Western Weekender May 8 2020

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THE LOGGIE’S BACK RETURN OF PENRITH’S MOST FAMOUS PUB

An artist’s impression of the new-look Log Cabin.

The March 2012 blaze destroyed almost a century’s worth of history but by this time next year new memories will start to be created.

A consortium including the Cottle family, the Laundy family and local businessman Rob Wearn have confirmed plans for the new-look hotel, which will retain the original Log Cabin name. They’re hoping to start construction by the end of the year.

The developers exchanged contracts on the site in late 2019 with the previous owner and long-time publican, Ross Sinclair.

“This venue has always been representative of my family’s love for the Penrith community,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Many people in Penrith had their first beer, first dates, celebrated sporting championships and community events here over the years.”

News of the Log Cabin’s return has brightened the spirits of the Penrith community in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“The Log Cabin has always been the jewel of the western Sydney pub scene, so it is an absolute thrill to be involved with good friends and partners in restoring the Log Cabin Hotel to its former glory,” Arthur Laundy said.

Read the full story on page 11.

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t’s where many of us had our first beer, met that special someone, celebrated the first day of a new job or commiserated the last.

Very few people in Penrith don’t have a ‘Log Cabin’ story.

Now, our most iconic pub will return to the banks of the Nepean River almost a decade after it burned to the ground.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Social distancing rules apply to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and save lives in our community.

Please keep a 1.5 metre distance from people, don't shake hands or exchange physical greetings.

Always cough or sneeze into your arm or use a tissue and put it in the bin straight away.

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water.

All travellers returning to Australia are now required to go into quarantine for 14 days in the city where their international flight lands.

Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people.

For more information on Coronavirus visit www.australia.gov.au You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

If I can be of assistance, please contact my office.

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Safety worry: Council undertakes review of ‘trafficable lanes’ in Glenmore Park ALENA HIGGINS

L

anes connecting cul- de- sacs in Glenmore Park could become 10km/ hr Shared Zones in a bid to slow motorists down.

It comes after Penrith Council undertook a full review of all trafficable lanes in the estate, finding motorists are regularly using the links as shortcuts and speeding within the “low speed environments that are often shared with pedestrians”.

The audit was triggered about a year ago after Grahaem Evans’ son was almost run over by a speeding vehicle exiting the lane that connects Condor Place and Butcherbird Place.

Since then, the Condor Place resident has asked for the lane to be blocked off.

He said a 10km/hr sign can easily be erected but doubted motorists would adhere to it.

“They actually speed past here to get in front of the slow traffic on Shearwater Drive,” he said.

“So if there’s a bus and bit of traffic, they’ll come flying by my house.”

In addition to the Shared Zones, “speed cushions” on link roads that saw instances of vehicles travelling more than 30km/hr is proposed, however Mr Evans believes

Grahaem Evans is concerned about ongoing road safety issues in Glenmore Park.

Photo: Megan Dunn. this will just give motorists “an excuse to do burnouts”.

Installing orange terracotta pavement on some of the laneways for further safety

and pedestrian awareness has also been considered.

Council confirmed it was in continuing talks with Transport for NSW.

“Any changes will be subject to consultation with residents within the Shared Zones,” a spokesman said.

There are 15 other lanes linking cul- desacs in Glenmore Park.

These connect Yellow Gum Close and Prunus Close, Rainbow Close and Bluebell Close, Lehmann Avenue and Lehmann Avenue, Manifold Crescent and Manifold Crescent, Wollabi Crescent and Wollabi Crescent, Oriole Street and Pardalote Place, Cyperus Place and Silvereye Place, Dillwynia Drive and Cormorant Crescent, Fullerton Place and Ernstine Hill, Budge Close and Budge Close, Budge Close and Small Crescent, Sir Jamison Circuit and Jessup Place, Jessup Place and Willmott Place, and Willmott Place and Stein Place.

Prunus Close resident Robert Rigby hopes Council will also undertake maintenance of the lanes.

“Obviously the concrete is not meant to have as many cars on it as it does,” he said of the lane near his house.

“It’s wearing away and you can see reinforced steel underneath it.”

Are you a Glenmore Park resident?

Do these issues concern you? We’d love to hear your thoughts about this and other road issues. Email news@westernweekender.com.au or send us a private message on Facebook or Twitter.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Push to slow down drivers

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender Issue 1450

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Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Journalist: Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Journalist: Nicola Barton | @nicolabarton123 Journalist: Emily Feszczuk | @emilyfeszczuk Photographer: Megan Dunn If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au Sales Executives: Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Kate Shaw, Kendall Clarkson, Jay Lowe To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production: Ian Beard, Claire Catacouzinos, Kacey Wilson

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Cautious steps towards recovery

P

rime Minister Scott Morrison will at some stage on Friday reveal just what restrictions will be lifted as Australia continues on its cautious path out of the Coronavirus pandemic.

That restrictions are being lifted so early is evidence of the terrific way in which the crisis has been handled in Australia by our senior medical officials and State and Federal governments.

Australia has managed to avoid the widespread tragedy seen elsewhere in the world, yet still kept some key parts of the economy running, such as trades and construction.

Now, the mission is to restart sections of the economy that were totally obliterated by the restrictions enforced by the pandemic.

For some, like pubs, clubs and restaurants, the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be getting closer, even if they aren’t given the complete green light by National Cabinet on Friday.

For others, like those reliant on international travel and partnerships overseas, the way out is somewhat longer and clouded in doubt and confusion.

A tricky part of the equation is confidence. A retailer or restaurant may open its doors for the first time in months but whether consumers have the confidence to return – both in a health and financial sense – is yet to be seen.

There is no question that many consumers, especially those who were caught short financially when the pandemic hit, will be somewhat more cautious with their spending habits, at least in the short term. Where you can, however, it’s critical we support businesses as they get back on their feet in the coming months.

Index

“Australia will stand on the podium when it comes to how it handled the pandemic” But while Australia will stand on the podium when it comes to how it handled the pandemic, many questions will need to be answered.

Largely, those questions will be around the Ruby Princess cruise ship and the Newmarch House nursing home.

There seems almost no doubt that lives could have been saved had both of these situations been handled differently.

History will potentially show some massive failings of NSW Health and the State Government when it comes to the Ruby Princess, with investigations to go on for months.

There is still much to unpack here, and it’s important we get the answers and don’t let the results of the police investigation fade into the media cycle when they’re announced later in the year.

As for Newmarch House, this situation has been nothing short of heartbreaking.

Families already feel nervous about their vulnerable family members going into a nursing home, but to have watched how this outbreak has intensified and cost so many lives is just devastating, and would rock the already shaky faith many have in the system.

News..............................................1-22 Extra Time...........................23-34 Entertainment..................35-42

Blame is tough here, given the many ‘what ifs’ that surround this story, but there clearly needs to be a thorough investigation into how Newmarch House’s owners, Anglicare, were prepared for such an outbreak and importantly, how they will be prepared in the future.

It’s clear that at some stage along the line, they lost total control of the situation and like a runaway train with no brakes, had no idea how to plug the problem.

There also seems to be some significant issues with jurisdiction, with this situation highlighting just how blurred the lines are between State and Federal responsibilities when it comes to aged care.

Investigations into the Ruby Princess and Newmarch House fiascos won’t return those we’ve lost, but they will provide the answers families need, and hopefully ensure a much better approach in the future should we ever confront something similar.

As much as this path out of Coronavirus is about the economy and returning to normal, it is also about answers, closure and preparation. That must not get lost in all the steps forward we take in coming weeks and months.

And another thing...

Gladys Berejiklian has some shuffling to do when it comes to her Cabinet, following Don Harwin’s resignation and Andrew Constance’s uncertain future.

Perhaps she could use this time to re-visit the Health portfolio and put the magnifying glass over the performance of Brad Hazzard during this pandemic.

It’s left plenty to be desired.

Weekender Living........43-46 Business ........................................47 Business Directory......48-50

Auto............................................51-52 Sport ........................................53-56

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For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

Editor’s Desk

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Retailers begin re-opening, home inspections return: Economy’s comeback trail NICOLA BARTON

T

he push is on to get life back to normal, as the Federal and State Governments look to further ease restrictions across the country.

In the strongest sign yet that things are getting back on track in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, a number of key retailers re- opened outlets this week including Adairs, Kathmandu and Apple, which was one of the first major stores to close across the country.

Other retailers will follow in the coming weeks, while the real estate sector was also given a massive boost with the green light given to house inspections, open homes and auctions.

Ray White Glenmore Park and Werrington County Business Development Manager Bianca Rossetto said it’s a relief for the industry that’s been working so hard to adapt to the circumstances, especially when it comes to landlords and tenants.

“Our clients would suffer if we didn’t adapt, so we’ve had to adjust the way we work,” she said.

“We provide a service and we want to make sure that the owners still get that in full range. Even though things have

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Adjusting to new normal

Bianca Rossetto from Ray White Glenmore Park and Werrington County is happy restrictions will be eased. Photo: Megan Dunn. changed, it shouldn’t mean that owners who are paying us to do a job aren’t getting what they normally would.”

Since restrictions were put into place Ray White has looked to technology to assist the business operations including virtual inspections and auctions as well as tenants sending photos and videos for routine rental inspections.

Ms Rossetto said the eased restrictions will assist the business to get back to

normal with open homes and auctions, however the company will continue to provide virtual inspections due to their popularity and success over the past six weeks.

Real estate businesses must continue to provide hand sanitiser and gloves for those entering properties, promote social distancing and monitor details of those attending open homes and auctions.

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How Newmarch became • Deaths and cases rise at Caddens nursing home • Families tell of heartbreak and NICOLA BARTON

F

rom the outside it looks like any other nursing home – quietly positioned in suburbia, housing residents in their latter years of life, cared for by expert health workers.

But on the inside, Anglicare’s Newmarch House in Caddens has become a house of horrors, emerging as the tragic epicentre of the Coronavirus crisis in New South Wales.

There have been 66 cases of COVID- 19 recorded between residents and staff at the facility, with 16 residents passing away since the outbreak began. It has prompted a desperate search for answers from family members and health officials, who have been trying to get to the bottom of the ongoing outbreak.

For Nicole Fahey, the horrors at Newmarch House became a personal reality last weekend when her 76-year-old grandmother, Ann Fahey, lost her battle with the virus, just days after testing positive.

Ms Fahey had previously tested negative on multiple occasions.

Family members were left bewildered after accidentally phoning a nurse on Thursday, who broke the news she’d tested positive, despite having been isolated in her room for the past month.

Nicole described the situation as “distressing” and “sickening”.

“It’s far too quick to test positive on Thursday and die on Saturday,” she said.

“The CEO of Anglicare called us on Sunday apologising and he said it’s highly likely that previous tests must have been a false negative.

“She did not leave that room for weeks and weeks, but if those nurses had been

Anthony Bowe’s mother is a resident of the Newmarch House nursing home. Photo: Megan Dunn. treating her as negative but she was really positive, maybe there’s false testing happening and the staff are spreading it that way.”

Ms Fahey said she does not blame the staff at the facility and that NSW Health should have stepped in sooner.

Mourning their loss: Mark and Nicole Fahey are searching for answers.

“The staff at Newmarch and Anglicare, they are not the people who should have even been dealing with this in the first place, they are not qualified to handle that kind of scenario,” she said.

As the nightmare first unfolded, family members of residents made claims of inadequate treatment, as staff struggled to keep up with demand.

Anthony Bowe says his COVID- 19 positive mother, Patricia Shay, had a fall and was left lying on the floor for an extended period of time after pressing her emergency buzzer. According to Mr Bowe, she had blood stained sheets for more than three days.

Since then families of residents protested the conditions, which Mr Bowe said have dramatically improved.

“Overall the mismanagement has been horrendous, no one expects them to be able to cope with it but you have to put your hand up because you’ve got a legal responsibility to say you’re not coping and people are in danger,” he said.

“We’ve flooded the media, otherwise nothing would have been done and NSW Health have been just as incompetent.

They could have got people out a week ago and they didn’t and people died as a result.

“They have to get the negative people out, they are sitting ducks, leaving them there is almost certain death.”

On Sunday NSW Chief Medical Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there appeared to have been breaches of infection control at the facility, deploying specialists to the nursing home to review its procedures.

A spokesperson from NSW Health said whilst the responsibility for aged care

facilities rests with the Federal Government, they will continue to provide specialist medical care and its infectious disease control expertise to Newmarch House.

A new tough testing regime has also been implemented with workers swabbed daily.

NSW Health’s investigations continue into the original source of infection at the nursing home and how the first aged care worker, who unwittingly spread the virus, initially became exposed to COVID-19.

Newmarch House is now in talks with family members of residents who do not have Coronavirus about alternative accommodation options.

Anglicare earlier this week announced commencement of a comprehensive Family Support Program to help families of residents at Newmarch House dealing with the stress and anxiety of the current outbreak.

“Our primary focus has been and continues to be the care and wellbeing of our residents,” Anglicare Sydney CEO Grant Millard said.

“At the same time, this situation is changing daily and we recognise we need to do more to ensure we are communicating effectively with families who are understandably distressed. The Family Support Program is designed to respond to the feedback from our families, ensuring they feel engaged and are in close contact with their loved ones.

“The Family Support Program is part of our commitment to families, who together with our staff, are integral to the care of our residents.”

devastation at loss of loved ones • The desperate race to stop the spread continues The story took another turn earlier this week when it was revealed that Anglicare stood down a staff member from Aspen Medical, a healthcare provider sent in by the Federal Government to assist with the care of residents.

It’s understood the staff member was stood down over

alleged breaches of infection control, but it sparked something of a spat between Anglicare and Aspen Medical, with the latter saying it would offer its staff member “a fair and balanced hearing”.

“We continue to support the residents of Newmarch

House with a team of 35 healthcare professionals on a roster reporting to the facility management team,” an Aspen Medical spokesperson said.

Newmarch House, which opened in 2012, can cater for up to 102 residents.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

a tragic house of horrors

Family members of residents have been gathering at Newmarch House regularly since the outbreak began. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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Even more news While we strive to bring you as much news as possible in our print edition, you can find even more stories from our team of journalists online.

Head to www.westernweekender. com.au for more in depth coverage of news, sport and events happening in the Penrith area.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the official cash rate on hold at 0.25 per cent, maintaining the record low for at least another month.

Mortgage Choice Chief Executive Officer Susan Mitchell said the low rates and the COVID- 19 pandemic are combining to keep activity strong in the loan market.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A record low cash rate means we are seeing some of the lowest mortgage interest rates in history, which is driving borrowers in droves to chase better deals over new property,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mortgage Choice home loan approval data reveals that over the month to April 2020, there was a huge uptick in

PUBLIC EXHIBITION Various Planning Instruments for Penrith LGA Council is responsible for developing and implementing a number of planning instruments that guide development and the infrastructure needed to support this development.

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the proportion of borrowers looking to refinance. There was an increase in demand for refinance of over 16 per cent for owner-occupiers and nearly 14 per cent for investors.â&#x20AC;?

Data also reveals demand for fixed rate home loans surged almost eight per cent over the month to April 2020.

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â&#x20AC;˘ Development Contributions Plans (various)

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We are proposing to make some changes to our planning LQVWUXPHQWV LQ RUGHU WR EHWWHU PHHW RXU FRPPXQLWLHV¡ vision and to also comply with NSW Government requirements. Council invites you to provide feedback on WKH GUDIW FKDQJHV WR WKH WKUHH IROORZLQJ SODQV

â&#x20AC;˘ Boarding Houses: The draft plan will update controls UHODWLQJ WR %RDUGLQJ +RXVHV WR FODULI\ DQG VXSSRUW existing controls and desired outcomes for boarding house development.

Amendment to Penrith Local Environmental Plan (Planning Proposal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Phase 1 Review of Penrith LEP 2010)

â&#x20AC;˘ 1RWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ DQG $GYHUWLVLQJ The draft plan removes WKH 1RWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ DQG $GYHUWLVLQJ VHFWLRQ RI WKH '&3 DV WKLV KDV QRZ EHHQ VXSHUVHGHG E\ &RXQFLO¡V UHFHQWO\ adopted Community Participation Plan.

â&#x20AC;˘ Penrith Local Environmental Plan (2010) â&#x20AC;˘ Penrith Development Control Plan (2014)

Amendments to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010) are proposed to align LEP 2010 with the SODQQLQJ SULRULWLHV VHW LQ WKH *UHDWHU 6\GQH\ &RPPLVVLRQ¡V (GSC) Greater Sydney Region Plan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Metropolis of Three Cities and Western City District Plan.

3KDVH DPHQGPHQWV DUH WR â&#x20AC;˘ Increase the minimum lot size controls for multi-dwelling housing in R3 Medium Density Residential and R4 High Density Residential zones;

Draft Section 7.12 Citywide Development Contributions Plan for non-residential development A Development Contributions Plan facilitates the collection of funds from development to deliver local infrastructure WR VXSSRUW JURZWK 7KH GUDIW 6HFWLRQ 3ODQ ZLOO â&#x20AC;˘ (QVXUH VHUYLFHV IDFLOLWLHV DQG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH PHHW WKH changing needs of our growing City;

â&#x20AC;˘ Apply a minimum lot size control for dual occupancy development in the RU5 Village zone for Londonderry and Luddenham villages;

â&#x20AC;˘ Implement streamlined and transparent development contributions processes for non-residential development; and

â&#x20AC;˘ 3HUPLW HFR WRXULVW IDFLOLWLHV ZLWK FRQVHQW LQ WKH E4 Environmental Living zone; â&#x20AC;˘ 3HUPLW D OLPLWHG QXPEHU RI DGGLWLRQDO ODQG XVHV ZLWK FRQVHQW RQ FHUWDLQ ODQG ZLWKLQ &DVWOHUHDJK¡V ÂśFHQWUH¡

â&#x20AC;˘ Fund a variety of necessary works including local and VWUDWHJLF WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F IDFLOLWLHV IRRWSDWKV EXV VKHOWHUV Ă RRGSODLQ ULVN PDQDJHPHQW LQIUDVWUXFWXUH OLJKWLQJ WUHH SODQWLQJ and water quality management works.

â&#x20AC;˘ Remove the minimum lot size requirement for dwellinghouses on 11 lots in Llandilo;

The draft plans and supporting information are now on SXEOLF H[KLELWLRQ XQWLO )ULGD\ 0D\

â&#x20AC;˘ Include a new requirement for non-residential uses in the St Marys Town Centre B4 Mixed-Use zone;

7KH GUDIW SODQV DORQJ ZLWK IDFW VKHHWV RQ HDFK GUDIW SODQ can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au

â&#x20AC;˘ Extend the additional permitted uses provision for 6WDWLRQ 6WUHHW 3HQULWK â&#x20AC;˘ 5H]RQH 7ULDQJOH 3DUN 3HQULWK WR 5( 3XEOLF 5HFUHDWLRQ and â&#x20AC;˘ Undertake minor housekeeping matters.

The Phase 1 LEP Review Planning Proposal primarily responds to the immediate actions arising from the draft /RFDO +RXVLQJ 6WUDWHJ\ GUDIW 5XUDO /DQGV DQG 9LOODJHV Strategy and draft St Marys Economic Development Strategy. Resolving these matters will provide a more accurate planning instrument and reduce the potential for delays if development is proposed in these areas.

7KH 16: 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3ODQQLQJ ,QGXVWU\ DQG (QYLURQPHQW has not authorised Council to exercise delegation to make this plan.

You are invited to comment by making a written submission WR &RXQFLO E\ SP RQ )ULGD\ 0D\ E\ â&#x20AC;˘ Email: cityplanning@penrith.city â&#x20AC;˘ Post: The General Manager $WWHQWLRQ &LW\ 3ODQQLQJ 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO 32 %R[ 3HQULWK 16: â&#x20AC;˘ Online survey and submission (Draft DCP 2014 and the Draft Contributions Plan only): yoursaypenrith.com.au Please indicate the plan you are commenting on in the subject line of your email or letter. )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW &RXQFLO¡V &LW\ 3ODQQLQJ team on 4732 7777.

penrith.city

WW40783

Penrith City Council has vowed to further promote womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare and gender equality, becoming a signatory of the Greater Sydney Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Safety Charter.

Developed collaboratively with the input of 80 organisations from government, business and not - for - profit sectors across Greater Sydney, the Charter recognises the diverse experiences of women and aims to promote a safer city for females of all ages, abilities, identities and social and cultural backgrounds.

As a participant, Council will implement practical ways to actively support women and girls to feel safer and more confident participating in social, economic and cultural life.

Councillor Kath Presdee said she was proud that Council had endorsed the signing of the Charter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important that all members of the community believe that they are able to participate in the life of our City,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Council we recognise our residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; need to feel safe when going to and from work, or shopping, exercising or going out with family and friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While Council already has a strong focus and role through our Community Safety Partnership, I look forward to this increased recognition of ways to improve and strengthen womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to all aspects of Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social and economic life.â&#x20AC;?

Councillor Robin Cook, who has advocated for increased lighting at Tench Reserve, said the ongoing issue of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety has been highlighted by the spike in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment in raising awareness of this issue and generally our support of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services can only be strengthened by signing the Charter,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Signing the Charter will also strengthen our commitment to ensuring we have a culture of gender equality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is something our Council already demonstrates in the number of senior decision- making positions that are held by women.â&#x20AC;?

Deputy Mayor Karen McKeown said it was a great opportunity for Council to work collaboratively with other signatories to build on Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing projects and advocacy work, and perhaps attract more grant funding for some of its programs.

While Councillor Tricia Hitchen recognised Council â&#x20AC;&#x153;as a leader in gender equalityâ&#x20AC;?, saying it was a great Council to work for, and made special mention of Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing support of local womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refuge, The Haven.

- Alena Higgins

No surprises as Reserve Bank keeps cash rate on hold

the western weekender Âť Friday, May 8, 2020

Equality high on the agenda

9

my Penrith

Did you know ice blocks were invented by accident? In 1905, an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson left lemonade powder and water outside overnight with its wooden stirrer still in the cup. The mixture had frozen in the chilly nighttime weather, and the ice block was born.

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The IntelliSteam is ideal for large batch cooking and

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

Fun fact Friday

We think the NRL deserves praise, not widespread criticism, for its efforts in trying to get back on the field on May 28. As it turns out, the NRL appears to be backing the right horse.

With the government pushing to restart the economy and restrictions starting to get lifted, it seems the NRL may return just at the right time, while other sporting codes will be left playing catch-up. If all goes to plan, the NRL will ultimately be the envy of the sporting world, and will have more eyeballs than ever fixed to it. Peter V’landys deserves huge praise for making it happen.

includes a ‘keep warm’ function, so your food can stay at the desired temperature and be ready when you are!

To ensure a completely perfect meal, the IntelliSteam even includes a transparent glass lid so you can even watch your food while it cooks!

The IntelliSteam is available now from all good retailers.

The Weekender has five IntelliSteams to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Steam’ in the subject line.

Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, May 15 and the winner will be notified by email.

Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/20/05506. Terms and conditions are available at our website or reception.

Too many Penrith residents have been flouting social distancing and gathering regulations over the past month. From the river walk to shopping centres, there appeared to be a low care factor from many residents at the height of the Coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile some were clearly breaching the rules by having multiple visitors at home and had no problem posting on social media about it (and we’re not just talking about footy players!). It was disappointing to see, and given the behaviour of some, we’re lucky the numbers haven’t been worse.

Dose of Dorin Amor Villareid Cambridge Gardens

10

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Maldini’s.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? The Brew Lab. FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Bavarian.

FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? The river to see the Nepean Belle.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? We’re a thriving, diverse, still green, and community- driven city without the city surcharge, commute and congestion. We have plenty of recreation, art and culture at our doorstep.

WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? We’re in the perfect spot, right in between the big city and the Mountains, it isn’t a stretch to do a day trip into either.

Connect with us online... facebook.com/westernweekender

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westernweekender

Eight years after it was destroyed by fire, The Log Cabin will be back by the river TROY DODDS

T

his is your first glimpse at what the revitalised Log Cabin will look like, with the site’s new owners confirming they’re pushing ahead with a plan to re-build the iconic hotel.

The Weekender first reported plans were underway for a new hotel on the site near the Nepean River in March.

Now, a consortium including the Cottle family, the Laundy family and local businessman Rob Wearn have confirmed plans for the hotel, which will retain the original Log Cabin name.

The Log Cabin was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2012.

The new design consists of a two storey hotel with indoor and outdoor bars and dining areas looking over the Nepean River. It also features an expansive beer garden and children’s playground, with fine dining and function areas upstairs.

The developers exchanged contracts on the site in late 2019 with the previous owner and long- time publican, Ross Sinclair.

The planned reconstruction of the hotel will represent a continuation of over 200 years of hotel history on the site.

“This venue has always been representa-

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Pub makes grand return

An artist’s impression of what the new Log Cabin will look like. tive of my family’s love for the Penrith community,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Many people in Penrith had their first beer, first dates, celebrated sporting championships and community events here over the years. To have that legacy continue into a third century is extremely important to me, and not to mention very rare from an Australian heritage perspective.”

Invitation for Registrations of Interest

A Development Application (DA) for the new hotel has been submitted by FDC Construction, the company behind the Marsden Brewhouse in Marsden Park, The Locker Room Hotel in Sydney Olympic Park and a large business estate at Erskine Park.

Arthur Laundy said he was thrilled to be involved with the project.

“The Laundy family has been involved in

JOB OPPORTUNITY RECREATION ACTIVITIES OFFICER GOVERNOR PHILLIP MANOR

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ASSESSMENT

Luddenham Quarry, Liverpool LGA

• Are you an experienced Recreational Activity Officer or someone who has the ambition and drive to move into this role?

Coombes Property Group/KLF Holdings are proposing to construct and operate a Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) at Luddenham Quarry, 275 Adams Road, Luddenham NSW.

• Are you a professional, reliable, caring person looking to make a difference for our residents through the delivery of a high quality leisure and lifestyle program then this job is for you!

Aboriginal organisations or Aboriginal persons who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and/or Aboriginal places in the area of the proposal are invited to register an interest in a process of community consultation with the proponent regarding the proposal.

As a Recreation Officer, you will ideally have some experience working with older people; have a positive attitude, lots of energy and intermediate computer skills.

We are looking for someone who is innovative and prepared to bring new ideas to our comprehensive physical and cognitively stimulating recreation program and can work as part of a multidisciplinary team or autonomously.

Proponent contacts for the project are: Pascal Bobillier, Coombes Property Group, T: 0488 111 787; E: pascal@coombesgroup.com. au; and John Scarlis, KLF Holdings Ltd, T: 0424 731 495; E: john@ klfholdings.com.au

ABOUT YOU

The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist the applicant in: 1) assessing the Aboriginal heritage values of the area, 2) complying with conditions of development applications under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), 3) assisting regulators in the assessment of Aboriginal heritage reports prepared for this project, 4) any future applications under Part 4, Part 5, Part 4 Division 4.7 or Part 5.2 of the EP&A Act.

The ideal candidate for this role would be an experienced, motivated and enthusiastic person with a passion for the provision of high-quality services to Veterans and our older Australians and who has a positive attitude and an interest in developing their skills.

SELECTION CRITERIA • • • • • •

Empathetic and caring attitude to the elderly Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Desirable CERT IV Leisure and Lifestyle Satisfactory National Criminal History Police Check Proof of Right to Work and live in Australia Energy, empathy and a sense of humour

• • • • • •

Proficiency in written English Intermediate computer skills Current driver’s licence First aid certificate preferred Ability to work within a team Time management skills

WW40802

Registrations of interest must be submitted in writing on or before 22 May 2020. Registrations should include the name of a contact person and relevant contact details. Send registrations of interest to: Luddenham Quarry RRC ACHA C/o EMM Consulting Pty Ltd Attn: Pamela Chauvel PO Box 21, St Leonards NSW 1590 Email: pchauvel@emmconsulting.com.au

pubs in western Sydney for over 70 years,” he said.

“The Log Cabin has always been the jewel of the western Sydney pub scene, so it is an absolute thrill to be involved with good friends and partners in restoring the Log Cabin Hotel to its former glory.”

Council will review the DA in coming months with construction aiming to commence in late 2020.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

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Every Surface has germ causing bacteria, this bacteria is transferred from person to person by touching contaminated surfaces then touching your face, eyes, mouth or nose or from d roplets after sneezing and coughing.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Hospital approved A five- storey private hospital for Orth Street, Kingswood has been given the nod.

The $30 million heath facility will offer 86 rooms, 38 dedicated to mental health inpatients and 48 to rehabilitation inpatients.

The Sydney Western City Planning Panel recently approved the development application, which includes consolidating three parcels of land at 39-43 Orth Street, demolishing existing houses and developing the subacute hospital and ancillary cafe.

The hospital will operate 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Patient rehabilitation services include hydrotherapy, gymnasium, physiotherapy, occupational, wellness and speech therapy, dietetics, and counselling and mental health services.

Water play delayed A children’s water play facility at Jamison Park won’t be realised for next summer.

Penrith Council recently investigated the cost to install waterplay at the popular park at the request of Councillor Marcus Cornish late last year.

While it was considered a suitable location, the preferred option – a reticulated system – is expected to cost about $374,000 plus $60,000 in annual maintenance costs, and Council currently has no identified budgets available to deliver the project.

However, it will include waterplay in the park’s masterplan and allocate any Sport and Recreation Strategy budget savings towards the project.

Push for change facilities Council leads the way in catering for disabled residents ALENA HIGGINS

P

enrith Council is seeking to make change facilities for people with a complex or profound disability mandatory in certain publicly-accessible buildings, going above and beyond national codes.

The amendments to the Penrith Development Control Plan (DCP), which are currently on public exhibition, will make Council the first in NSW and possibility Australia to include additional building types, other than those under the National Construction Code (NCC), that require the installation of adult change facilities.

In 2019, a change to the NCC was made to include standards for the provision of adult change facilities in certain types of buildings.

These include shopping centres with an occupancy of 3,500 people, sports venues capable of seating no less than 35,000 spectators, or which contains an accessible swimming pool, as well as museums, art galleries and theatres – or similar – that have an occupancy of no less than 1,500 patrons.

In addition to those already required by the NCC, Council proposes to include shopping centres with a capacity of 3,000 people or more, multi- tenanted special-

Councillor Tricia Hitchen with her son Liam and Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler. ised retail premises that are of a scale that they are considered a retail destination, major recreational facilities (sports stadiums, theme parks), large entertainment facilities and large clubs and pubs, via a provision in its DCP. Disability advocate and Penrith Councillor Tricia Hitchen praised the move.

“I just wanted to thank the Council

officers and Council itself for their work in the adult change room spaces,” she said.

“It’s a great achievement,” Mayor Ross Fowler added.

The new controls are not intended to override the NCC, but rather complement its standards, according to a report prepared for Councillors.

Westfield extension approved but tavern is axed from plan ALENA HIGGINS

14

WW40731

I

t’s been a year in the making and involved scrapping the original design, but plans for a $10.7 million expansion of Westfield Penrith’s south-western corner have finally been approved.

To keep its goal alive, owner Scentre Group was forced to submit a revised Development Application (DA) last year after the first DA, which included a number of two and three- storey tenancies, one a licenced tavern, was refused on multiple grounds, including negative acoustic impacts on the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

The new design, which is limited to the southern retail tenancies and facade areas with frontages to the Mondo, no longer includes the tavern and slashes the additional slated retail space by about 1,000 sqm.

The approved works will now involve the reconfiguration of the internal shopping centre layout, seating, amenities and retail tenancy areas.

A new internal children’s play area is also included, as is replacement of the existing colonnade awning and roof structure over the pedestrian arrival pathways, replacement of the awning along the western walkway and landscaping including the removal of two mature trees.

Overall, the approved design will add another 1,456 sqms of retail floor area to

the shopping centre but comes at a cost, with 20 car spaces set to be lost.

The fate of Nepean Community College, which lies within the subject site and has been a fixture of the Plaza since 1992, has also been determined but major details remain up in the air.

As a condition of its approval, Scentre Group must retain the College within the Westfield complex.

During its determination, Penrith City Council acknowledged that the original Plaza consent in 1989 included a condition requiring a tenancy be provided to the College.

But in a submission, Nepean Community College said while Scentre Group expresses a desire to ensure that the College remains within the centre, it remains silent on the detail.

“The current location of the College remains the best option to fulfil the vision of that original consent in that it created a viable, accessible community space that in time would be synonymous with adult and community education opportunities,” the submission states.

The College operates some of the only courses in the Sydney area available for the intellectually disabled, with the nearest alternative being Sutherland.

The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre did not object to the new DA. The new work will represent some of the biggest changes made to Penrith’s main shopping destination since the development of the plaza’s major extension in 2005.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

L AW a n d O R D E R From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.

Thief who sparked dramatic chase jailed for 18 months

A fugitive who stole thousands of dollars from a Westfield Penrith store before taking police on a wild chase across rooftops in St Marys has been jailed for 18 months.

As he tried to evade capture, Harley Morphett was witnessed discarding a knife and was found with a stash of drugs when police finally apprehended him on a rooftop near Charles Hackett Drive about 10.25am on December 27, 2019.

Earlier, police had received information that Morphett, wanted over the theft of $3,000 from Trim’s Fresh fruit and vegetable store on October 24, was in St Marys.

But when they knocked on the front door, Morphett escaped through a window, prompting a mad dash over rooftops.

During the chase, he attempted to climb a brick wall, falling three metres before he was finally tackled to the ground.

Morphett, who his lawyer submitted had suffered a traumatic and disadvantaged childhood and had began taking drugs aged 10, was found with cannabis, diazepam and buprenorphine in water balloons, while a quantity of methamphetamine was found in his sock. A stolen Toyota Rav 4 car key was also discovered in his possession.

During Thursday night trading, the father-of-two entered the fruit and vegetable shop about 7.30pm, walked into the back office and stole $3,000 cash, which he later used to purchase drugs, the court heard.

His lawyer pointed out Morphett had previously completed drug court rehabilitation and had spent his time in custody “constructively” to detox.

He requested Magistrate Brian van Zuylen find special circumstances given it was his client’s first time in custody.

Magistrate van Zuylen said his record was “a poor one”, noting the offender’s criminal history was now 20 pages long.

He said he was not prepared to consider a community-based jail sentence or home detention order.

Morphett was handed an 18-month aggregate sentence with a non-parole period of 11 months. A $3,000 compensation order was also granted.

He is eligible for release on November 26.

Man faces court over fatal crash on River Road

The motorist charged with hitting and killing a female pedestrian at Leonay late last month has been identified as Zac Edward Gaynor.

The 25-year-old, of Pemulwuy, had his case mentioned at Penrith Local Court for the first time last week and he did not apply for bail.

Gaynor is accused of crossing onto the wrong side of River Road and mounting the kerb before hitting Kathleen Young, 63, about 4.30pm on April 28.

Officers arrived at the scene to find the 63-year-old deceased on the roadway.

Gaynor, who was driving a silver Kia Rio at the time, was spoken to by police before being taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory tests.

He was later charged with four offences: ‘dangerous driving occasioning death’, ‘negligent driving occasioning death’, ‘not keep left of dividing line’, and ‘possession of prohibited drugs’, which court documents revealed to be cannabis.

He is due to face Penrith Local Court again today.

Magistrate gives man a chance to avoid career as a criminal

Brock Eaton is a free man after being sentenced to time already served after stealing and breaching a number of good behaviour bonds.

Eaton, 19, appeared before Penrith Local Court via video link from jail last Thursday after spending one-and-half months bail-refused.

His lawyer told Magistrate Brian van

Man urged to stay off the road or face stiff penalties

Zuylen his client had found his first taste of incarceration “traumatic” and had no wish to return.

He said Eaton did not have any drug or alcohol issues and it was “open to the court” to make the inference that his offending stemmed from being “impressionable” around his friends.

“This is a young man who has every opportunity to realign his life,” his lawyer said, noting his youth, prospects of rehabilitation and his strong community ties.

Eaton was refused bail after he snatched a passport and debit and credit cards from a train commuter before fleeing the scene. He then used the cards to buy cigarettes and various other items, the court heard.

This put him in breach of multiple good behaviour bonds for offences including ‘larceny’, ‘aggravated break and enter’, another ‘steal from person’ as well as receiving stolen goods.

Magistrate van Zuylen told Eaton, a father-of-one with another on the way, that he needed to take a hard look at himself.

“You yourself need to make a decision.

Do you want to be a long-term criminal?” he asked.

His good behaviour bonds were revoked and he was re-sentenced to time already served. He was also ordered to pay $700 in compensation.

Steven George Seretis has been given a lifeline after pleading guilty to another ‘driving while disqualified’ charge.

Seretis fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday where Magistrate Brian van Zuylen noted his “terrible record” for driving while banned.

“If you keep driving while disqualified you’ll drive yourself to jail,” he told the 42-year-old.

The court heard Seretis was already barred from driving to October 3, but Magistrate van Zuylen said he would overlook his latest transgression if he came back to court after his ban with a valid licence and no further offences on his record.

Magistrate van Zuylen said his ability to work and social life would be “destroyed” if he kept driving.

“Hopefully you act with maturity and just sit out this disqualification,” he told him.

He also warned Seretis he was more likely to get detected given there were fewer cars on the road due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s entirely a matter for you,” he said, of whether he would take advantage of the chance he was being given.

His matter was adjourned to Thursday, October 15.

Man claims allegations of dishonesty aren’t true

No-show at court leads to case being adjourned until June

Jason Zammitt has pleaded not guilty to a number of dishonesty charges.

Zammitt appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday via video link from jail, where he is currently serving a sentence.

His lawyer told the court Zammitt would plead not guilty to allegedly having a number of motorbikes suspected of being stolen in his custody, saying there was evidence of ownership.

A brief of evidence was ordered and the matter was adjourned to June 25.

Bowen Scott Lewis Borthwick has had his matter adjourned after not attending court.

Borthwick did not attend Penrith Local Court last Thursday and his Legal Aid lawyer informed the court that they had been unable to get instructions from the defendant.

Borthwick has pleaded guilty to ‘assault’ and not guilty to ‘possession of a prohibited drug’.

His matter was relisted to Thursday, June 11.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY NICOLA BARTON

St Marys: Duo charged after breaching COVID-19 rules

Two men have been charged after failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions on multiple occasions.

Just after 2am on Tuesday, May 5 police attended a melee on Station Street, St Marys.

On arrival police located two males, who were directed to leave the area but continued to linger and taunt a group of nearby females.

Police issued several move-on directions, which the 20-year-old St Clair man and his 22-year-old brother ignored.

Both men continued to yell obscenities and walk slowly, making no effort to leave the location.

Due to the men failing to move, their identities were checked.

Inquiries revealed both had already been issued with infringement notices for failing to comply with notice directions in relation to COVID-19 restrictions.

Both men were arrested and charged with ‘not comply with noticed direction regarding COVID-19’.

They will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

The other persons involved were all given warnings for ‘breach COVID-19’ and moved on quickly.

Colyton: Police track down dangerous driver

Kingswood: Street racers to face court in August

Four men, including two provisional licence holders, will face court after being caught street racing in Kingswood earlier this week.

About 12.25am on Sunday, May 3, officers attached to Nepean Highway Patrol were conducting stationary speed enforcement on the Great Western Highway, Kingswood, when they observed a white Toyota 86 and a red Peugeot 206 heading east, reaching estimated speeds of 120km/h in a 60km/h zone.

The Toyota was checked at 130km/h and 124km/h and continued in an easterly direction, with the Peugeot maintaining the same speed alongside.

The vehicles were stopped by police shortly after, with the 23-year-old Toyota driver and 21-year-old Peugeot driver, issued Field Court Attendance Notices for street racing and for exceeding the speed limit by over 45km/h.

Both men will appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, August 27.

Want more police news? Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news as it happens, and check out our website for updates at www. westernweekender.com.au.

with Daniel McKinnon Complete Legal & Conveyancing • 4704 9991 • Suite 11, 354 High Street Penrith

COVID-19 legal tweak We are excited for Penrith’s only true local paper to be making its return to print this week.

This week’s article discusses the introduction of the Electronics Transactions Amendment (COVID 19 Witnessing of Documents) Regulation 2020 (NSW), piece of legislation that came into effect on April 22 2020, that enables the execution and witnessing of certain legal documents via audio visual link.

Previously, many documents that could only be executed in the presence of a witness, such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianships, Affidavits, Statutory Declarations and Deeds had to be done in person. That is, the person executing the document needed to do so in the physical presence of one or more other people who then needed to sign the document themselves to confirm that they had witnessed the signature of the person executing the document.

The COVID-19 pandemic threw this long standing tradition into disarray as citizens were encouraged, and in some cases forced, to limit face to face interactions with each other.

For legal practitioners this presented a significant problem. Many law firms wanted to be able to provide their services remotely but were unable to do so as much of our work requires the execution of legal documents that require witnesses.

The new Regulation allows a signatory’s execution of a document to be witnessed via audio visual link provided the witness: 1. Observes the person signing the document in real time, i.e. watches

the signing as it happens not after the fact by way of a recording.

2. Attests or confirms that the signature was witnessed by signing the document or a copy of the document as soon as practicable after witnessing (note the witness can sign a counterpart and does not need to sign the same copy as the signatory).

3. The witness endorses the document or copy of the document with a statement outlining the method used to witness the signatory signature and confirming that the document was witnessed in accordance with the new regulations.

The new legislation is slated to last for six months, expiring on October 22 2020 however the New South Wales Parliament has power to extend the regulations to a maximum of 12 months.

The traditional way of executing and witnessing documents in person remains perfectly valid, the new regulations simply provide an alternative for “no contact” execution of documents.

While our office remains open and operational, we will commit to no contact appointments by telephone or video link for as long as our clients need them.

We are able to see you in our office, in your home or via electronic interview and are offering all of our usual services.

Our services include property and conveyancing transactions, Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardianships, Will disputes and deceased estates, family law, commercial law including buying and selling businesses, leases, business law, migration and civil litigation.

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Police have fined a man after he allegedly drove negligently around a truck in Colyton.

About 5.15pm on Monday, March 16, a man in a Holden Commodore was driving north on Roper Road when he allegedly tried to merge into a right turning lane – towards the M4 – and collided with the front of a truck.

As the truck driver was turning onto the M4, the Commodore driver allegedly sped in front of the truck, before braking repeatedly several times.

Police will allege this forced the truck driver to brake heavily to avoid a crash.

During the incident, the Commodore driver also leaned out of his window and yelled at the truck driver, nearly crashing into a concrete barrier.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were notified of the incident and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Puma.

Following inquiries, a 47-year-old Greystanes man was issued several fines for ‘negligent driving’, ‘not turning right from multi lane road from right lane’, ‘enter marked lane not giving way to vehicle in lane’ and ‘part of body outside window or door’.

He now faces $1413 in fines, and the loss of 11 demerit points.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

the western weekender Âť Friday, May 8, 2020

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Fitness classes go online World Gym offering free training sessions to keep locals fit during COVID-19 crisis NICOLA BARTON

G

etting your body moving during this period is a great way to boost your energy and improve mental

health.

But with mass job losses across the country, not everyone can afford to subscribe to online training platforms.

That’s why World Gym Australia, in conjunction with its franchises including World Gym Penrith, have grouped together to deliver a free online fitness platform, available to all.

The platform offers tips, recipes, workouts and a live streamed class timetable run by their expert personal trainers.

Part Owner of World Gym Penrith, Clair Williams said the Coronavirus has had a huge impact on the industry but ensuring people still have their fitness community outlet is extremely important to them.

“We’ve got a lot of dedicated staff, a lot who are essential workers but myself and my instructors here instruct for our own physical and mental health too, so we were happy to dedicate our time,” she told the Weekender.

“Obviously we’ll give back to them but we’ve just got such an awesome community of trainers here at World Gym and

World Gym Penrith owners Hayden Mace and Clair Williams. Photo: Megan Dunn.

they are happy to offer their services for free during this time.

“We understand the flow- on effects this has had in the community, some people aren’t working or are struggling during this time, so it’s so important to keep people moving for their physical and mental health.”

Members of World Gym Penrith had their membership fees ceased from March 23 when government restrictions forced them to close.

“Although we have created this platform we are still not charging anybody and opening it up, so it’s not just for our members,” Ms Williams said.

The platform features nutrition advice and a variety of training styles including cardio, strength, yoga, pilates and core.

You can select full body workouts or choose a specific body part you are wanting to train.

“We’ve got live classes but also a library of classes so you can participate in your own time,” Ms Williams said.

The platform is available to anyone, including non- members of World Gym and is completely free.

Those wishing to sign up must create an account and sign a waiver to participate.

To sign up, visit www.worldgymonline. com.au.

Locals get on their bike Family pastime makes a comeback as pandemic shifts our thinking on activities NICOLA BARTON

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ocals have a lot more time on their hands at the moment, and many are going back to basics when it comes to keeping themselves entertained.

Queues have been out the door of Blackman Bicycles in Penrith since Coronavirus restrictions first started to roll out, with owner Matt Blackman comparing it to their Christmas rush period.

“It’s not just for the sales but also for repairs and maintenance. But our sales have significantly increased from this time last year,” he said.

Mr Blackman said bike sales have been most popular with gym-goers looking for a new social, physical outlet.

“We’ve sold out of a lot of products and this is generally a time of year where we don’t have as much stock because June is when we get our new product and we’ve now sold two-and-a-half months worth of stock in three weeks,” he said.

Children and their families are filling the streets with their newfound enthusiasm for riding, with others taking up the activity for the first time in years.

Glenmore Park resident Danielle Gales scrapped the idea of buying her partner, Jim Cooper, a bike for Christmas on the basis that she wasn’t convinced he’d ever

Jake, Sienna and Zac Collins have been swapping screens for bicycles. Photo: Megan Dunn. have time to use it. Once the impact of Coronavirus forced the pair to be stood down from their workplace, they decided to give it a go.

“I said ‘let’s just do it’, we are stuck at home and that is kind of our ticket to get out and about,” Ms Gales said.

Glenmore Park mum Chantelle Collins

said her three kids have been swapping screens for bikes.

“Their attitude has completely changed, they are obsessed,” she said.

Technology developed at local campus headed to International Space Station they will take forward to the Australian space industry.

“Our cameras operate more like a human eye than a conventional camera, are extremely fast and data-efficient, making them perfect for use in space,” he said.

“TLEs happen above large thunderstorms and appear like lightening that travels upward from the clouds into the atmosphere, instead of the usual lightening that travels down towards the ground.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said the partnership is a huge vote of confidence for the region.

“WSU’s world- leading application of neuromorphic engineering has put western Sydney on the global map,” he said.

“These kinds of projects are integral for super- charging western Sydney as a high- skill jobs hub across aerospace and defence.”

The hardware is currently being assembled and tested at both the International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems at WSU Werrington campus and at the USAFA in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before its launch.

The data collected will be beamed from the International Space Station to WSU for research and analysis.

EMILY FESZCZUK

W

estern Sydney University (WSU) is working to deploy groundbreaking camera technology to the International Space Station for a research project. Partnering with the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), they will be investigating recently discovered atmospheric phenomena.

The International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, which is based at WSU Werrington South campus, has developed a world- first space imaging technology to be installed on the International Space Station early next year to capture Transient Luminous Events (TLEs).

Lead Researcher, Associate Professor Gregory Cohen said the cameras used in Project Falcon Neuro will offer the possibility for major future research.

“These phenomena impact the Earth’s atmosphere and have potential to disrupt critical global communications systems and high- altitude aircraft,” Associate Professor Cohen said.

“Our knowledge of their behaviour is currently limited and neuromorphic cameras offer an exciting new possibility.”

Associate Professor Cohen said the technology is a significant innovation that

Lead Researcher Associate Professor Gregory Cohen.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

University’s space project

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

Something to be proud of If you are a fan of the ABC’s ‘Gardening Australia’ TV program, you may have seen Penrith City Council’s Resource Recovery Field Team make an appearance on Friday, May 1. If you missed it, I would encourage you to watch it on iView, because Penrith City Council was recognised as leader in sustainable waste management, and that is something local residents should be proud of.

For over 10 years we have been blazing a trail by using the innovative Food Organics and Gardening Organics system, also known as FOGO. This program, championed by the Environmental Protection Agency, is basically composting on a society-wide scale.

FOGO keeps compostable waste out of landfill, by allowing you to put food waste, kitchen scraps and leftovers, meat and bones, kitchen towels – everything you would put in a normal compost bin – into your green-lidded bin, along with your garden clippings.

This ends up reducing the amount of

waste going into your red-lidded bin, by anything up to a whopping 60 per cent.

So why is this great for our environment? The food and organic waste from your green-lidded bin is trucked off to a purpose-built facility and composted, becoming fertiliser which Council utilises to keep our local parks healthy. If that same waste was put into your red-lidded bin, it would go to landfill and break down in an unhealthy way.

To make it simple for residents to utilise this system, Council provides free countertop bins for your kitchens, to collect the waste, and compostable green bags to line them with.

Penrith City is the only Council in Metropolitan Sydney using this fantastic system, and we’re thrilled to be recognised by Costa and ‘Gardening Australia’. Catch the episode on ABC’s iView.

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: Keep up to date with all the local breaking news, sport and more by ‘liking’ us on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.com/ westernweekender.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

SNIPS AND SNAPS NEW MUSIC

MOTHER’S DAY PYJAMA PARTY!

RELAX AND RAISE MONEY THIS SUNDAY This Mother’s Day, Mission Australia is encouraging families and Mums to forgo their daytime outfits, and instead don pyjamas, stay home and go virtual to raise funds that will support homeless families and those facing tough times in the Coronavirus era.

By spending the day in pyjamas – the preferred pandemic outfit of many – loved ones can join Mission

!

Australia’s Mothers in Pyjamas initiative to fundraise for the charity while celebrating the mother figures in their lives, wherever they may be.

Zoom pyjama parties and PJ- clad Skype calls or FaceTime sessions are encouraged as Mission Australia calls for families to get involved and give their Mums the ultimate gift of love and hope for another family in need.

Mission Australia CEO

James Toomey said: “Our Mothers in Pyjamas fundraising experience is an opportunity for everyday families and individuals to connect in quirky and memorable ways, while also extending care and generosity to those who are vulnerable and who may not have a safe place to call home.”

For more information and to register visit www. missionaustralia.com.au/ pyjamas.

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CHOPPED MAGAZINES IN THE FIRING LINE

TASTY TREATS San Churro is bringing back some favourite treats in a brand new Throwback Edition menu – and, to celebrate the nostalgia, will also introduce throwback pricing every Thursday across some of the new items.

The Throwback Edition menu, available nationwide in stores (via takeaway) and through delivery partners, reminisces on all-time Aussie childhood favourites – Nerds, fairy bread and chocolate crackle – that will leave dessert lovers saying ‘booyah!’.

Chocolate enthusiasts can expect exciting twists on signature favourites, as well as exciting new items.

The menu is available now at all San Churro stores, including Penrith.

YOUR VIEWS WANTED

NEW YOUTH SURVEY

FILM FEST GOES ONLINE The Sydney Film Festival will be virtual for the first time, a decision forced by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

The special ‘67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards’ is all about bringing audiences across the nation together at a particularly challenging time in celebration of filmmakers and the Australian film industry.

From June 10 to 21, Sydney Film Festival will present important elements of its 2020 lineup: world premieres of compelling true stories from some of Australia’s most exciting documentary filmmak ers, a program of shorts from rising stars of the Australian film industry, and films from Europe’s most cutting- edge female directors.

Foxtel will launch new music channels, and dump some old favourites, as part of a new-look line-up coming in July.

The music channel collection will be spearheaded by MTV HITS, together with MTV Classic, Club MTV, CMT (Country Music Television) and the brand-new Nick Music, a kid- safe and family- friendly music video channel for four to 15- year- olds featuring chart-topping hits by the world’s most popular artists.

Channel V, Max and CMC will be dumped as part of the change, with jobs to be lost.

Young people with a connection to Penrith are being asked to share their thoughts and views about Penrith and their future, in a new online survey by Penrith Council.

The survey aims to help Council better understand the needs, wants and aspirations of young people who live, work, study or socialise in Penrith and will inform the development of the Youth Action Plan 2020-2025.

The Youth Action Plan (2020- 2025) will set the direction for Council over the next five years; guiding program and service delivery for young people in the Penrith Local Government Area to help improve their lives now and into the future.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler said this online survey is an important first step in the development of the Youth Action Plan (2020-2025) and encourages young people to get involved.

“Every young person’s opinion, ideas and feedback is valuable and important to us and we want to hear from as many as possible so we can better understand, plan and advocate for their needs,” he said.

Complete the survey to go in the draw to win one of 15 vouchers to a local business in Penrith (valued at $50).

Visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/youthsurvey.

Bauer Media has cut more jobs and suspended titles as the impact of Coronavirus hits the magazine industry significantly.

Bauer last week completed its purchase of Pacific Magazines, and immediately moved to cut costs.

Magazines including the longstanding and popular Men’s Health and Women’s Health are among those being suspended.

“As a leader, I’ve learned a lot in the last few months” NSW PREMIER GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN

NEW SMALL BAR COULD GIVE ST MARYS’ NIGHTLIFE HUGE BOOST St Marys’ nightlife could soon receive a boost.

Approval has been granted to transform the former butcher’s shop at 170 Queen Street into a small bar.

Proposed to operate seven days per week – noon to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and noon to 2am Friday and Saturday – the bar aims to promote music and dance and will be limited to 100 patrons at a time.

Proprietor Daniel Ezinwa said the bar’s mission was not to create problems for locals or

disrupt neighbour ing businesses, but to contribute to the growth and development of the area and enhance the night-time economy.

“Hospitality businesses are shutting down in Queen Street because there is little or no social/ tourist activities drawing the attention of targeted customers and tourists in the area,” he wrote in supporting documentation attached to a Development Application.

“The Western Sydney Airport will be operational by 2026. The

Council should boost its economic activities, as the centre of western Sydney, by creating avenues to draw in targeted customers to the area.”

To be named ‘Kulture Bar’, the “mini bar” will offer musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights and will serve pre- packaged food as well as drinks.

The interior of the bar will be fitted with sound proof materials to help control the level of noise outside in the community.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

9. Tim Sheens

DOMINANT AND DESTRUCTIVE: BIG T WAS A FAN FAVOURITE

TOUGH TIMES, TOUGH PLAYER: SHEENS LEFT MAJOR MARK

A

T

ffectionately known by Panthers supporters as “Big T”, Tony Puletua was one of the most feared forwards in the NRL during his illustrious 11-year career at Penrith.

Born in Auckland, Puletua played his junior football with St Marys before signing with the Panthers as a fresh- faced teenager.

Following a host of injuries during the 1997 Super League season, Puletua made his first grade debut as a high school student. Despite his young age, Puletua hit the ground running and would help guide the Panthers to a Finals berth that same year.

During his time at the club from 19972008, the gentle giant would play 211 first grade games, scoring an incredible 40 tries in the process.

Puletua was also the club’s spiritual leader and was very popular within the Polynesian community.

As a member of the popular “Hair Bears” duo alongside fellow backrower Joe Galuvao, Puletua was an instrumental part of Penrith’s charge towards the 2003 NRL Premiership, and was one of the club’s best players that season.

He would take over the captaincy role from Craig Gower in 2006 and, later that

Rampaging forward Tony Puletua. year, would be named in the Panthers Team of Legends.

But it wasn’t just with Penrith where he made his mark, Puletua was a beast on the international stage too – playing 22 games for New Zealand and nine games for Samoa.

DID YOU KNOW? After joining St Helens in 2009, Tony Puletua played in two Super League Grand Finals in 2009 and 2011 – losing both games to Leeds.

– Nathan Taylor

im Sheens is a name synonymous with Penrith’s growth period during the 1970s and early 1980s, where he played a total of 166 games for the

club.

But it was a long career that almost never was.

Sheens never played junior league in Penrith, and while he was graded by the club he told officials to “stick it” when he turned up to training and it was evident he wasn’t a high priority. Sheens was at the bottom of the pile, one of the last names among the list of reserves for third grade.

He went off to play rugby union, but Penrith kept an eye on him and eventually convinced him to play with the club.

Sheens would make his first grade debut for the Panthers in 1970, playing only a handful of games in his initial two years before finding himself a permanent spot in the team in 1972.

Sheens started his career in the backrow before emerging as a ball- playing prop towards the end of his career. It was a far cry from his early dreams of playing five-eighth.

At one stage the most capped Panther of all-time, Sheens was named the club’s Player of the Year in 1974.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 8, 2020

10. Tony Puletua

Tim Sheens in his early days.

Sheens’ time with Penrith did not end when his playing days came to an end. Just two years after retirement, he returned to coach the side for four seasons. It launched a major coaching career that included stints at the Raiders, Cowboys, Tigers and in England, where he’s still working.

DID YOU KNOW? Tim Sheens won the Dally M Coach of the Year award in 1984, his first season in charge of the Panthers.

– Troy Dodds

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We invite you to join us ONLINE on Saturday 9th May, 2020.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

8. Brad Fittler

7. Steve Carter

THAT STEP! FREDDY FITTLER WAS A STAR FROM DAY ONE

LOVABLE LARRIKIN: CARTER WAS MUCH-LOVED BY FANS

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hile he wasn’t able to finish his career where it started, what Brad Fittler achieved during his seven years at Penrith will go down as special.

A supremely gifted local junior, Fittler made his first grade debut in 1989 as a 17-year- old high school student. Against Western Suburbs at Orana Park, he shocked the crowd when he set up two tries on debut – that day, a star was born.

Less than a year later, at the ripe age of 18, Fittler would become the youngest person at the time to play State of Origin before later becoming the youngest ever Kangaroo tourist.

Affectionately known as “Freddy”, Fittler played in two Grand Finals for the Panthers in 1990 and 1991 – both at centre.

His trademark sidestep and large frame quickly earned him the reputation as one of the most feared attacking weapons in the game and – before his 21st birthday – Fittler played in six Origins, four Tests, 13 Tour games, a World Cup Final and won a NSWRL Premiership.

Skilled in several positions including lock and five-eighth, Fittler would go on to captain his country and become the club’s first homegrown Test skipper.

Brad Fittler playing for Australia.

After just 119 games, Fittler left Penrith in 1995 due to the Super League war.

Not only is he regarded as one of the greatest players to ever lace up a boot, but he’ll forever be remembered as a Panthers great.

These days, Fittler is head coach of the NSW Origin side.

DID YOU KNOW? Brad Fittler suffered a bout of appendicitis during the 1991 Finals Series but incredibly didn’t miss any matches.

– Nathan Taylor

hen you think about the Penrith Panthers, it’s impossible not to bring up Steve Carter. Not only because of his playing ability – he was a super-talented five-eighth – but because he became a constant in a world of change in rugby league and at Penrith.

He was there in the late 1980’s when the club was finally starting to find some success, experienced the triumph of the team’s first premiership in 1991, guided the side through the tragedy that engulfed the club in 1992 with the passing of Ben Alexander, survived the Super League war and then emerged as part of a new- look Panthers at the turn of the century.

Carter remains the most capped Panther of all-time, achieving the honour in his final season at the club in 2001.

While Carter was a dominant player in club football, he missed out on the representative path many expected him to go down. An Australian Schoolboys representative in 1987, Carter would play one State of Origin game for New South Wales in 1992, and represent Country Origin in the same year, but honours stopped there.

Rather than let it get him down, Carter let his football for Penrith do the talking,

Steve Carter playing for Penrith. and became a natural leader during the club’s re- build through the mid 1990s, and again through the Super League war as Penrith fought for survival.

Easily forgotten in an era that produced the likes of Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler, Steve Carter should forever be in the conversation about club legends.

FUN FACT For some time, sections of the Penrith fan base were part of ‘Scarter’s Army’, a name inspired by the inspirational half.

– Troy Dodds

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PUT OUR WINNING TEAM TO WORK

5. John Cartwright

AN ORIGINAL: MORAN PAVED THE WAY DURING HARD TIMES

A LEGACY LIVES ON: FAMOUS NAME, BUT A STAR ON HIS OWN

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n original Panther, centre Grahame Moran played his entire first grade career at Penrith from 1967 until 1974.

Hailing from Taree on the mid north coast of NSW, Moran was a huge talent even before he landed at the foot of the Mountains – representing NSW Country on a tour of New Zealand in 1966 and first catching the eye of league experts.

During his 121- game stint for the Panthers – in what were largely trying times for the club – Moran crossed the line 25 times and slotted over four goals.

Midway through his career the occasional five- eighth really started to make a name for himself, representing NSW in 1970.

It would be his last representative appearance due to injuries.

More than 30 years after his retirement from first grade football, Moran was recognised by the club in a huge way – named alongside fellow centre Ryan Girdler in the Panthers 40th Anniversary Team of Legends.

In 2016, Moran would add yet another post- retirement accolade to his list of achievements, inducted into the prestigious Panthers Hall of Fame.

Moran’s name, along with the club’s

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Panthers legend Grahame Moran. three other Hall of Famers, is now proudly positioned atop the Eastern Grandstand at Panthers Stadium.

Moran’s influence on the Penrith Panthers in those early days will never be forgotten.

DID YOU KNOW? Grahame Moran signed with the Panthers over Balmain and Souths because Penrith was closer to Hawkesbury Agricultural College where he was studying as a dairy technologist.

– Nathan Taylor

he son of Panthers founding father Merv Cartwright, John Cartwright was a tall, powerful second- rower who emerged during a golden time for the Panthers in the 1980s and 1990s.

His strong running game was evident from when he first broke into the top grade in 1985. A year later he was playing with the Australian Schoolboys side and by the late 1980s he and Mark Geyer had formed one of the most formidable second row partnerships in the competition.

Cartwright experienced the heartache of Grand Final defeat in 1990 but just 12 months later would experience the honour of helping Penrith to its first premiership.

Despite an injury plagued year that saw him miss the key lead-up matches to the Grand Final, Cartwright took his place in the season decider and celebrated the 19-12 win off the bench.

It was fitting that Cartwright was involved that day given his stellar efforts in the 1989 and 1990 seasons, that helped Penrith become a premiership force.

Despite the tragedy that rocked Penrith in 1992, Cartwright would have one of his best seasons, and played both Origin and Test football.

John Cartwright in his early days.

Cartwright played with Penrith until the end of 1996. Poor weather and Penrith’s disappointing form saw only a small crowd turn out to farewell one of the game’s true superstar forwards.

The Cartwright name lives on at Penrith to this day, with John’s son Jed the latest in the family to play NRL football.

FUN FACT Cartwright coached the United States of America against the Kangaroos in Philadelphia in December 2004.

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6. Grahame Moran

– Troy Dodds

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 8, 2020

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

4. Craig Gower

3. Royce Simmons

PROUD CAPTAIN EMBODIED PENRITH SPIRIT AND GRIT

GRAND FINAL WAS ULTIMATE FAREWELL GIFT FOR LEGEND

P

enrith- born Craig Gower is one of only two men to captain the Panthers to Premiership glory – and who could forget his memorable speech after winning the 2003 Grand Final?

Known for his incredible toughness and playmaking ability, Gower made his first grade debut in 1996 and went on to play 238 games for Penrith – four games short of the club record held by the legendary Steve Carter.

Regarded as the best local product since Brad Fittler, Gower also starred from a young age and made his representative debut at 18.

He played for Australia and New South Wales during the Super League season in 1997 before making his State of Origin debut in 1999.

Supremely talented at both hooker and halfback, “Gowie” played eight games for NSW and a whopping 23 games for Australia during his career.

In 2000, he won Dally M Hooker of the Year and proudly captained the Panthers between 2002 and 2005.

In 2005, Gower also captained his country against France – becoming only the second Panther ever to lead Australia.

After leaving Penrith abruptly at the end

T

Craig Gower in 1997. of 2007, fences between Gower and the club were finally mended in 2016 when he was one of four players inducted into the prestigious Panthers Hall of Fame.

Gower’s name and his legacy will live on at Panthers Stadium forever.

DID YOU KNOW? After a disastrous season in 2001, Craig Gower, along with teammate Scott Sattler, received a wooden spoon in their respective letterboxes. The perpetrator was never caught.

– Nathan Taylor

here are few more iconic players to have worn a Penrith jersey than Royce Simmons.

Born in Gooloogong, Simmons was always a country boy at heart, but he was forced to head to the city to chase his rugby league dreams.

After trialling with both St George and Souths, Simmons would eventually land a contract at Penrith in 1980. He started out as a lock before finding his natural position of hooker.

Simmons toughed it out during some lean times at the Panthers, but in the middle and late 1980s the Panthers started to emerge as a true contender on the back of a string of young stars coming through. Simmons was given the task to show leadership, and captained the side from 1983 until 1990.

After playing in his first Grand Final in 1990 and losing to the Raiders, Simmons had one last chance to experience premiership glory in 1991 – his final year, and his first in almost a decade without the captaincy, which had been handed to Greg Alexander.

Simmons struggled with injury during the 1991 season and in the lead- up to the Grand Final, but his final game on that September afternoon at the Sydney

Royce Simmons with the 1991 trophy.

Football Stadium would enter him into rugby league folklore.

The ageing Simmons scored two memorable tries – just the 14th and 15th of his long career – and helped Penrith to its first ever Grand Final victory.

A one club man, Simmons played 238 first grade games with Penrith.

FUN FACT Royce Simmons revealed in 2019 that he lied about his age when he first played in the top grade, and was actually a year older than he claimed. He kept the secret for 30 years.

– Troy Dodds

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1. Greg Alexander

CENTRE OF ATTENTION: RECORD BREAKER WITH LEGEND STATUS

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character on and off the field, Ryan Girdler was one of the most popular, loyal and talented players in the history of the Panthers.

A goal kicking wizard and try scoring machine, Girdler joined Penrith in 1993 after making his first grade debut with Illawarra in 1991.

During his 12- year tenure at the club – which would include an elusive NRL Premiership in 2003 – Girdler would amass numerous records and accolades.

He was the game’s leading point scorer in 1997 and, during the 2000 State of Origin series, scored 32 points in a single game – an incredible record that still stands today.

For Penrith, “Girds” still leads for most points in club history with 1572 and is second behind Rhys Wesser for most tries with 101.

Despite being riddled with several serious injuries during his career, Girdler would go on to play 10 games for his state and 14 games for his country. In 2000, he scored an astonishing 46 points for Australia in a World Cup match against Russia.

Dubbed the “intercept king” for his ability to pluck a try out of nowhere, Girdler was named in the Panthers Team

FIVE STAR BRANDY: ALEXANDER DEFINES THE PANTHER SPIRIT

T

Ryan Girdler playing for the Panthers. of Legends in 2006 and is regarded as one of the best centres of his generation.

Girdler would become a media personality with regular spots on ‘The Footy Show’ during his playing career, before joining Triple M as a commentator in retirement.

DID YOU KNOW? During his career at Penrith, no one received more fan mail than Ryan Girdler.

He wasn’t just popular for his playing ability but his handsomely good looks.

– Nathan Taylor

he enduring image of Greg Alexander holding the NSWRL premiership trophy aloft at the end of the 1991 Grand Final is one that defines his career.

But Alexander was far more than that game against Canberra. There’s so much more to the story than a critical field goal and a sweet sideline conversion.

A schoolboy prodigy, he made his top grade debut with the Panthers in 1984 and was an immediate sensation.

Alexander won the Dally M Rookie of the Year in his debut season, and followed it up in 1985 by winning the Dally M Player of the Year.

Well before the 1991 Grand Final made him a household name, Alexander was collecting achievements. He went on the 1986 Kangaroo Tour, played for City and made his Origin debut for New South Wales all before Penrith’s first premiership win.

Known for his pace and ability to set up tries – as well as score them – Alexander was clearly Penrith’s most dominant player in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

While the tragic loss of his brother prevented Alexander’s star from rising even further, his impact on Penrith will never be forgotten.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 8, 2020

2. Ryan Girdler

Greg Alexander in his final year.

During his two stints with the club (1984- 1994 and 1997- 1999) he became a fan favourite and a player with definite legend status at the Panthers.

Alexander, who is currently a Panthers Director, went on to have an unlikely media career at 2UE and Fox Sports, where he still works today.

DID YOU KNOW? Alexander is the brother- in- law of fellow former Penrith, NSW and Australian teammate Mark Geyer.

– Troy Dodds

In these uncertain times, we have implemented changes to ensure we can continue to serve the community.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

HISTORY STILL IN TACT !

A few Masked Panther followers have asked me to check up on a time capsule that was buried at Panthers Leagues Club back in 1988, worried that it will be forgotten with all the construction happening at the front of the club at present. I’m happy to report the club hasn’t forgotten about the time capsule, and despite a few rumours about its whereabouts, a plaque at the front of the club suggests it’s still in place. The time capsule will be ready to open in 2088.

!

Penrith acted quickly to distance itself from handing out a penalty to Nathan Cleary for his ANZAC Day social distancing breach, quickly handing the situation over to the NRL who later delivered the Origin halfback a breach notice (and a follow-up breach notice after those TikTok videos emerged). The Panthers were hopeful no match suspensions would be handed down, knowing how critical Cleary would be for Penrith once the competition resumes on May 28. In the end, Cleary was handed only a monetary fine.

!

It was perhaps no surprise that social media ended up causing an issue for Nathan Cleary. Both Cleary and close friend and room mate Tyrone May have been very active on Instagram in the last year, particularly when they were on holidays together in the United States. While none of the content is damaging, some of it probably edges a bit close to the line when you consider the volatile rugby league environment. They won’t listen, but players would be far better off leaving social media to others.

!

Penrith players returned to the Panthers Rugby League Academy this week as the countdown continues to the May 28 restart of the competition. Strict procedures are in place surrounding the training facility.

!

Channel Nine has a lot of work to do to re-engage fans after the fiasco surrounding the broadcast rights, and its essential declaration that it didn’t want footy to come back this year. Its messag-

ing – which included a very public spray about the NRL’s financial woes – was poor, and fans have turned on Nine, particularly on social media. Like many, I believe Nine could have handled the situation differently and a lot of its criticisms of the NRL, while perhaps warranted, weren’t timed or framed in a particularly good manner.

!

Talking of Channel Nine, its play for NRL.COM is interesting – and potentially dangerous. While many questioned the need for the NRL to develop its own digital arm, and questioned its independence given its close connection to head office, the concept has been a major success and it’s now producing some fine content, particularly in the video sphere.

Its breath of fresh air is that it isn’t linked to a mainstream media service and is able to provide a completely different style of covering the game. Let’s hope the digital arm stays protected.

!

Spotted: Former Panthers Tim Grant and Peter Wallace doing some essential shopping at Nepean Village last week.

!

The NRL is very hopeful that it will be able to open the gates to fans for the Grand Final on October 25. It’s understood the game’s biosecurity experts have predicted mass gatherings will be allowed by then, allowing supporters to flock to the re-scheduled season decider. But it’s unlikely we’ll see fans in stadiums any time before then, meaning Penrith most likely won’t return to Panthers Stadium until 2021.

!

The Panthers should have been in Bathurst this week preparing for a Mother’s Day battle with the Sharks, but the game was officially called off a few weeks ago. The club has committed to continuing its partnership with Bathurst and will be back at Carrington Park in 2021. Fans who purchased tickets for the Bathurst game are eligible for a full refund and will be contacted directly by Ticketek with further details.

!

I was saddened to hear of the passing

A plaque acknowledges the location of a time capsule at Panthers. of Panthers Life Member Harry Slaughter during my time off. Harry was a Panthers Director from 1967 through to 1980, and was a much-loved member of the Panthers family. My thoughts go out to Harry’s family and friends.

!

Fox League will re-call the 2003 Grand Final this Sunday afternoon.

!

As you can see, The Masked Panther is back! Self-isolation was tough. At one stage I even watched a DVD copy of Penrith’s 54-12 demolition of the Adelaide Rams from 1998. Mrs Masked Panther wasn’t impressed. If you’ve got some Panthers news or gossip you’d like to share, drop me a line at maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

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WW39693

lang on league While we wait for the 2020 rugby league season to restart on May 28, I thought it might be fun to list my top 10 best Panthers players of all time.

The Weekender put together an outstanding list of players in this week’s edition of Extra Time.

In case you missed it, it was Greg Alexander, Ryan Girdler, Royce Simmons, Craig Gower, John Cartwright, Grahame Moran, Steve Carter, Brad Fittler, Tim Sheens and Tony Puletua.

Now here’s my list: Greg Alexander, Ryan Girdler, Craig Gower, Royce Simmons, John Cartwright, Grahame Moran, Mark Geyer, Luke Lewis, Rhys Wesser and Luke Priddis.

So I agreed on six of the 10 players the Weekender selected, I mean those blokes just pick themselves but I left out players of the calibre of Steve Carter, Tony Puletua, Tim Sheens and Brad Fittler.

In their place I selected Mark Geyer, Luke Lewis, Rhys Wesser and Luke Priddis.

Why did I pick those players? Let’s go through each selection with a short explanation.

Mark Geyer bought an intimidation factor to the team which often put opposition players off their game.

This young tyro would rip into his work on the field like a man possessed.

He feared no one and took no prisoners

and he always bent the line whenever he took the ball up.

Luke Lewis was just a natural footballer.

Few players make the transition from the backline to the forwards with success but not only did he do it, he did it well.

Lewis was so talented that he even played halfback for an extended period of time and he was brilliant in that position too.

Rhys Wesser, well he was just an excitement machine who could score tries from anywhere on the field.

He was fast, his positional play was excellent and he could win a game all on his own.

Put simply he was a five- star match winner.

Luke Priddis basically won Penrith its second premiership.

He was a clever ball player, his defence was top notch, his running game sensational and his service from dummy half was always first class.

He was also tough and possessed a great football brain.

So there you go, I’m sure any one of us could come up with a list which would differ from the ones you’ve seen here today.

That’s the beauty of rugby league, everyone has an opinion.

Until next week, cheers!

with Peter Lang

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 8, 2020

Brought to you by…

My top 10 Panthers players of all-time

Luke Lewis is one of Peter Lang’s top 10 Panthers of all-time. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Walking into plenty of laughs EMILY FESZCZUK

A

“The teacher didn’t know much about improv comedy, so we would sit around watching old comedy tapes, juggle and breathe fire so when I would get home I couldn’t taste dinner because kerosene has a strong, enduring aftertaste, and I thought ‘wow, I really like this improv stuff’.”

Tom said people should watch his ‘high- stakes’ comedy special during the pandemic because if you can laugh, “you probably don’t have a cough”.

“We only had one shot at filming it, so we needed to get it without any mistakes from me which wouldn’t usually be a problem but this is a really complex show where I use sound effects that I trigger

myself. It was the first time doing it with fancy lights, there’s moments of audience participation and I refused to use plants,” Tom said.

“A lot of things could have gone wrong but luckily very few did. Basically it was like a regular show but a bunch of cameras and my parents were there.”

Tom said if you had a stand-up comedy special he would watch it, so do the pleasure of checking out his shockingly funny show now.

Tom Walker’s Australian Amazon Original stand- up special ‘Very Very’ is available to watch now on Amazon Prime Video Australia. Visit www.primevideo. com to join.

WW36989

mazon Prime Video Australia has got all of your comedy needs covered, releasing 10 stand - up comedy specials featuring some of the best Australian comedians.

Tom Walker’s strong, weird and jokedense show ‘Very Very’ is different to any comedy special you’ve ever watched before.

Speaking with the Weekender, Tom said he would describe his comedy as “fun, dumb, physical and sketches performed live, and performed well”.

“The show has more physical comedy than a normal stand- up special but honestly I think I’m normal and this is the kind of show a nice normal man would put on. That isn’t a joke. I’m a nice normal man,” he said.

“My comedy deals with big questions like what if I mimed sucking my own dick for about three and a half minutes?”

With a unique mime style of comedy, Tom didn’t have the most normal introduction to comedy either.

“In Year 8 my school accidentally listed theatre sports as an actual sport and joining it meant I didn’t have to do rugby, which was great because I was terrible at rugby,” he said.

Alena Higgins

Nathan Taylor

Troy Dodds

Nicola Barton

Emily Feszczuk

Penrith’s most comprehensive coverage of local news – in print and online at westernweekender.com.au

35

Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

E V I F Y A D I R F E H T

WW39865

TOP TAKEAWAYS TO KEEP YOU SANE! While we are all still staying at home, that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves with some variety from our favourite places we would usually visit.

We have brought our Friday Five series, which ran online last year, to our print edition during the Coronavirus crisis.

This week we have come up with five new options for isolation takeaways that have made getting goodies to your home easier than ever.

5. High St. Depot (High Street, Penrith) This once bustling brunch spot still has all of your takeaway coffee needs covered seven days a week plus a muffin to go with it.

Keep any eye out for their daily specials that feature all different cuisines. You can’t go past the crispy crackling pork bahn mi.

The winner has to be the takeaway depot dinners that will have you putting together delicious dishes like osso bucco ragu with gremolata and bowtie pasta. One kit feeds two people but you have to get in quick as they sell out every day.

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4. Emu Hall (Great Western Highway, Emu Plains) One of the go to stops in town, all of Emu Hall’s menu is available to order for takeaway so you don’t have to miss out during these times.

Take the night off from cooking and order any two of their pizzas and they will add a free bottle of white or red wine. The wood fired pulled lamb is a top choice.

To really enjoy date night in the comfort of your home, graze with their box full of cured meats, cheese, antipasto, crackers and seasonal fruit.

3. Panthers Penrith (Mulgoa Road, Penrith) While you can’t enjoy the 11 restaurants this world of entertainment has to offer, you can make sure to try the grab and go menu.

Have a Chinese banquet for lunch or dinner with six pork spring rolls, honey

chicken and your choice of either beef and black bean or sweet and sour pork with steamed rice for just $23.80.

Kelly’s Brasserie is also selling home essentials so you can get a family casserole to cook at home and a sweet treat to finish it off.

2. O’Donoghues (Great Western Highway, Emu Plains) Even though you can’t have a beer there with your friends, OD’s Express has everything from frozen family meals, fresh produce and even toilet paper.

Get some of big Jon’s popcorn chicken or halloumi sticks to take home so you don’t have to share.

Wash it down with one of their delicious one litre cocktail specials that change every week or a growler if that is more your style.

1. Percy Plunkett (pictured below) (Station Street, Penrith) A fan favourite, Percy’s Pantry really has it all for you during isolation that can be delivered right to your door.

You can grab a drink from their take away window or order some ready made meals like the garden bowl or mouth-watering beef shepherd’s pie.

Teaming up with other businesses you can get cookies and donuts, kits for the kids to cook at home, and even Mother’s Day is sorted with the must haves.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Take time to laugh with Alice EMILY FESZCZUK

W

ith no major comedy festivals happening right now, we have to settle for getting our laughs via our TVs and devices for a while. Amazon Prime Video Australia has got you covered, releasing 10 stand- up comedy specials featuring some of the best Australian comedians.

Award - winning writer, broadcaster, performer and of course comedian, Alice Fraser first performed her critically acclaimed solo show ‘Savage’ in 2015 to glowing reviews around the country before impressing the hardest critics in the business during her debut season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Alice told the Weekender that the hilarious and heartbreaking show, about life, death and paper towels, straddles the line between comedy and tragedy.

“People should expect a full hour of me talking, but also I hope you’ll laugh and maybe have all the feels as well,” she said.

“My comedy deals with how we deal with hard stuff. Whether it’s better just to be silly and distract yourself, or use comedy as a tool to help you cope with hard times.”

Delivering her reliably silly, unpredictably meaningful and gut - punching comedy, Alice said it immediately drew her in as a career option when she was weighing up what she wanted to do in life.

“What attracted me to it was the fact that I was bad at it. Genuinely, it was an opportunity to learn to fail and get better by failing,” she said.

“I still get nervous performing especially if my dad or my brother is in the audience but people should watch me because do they have anything better to do?”

Filming the special in Melbourne at the Malthouse Theatre, Alice said it was such a wild and special experience to take the show to another level.

“I remember doing this show at my first Edinburgh Fringe in a dodgy back room of a pub that didn’t even have a door,” she said.

“All of a sudden it’s lights and cameras

and the whole fancy thing, which was so incredible.”

During the current Coronavirus crisis, Alice said she hopes the humour in her show can provide a moment of relief for audiences.

“We could spend our whole time in a slump of despair about vast terrifying global problems that we cannot fix but that isn’t much fun,” she said.

“Instead it is OK to want to laugh a bit, and feel like maybe you can change a little corner of the world.”

Alice Fraser’s Australian Amazon Original stand- up special ‘Savage’ is available to watch now on Amazon Prime Video Australia. Visit www.primevideo. com to join.

New music to inspire EMILY FESZCZUK

A

ustralian indie pop singer- songwriter Nicole Millar has released her first single of 2020, ‘I Should Probably Go to Therapy’.

The new single champions mental health awareness amidst the COVID- 19 pandemic.

Known for her chart topping hit with Peking Duk ‘High’, Nicole said it felt like the best time to release the song.

“I actually wrote the song about a year ago when I was busy touring and living very differently to how we are now but I had a day to myself sitting on the couch and I just needed a break and that’s how the song idea came together,” Nicole told the Weekender.

“I worked with Kilter and Muki on it then it sat on my computer while I questioned it but it had to come out now because it is more relatable than ever.”

Nicole said her lyrics look to tackle the stigma around mental health by bringing awareness and normalising therapy, at a time when we need it most.

“My grandma actually called my Mum and was worried I was in a really bad mental health state when she saw the song title, but I feel like there’s a generation of people thinking it’s a bad thing,” she said.

“I speak about therapy in a cheeky way but there is such a stigma yet everyone needs a positive support system around them and sometimes friends just don’t give the best advice.”

While the song has a deeper message, she said she still hopes people can find joy while listening to it, especially in the current climate.

“It is upbeat and has an electronic bounce to it, I feel like with all my music I am trying to be honest but I still have that electronic pop element to my music as I don’t want people to sit there crying to my music,” Nicole said.

“I am not too serious of a person so it is nice to try and waive that negativity from a serious topic.”

With local artists feeling the impact of the pandemic on the music and entertainment industry, Nicole said she hopes things can return to normal soon.

“We are certainly going through a crazy time and I am finding it much harder to write music so I am just enjoying the slower paced lifestyle that involves daily walks and coffee,” she said.

“I have been working on some things though with others, so hopefully we can get out there soon and share what we have been making.”

Nicole Millar’s single ‘I Should Probably Go to Therapy’ is now available to download on all music streaming services.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

At the movies...

An amazing love story A SECRET LOVE +++ 1 hour, 21 minutes EMILY FESZCZUK

‘A Secret Love’ is a real life story of enduring love that seems like it was written to be made into a movie.

The Netflix documentary follows former pro baseballer Terry Donahue and Pat Henschel. The women, who are now in their 90s, met in the 1940s and had a secret relationship for most of their lives.

While the main focus is their journey of being together right up until they are dealing with old age, the show also takes a historical look at the prejudice lesbians faced in America, which provides an interesting insight.

It is just under an hour-and-a-half

long and is dealing with over seven decades worth of life, so it can feel that parts you would like to delve deeper into are missed.

There is however, beautiful, old real footage of the ladies that adds to the story.

The overall message of love is very inspirational, while it has moments of humour to balance out the sadness.

There is some tension between other family members filmed which can be a strain to watch at times, but keeps with the rawness of the documentary as director Chris Bolan intended.

It is definitely one you will want to curl up on the couch and watch.

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FR EE

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Ê Despite some optimism it would go ahead, this year’s Logie Awards have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. The Awards will return “bigger and better” in 2021 and will consider the various shows and talent who missed out this year. Ê 10 is bringing back ‘Junior MasterChef’ after nearly 10 years. With so many of 10’s big name reality shows on hold at the moment, 10 is hoping to get this filmed and on the air by year’s end.

Aspirant young cooks must be aged between nine and 14 years. To apply, visit esgau.etribez.com/ag/esgau/jmc/welcome.html.

TV NEWS

Ê The cast of US comedy ‘Parks and Recreation’ reunited for a scripted reunion special last week but we are yet to get an airdate here in Australia. The story saw Pawnee’s most dedicated civil servant, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), determined to stay connected to her friends in a time of social distancing. Ê UK observational series ‘The Dog House’, which centres around adopting homeless pets, will premiere on 10 next

MAY 17

8.30PM

BAD EDUCATION, FOX SHOWCASE

Saturday, May 16 at 7.30pm. Set inside a British dog rescue centre, well-known for its commitment to finding the perfect match for homeless pooches and potential new owners, ‘The Dog House’ bears witness to the joy of the human and dog dating experience.

Ê Season six of E! series ‘Botched’ returns on Tuesday, May 12 at 7.30pm.

MAY JULIA ZEMIRO’S HOME DELIVERY, ABC

Ê ABC series ‘Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery’ will return for its eighth season later this month. This season will see Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Senator Jacqui Lambie, Celeste Barber, Yael Stone, Craig Reucassel, Gillian Armstrong, Scott Farquhar and Casey Donovan share personal stories from their childhoods to the present day. Ê

The ‘Party of Five’ reboot, which has

been airing on SBS Viceland, has been axed in the US after one season. Ratings for the show had been poor.

Ê HBO film ‘Bad Education’, starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, hits FOX Showcase on Sunday, May 17 at 8.30pm. Inspired by true events, the story follows the largest public school embezzlement in American history. Ê Popular FOX Showcase drama ‘Westworld’ has been renewed for a fourth season. Ê The third season of Kevin Costner series ‘Yellowstone’ returns to Stan on Monday, June 22. ‘Yellowstone’ has been one of the most popular series’ on Stan and has already been renewed for a fourth season in the US.

Order all your needs for

MOTHER’s DAY Order online for delivery or pick-up.

O

WW40714

Nathan Taylor

39

Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by worldaway.com.au | 8872 9697

1

Crossword ACROSS 1. Written test 4. Corny 8. Curved-bill bird 11. Singer, Leo ...

13. Weighty 15. Pilotless spy plane 17. Nipped 18. Parachute fabric 20. Japanese currency 21. Beer 24. Bundled (hay) 27. ‘Six-pack’ muscles 28. Cures 30. Control handle 31. Gladiator star, Russell ...

33. Gave (orders) 34. Sprinted 35. Cain’s brother 36. Alternatively 39. Frame & shelf round hearth 42. Junk mail pamphlet 44. Air shaft 45. Cathedral, ... Dame 46. Swedish car company 48. Mild-tasting 49. Fashion designer, Calvin ...

50. Accelerate, ... up 52. Quits, ... out 54. Bridal headwear 55. Submerged sandbank 56. Hoity-toity (2-2-2) 57. Just OK (2-2) 60. Cormorant 62. Died down 65. Periphery 67. Former Russian leader, ... Yeltsin 69. Firearm 70. Horrid 72. Mock goodhumouredly 73. Animal 75. Writer, ... Allan Poe 77. Occupational overuse syndrome (1,1,1) 79. Thieve 81. Ad ... decision 82. Blare 84. Remove fl eece from 85. Brazenly, in ... daylight 86. Earnest request 87. Halts (development) 88. Hairdo

DOWN 1. Swirl 2. United (2,3) 3. Gent 4. Steep rugged rock 5. Congenital 6. Breeding-ground 7. Lentil dish 8. Creeping plant 9. Council regulation 10. Solar bodies 12. Shouts 14. Tennis champ, ...

Agassi 16. Detox treatment 19. Abides by (rules) 22. Acquiesce 23. Cricket side 25. Fit for tilling 26. Repeats 29. Physical complaint 32. Poem 35. Inflatable mattresses (3,4) 37. Identifying sticker 38. Meriting 40. Chilean mountains 41. Resident 42. Ruffled border 43. Amassed, ... in 44. Urns 47 Noms de plume 51. Traveller’s language aid, ... book 52. Kneaders of dough 53. Hallowed 54. Strauss city 58. Circle (planet) 59. Paddle 61. Deep chasm 63. Gideon publication 64. Act indecisively 65. Particles (of dust) 66. Hollywood icon, Greta ...

68. Fat 71. Do business 72. Invitation footnote (1,1,1,1) 74. Saintly radiance 76. Chatters 78. Entity 80. Triumphant cry 83. Relish, ... up

Last week’s solution

2

3

11

15

4

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28

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18

24

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67

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86

37

43

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19

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9

77

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Sudoku brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

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creative A U

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

40

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by worldaway.com.au | 8872 9697

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

Theme: ICE WORDS THEME:

ADVICE CHOICE COWARDICE CREVICE DEVICE JUSTICE LATTICE NOVICE PRACTICE PRECIPICE PREJUDICE REJOICE SACRIFICE SERVICE SLUICE THRICE TWICE VOICE

Last week’s Word Search solution

#InThisTogether Tips for your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19

Keep kids communicating let children know it is ok to be worried, and talk it out

Reach out to those who may not have connections

Seek Support it’s ok to not feel ok

Get Sweaty exercise is great for your mental health

Routine Helps create a new daily routine

Stay Connected get creative in the ways you connect

Talk don’t just type

Take a break

Check-in & be kind to yourself

Play your part

Helpers need help too

Financial stress is real, talk about it

Follow the Facts pause the scrolling

(02) 4722 2998 | westernweekender.com.au If you need to talk, these free support lines are here to listen 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 or headtohealth.gov.au

4. Which American city is known as the home of country music?

5. In Australia, which town hosts a country music festival each January?

6. True or false: Taylor Swift won the prized Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards.

WW40732

Test your knowledge about the country music in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. Who released the hit song ‘Woman Amen’?

2. Which famous American country singer was known as The Silver Fox? 3. In the song ‘He’ll Have To Go’ what did singer Jim Reeves want the man to turn down?

ANSWERS 1. Dierks Bentley 2. Charlie Rich 3. Jukebox 4. Nashville 5. Tamworth 6. True (2009)

Trivia Quiz

41

Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Str8ts & Wheel Words brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

creative A U

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sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au | 4722 2998

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TEST YOUR BRAIN

A

No. 414

Medium

7 4

1

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

8

3 5

6 5 5 9 8

4

4 1 9

1 8

1

© 2018 Syndicated Puzzles

7

Str8ts

Previous solution - Easy

4 3 5 2 6 7

4 3 2 5 7 9 8 8 6

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

7 6 5 4

How to beat Str8ts -

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and 3 columns are divided by black squares into 2 compartments. These need to be filled How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single numbe in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’.

A straight is aorset of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, repeat in any row column.

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A straigh of numbers with no gaps but c any order, [4,2,3,5].

You caneg find more Clues help and strategies at www.str8ts.com cells remove that number as a along with more puzzles, Apple apps and books. in that row and column, and a of any straight Glance at the s

Wheel Words Create words of four letters or more using the given letters once only, but always including the middle letter.

Do not use proper names or plurals ending with S. See if you can find the nine letter word using up all letters 15 Good

20 Very Good

25+ Excellent

Last Week’s Solution

Combs has new single 42

ACM, CMA and CMT Awardwinning artist Luke Combs has released his new song, ‘Six Feet Apart’.

Co- written with Brent Cobb and Rob Snyder, Combs originally debuted the song last month during a livestream concert at the Opry, the famous Nashville institution that is continuing its regular Saturday night show during the Coronavirus pandemic, albeit without an audience.

The new song adds to a series of groundbreaking and

historic years for Combs, who is nominated in three categories at the 55th ACM Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for his acclaimed global number one record, ‘What You See Is What You Get’.

Combs has become one of the biggest stars of country music, with hits including ‘Hurricane’ and ‘When It Rains It Pours’.

‘Six Feet Apart’ is available now on all streaming services.

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

WEEKENDER LIVING PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

HOROSCOPES TAURUS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE DAILY POSTS AT WWW.BOHOASTRO.COM TWITTER @JOMADELINEMOORE © JOANNE MADELINE MOORE 2020

AQUARIUS

PISCES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

The Full Supermoon stimulates your career and reputation zone, which brings the opportunity for recognition via paid or volunteer work. Through your daily words and actions, you have the power to influence people in positive and productive ways. Aquarius is the sign linked with community spirit, humanitarianism and altruism. So don’t miss the chance to make a real difference!

You need to be clear and straightforward in the way you communicate with others.

Don’t waste time pussyfooting around or being ‘creatively elastic’ with the truth.

With three planets in earthy Taurus, it’s time to be more practical and stick to the facts, especially when it comes to projects and family matters. Escape into a fantasy world, but make sure you can step back into reality when it’s required!

ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The Full Supermoon increases your magnetism and boosts your ability to inspire others and transform your own life. So do your best to find appropriate ways to let off steam, and choose challenging projects to channel your fiery energy into. A relationship could also go through a metamorphosis, as you voice your concerns in a respectful way and work through problems holding you back.

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Avoid being superficial and garrulous.

This week there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye.

The planets encourage you to slow down, strip back the layers of polite conversation, dive deep, listen and learn. Plus Neptune and Pluto also boost creativity, compassion, perception and intuition.

You’ll find thoughtful observation and insightful soulsearching will take you far.

In the lead-up to Thursday’s Full Supermoon expect an emotionally intense week when unresolved issues with a partner, family member or close friend could rise to the surface and demand to be addressed. Jealousy, possessiveness or power games could also be cause for concern. Do your best to keep things in perspective as you deal with any drama in a straightforward and honest way.

Watch out for domestic dramas this week, as the Full Supermoon shines a harsh spotlight on a brewing and stewing family problem. Being housebound, boredom, quarantine rules or lockdowns laws could contribute to you feeling like a Cat On A Hot Tin Roof … restless and rather reckless! Clever Cats will learn to cool down, calm down and observe from the sidelines.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

This week is all about formulating smart strategies and finding practical solutions.

Focus on business and/or work, as the planets help you tap into the extra energy, discipline and resilience needed to boost your finances and/or career during this difficult time. You’ve got the power, so make sure you use it positively! The Supermoon will stir up your self-esteem zone.

Transformation is the name of the game, as the Full Supermoon in Scorpio pushes you to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of a difficult situation. A challenging relationship has the potential to be reborn into a much more positive partnership.

But you must be prepared to release old grudges; let go of the past; forgive and forget. As Audrey Hepburn said: “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”.

The Full Supermoon shines a spotlight on formal volunteer work or providing practical assistance to someone who is sad, sick or in isolation. So your mantra for the moment is from birthday great, Audrey Hepburn: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”. And there’s no room for negative self-talk!

You’ll be given the chance to heal an old emotional wound or patch up a relationship problem. So don’t let stubbornness and false pride stop you from taking a giant leap forward when it comes to love, forgiveness, family and friendship.

Accept the opportunity gratefully, with outstretched hands and an open heart. As Audrey Hepburn said: “People have to be restored; never throw out anyone”.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

You’re in a curious state of mind. Plus Mercury and the Full Supermoon could generate a promising opportunity involving connections, education, children or social media. So get your ideas out there on the world wide web, as you inform and entertain others with your thoughts. As Samuel Johnson said: “Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous mind”.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Can you keep your control-freak tendencies under control this week? If you can, then you’ll astound and amaze others with your can-do Capricorn attitude, your natural personal authority and your talent for leadership. You’re ready, willing and able to work hard and help others. Just make sure you are generous and inclusive as you encourage family, friends and colleagues to pull together.

AS PENRITH RE-OPENS, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU As Penrith emerges from the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever for your business to be in the spotlight.

That’s why we’re committed to working with businesses to develop costeffective marketing campaigns to help them get back on their feet.

Contact us today on sales@westernweekender.com.au or 4722 2998

WW40807

We’re here to help you shout your comeback from the rooftops.

43

Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

HEALTHY LIVING

PET HEALTH

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

ONE POINT HEALTH

GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE

STEFAN SCHEUERMAIR • 4732 518 8

NICOLE MCMILL AN • 4731 3055

Get moving while working from home

Keeping your cat entertained while you’re at home

from your precious furniture. Provide your cat with scratching posts in several locations to assist in strengthening their muscles as well as providing enough space so that they can roam and explore.

Encourage your feline friend to scratch and play around the post.

I

hen you are working from home, or if you are spending more time at home lately, there are lots of things you can do to keep your cats active. For cats, it is important to make the time to interact with them as a means of providing physical activity and to keep them happy.

W

Capture your cat’s curiosity with online games Your cat may enjoy technology as much as you do! There are lots of cat friendly games and videos available online. Try downloading interactive cat games on your iPad or phone or search for videos designed for cats on YouTube. Many feature images and sounds of small critters and birds which will naturally capture your cat’s attention.

n light of the restrictions of COVID-19 many Australians have started working from home. In the clinic, we are seeing a wave of individuals with aches and pains due to working from home. Here are four ways to prevent pain when working from home.

Schedule regular movement Healthcare has moved away from emphasising a neutral spine and shifted towards facilitating regular movement.

Every 60 minutes try to get up and perform two to three minutes of exercise.

Change your working position Like regular movement, preventing prolonged static positioning is essential to preventing pain. Every 30 minutes, change the position that you are working in. Changing your seat setting, standing and kneeling are all examples of preventing prolonged static positioning.

ww w.p enr

Remember your next posture is the best posture.

Home ergonomic set up Ergonomics is how well your workspace caters for your body. When transitioning to working from home, it is important to make small adjustments to ensure that this new place which you will be spending long hours in accommodates your body. You can find many good resources online.

Prime their hunting instincts with a toy As we all know, cats have a strong natural hunting instinct. They love to chase, catch and bat toys with their paws. Nurture those natural instincts and keep your cat entertained with a cat teaser toy. These toys usually consist of a lure on the end of a string attached to a handle which you can hold and play with your cat.

Daily exercise At the beginning of each day it is important to spend 30-60 minutes exercising. This is different from regular movement as it is designed to work the body more intensely. This both immediately limbers up the body.

Provide a scratching post to climb A scratching post, scratch box or pole is a wonderful gift you can give your cat. It will not only keep them busy, but it will help redirect scratching behaviour away

.com ithw e r t n omenshealthce

Coreen Avenue

COVID-19 UPDATE

Penrith Women’s Health Centre is committed to supporting our Clients and ensuring the safety and well-being of both Clients and Workers alike. We have been implementing appropriate measures and listening to the latest advice from NSW Health on what risk management processes to follow.

Passionate about Pets Extended consulting hours

Given the latest advice Penrith Women’s Health Centre has modified the way we work

Phone for an appointment

Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate Clients coming into the Centre • All groups, programs and workshops have been postponed until further notice • All one-on-one Client appointments have been cancelled for Massage But we do offer the following services by phone: • Counselling appointments will go ahead via phone • Casework appointments will go ahead via phone • Women’s Health Practitioners’ appointments can go ahead via Telehealth (bulk billed), via phone consultation and for urgent needs face-to-face appointments are available

or email us any time pwhcentre@pwhc.org.au

Best Behaviour Puppy Programs

WW40774

4721 8749

WW40794

Please phone the Centre if you need someone to talk to or just want a chat about how this is impacting you

Exclusive Cat Clinic including boarding

Indoor Park with Hydrobath

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

44

Hide and Seek (without the ‘seek’) Cats are independent creatures and they may not appreciate all the extra love and attention as a result of us being home all the time.

Hiding spaces are essential for cats, this allows them to retreat when they are fearful or anxious and provides a safe space when it all gets too much for them. To ensure your cat doesn’t become overwhelmed or anxious, provide them with plenty of space to escape from the hustle and bustle of family life.

Unit 2 & 3/117 Coreen Avenue, Penrith 4731 3055 | www.greencrossvet.com.au

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES

ALEX MCKENZIE • 4704 8585

How being too cautious with your investments could cost you

T

he virus has seen markets fall sharply in the last month. It has led a number of my clients to ask about safer investments. On top of this being a terrible time to sell shares and move to cash, being too cautious with investments has its own problems.

When people think about risk in relation to investments, they usually think about their money falling in value, this is only one risk. Another risk is opportunity cost, which is the risk of missing out on potential growth. Given the long-term nature of superannuation, this is an area where opportunity cost can really hurt us.

By far the biggest determinant in your investment performance is your exposure to growth and defensive assets. The more growth assets you invest in, the higher the long-term returns. However, this also comes with higher volatility in the value of the investments. Conversely, more exposure to defensive assets will result in both lower volatility and lower returns.

The opportunity cost of being overly cautious with your super when you’re young is huge. If a 30-year-old with a super bal-

ance of $50,000, earning $60,000pa, making no additional contributions to super, invests in a conservative portfolio and earns five per cent interest each year until age 67, they will finish with just under $1.1 million (assuming their income keeps pace with inflation). If they increase their risk profile and earn seven per cent (a return in line with expectations for a growth portfolio), that predicted balance is approximately $1.8 million and, if we use a return of eight per cent, the balance would reach approximately $2.3 million.

This is a big difference and demonstrates the power of compound interest over the long-term.

It should be noted that none of the investments would provide the same return year-on-year which these calculations are assuming, and the more aggressive portfolios would have a wide array of results along the way. There would be many negative years and potential times for panic.

There would also be years with very high returns. The order that these occur affects the end balance and the end projections are estimates. However, over a long peri-

od of time, it is a virtual certainty that the options with higher growth will substantially outperform the more conservative options.

Most people are usually comfortable with the risk associated with property, but many are very sceptical about investing in shares. Investing in these growth options will see you have upwards of two thirds of your money in shares. The thing to remember with shares is that, you are

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

MONEY MATTERS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

investing in a company or a series of companies. If properly diversified, you are generally invested in the biggest companies in a wide range of industries that is constantly evolving. It is highly likely that over the next 30 years, the evolving biggest companies in Australia are going to make money, and so will our shares.

The power of compound interest magnifies the opportunity cost of being too cautious.

ASK ASHA BROUGHT TO YOU BY

GRACE FUNERALS

WW40769

ASHA DOOLE Y • 4735 69 00

How funerals are going ahead in tough times

O

ver the past weeks we have conducted dozens of funerals with only a handful of attendees, mostly in our chapel at Emu Plains with webcasting.

Webcasting is the best alternative we currently have, but we understand that not being in the room together is just not the same. When the restrictions started I thought we would see more people opting not to have a funeral and to wait, I am pleased to see that many families are choosing to have a service now; they are also opting to have a memorial service later. This might take the form of an ashes scattering or a one- year anniversary memorial.

Expert advice teaches us, when we love someone, and lose them we need to be allowed to grieve. We know that planning the funeral, having a viewing, and attending the funeral service all help with the grieving process. Having our family and friends attend the funeral al-

lows them to show that they care, it also shows that you are supported, with only 10 people at a funeral, this changes.

If you lose someone and you are not included in the funeral attendees there are still many things that you can do. Send a card, letter, flowers or a meal; call; text; leave a message on Facebook, anything you can do to show that you care and that you are thinking of the family.

If you can, attend the webcast, if not, have your own ritual. For example light a candle, play a song or have a call with friends and share stories.

If you are planning a funeral, we encourage as much personalisation as you can think of. Make the venue your own through decorations. Invite people to write or say something; create a photo story and an online tribute; anything you can think of.

If you’re looking for Mother’s Day Flowers and Gi s, Kingswood Florist should be your first stop!

We offer a huge range of stunning floral arrangements and gi s that Mum would absolutely love to receive this Mother’s Day! Flowers are the tradi onal gi for Mother’s Day, and Kingswood Florist is the best florist in Kingswood, NSW to find the perfect Mother’s Day Flowers for your Mum. We offer flower delivery for Mother’s Day to Kingswood, NSW and surrounding areas.

Kingswood Florist offers flower delivery to Kingswood, NSW and na onwide! kingswoodflorist@gmail.com facebook.com/pg/kingswoodfloristandcreaƟveballoons Shop 1, 202 Great Western Highway, Kingswood | Phone: 4731 5512

45

Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Is your business eligible for the JobKeeper payment? Don’t miss out on up to $19,500 for each eligible employee!

TALK TO CARTER’S TAX ADVISORY TODAY.

02 4708 3088 admin@carterstaxadvisory.com.au www.carterstaxadvisory.com.au

46

WW40799

the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

BUSINESS Now’s the time to change the way you operate Bob Green // Western Sydney Business Centre 0490 251 615 | bob@wsbusiness.com.au

B

y now we have all had enough of the Coronavirus and the things it has done to our personal and social lives and our economy both nationally and personally.

The greatest economic impact has been on small businesses, it is like someone has thrown a heavy sheet over the business and no matter how hard you push, it won’t budge.

There is a proverb which says, “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, so shall your poverty come like a prowler”.

Inaction is going to send us poor; and that cannot be truer than for small business.

Now is the time to act as things start to get back to some form of normality after the COVID-19 crisis.

The first thing you need to do as a business is to hook into the many things both the NSW State and Commonwealth governments have put in place to help small business cope with this enormous event.

But this is only a part of the solution for your business!

At the risk of being thought to be unhinged, let me say that now is one of those times to have an AHA OMG! Moment.

Never before have you had both a disaster and an enormous opportunity to do something about the way you do business.

Now is the time to discover and to innovate.

It’s time for you to look at your business, your goals and how you can do business in this new world in a new way.

Perhaps things you have done in desperation during this crisis will stay around for good.

There are potential customers out there who have unspent travel money to be redirected to other things.

You can tap into the expertise of our business advisors who have been chosen for their innovative thinking and their experience with managing change, and it is free to you.

Call Western Sydney Business Centre on 4721 5011 to be referred to one of our advisers.

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FACEBOOK MANAGEMENT

O THER PLATFORMS

Sit back and focus on your business, and let MTM Digital handle your Facebook page.

We’ll arrange regular and consistent posts, plus manage your inbox communication and other elements of your page.

Need help with Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn? What about a regular newsletter to your valued clients and supporters? We can do it all. Talk to us about your social media and digital needs today.

“MTM Digital has taken the pressure off our business when it comes to staying relevant on social media. They have done an excellent job building our presence and generating interest” Rod Matthew, KSR Autobody

EMAIL SOCIAL@MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU OR VISIT WWW.MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU WW35928

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NATHAN TAYLOR @NateTaylor87

oyota’s technological leap forward – that began with Prius in 1997 – has now evolved into a global phenomenon with Toyota’s hybrid vehicle sales totalling 15 million units across all Toyota brands.

In Australia, Toyota- branded hybrid sales have skyrocketed to a cumulative total of more than 134,200 vehicles – moving from the 100,000 mark in just 11 months.

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the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

SPORT

NBA DREAM

Draft nerves for Green p.54

Teen record holder eyes Olympics NATHAN TAYLOR

N

Werrington’s Amosia Soatini is this week’s Junior Sports Star. Photo: Megan Dunn.

ot many kids in Penrith can say they hold a world record, but 13-year-old Amosia Soatini is one who can.

Competing in the U14 Boys Shot Put event at the 2019 Zone Track and Field Championships late last year, the Werrington resident threw an incredible 19.91m to not only win gold but also set a new world record for his age group by an impressive 41cm.

Amosia has only been competing in shot put for a few years and his recent efforts have been rewarded by becoming the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation (PVSF) Junior Sports Star Award.

A popular member of the Nepean Senior Athletics Club, Amosia began taking the Olympic event seriously after dominating at primary school.

“I’ve been doing shot put for about three years. I was dominating at my school athletics carnivals because I was a bigger kid,” Amosia said.

“I then started to get some coaching and began liking the sport. I started taking shot put a bit more seriously, so I joined Nepean towards the end of last year.”

Following his world record triumph at December’s Zone Track and Field Champi-

onships at Blair Oval, Amosia travelled to Perth a week later to represent his school and state at the Australian All Schools Championships.

Once again Amosia dominated his age group, winning gold and setting a new National record with a throw of 19.36m.

It was the second time in two years the Emmaus Catholic College student had been crowned Australian Champion.

With athletics due to ramp back up in September, Amosia has been making the most of this unique off- season by lifting weights at his home gym and throwing at a nearby field.

He hopes to one day represent Australia on the international stage.

“I’d like to take shot put on as a career and hopefully make the Olympics,” Amosia said.

Nominated by Evelyn Stark from Nepean Athletics Club, Amosia Soatini’s Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club.

If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 « the western weekender

Netball confirms shorter season Story continued from » p. 56 “It will be a shortened season, so instead of the usual 14 rounds we’ll only play 10,” Gillett said.

“The season will still finish by the end of September due to summer sport commencing. We’ll then run a night competition from the end of October until December.”

It’s unknown how the game will look with health and safety restrictions in place as well as how many family members can attend matches.

“My biggest concern at the moment is what will happen in regards to social distancing,” Gillett said.

“Everyone stands on the sidelines and we would have on average 3-4000 people there each weekend.

If we’ve got to limit that to 500, I’m not quite sure how that will be managed.”

While the traditional March Past event has been cut this year, the Junior State Titles – which the PDNA is hosting – will go- ahead on the October long weekend.

“Unfortunately the March Past event is off this year because it takes a fair bit of time and effort to put together, so instead we’re just going to jump straight into competition when we get the green light to do so,” Gillett said.

BASKETBALL

Green on verge of Former Penrith basketballer set to make history in America NATHAN TAYLOR

M

ost NBA players regard being drafted as the best day of their life. For Aussie Josh Green, that moment could be a matter of months away.

Last month the 19- year- old guard declared for the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft, which at this stage is still scheduled to be held in the US in late June.

Following a season playing in College with the Arizona Wildcats, the Penrith Basketball junior is predicted by some experts to be a top 20 pick.

“Ever since I was a little kid in Australia, it’s been a goal of mine to play in the NBA,” Green said.

“I’m proud to take a step closer to that dream. After careful consideration with those closest to me, I’ve made the decision to declare for the 2020 NBA Draft.”

A strong defender, Green’s season with the Wildcats was cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Before the season was shut down, he was averaging 11.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while

NBA superstar Steph Curry alongside Josh Green. shooting 36 per cent from three- point territory.

If Green, who stands at 198cm tall, is picked up by one of the 30 NBA teams this American summer, he’ll join a long list of Australians – including Ben Simmons

and Andrew Bogut – who have reached the pinnacle of the sport in the US. Someone who knows Green’s journey to NBA stardom very well is his former coach at Penrith, Curtis Sardi.

In an interview with the Weekender

HELP IS AVAILABLE DURING THIS TOUGH PERIOD

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the western weekender » Friday, May 8, 2020

NBA dream as his former coach praises teen star “Josh’s Dad and I are extremely close; I speak to him at least twice a week through WhatsApp. Delmas coached me when I was younger, so I’ve known him for close to 18 years,” he said.

“I recall Josh being two or three- yearsold on the sideline when Delmas was training me. Josh used to ask his Dad what he could do while us kids were training, and I remember he’d be dribbling two basketballs down the sideline, shooting at an adult- sized hoop and doing push- ups and sit-ups over on his own court.”

A decade later and Sardi would find himself coaching Green at Penrith after the youngster departed his hometown club, Hills Hornets.

The pair would go on to enjoy plenty of success together as rising coach and star player.

“Josh still lived in Castle Hill but spent two years at Penrith in the U14 and U16 programs. Together we won and placed in numerous basketball tournaments and competitions,” Sardi said.

“He’salwaysbeenadownto earthkid,very humble. People think of him as an American [due to his appearance and accent] but he really has the Australian mannerisms

a n d characteristics about him – I strongly believe that’s why he’s going to be very good over there.”

The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled to be held on June 26 in New York City but, due to the current health crisis, could very well be pushed back to August or beyond. While Green’s life will change forever at some point this year, Sardi said it is unfortunate the teenager may not get the full Draft experience with all the ‘pomp and ceremony’.

“The Draft will most probably be virtual this year, much like the NFL and WNBA did recently, with their respective drafts,” he said.

“I do feel sorry for all of those athletes who won’t get to experience the Draft in its full form, but life is a bit bigger than basketball at the moment.”

When Green does eventually get drafted, he’ll be the first member of the Penrith Basketball Association to play in the NBA. Josh Green is NBA-bound.

WW39752

back in 2014, Sardi – who was also the NSW U16 Boys coach at the time – said the then 13- year- old’s competitiveness was unrivalled by anyone his age.

“Josh Green is a tenacious type of kid.

He’s going to give you 100 per cent each game. His competitiveness is not matched by anyone else,” he said.

Six years on and Sardi’s sentiments towards Green haven’t wavered, in fact they’ve only strengthened.

“I read a quote from his College coach Sean Miller recently who said exactly the same thing – I think that’s who Josh is,” Sardi told the Weekender.

“I thought he was one of the best players in the country back then and subsequently I selected him in the U16 NSW team as a bottom-ager. He just did some things that nobody expected a bottom- age athlete could do.”

Sardi, who is currently the High Performance Coach at Basketball NSW, has been following Green’s progress ever since he relocated with his family to Phoenix in late 2014.

Sardi said he’s still in regular contact with his former star player’s father, Delmas Green.

55

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etball will finally return to Jamison Park in mid-July, however the traditional March Past event to celebrate the start of the new season will not go ahead this year.

Barring any hiccups or changes over the next few months, the 2020 Penrith District Netball Association (PDNA) winter season will officially commence on Saturday, July 18.

The return date, which was announced by Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell, coincides with the end of mid- year school holidays and was also the date which many Associations nominated as their preferred start date to get an abbreviated season underway.

Before the COVID- 19 crisis, the initial start date for Penrith’s winter season was set down for last Saturday, May 2.

Speaking with the Weekender, PDNA President Joy Gillett said the local association is keen to finally get started.

“We’re all itching to get back into it, we’re ready to go,” she said.

“We now have a clear path to starting a competition and we commence week one on July 18.”

Story continues on » p. 54

Netball courts will remain empty at Jamison Park until mid-July. Photo: Megan Dunn.

WW40757