Sunday with over 100 bowlers attending. Myself and Rolf Laib (Vice President NDBA) represented the RNSWBA and the Nepean District. In the awards section, President Bob Hahn nominated John Hancott and Jim Peoples to receive the Merit Badges and Peter Gibson and Roger Stone the Tie Bars. A Ladies Broach was awarded to Julianne Wulff. I presented the Bowler of the Year Award to Dennis Boxsell who excelled in their club championships this year. Congratulations to Bob Harris who received well-deserved Clubman of the Year and to long-time treasurer Dick Evers for his Life Membership. In the women’s final of the Consistency
Championships played at Glenbrook Panthers, Sue Armour and Beryl Hilleard both turned up the heat in an exciting and challenging finals game. Congratulations to Sue Amour who defeated Beryl Hilleard. Social bowls: M Henry, J Hunt, J Holdsworth, M Russell def A Leadbitter, H Hale, M Dempster, K Layton; D Carnevale, M Collins, M Waters, A Dodds def B Coleman, J Goodman, P Coop, M McGuiness; N Willmington, M Woodhouse, M McColl, V Rumpf def J Reeves, A Ritter, L Andrews, B Graham; P Tolhurst, M Peasnell, A Merrick, B McNulty def S Viney, N Norton, C Pugh, Y Skinner/ H Tracey. A reminder that on November 30 at 6.30pm, the 2014 Bowling Presentations will be held. All bowlers are welcome.
HARNESS RACING // Lorraine Pozza three wide before sitting outside the leader Electric Warrior. Favourite Fearless Lord ($1.60) driven by Kerry Ann Turner led all the way to win the fifth race. Driver Josh Willick showed the way when he took Deeinnocentone ($2.50) to the lead after an early battle with Miss Percervirance in the sixth race. He then held on well winning from outsider Dah Little Striker with Miss Percervirance hanging on for third. Outsider Kylie Armbro ($5.40) driven by David Farrugia stormed home out wide for a nice win in the last. There was an early speed battle between Kamikaze Ky and Hearts an Flowers which gave Kylie Armbro a nice run in behind the speed setting her up for a strong finish.
g n i r p S Call us now to find out how 02 8999 5597 or 0419 283 113
www.nulookroofing.com.au WW12902
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
WITH THE weather gods still being kind to us a good crowd was in attendance at Penrith Paceway last Thursday night. Our patrons always enjoy these spring and summer nights of Harness Racing. Race one set the ball rolling for favourites when Cullen Ball ($2.20) led all the way and gave Jack Trainor the first of a treble of winning drives. Tella ($8.20) driven byJack Trainor was too good for the opposition in the second race. Billythehuntedone ($2.20) made it two in-a-row by taking out the third race. He showed brilliant gate speed to lead from barrier five and hold off early challenger Leighs Delight. A tough run was put up by winner Bettor Shape Up ($3.40) driven by Blake Fitzpatrick in the fourth race. He had to work hard
Have a fresh NU LOOK this
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RUGBY LEAGUE
Moylan looks to the future sport
Buoyed by his Australian selection, Penrith fullback is set for a huge year in 2015 NATHAN TAYLOR
@natetaylor87
M
att Moylan isn’t making Penrith fans any promises but there’s a huge chance the local junior could be an even better player next season after his recent Four Nations campaign. While Moylan failed to get any gametime for Australia during the month-long series, he was able to able to mix, mingle and train with some of his rugby league idols, which he admits had a huge impact on him. “Probably the highlight of the whole experience was meeting the players, especially the ones I followed growing up,” Moylan told the Weekender. “Guys like Greg Bird, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk – I watched them growing up and tried to learn stuff off them. Being in camp with them was something special.” One Panther who did get plenty of gametime for Australia during the Four Nations was winger Josh Mansour. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 and was selected in all four recent Tests.
Panthers fullback Matt Moylan and Southlands owner Mark Hovey “It was real good to watch ‘Sauce’ play every game, he was playing some good footy as well,” Moylan said. “Obviously it’s disappointing I didn’t get
a run but I was just happy to be in camp. Hopefully I will get a run down the track.” It seems the sky’s the limit for Moylan in 2015 after coming off a brilliant season
with the Panthers, which resulted in a preliminary finals appearance plus a City Origin selection. When Moylan returned from an outstanding performance with City back in May, he returned to Penrith a much more confident player. He said he hopes the same will happen again on this occasion. “I hope so but I can’t let it get to my head. I’ve got to stay grounded, work hard in the pre-season and put my best foot forward to start the year,” Moylan said. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old was officially unveiled as the new ambassador of Southlands Shopping Centre last Thursday. “We were so proud when our other Southlands ambassador and sponsored athlete, local Penrith kayaking superstar Jessica Fox won double gold at the World Kayaking Championships… we are now looking forward to help develop another local sporting superstar and welcoming Matt as Southlands ambassador,” Southlands Shopping Centre Owners Representative, Mark Hovey said. “I’ll have to pop in to Southlands after training every now and then,” Moylan added.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
DIVISION 1 & 2 TRIALS Monday 1 and 8 December
(Under 11, 12 boys and girls and Under 13) times 6 pm to 8.30 pm
Tuesday 2 & 9 December
(Under 14 Girls and Boys and Under 15 Boys) Time 7.15 to 9.15 pm
Thursday 4 & 11 December
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
(Under 16 Girls and Boys, Under 17/18/20) Time 7.15 to 9.15 pm PREMS will trial all nights the first week (1, 2 and 4 December and Thursday 11 December) Where: Fields 8 & 9 Jamison Park Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to trials. If you have any queries please contact Maria Lowenstein on penrithfc@optusnet.com.au THE LIONS ROAR www.penrithfc.net
WW14026
CRICKET: Penrith are in a shaky position heading into the second day of their match against St George at Hurstville Oval. Penrith batted first scoring a reasonable total of 242. Penrith batsman Peter Betros top scored with 41 runs. When St George hit the crease later in the day they managed 2/52 before stumps. Penrith’s Ryan Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 2/22. The match will resume this Saturday at 10.30am.
BASEBALL: The Penrith Panthers have yet again enjoyed another mixed round of results during their past two games in the NSW State Baseball League season. In their mid-week Round 9 clash against Central Coast, the Panthers were blown away 11-3. However, it was a much different result last Sunday with Penrith defeating Blacktown 10-4 in the opening game of Round 10. Penrith still remain second on the ladder and will play the fifth-placed Ryde in Round 11 this weekend.
United last Sunday. After being down 1-0 after three minutes, the Wanderers managed to claw back and lead 2-1 midway through the second half. However, Adelaide struck back with less than 20 minutes to go to level the scores. Keelin Winters scored both her goals for the Wander Women through penalty kicks in the 27’ and 63’. Western Sydney remain in last place and will play Brisbane next Sunday, December 7 in Penrith. Meanwhile, the Wanderers Y-League side are back on track after they defeated the Central Coast Mariners 2-1. They’ll play Melbourne City next Sunday.
BASKETBALL: The Penrith Basketball Association will be holding two separate holiday camp clinics this January. Two full day clinics and an Invitational Future Stars, U12s and U14s boys and girls representative camp will also be available for all Panthers players. For more information or to register call Jarrod on 4731 3252 or email participation_penrithbasketball@people.net.au.
GRIDIRON: With a bye this weekend, the Nepean Ducks have played their final game of the Gridiron NSW season, going down to the Sutherland Seahawks 28-18 last Saturday. The Ducks will finish their first year back in the competition in last place after recording just one win.
NETBALL: The Penrith District Netball Association has announced their State League coaches for the 2015 season: Lisa Beehag (Team 1), Jaqua Heddle (Team 2), Annie Collins (Team 3) and Lisa Zerafa (Team 4).
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers W-League side have played out a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Adelaide
SUGGESTIONS: Email your story suggestions to Nathan.Taylor@westernweekender. com.au.
ROLLER DERBY
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t’s set to get rough and wild this Saturday night when the defending champion Hellfire Honeys take on arch-rivals the Circuit Break-Hers in the Western Sydney Rollers roller derby grand final at Penrith Sports Centre. Both teams are hungry for the title this season with the Hellfire Honeys keen to retain their title despite several line-up changes. They’ll need to rely on star jammer Sneaky Stackhouse and powerhouse blocker Hunny Punch to lead their title defence. But with the taste of last year’s grand final defeat still in their mouths, the
Circuit Break-Hers are desperate to win the league’s top prize, which has eluded them for so long. Strong jamming is expected from Power Pout and Howlin’ Knight, and the experienced Break-Hers blockers are likely to cause plenty of drama for the strong Honeys skaters. The afternoon will begin at 4.40pm with an opening bout between the hometown Zombees and the visiting South Side Derby Dolls. That will be followed by a special bout from the Blue Mountains Junior Roller Derby League. The night’s main bout, the grand final between the Hellfire Honeys and Circuit Break-Hers, will officially get underway at 6.45pm. Tickets cost $15.
Penrith R.S.L. Soccer Club AGE GROUP TRIALS – ALL DIVISIONS Div.1 & below Trials on the following dates for 2015 Season. All Players are invited to attend Trials on Dates & times below Tuesday 2nd, 9th & 16th December 2014: u/10G & u/12G ...........................................................18.00 to 19.30 Tuesday 2nd , 9th & 16th December 2014: u/17 & u/18 .................................................................18.00 to 20.00 Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th December 2014: u/11 & u/12 .................................................................18.00 to 19.30 Wednesday 3rd, 10th & 17th December 2014: u/15 & u/16 .................................................................18.30 to 20.00 Thursday 4th, 11th & 18th December 2014: u/13 & u/14 .................................................................18.00 to 19.30
Venue: Trials at Jamison Park Training Field & Jamison Park 5 in full Players kit or NO Trial Email: penrithrslsc64@bigpond.com Website: www.PenrithRSLSoccerClub Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/PenrithRslSoccerClub WW14025
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Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
Thursday 4th , 11th & 18th December 2014: u/17 & u/18 .................................................................18.00 to 20.00
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The roller derby grand final will take place this Saturday. Photo: Erin Janssen
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White Ribbon Day Wanderers players and supporters got behind White Ribbon Day last weekend, with many fans wearing white to the game against Newcastle. Jason Trifiro, who epitomises the heart and soul of Western Sydney Wanderers, is a proud supporter of White Ribbon Day. He believes that the Club’s support of the campaign can make a real difference to the lives of men and women across Australia. “Sport, especially football, brings people together and provides a great arena to convey the White Ribbon message,” he said. “You have a variety of ages, genders and nationalities that come to support and bond over their beloved club.”
Poster available In celebration of this weekend’s Sydney Derby, the Wanderers have printed a limited run of 100 exclusive posters that will be available to fans at Wanderland this Saturday. Illustrated by local artist Luke Van Peel the poster features Tomi Juric in front of an accurate depiction of the Sydney CBD. To get your hands on one of these beauties purchase a White Baseline Polo at the merchandise stands this Saturday. With only 100 posters printed, the first 100 to purchase the polo will walk away with the rare piece of art and amazing item of Wanderers merchandise.
Rocking the foundations PEACOCK’S POINT ADAM PEACOCK
The Wanderers return home for the anticipated second instalment of the Sydney derby when they take on The Sky Blues Saturday on FOX SPORTS 505 at 7.30pm EDT
It still seems inconceivable that a coach who won it all last season can have a rough start to a season, and six games in be talking to lawyers, not players about the future. Brisbane Roar’s coach Mike Mulvey’s dismissal was not a total shock. Rumours had been circulating for a few weeks he was under the pump. When I mentioned it then to one A-League coach, he gave a look of astonishment, then mentioned how many problems must exist with the way the club is run, rather than any deficiencies Mulvey had as a coach and man manager. Two weeks on, the rumour became fact in a rather unsavoury manner. The reasons tell you a few things about what the club wants to be, the method tells you more about the people running the club. That Mulvey wasn’t the first to find out, rather a journalist (Marco Monteverde of the Courier Mail) got the info first, and rightly – as a journalist is trained to do – reported the details is scandalous. Sean Dobson, Brisbane’s Managing
Director, was at pains to point out on Monday, a day after Mulvey’s sacking, that he intends to find out where the leak came from. It might be a good idea. In any organisation, any office, be it football or whatever, if the place starts to become a fertile ground for innuendo the moment anything goes wrong, that said place has got no hope of moving confidently into the future. It can be tricky in a football club where ambition tends to be a driving force, with players, their families, their agents, coaches, board members and club management all wanting the best for the club as long as they (or their people) are heavily involved. Invariably it’s never perfect but has to be as close as possible. The disrespect shown on Sunday to Mulvey – six months ago a double-trophy winner and Coach of the Year – is a sad indictment on a club which otherwise is a pleasure to deal with. Players and people behind-the-scenes are good people. Just on this occasion, someone, somehow, thought they were bigger than what the club stands for.
Friday 28 November 2014 the western weekender
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FIVE SHOTS WITH ANTE COVIC ANTE COVIC
Ante Covic is the goal keeper for the Western Sydney Wanderers and answers five big questions every Friday in the Western Weekender
The side is certainly improving after recent results against the Mariners and Jets, what did you make of the 1-1 draw to Newcastle? Over the past two games we could’ve easily walked away with six points but we only have two points to show for it. We are definitely improving with guys getting more and more game-time. We’ll get there, we’re working hard and there’s definitely good signs. We’re creating chances, I just think we need to be more ruthless in front of goal and make sure we finish off the game. We created enough in the game against Newcastle to probably win it twice but we conceded a goal that was pretty much their only chance. A lapse in concentration in the back allowed Newcastle in and besides that, I had absolutely nothing to do. We’ve just got to make sure that we start knocking off teams because we are getting in positions where we can certainly do that. Your attack is starting to click with a number of chances created against the Jets, what needs to be done to convert
those chances into points? Every training session is based on how we can improve, it’s just a matter of making it work on game day. Romeo and Nikita caused a lot of trouble on the weekend and they’re going to continue to get better with more game-time. We know what needs to be done it’s just those last one percenters we need to get right. The Sydney Derby is back this Saturday night and it seems Sydney FC are back in their heyday again with no losses to their name as yet, how do you beat them? Sydney FC are a team playing with confidence and that means a lot in this game. They’ve got players who are dangerous but we’re confident in ourselves. We knew we threw away that game against them in Round 2. Playing at Parramatta, we’re not going to fear them. We’ll prepare for them the right way we know how and we know we’ve got a good quality side. Derbies are a little bit different because you can pretty much throw out the form book. Pirtek Stadium will be packed as it always
is when the two sides meet, what do you make of the plan of playing a derby at ANZ Stadium from next season onwards? That’s not a decision for me but what I can say is that I enjoy our home games at Parramatta. In my opinion I think they should expand Pirtek Stadium to 30-40,000 seats. However, I totally understand the reasoning behind the plan, the Sydney Derby is getting bigger every game we play. I think a discussion like this was always going to be inevitable, to play a derby in front of as big a crowd as possible.
sport
We’re getting better with every game
Fan question this week asks… With your recent poor results is there a particular player in the team that helps lighten the mood at training? I wouldn’t say one person sticks out on this squad but last year it was Dean Heffernan, who was a great character to have around the dressing room. This year we’re a tightknit squad and there’s always a bit of banter getting thrown around the place. I think we lift each other up and there are plenty of characters in the team that don’t mind a joke or two.
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estern Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic believes his winless side can rescue its A-League campaign, and what better way to do it than this Saturday night against Sydney FC. Last year’s A-League grand finalists are currently in the midst of their worst A-League campaign on record, sitting at the bottom of the table with two draws and four losses to their name. Speaking with the media on Tuesday morning, coach Popovic was on the defensive when pressed on the importance of getting that elusive first win under their belt. “We want to win every game we play, that’s why we’ve been successful,” he said. “That’s why we’ve won an Asian Champions League, it’s why we’ve won a Premier’s Plate and why we’ve made two grand finals. We want to win every match we play and Saturday night will be no different.” Popovic’s men will line up for the second time this season against a Sydney FC side who are humming along nicely with new coach
Nikita Rukavytsya takes on the Mariners Photo: Melinda Jane Graham Arnold at the helm. The Sky Blues are yet to lose a game this year but were certainly put to the test the last time the two sides met back on October 18. “Derby games are special and every player wants to be involved in that,” Popovic said. “We had a poor result in Round 2, we were
up 2-0 and fell away in the second half which was disappointing, but we’ve improved a lot since then.” Last Saturday night the Wanderers got back to their attacking best against the A-League’s other winless side, Newcastle. The Wanderers hit the lead early through Tomi Juric but conceded late in the half, which ultimately saw the game end in a draw. “The performance was very good, we created numerous opportunities but that’s football and unfortunately it didn’t go in for us,” Popovic said. “If we can maintain that level of performance and improve on that then we go into the game with confidence on Saturday.” One player looking forward to playing in his first Sydney derby is new recruit and Socceroos’ playmaker Nikita Rukavytsya. The 27-year-old Ukrainian-born winger has only played in a handful of games for the Wanderers this season and missed out on the much-hyped game last month. “I unfortunately couldn’t be part of the first game but it was a really great atmosphere,” Rukavytsya said. The Wanderers take on Sydney FC at 7.30pm this Saturday night at Pirtek Stadium.
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