Western Weekender August 25

weekender the western Friday, August 25, 2017 • FREE

BIG EVENT #1: MATILDAS V BRAZIL

www.westernweekender.com.au

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

BIG EVENT #2: PENRITH TENNIS INTERNATIONAL

INSIDE Your guide to this year’s Penrith Show is included today!

BIG EVENT #3: DEFQON.1

SUPER SATURDAY Penrith will be the home of big events next month with September 16 shaping as ‘Super Saturday’. Three major international events will take place, including an epic soccer friendly, a major tennis tournament and the return of the Defqon.1 music festival. See page 12 for details

ADVERTISEMENT

KITCHENS & JOINERY

Settle into your new G.J. Gardner home with a cozy winter package worth $4500!

Unit 1/70 Mulgoa Road, Penrith VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

Specialising in custom built kitchens tailored to suit your every-day needs at competitive prices.

Phone now for a free measure & quote

Call 4732 4600 to find out more!

4721 1500

B.D Build Pty Ltd trading as G.J. Gardner Homes Sydney West. Builders Licence 309650C.

WW27367

www.rositanokitchens.com.au Lic No. 102962C

WW26550

2

WW29612

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Business

Masters site to be given new life More jobs and new shops: Major retail centre to open on Mulgoa Road before Christmas EMILY NEWTON

he former Masters site on Mulgoa Road is to be turned into a homewares and electrical needs retail centre and is set to open before Christmas.

Home Consortium, which acquired the Masters sites last year, is redeveloping the centres across the country and creating a national retail portfolio.

David Di Pilla, Home Consortium Chairman, said the sites have been developed to best suit their location’s demographic and consumer demands, with many retail spots inside already leased out.

“Home Consortium is a best of brand retail proposition that has been conceived and created in partnership with leading national retailers,” he said.

“The key focus is a convenient, value for money retail experience.

“The leasing success and ongoing lease enquiries we have received reflect the fact that retailers have been able to work with us as a single developer/landlord to plan and secure their store roll-out and growth strategies across a number of Australia’s key growth regions nationally.”

The Penrith site will see more homewares and electrical stores open shop

T

An artist’s impression of the outsite of the Penrith Home Consortium site as the region rapidly expands with new homeowners and a growing population.

Located just over a kilometre away from the Penrith Homemaker Centre, the Home Consortium site is set to drive increased competition, providing more choices for customers.

“Home Consortium has been encouraged by the enthusiastic and constructive response by local councils and state plan-

ning authorities to our redevelopment proposals,” Mr Di Pilla said “We are pleased with the progress we continue to make given the wide range of locations and planning authorities involved.”

Working with a panel of four construction firms on the first 10 centres that will open before Christmas this year, Home Consortium said the Penrith site is

currently on track to open in November, just in time for the Christmas rush.

Home Consortium purchased the Masters stores, including sites at St Marys and Penrith, in August last year after parent company Woolworths announced the sale of the hardware chain just days after the spectacular grand opening of their Penrith store. More details are likely to be known in the coming months.

Exclusive stockist in Penrith WW26137

3

Troy Dodds

the gospel to everyone, everywhere

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

8:45AM, 10:45AM & 5.30PM YOUTH FRIDAY NIGHTS 6PM - 9PM SIMEON RD, ORCHARD HILLS INCHURCH.COM.AU 4736 3000

@troydodds

A trip down Penrith’s memory lane

sunday services

WW28998

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

WW28991

Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith 2750

BULK BILLING FOR: Whole body skin cancer check up.

Cryotherapy. Electrodesiccation & Curettage of skin cancer.

Biopsy. Excision of any skin cancer including Melanoma.

Laser treatment of rosacea and rhinophyma. Sun spot removal.

Flap and skin graft surgery.

WW29798

DR PARAG DAS after many years of experience is now in St Marys.

NO REFERRAL NEEDED OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

RM2783277

This information brought to you courtesy of St Marys Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Clinic who provide:

St Marys Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Clinic

ox Sports held its now-annual Retro Round earlier this month in what has turned into a great rugby league celebration, and the whole thing got me thinking about growing up in Penrith in the 1980s and 1990s.

So I thought this week I’d take you on my own little personal retro journey.

It’s no secret that I’m a league fan and much of my childhood was spent at Penrith Stadium (No Pepper, Centrebet or Sportingbet in sight).

I can remember the 1991 Grand Final but I was bit young to take it all in so unfortunately most of my memories are of a pretty ordinary era for the club – but boy did we have some memorable players. Steve Carter, Greg Alexander, the Adamson brothers, Ryan Girdler… there were usually very few smiles at the end of the 80 minutes but watching those blokes play softened the pain a little.

I sat through every Super League game back in 1997 – Rodney O… wow, what can I say?

Like so many kids I would stay back after every game to wait for the players to come out so they could sign my trading cards. I was obsessed with cards – footy cards, basketball cards, soccer cards…

I even had the entire set of Elvis Presley trading cards.

My obsession meant I spent plenty of time at the Card Shaq in Penrith – right at the entrance to Memory Mall, while High Court Cards on High Street got a fair run too.

I remember opening a packet one day and scoring a Ricky Stuart gold card. The bloke at the card shop offered me $150 for it – I took it and bought a double deck tape player.

F

Index

“All you can eat Pizza Hut on High Street got a regular run and who could forget Oz Family Restaurant and Top One?” What a buy – my passion for mix tapes was born. I’d listen to the Hot 30 Countdown on a Sunday night on 2DayFM and tape all the songs to listen to throughout the week.

Bizarrely I also developed my love of news and talk radio during this time – I used to struggle to sleep and discovered Stan Zemanek one night, and my radio rarely left 2UE after that (how times have changed there – the dominance of 2UE in Sydney is now well and truly over).

During summer, with the football season over I spent plenty of time at Cables at the back of Panthers.

The waterslides were my go – yellow was the slow slide, green was the fast one.

You used to get stuck in the bloody things and people would crash into you at speed – safety was not always the priority.

Talking of Panthers, I was there often with mum and dad. We lived just down the road in McNaughton Street at the time so a quick walk or drive up to the club was a regular occurrence – especially for dinner at the ‘carvery’.

Restaurant options at Panthers were

News..............................................1-27 Father’s Day Feature..28-30 Business..................................31-32

limited back then but it did have a movie theatre and I can remember seeing ‘Home Alone’ there about six times.

We eventually moved to South Penrith and the Southlands Shopping Centre became the new regular haunt – the ‘old Southlands’ that is.

That Jewel supermarket was definitely retro.

My current waistline can probably be blamed on Southlands too – the best fried chicken could be found there... the owners moved into Westfield for a short time but I’ve got no idea where they, or that delicious chicken, are today.

All you can eat Pizza Hut on High Street got a regular run and who could forget Oz Family Restaurant and Top One? Our evolving tastes and desire for quality saw buffet places like that disappear.

The Beef and Barramundi – now there was a restaurant. A brick box with views of the river relegated to zero.

Technology was pretty basic during the 1990s but I did get my first computer, which had to be taken back for repair after I deleted the folder called ‘Windows’. I figured it was taking up too much room.

My first Internet connection offered 56 hours for $30 a month. Bargain.

Every generation has stories like these, but I get the feeling they will mean less and less as we move forward.

Sure, there will always be memories and flashbacks that make us laugh and smile (or cringe), but the last 40 or 50 years has been so progressive in terms of technology and change, that it’s hard to imagine the kids of today will have the memories that we have.

Was the past better than today, though?

That’s an argument for another day.

Extra Time..........................33-48 Entertainment ................49-60 Your Life.................................61-69

Business Directory.......70-73 Auto...................................................74 Sport ........................................75-80

Shop 2a/40 Phillip Street, St Marys | 9623 7777

the western weekender Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith Issue 1317

Advertising: sales@westernweekender.com.au Editorial: news@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87; Emily Newton | @emmerleener Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Kate Reid | @kate_reid6 Photographers: Melinda Jane If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

WW24905

Sales Executives: Ali Elali, Andrew Harris, Linda Miller, Daniel Vella, Sergio Carrasco, Jess Gilarte, Chantelle Lang To receive a copy of our media kit and advertising prices, email sales@westernweekender.com.au Production Manager: Irene Adams | irene.adams@westernweekender.com.au Production: Maddy Searle, Ian Beard

4

Sales Coordinator: Karlee Veitch

Cemetery battle a fight to the death Rookwood pushes ahead with Fernhill plans despite Council standing by move to block development ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Council’s staunch opposition to a proposed cemetery at Fernhill Estate remains steadfast, despite recently meeting with a proposed developer.

Councillor Ross Fowler said representatives of Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust received less than a warm welcome when they informally meet with a number of Councillors last week to present their vision for the iconic site.

“I don’t think they did anything to change Council’s position as a result of the meeting,” he said.

A Council spokesman confirmed Council’s stance remains unchanged.

Councillors unanimously voted last month to ban cemetery and crematoria developments in the Wallacia area and the Mulgoa Valley by making a number of amendments to its Local Environmental Plan.

It is understood a report will be presented at Council’s August 28 meeting to commence this process.

But this hasn’t stopped Rookwood from proceeding full steam ahead, with the company aiming to lodge a development

P

application by the end of the year, Rookwood CEO George Simpson confirmed.

“Subsequent to the input received during the community meetings, we are now finalising our assessment of the project and we have made a recommendation to the Minister for Lands and Forestry regarding the site,” he said.

“As we move into the next stage of the process, we are very willing to host more public meetings to ensure we are keeping the community up to date. We also have meetings planned with the National Trust and Roads and Maritime Services.

“The next step in the process is a series of pre-development application meetings with Council officers and, if the plan proceeds, we will be aiming to lodge a development application by the end of 2017.”

Councillors believe a cemetery in the Mulgoa Valley would “scar” the “sacred” historic landscape and invoke “major traffic delays” along Mulgoa Road.

Rookwood contends a Deloitte Economic Study found a quarter of a billion dollars would flow into the Penrith community in the initial 15 years after commencement from visitation to the site alone.

However, Cr Fowler said representatives were unable to support this claim.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Council

An artist’s impression of concept designs depicting grass-cell roadways throughout the property

WHO CAN YOU TRUST?

$28

14 YEARS TRUSTED PART OF PENRITH FOR OVER REDBACK AUTOMOTIVES HAS BEEN A

ACK YOU CAN TRUST REDB THE HT RIG IT AUTOMOTIVES TO DO S ICE PR UST OUR FIRST TIME YOU CAN TR NE NO TO ND CO AND OUR SERVICE IS SE

us ook ls d Fin aceb dea ions F at tit on gre mpe MINOR SERVICE for d co MAJOR SERVICE an

$28 is a Small Price to Pay for Peace of Mind Mention this coupon and receive 10% OFF recommended retail price on Pedders products.

DEALER BOOK SERVICES (warranty protected)

WW28905

✓ Blue Slips and Pink Slips incl LPG ✓ Loan Cars Available ✓ Senior discounts apply ✓ All mechanical repairs incl Wheel Alignments ✓ Experienced in all local & European made vehicles

Redback Automotive your trusted family owned local mechanic Ezi Pay Express AUTOMOTIVES

Payment Plan with No Interest EVER!!

Take it home today with Pedders Ezi-Pay. A retail payment service provided by Certegy Australia Ltd.

CALL NOW for Bookings

Unit 36, 37-47 Borec Road, We PENRITH www.redbackautomotives.com Ph:

Don’t Bite!

4731 1110

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT PENRITH 4731 2444 3/29 York Road, Penrith

Straight advice, specialists you understand and...

WW23908

5

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Penrith Show

Show is bigger and better than ever • Penrith Show to be held this weekend • Tickets from just $9 • Families a huge focus at this year’s event EMILY NEWTON

ow in its 174th year, the Penrith District Show is promising to be a weekend to remember for the whole family.

Held at Penrith Paceway, CEO Lorraine Pozza said this year will be nothing short of “spectacular”.

“This year is going to be bigger and better than ever,” she said.

“It’s going to be so much more user friendly for the families.”

With a dedicated kids’ corner, everyone will be impressed when Batman and his Batmobile stop by to say ‘hello’.

“He arrives at 10am on both days, and he will be here for the whole day,” Ms Pozza said.

“Everything you can think of that children love to do, will be in the kids’ corner.”

From an animal farm nursery to car displays, there’s something to satisfy both the young and old at heart.

“On the centre stage you’re going to be entertained. There will be non-stop performances,” Ms Pozza said.

“We’ve also got buskers to entertain people as they walk through.”

One group of performers are Bollywood

N

Families are a huge focus of this year’s Penrith Show, which will be held this weekend

dancers as a part of an Indian promotion to give Penrith a taste of what’s to come in future events.

With magnificent horse events running across both days, the excitement continues on centre stage in the afternoons and evenings.

“A lot of people do come to see the horses, and we’ve got Rooftop Express, one of our main events, coming straight from Brisbane,” Ms Pozza said.

On Saturday night, Rooftop Express combines showmanship, stunts, horses and cattle with the swagger of an Aussie larrikin.

Team D-MAX will also get the blood pumping both days by performing a huge range of stunts in their Isuzu D-MAX utes, including formation driving, high speed drifting, daring crossovers and a ramp-toramp jump.

With a phenomenal fireworks display on Saturday night, this year’s Penrith Show is something you won’t want to miss.

“The show has evolved, it is going to be spectacular, you really have to come along to experience it,” Ms Pozza said.

The show is on this Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost $16 for adults and $9 for children/pensioners. For more information, visit www.penrithshow.com.

BEAUTIFUL & AFFORDABLE WARDROBES Custom designed and built to suit your needs

10 YEAR GUARANTEE

WINNER Most Outstanding Trade & Services 2008 True Local Business Awards

up to 2.44m high & 2.44m long

MIRROR 2 DOORR

$ 695 • 3 drawers • 4 shelves • Shoe spacee • Double & Single Hanging space • Handbag Shelf

Dr Graham Hawkins & Associates • Cosmetic Dentistry • Orthopaedic / Orthodontics • Invisalign / Rapid Smiles • General Dentistry • Child Friendly • TMJ / Headaches / Facial Pain • Myofunctional Therapy • Sleep Apnoea & Snoring Appliances

up to 2.44m high & 2.44m long

MIRROR 2 DOORR

Remember: b “the h bbitterness off poor quality l remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten”

$ 895 • 6 drawers • 8 shelves • Shoe spacee • Double & Single Hanging space • Handbag Shelf

Your choice of: • Hinged or sliding timber & up to 2.44m high & 3.6m long craftwood, Colonial or Federation style doors • Reflect your lifestyle in our award winning MIRROR 3 DOORR aluminium Sliding Mirror Doors • A range of $ • 6 drawers design options to make all your storage dreams • 8 shelves • Shoe spacee come true • Mirror, veneer, painted & polyurethane • Innovative features • Double & Single Hanging space • Professionally designed to meet your needs • Handbag Shelf • WALK IN ROBES • BOOKCASES • LINEN PRESS • HOME OFFICE FITOUTS • ENTERTAINMENT UNITS The above price are between walls & floors to ceiling • HAND-MADE FURNITURE & MORE

1190

WW29146

We Make All Your Storage Dreams...

A Reality!

Lic No. 309281C

6

*Surcharge applies for Credit Card

FACTORY DIRECT. ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Visit our Showroom 47 Sterling Rd, MINCHINBURY

9832 4588

www.tntwardrobes.com.au E: info@tntwardrobes.com.au

HICAPS & FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

g Now offerin Cosmetic Injectables

WW29344

248 High Street, Penrith | 4722 6478

www.informdental.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Penrith Show

Home crowd to cheer on Laurence’s big moment EMILY NEWTON

ocal driver Laurence Cripps has his engine revving as he prepares for his debut performance with Australia’s premier precision driving stunt team, Team D-MAX. A day he’ll surely remember, his first performance will be at this year’s Penrith District Show, in front of a home crowd.

At 27-years-old, Mr Cripps has been a car lover for as long as he can remember, following in his father’s footsteps.

He spoke to the Weekender while on the road to Gunnedah where Team D-MAX performed this week, straight on the back of performances at Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Show.

“For me, I’ve always been a bit of a car lover,” he said.

“My dad competed in off-road racing, and I’ve competed in off-road racing since I was able to, which was about 14-yearsold.”

Despite what seems like a lifetime of driving up his sleeves, Mr Cripps is feeling the pressure before his debut performance this weekend.

“This is going to be my first show with them, it’s the Penrith show and I’m from Londonderry,” he said.

L

“I’ve been with the team for five years, but this will be my first show.”

He’s hoping nerves are replaced with adrenaline come show time.

“Being the youngest in the team and being my first show in front of a home crowd, there is a fair bit of pressure,” he said.

“But you have to perform on the day. The biggest thing for me is that not only do I want to do a good job for myself, but you have to do a good job for the whole team.”

The Penrith District Show will also see the unveiling of the team’s brand new fleet of performance vehicles, MY17 Isuzu D-MAX SX Crew Cab Utes, which sport more torque, more horsepower and a new 6 speed manual gearbox.

“I’ll be driving a brand new vehicle, just to add to the pressure,” he laughed.

“It is pretty difficult already, and the concentration level is very high.”

Choreographed to a soundtrack, each precision driving demonstration lasts about 15 minutes and features a range of daring vehicle stunts, close formation driving and high-speed drifting.

Catch Team D-MAX performing at the Penrith District Show’s main arena at 4pm and 5.45pm Saturday, August 26 and 2.30pm Sunday, August 27. For more information, visit www.penrithshow.com.

Local driver Laurence Cripps and the team’s brand new fleet of performance vehicles are both set to debut at the Penrith District Show this weekend

WW29567

7

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

MTV Bathroom Centre

Celebrating

Crime

Driver who crashed car was five times over the legal limit

our 15 Year Anniversary ALENA HIGGINS

CRAZY SALE NOW ON We have all size vanities from mini 420mm to huge 1800mm to meet all your needs

A

HIGH GLOSS VANITY

Only

$13995

BATHS Luxury freestanding bath Freestanding spa bath

TOILET SUITES

Only

$145

Other baths available

$585

9 only available Aust. Std. 4 Star Wels.

HURRY IN TO GRAB THESE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME BARGAINS Online store: www.sydneybathroomsupply.com.au

conditions apply

The Week is back WW29799

MINCHINBURY – Shop 33 M Centre 40 Sterling Road • Ph: 9675 6885 GRANVILLE – 164-166 Parramatta Rd (cnr Bold St) • Ph: 9682 1662 WOY WOY – 169 Blackwall Road • Phone 4344 1376 Email: xwang@mtvt.com.au

Werrington Downs drunk driver who lost control of his vehicle, ploughing into several of his neighbours’ front yards, has narrowly escaped jail time.

Penrith Local Court heard Shane Garry Watkins was reversing down his driveway in Granary Circuit to avoid breaching an apprehended domestic violence order when things went horribly awry.

Losing control, he slammed into retaining walls and fences about 7pm on April 21, creating what Magistrate Stephen Corry said probably resembled a “war zone” in the affected neighbours’ minds.

The 32-year-old was arrested at the scene and later blew 0.308, more than five times the legal limit.

Just days earlier, Watkins was placed on a good behaviour bond and was subject to an order preventing him from approaching his partner within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or illicit drugs.

Watkins’ lawyer told the court his

Don’t miss the latest edition of ‘The Week’ podcast and radio show this Saturday.

client had walked to a nearby pub and back and had planned to sleep in the car in his driveway, but thought better of it with his partner inside.

“He thought, I’ll reverse out, drive down the road a little bit and park and sleep there for the night,” his lawyer explained.

Magistrate Corry said he was “significantly intoxicated” and knew he shouldn’t drive.

“You were so drunk you couldn’t even control a motor car, that’s how drunk you were,” he told Watkins, who was in court with the support of his partner.

He was convicted of high-range drink driving, barred from driving for nine months and handed a suspended jail sentence with a condition to accept alcohol rehabilitation.

He was also convicted and fined $1,000 for negligent driving.

As part of his sentence, Watkins must fit an interlock breathalyzer device to his car for 24 months following completion of his court-imposed suspension from the roads.

‘The Week’ is your complete look at the week that was and the week that will be in Penrith and surrounds.

It airs on Vintage FM from 8am Saturdays, or on the Weekender website.

PENRITH The Village Penrith is a new, upbeat Café & Restaurant that will no doubt be one of the best places to dine out in Penrith.

Conveniently located in Henry Street, The Village Penrith is open for breakfast and lunch from Monday to Sunday and for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The Village Penrith is the best place to indulge and treat yourself to a culinary delight whilst taking in the ambience from “The Atrium” which over looks the completely refurbished dining area.

4721 1155 74 Henry Street, Penrith

8

WW29822

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

PENRITH

WORLD CLASS EVENTS Get ready for an explosive weekend of world class events as the very best in soccer, tennis and music head to Penrith to play and perform for their biggest fans.

16-17 SEPTEMBER

NEWS

7iÃÌwi ` >Ì `>Ã ÛÃ À>â Penrith Tennis International Defqon.1

CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys Office Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street.

Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: 4732 7777 F: 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751.

E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

SERVICES Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735 Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Graffiti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

MEETING DATES Council Meetings 28 August 2017 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting) 11 September 2017 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au visitpenrith.com.au

For ticket and event info, head to visitpenrith.com.au

COUNCIL BRIEFS ● Calling all Young Innovators in Penrith. Do you have the next BIG Idea? Enter your idea, concept or design and you could win. Ideas need to create social change or a more sustainable future through Design and Technology, Arts and Humanities Science, Mathematics, Education and Business, leadership and social engagement.

Win $500 and be recognised at the next Penrith Talks: Innovation event on 18 October. Entries close 29 September 2017. For more information contact 4732 7645. ● Penrith Mayor John Thain launched Penrith City’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017–2021 last week. Over 50 people attended the launch, many of whom had contributed to the priorities in the Plan through their involvement in focus groups and consultations.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017–2021 is Council’s third inclusion plan for people with disability and continues Council’s leadership in making our City more inclusive and accessible.

Priority actions in the plan include increasing the provision of adaptable and accessible housing in the Penrith Local Government Area, increasing the numbers of people with disability employed

by Council and local businesses and continuing to ensure the City’s infrastructure meets the highest standards of accessibility. ● Don’t miss ‘Music by the River’ to be held at Tench Reserve on Sunday, 24 September between 11am–4pm. Bring family, friends and a picnic blanket. There’ll be a delicious array of cuisine on offer from our food stalls, face painting for the kids as well as some wonderful entertainment including Hannah Beeby, Deers From Embers, Karleigh Rose and more.

PUBLIC NOTICE Community Access Bus and Wheelchair Access Bus Applications are now being called for the use of the Community access buses in Penrith City for the period 1 October to 31 December 2017.

Applications must be received no later than Friday, 8 September 2017.

These applications will be assessed by Council and applicants will be notified of the outcome. For further information regarding fees, application forms and conditions of hire, please call 4732 7837.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

construction of 2-storey boarding house containing 8 boarding rooms Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078 Closing Date: 8 September 2017 s Cityscape Planning & Projects DA17/0744 161 Parker Street, South Penrith Seniors housing x 5 townhouses and associated car parking, drainage works and landscaping Contact: Jane Hetherington on 4732 8078 Closing Date: 8 September 2017 s Service Stream Mobile Communications DA17/0738 Lot 60 Roper Road, Colyton Telecommunications facility including 25m high monopole, panel antennas x 3 and associated infrastructure Contact: Lauren Van Etten on 4732 8222 Closing Date: 8 September 2017

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED Pursuant to Section 101 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Details of these determinations are available for public inspection free-of-charge during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith.

Approved Development Applications s Apex Building Systems Pty Ltd DA17/0225 Lot 932 DP 868627 (No. 8a) Links Road, St Marys Construction of an industrial building, use as a timber warehouse and remediation works s Fitzpatrick Investments Pty Ltd DA17/0280 Lot 2 DP 1215268, (Nos. 177–299) Lenore Drive, Erskine Park Industrial building, ancillary office space, car parking, hardstand areas, hail netting for freight transport facility and construction of access road s Arc Architects DA16/0694 Lots 144–146 DP 14333, (Nos. 28–32) Rodgers Street, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6-storey residential flat building containing 68 apartments and 2 levels of basement car parking

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

Viewing of Development Applications

s Designcorp Architects DA17/0710 95 Second Avenue, Kingswood Demolition of existing structures and construction of 2-storey boarding house containing 18 boarding rooms Contact: Clare Aslanis on 4732 8195 Closing Date: 8 September 2017 s Prescott Architects Pty Ltd DA17/0748 82 Mamre Road and 81 Collins Street, St Marys Boundary adjustment, demolition of existing structures and

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts Development Applications are displayed at the Penrith Civic Centre.

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

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker. Alternatively the applications can be viewed during Council’s normal business hours at the Civic Centre, 601 High Street, Penrith. Officers of Council’s Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

visitpenrith.com.au WW29813

9

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

Turning back time

In January 1969, it was announced that a new bridge would be built over the Nepean River at Regentville. A tender was awarded for the massive project and it was predicted that the new bridge would be completed by early 1971.

prize cupboard

T

here’s few places in Sydney that do waterside dining quite like Waterview Restaurant.

Situated on the picturesque banks of Berowra Creek in Bay Road, Berowra Waters, this dining favourite is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Since opening in 1992 Waterview Restaurant has gained a reputation for its amazing seafood buffet that features a range of fresh produce bought daily by owner Allan Ray. “We only use the freshest ingredients and we regularly review the dishes on offer so we’re not serving the same thing all the time,” Mr Ray said.

“We’re also blessed with a truly wonderful waterside location which people really love.”

For more information, visit www.waterviewrestaurant. com.au or call 9456 2633.

The Weekender is giving away two double dining vouchers to Waterview restaurant valued at $130.00 ($65.00 per head). For your chance to win one, email the code word ‘WATERVIEW’ to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Thursday, August 31. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

Alex Farrell Penrith FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Outback Steakhouse FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? ParraBey FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Penrith RSL FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? The football WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? How multicultural it is WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? The Nepean River

10,000 tickets have already been sold to the Matildas v Brazil match at Pepper Stadium next month. It’s great to see the Penrith community getting behind women’s soccer in such huge numbers.

Channel Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ program showed five-year-old footage of a brawl in Penrith on Wednesday and tried to pass it off as fresh news. No wonder the public has such disdain for the media.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

83

Sydney lost a broadcasting icon last week when former 2UE star Gary O’Callaghan passed away at the age of 83.

O’Callaghan was a legend of Sydney radio, pioneering the current breakfast format heard on stations across the dial. He was the first Australian broadcaster to include live traffic reports as part of his programs. Best known for his coverage of the Petrov affair and his sidekick Sammy Sparrow, O’Callaghan was at 2UE from 1956 until 2003. He will be sadly missed.

10

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

wwpenrith

westernweekender

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

NEW SHOWROOM OPEN BUILDING INFORMATION NIGHT

Thursday 14th September 7:00pm - 9:00pm Register Now – admin@csduncan.com.au

125 Batt St, Jamisontown - Open 7 Days 4703 4820

Dimensions, photos and floor plans are for illustrative purposes and may include optional features. Hotondo reserve the right to change plans, specifications, materials and suppliers without notice.

WW29024

HOTONDO.COM.AU

11

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

12

Penrith’s a tourism hot spot More domestic and international tourists than ever before are visiting Penrith and staying for longer to experience the region’s world-class attractions and experiences.

New visitor research reveals the number of overnight international visitors in Penrith has increased by 26 per cent and domestic overnight visitors by 52.4 per cent over the 2015/16 period.

The increase in overnight visitation has boosted the local economy by $26.9 million during this period, with international visitors contributing most by staying on average 20.3 days in Penrith.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said these latest survey results confirm that tourism continues to play a vital role in Penrith’s local economy.

“Tourism injected $257.9 million into the local economy in the 2015/16 period by employing thousands of local people directly and indirectly and stimulating new infrastructure, development and businesses,” Cr Thain said.

“Council commissioned the Destination Management Plan (DMP) in 2015 and developed a strategic direction for the development, management and marketing of Penrith as a tourism destination.

‘Since its launch in 2015, we’ve been working closely with tourism operators to develop a compelling proposition for visitors and with all levels of government to maximise funding opportunities.”

Penrith has been successful in hosting a range of major events to boost tourism.

Events

$5 million weekend thanks to events ‘Super Saturday’ set to attract thousands to Penrith in September TROY DODDS

eptember 16 is looming as “Super Saturday” in Penrith with three international events taking place in the city, set to attract tens of thousands of tourists and locals alike.

There will be a huge $5 million injection into the local economy in one weekend with the popular Defqon.1 music festival, an international soccer friendly and a major tennis tournament all taking place.

Penrith Mayor John Thain said Council is proud to have played an important role in securing and supporting these events for the benefit of the city and for our residents.

“These three major events will provide a significant economic boost for our local economy; thousands of visitors are expected to stay in the region, eat at our restaurants and buy things from local businesses. This will bring in an estimated $5 million across the weekend,” Cr Thain said.

“These events will also lift the profile of Penrith as a visitor destination in the lead up and across the weekend, with people travelling from across Australia and the world to attend while coverage of the Matildas game on Fox Sports is expected to be viewed by millions of people.”

S

Katrina Gorry will play for Australia in Penrith. Photo: Matt Johnson The three major events on September 16 are: • The Westfield Matildas take on Brazil at Pepper Stadium • The Penrith Tennis International gets underway at the Penrith tennis courts (and runs until September 24) • Defqon.1 returns, bringing the world’s best musicians and performers to Penrith

Tickets for the events are on sale now; with ticket prices for the Matildas vs Brazil game starting at just $10 for kids.

The Penrith Tennis International is a free event which the local community are being invited to support.

“16-17 September is going to be a great weekend in Penrith,” Cr Thain said.

More information can be found at www. visitpenrith.com.au.

WW29745

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

SUNDAY

27 AUGUST

KICK-OFF

4PM PEPPER STADIUM

GATES OPEN AT 1.30PM

GAMEDAY SPONSOR

WHAT’S ON FREE Carnival Rides + Brydens Lawyers Photo Booth FREE Limited Edition Trent Merrin posters

HALF-TIME GIVEAWAY: Win a 2017 Ford EcoSport Trend Finalists drawn from 3.15pm Members must be at Pepper Stadium to win

SHOW YOUR #PANTHERPRIDE WW29168

13

Friday, August 25, 2017 « 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.

Man who used laser on police chopper to appeal jail sentence

A Werrington man who shone a laser at a police helicopter, temporarily blinding one of the crew, will spend at least nine months behind bars.

Luke Steven Jones, 31, fronted Penrith Local Court on Monday and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment after pleading guilty to the July 29 offence.

Magistrate Roger Clisdell said while he may not have intended any harm, he could have easily brought the chopper down and many people could have been killed, 7 News reported.

PolAir were assisting St Marys police with an unrelated incident when the laser beam was directed at the aircraft in the vicinity of Victoria Street.

Jones, who was subject to a suspended sentence for drug offences at the time, was later caught red-handed by police shining the laser pointer towards the sky from his unit balcony.

He was charged with ‘possess prohibited weapon without a permit’ and ‘do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board’.

He will appeal the decision at Penrith District Court next month.

Plea bargain for man accused of stalking student

The man accused of stalking a Jamison High School student over the course of six years has been offered a plea deal.

Paul Scott Howes was excused from attending Penrith Local Court last Friday if legally represented and the prosecution mentioned his matter on his behalf.

The 33-year-old, who is accused of 24 counts of ‘stalk with intend to fear’ and 17 counts of ‘stalk school student while attending school’ was initially denied bail in June last year but has subsequently been released on conditional liberty.

His matter was adjourned to next month for further negotiations and for the defence to obtain instructions on the plea bargain.

14

Alleged bike thief angry at magistrate’s ruling

A Londonderry man who allegedly stole a bicycle from a St Marys shopping centre has been refused bail.

Jason Clem Kemp became enraged and repeatedly screamed “that is fu**ing bulls--t” when he was denied release last Friday.

Police alleged Kemp broke into a store and stole the bike on the evening of August 17, fleeing the scene when confronted by security.

However, his lawyer submitted he attended the location to use the toilet and the black gloves he was wearing were purely to protect himself from the cold.

Kemp, who was only released from custody in May this year, has pleaded not guilty to all sequences and “vehemently denies in particular the break and enter charge”, his lawyer said.

His matter was adjourned to October 17.

Time waster who had anxiety attack back in court next week

A magistrate has laid into an alleged offender for wasting the court’s time.

Ramez Zakhary appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday after being picked up on a warrant for failing to appear at court.

The court heard Zakhary had a hearing scheduled that morning to contest his personal violence matter, but claimed he was unable to get out of bed due to an anxiety attack.

“This wasn’t a memory issue, it was an anxiety issue,” his lawyer told a sceptical Magistrate Carl Milovanovich.

Magistrate Milovanoich labelled Zakhary’s behaviour “utterly unacceptable”.

“Who do you think pays for this?” he bellowed.

“I should really refuse you bail because you’re a pain.

“Everybody is running around trying to help you and you don’t even make a phone call.”

Magistrate Milovanovich said he was “sincerely unimpressed” by the accused’s whole involvement with the criminal justice system, noting he had been charged eight or nine times for breaching his bail.

“It seems you have an anxiety attack when it suits you,” he said.

His matter was relisted for mention to August 31.

Knife wielder ordered to spend more time in jail

An offender who repeatedly armed himself with a knife has been told “this is not the Wild West or the jungle” before being ordered to spend more time behind bars.

Magistrate Stephen Corry told Scott Johnston Bell the community was “sick of people walking around carrying knives”.

“For some reason, people want to arm themselves with weapons for protection... this is not the Wild West or the jungle,” he stated.

Bell faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday for a raft of offences, including ‘common assault’, ‘possess prohibited drug’, ‘custody of a knife in a public place’ and ‘stealing’.

The court heard Bell was caught with a small amount of cannabis, and when he was busted stealing chicken, began a “sustained assault” on the loss protection officer.

“He was just trying to do his job... and you launched yourself on him,” Magistrate Corry said.

He is eligible for release on parole on November 18.

Woman released on bail despite prosecution’s pleas

A magistrate has blasted a woman with a penchant for breaching bail, saying an unsecured deposit won’t cut it anymore.

Penrith Local Court heard Patricia Treloar was found hiding and provided a false name when police came looking for her when she failed to front court.

The prosecution opposed bail, saying

the accused’s record was “littered” with warrants, fail to appears and breach of bonds.

Magistrate Carl Milovanovich said the community can’t expect police to waste valuable time hunting her down just for her to get out again, but still granted her release. She is charged with ‘possess prohibited drug’ and ‘goods in custody suspected of being stolen’.

Woman given benefit of the doubt but urged to be careful

A woman who continued driving to keep her job has been read the riot act.

Faaifo Fuimaono appeared before Penrith Local Court having been convicted of driving while suspended in her absence.

Fuimaono told the court she got her dates mixed up and came to court one day late.

“Now you’re in the same position as you would have been if you turned up to court on the correct day,” Magistrate Carl Milovanovich said, after setting aside her original penalty and conviction.

The offender said her community care role was the only one she has known and allowed her to pay off her mortgage and care for her husband who can’t work.

Noting her demerit point suspension was now technically over, Magistrate Milovanovich determined to give her a chance, but not before issuing a parting warning.

“These points don’t go away, if you have another offence you’ll be suspended and you won’t be able to drive and you’ll lose your job,” he said.

“No more traffic offences, you need to be very careful.”

Drink driver ordered off the roads for six months

Mark Jason Ryan has been banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to drink driving.

The Cambridge Park resident was busted following a random breath test, blowing 0.085.

WW29439

COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

Emu Plains: Man calls police after shock discovery

One resident made an unexpected discovery when demolishing an outhouse over the weekend, uncovering a tank shell.

At about 10am on Saturday, August 19, police were called to an address on Jamieson Street, Emu Plains.

A resident was demolishing an outhouse attached to the 60-year-old house, breaking up the concrete with a sledgehammer when they located an unexploded tank shell. When police attended, they liaised with bomb technicians at the Orchard Hills RAAF base.

Through photographs, it was established that the tank shell was not live.

Police took possession of the tank shell that measured 34cm by 7cm and passed it on to bomb technicians who then disposed of it.

It was described as being very old, rusty and missing the rear cap.

Penrith: Drugs fall out of man’s pocket at Panthers

The emotional and erratic behaviour of one partier at Panthers Leagues Club has led to his arrest.

A 26-year-old Erskine Park man attended the club on Saturday, August 19, when security guards noticed his erratic behaviour on CCTV around 11.10pm The guards approached the man, who seemed to be under the influence of illicit drugs. When they asked for his identification, a small plastic bag fell out of the man’s pocket that contained pills the man claimed was ecstasy.

The security guards asked the man to come with them to the office where they contacted police.

An interview was conducted at the location where the man admitted to police the items in the bag were Ice and MDMA for his personal use.

Enquiries revealed the man was out on bail, and he was then arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station to be charged.

with Daniel McKinnon

Emu Plains: Football game turns ugly thanks to assault

A game of football has turned violent after a heated argument about money, putting one man in hospital.

Between 7pm and 8pm on Monday, August 14, a 21-year-old man was playing football with friends at Regatta Park, Emu Plains.

A 19-year-old man from Doonside was invited to participate, when a heated exchange began between the 19-year-old and the 21-year-old about money owed to the former.

The male from Doonside then punched the 21-year-old in what is described as a coward’s punch, striking his head at the left ear. The male then fell to the ground, and two additional males began assaulting the 21-year-old as he was on the ground.

He was then treated at Westmead Hospital with bruises and cuts from the incident, and the assault was reported to police a short time after his release.

The male from Doonside then attended the police station where he was charged with ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’ and ‘affray’.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, September 19.

North St Marys: Man who broke into shopping centre arrested

Police allege a 45-year-old North St Marys man has forced the doors open to a shopping centre in St Marys at about 11.45pm on Thursday, August 17.

The man has entered the centre where he was confronted by Security, and then fled. Around 1.20am on Friday, August 18, police have located the man at South Creek Park and after a short pursuit the man was arrested.

He was charged with ‘Break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent (steal)’, ‘Resist officer in execution of duty’, ‘Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen’ and ‘Possess implements to enter/drive conveyance’.

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

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Deceased Estates: A real life story Mainstream media has been reporting on the case of Daniel Leverton and the circumstances surrounding the distribution of his estate following his premature death at age 40.

Mr Leverton, a former Defenceman, died on the Mid Coast of NSW leaving a Will, however this did not prevent a dispute regarding his estate.

In his Will, Mr Leverton named his former wife and the mother of his children as his Executor, and reportedly left his whole estate to his two children.

What Mr Leverton failed to do however was make a nomination with his superannuation fund nominating his children as his preferred beneficiaries in relation to his accrued superannuation funds and death benefit.

As a result, it has been reported that of the $451,500 worth of superannuation Mr Leverton had, only $49,664 went to his two children, and the balance went to his apparent defacto with whom it has been reported he had only been living with on a short term basis prior to his death.

This case highlights a number of important considerations when considering what will happen to your assets after you die.

Firstly, it is critically important to have a Will, as we hear dozens of cases every year of seemingly young and healthy people dying prematurely.

Secondly, it is important to take advice from a suitably qualified solicitor as to how your Estate can be divided.

Very few of the clients we see for the

first time know that superannuation does not form part of a person’s estate, and it is not distributed in accordance with their Will.

Further, they are not aware that they may be able to contact their superannuation fund and nominate a certain beneficiary.

To lawyers who are trained in this area, the story of Mr Leverton’s superannuation split is unsurprising.

Superannuation is designed to provide for people in their retirement, so in circumstances where a person dies before retirement, the rationale when determining who should get their money is that it should go to any person or people who were dependent on the deceased in some way.

This means that whilst this story may tug at the heartstrings and appear on the surface to be unjust, if Mr Leverton was in fact living in a defacto relationship and his partner was financially dependent upon him, provision of his superannuation monies to her is arguably justified.

What this case also highlights is the need to be very conscious of your Estate planning if you have been through a separation or divorce and/or have children from multiple relationships.

For expert advice on estate planning, contact us today.

Do you have a legal question you’d like Daniel to answer? Email news@ westernweekender.com.au or contact us via Facebook.

We contribute to the Weekender with a weekly legal column

• Conveyancing and Property Law

• Will Disputes

• Wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship

• Business and Commercial Law

• Deceased Estates

COMPLETE L E G A L & C O N V E YA N C I N G

4704 9991

• Traffic Law • Family Law

Complete Legal & Conveyancing are happy to offer readers of the Weekender a 20% discount on their legal fees – call today to find out more Suite 11, 354-360 High St, Penrith info@completelaw.com.au • www.completelaw.com.au

WW28971

Call us today for a FREE phone consultation on

• Migration Agents

• Criminal Law

15

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

JAPANESE UDON NOODLE SOUP

TRIN WU TRIN’S ASIAN MART WESTFIELD PENRITH Age: 38 Suburb: Live in Penrith Occupation: Business owner What do you like about your occupation?

It is my greatest pleasure to bring Asian food to Penrith people.

How did you get into this line of work?

Having been living in Penrith for years I’m glad to bring culture, diversity to these lovely Penrith people.

Qualities someone would need of your job?

Enthusiasm and perseverance How long have you been in this job? 6 months Hobbies: Cooking and Piano

Prep time: 15 mins Makes: Serves 2 Ingredients: • 2 x 250g frozen Udon • 80ml “ Ninben Tsuyo” (Bonito Soup Stock Concentration) • 4 Tbsp Mirin • ½ Tbsp Salt • 2 Slices of Carrot • 2 Tsp Fresh Chives • 2Tbsp Nori Komi (Rice Seasoning Furikake) • ½ Tsp S & B Nanami Tagarashi (Shichimi Chilli Powder) • 2 slices of Kibun Naruto Maki ( Frozen Fish Cake)

METHOD: 1. Put frozen Udon into boiling water for 3 minutes. Take them out and rinse with cold water.

2. Put Ninben tsuyu, mirin, salt, carrot, kibun Naruto Maki into 720ml cold water and boil them. Put in cooked udon when half way boiling. You can put in some cooked beef, chicken or prawn if you like. Then add in the chives and Nori Homi when fully cooked.

3. Serve with you for 2 people.

Choose our premium selection of Japanese drinks – Rumune, Pokka, Kirin or Suntory all free beer!

SAVE ON FRESH FOOD THE FRESH FOOD PRECINCT GREAT SAVING

SAVE $0.50

SAVE $1

1400

$ 00/2kg

5

$

$ 99/pnt

5

Sweet Strawberries

Any 4 Pizzas

Chicken Wings

TRIM’S FRESH

BAKERS DELIGHT

RED LEA CHICKEN

SAVE $3

SAVE $7.00

SAVE $0.50

3299/kg

$ 99/4 cups

32/box of 12

$

$

4

Raw C Coconut water

Chilli Turkey Breast

Yan Yan Cup

HEALTHY LIFE

DELI DELIGHTS

TRIN’S ASIAN MART

PENRITH Offers Valid Thursday 24 August – Wednesday 30 August 2017. Images are for illustrative purposes only. No rain checks. Retailers have all rights over changing specials. Offers valid while stocks last.

16

WW25921

Providing food and comfort

Retirement village reforms

Volunteers are at the heart of Nepean Food Services and its work in Penrith

Glad Simonis with Stuart Ayres tate Penrith MP Stuart Ayres this week met with local resident Glad Simonis to discuss the benefits and features of the new package of reforms for retirement village residents that were recently announced by the State Government.

Minister for Better Regulation, Matt Kean, said the package includes a fourpoint plan that will put consumers first and protect residents from potentially dodgy practices.

“Retirees have worked hard their whole life so I’ll be coming down on any operators who have not complied with the law,” he said.

“This plan will put consumers first by making contracts more transparent, giving residents the tools to compare costs, and cracking down on providers through a compliance blitz.”

Mr Ayres said the plan also includes an inquiry that will make sure residents have the protections they deserve, while ensuring retirement village operators are complying with the law.

Kathryn Greiner will head the inquiry, which examines all registered retirement villages across NSW, and their compliance with the Retirement Villages Act 1999.

“This inquiry will safeguard the rights of residents in Penrith retirement villages, and be tough on those who take advantage of our seniors,” Mr Ayres said.

“Our retirees have made so many valuable contributions to the Penrith community; they deserve to live fulfilling, independent lives in the village of their choosing.

“These measures will work to bolster transparency and give current and future retirement village residents the details they need to make the most informed choice.”

S

Naozer Contractor is one of the many volunteers who bring warm smiles and delicious meals to clients each week.

Photo: Emily Newton EMILY NEWTON

he laughter and love of over 90 local volunteers at Nepean Food Services is being recognised this National Meals on Wheels Day on Wednesday, August 30.

With over 500 clients in the area, Nepean Food Services will deliver in excess of 50,000 meals annually, but a meal delivery is so much more than just food.

Service Co-ordinator, Ellen Pearce, said the introduction of social clubs has seen amazing feedback as clients are taken out for food and the chance to have a chat, giggle and sing-along.

“With our social clubs, they really help to save people from isolation,” Ms Pearce said.

“I did have one lady say one time that

T

she felt as though she lived in a cemetery, she was so lonely.

“But she was so happy when our bus would turn up and pick her up, she really enjoyed the outings.”

With seven different clubs running, including special events, brunch and breakfast, clients have enjoyed it so much that they have began calling to ask when the next event is.

Nepean Food Services Operations Manager, Ditte Kozak, said the success of the social club is thanks to their volunteers.

“We’ve got these lovely volunteers that go out and make it a happy occasion where they can go out and have fun,” Ms Kozak said.

“Because this is a growing experience, people who are isolated and sitting in their own homes want to get out and have a social experience.

“It’s grown threefold over the last year, so we’ve got people waiting to come on and we can’t do it because we haven’t got enough buses.”

With a waiting list as the popularity continues to grow, Ms Kozak hopes to fundraise to buy another bus to help event more clients.

But ultimately the joy of the events clients experience comes from the volunteers who always put in the extra effort.

“They make it fun for our clients, our wonderful volunteers are great, we couldn’t provide these services without them,” Ms Kozak said.

“The volunteers will also go in when delivering meals and do a little wellness check on our clients.”

This year Nepean Food Services celebrates 25 years servicing the Penrith area while NSW Meals on Wheels celebrates its 60th diamond anniversary.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Community

Event

Competitors fly in from around the world for Championships EMILY NEWTON

enrith’s iFly Downunder welcomed over 150 competitors for the 2017 Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships last weekend.

“This was the biggest indoor skydiving event ever to be held in Australia,” Indoor Skydive’s Cheryl Dawson said.

“It was the third annual Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships and the first to be spread over two days due to the size.”

With competitors aged from seven to 68-years-old, skydiving is fun for just

P

about anyone as the sport rapidly grows in popularity within Australia.

Inside the vertical wind tunnel entrants performed with speed, skill and precision as competitive skydivers displayed their perfectly refined aerobatic abilities.

“Along with all of the best indoor skydivers from across Australia, we also had flyers over from Singapore, including Junior Freestyle World Champion and five time Guinness World Record holder Kyra Poh, competing in four categories,” Ms Dawson said.

“The level of competition was absolutely phenomenal. There was a huge turnout for the event of both competitors and specta-

Team Air Goddess was one of the teams that competed as a group. Photo: Kate Reid tors, and the excitement and ambience was incredible.

“This event was yet another stepping stone to making the sport of indoor

skydiving included in the Olympics.”

Since opening a number of years ago outside Panthers, iFly Downunder has been a major tourism hit for Penrith.

17

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Hix Group is celebrating its 25th Year in business and is continuing to grow!

We currently have a number of roles available, to join our Penrith Based business, with a range of government, commercial, construction & domestic clients throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area

ELECTRICAL TRADES – ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division.

Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools.

You will be responsible for prep & checking of invoices, quotes & documentation for jobs, assisting the managers with progress & handling of scheduled works & other admin duties related to progress of works.

In addition to your trades background you will have computer skills, strong communication skills & attention to detail & accuracy.

Apprentices – 2nd or 3rd Year Plumbing and Electrical Looking for a great team and a structured training program to complete your trade and move into a permanent role ?

Call us now to discuss

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS – MAINTENANCE We are adding to our team of qualified maintenance electricians, and are seeking licensed tradespeople with experience in domestic & commercial works, fault finding, stove & hot water repairs & all general electrical repairs & installs.

Works will be across Government, Council, commercial, industrial & domestic sites and will include repairs ,maintenance installation, testing & inspection and fitout works.

You will be an efficient & customer based tradesperson who values the service Hix Group provides to clients & you will be willing & able to train and develop our apprentices who are also a valuable part of our company’s growth.

RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN & ACCOUNTS Are you a recent HSC school leaver who is looking to undertake a traineeship in business administration in order to undertake a Reception, Accounts & Administration role? Or perhaps you have already started a course and are keen to find employment whilst studying?

You will be the first point of contact for our company so a great first impression is a must along with: • Effective phone manner & strong communication skills • Willingness to learn and show initiative • Ability to work in a team and adapt to work changes • Attention to detail and accuracy when performing all duties We will support you in undertaking the certificate IV Business Services (or completing this if you have already made a start) whilst working full time and provide many opportunities for you to learn new skills.

You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (applications will be treated in strict confidence)

Enquiries to: Justin Walker, Senior Manager, Electrical Services – Phone: 4721 7500

WW29826

Penrith, welcome to easy everyday banking at your local CommBank branch.

Over the years we’ve come to understand the needs of locals, and we’d love the opportunity to meet you and understand your financial goals. Every path is different, but they all have one thing in common – we’re here to help.

Drop by and meet our customer service team soon. They have the inside knowledge on everything from home loans and credit cards to insurance and business banking.

Branch Manager Narelle Meredith narelle.meredith@cba.com.au

Personal Lending Manager Lesa Villiotis lesa.villiotis@cba.com.au 0459 893 613

Relationship Manager Premier Banking Joshua Zyffert Joshua.Zyffert@cba.com.au 0427 588 938

And here’s another idea. Why not book a free Financial Health Check with a member of our team.

We can review your financial needs to make sure you’re utilising the accounts and products that best suit you.

You’ll find us at 384 - 386 High Street Penrith NSW 2750, phone 02 4731 0777.

Things you should know This advertisement has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances before you act on it and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Terms and conditions are available from commbank.com.au Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124.

18

WW29816

Recruits ready to serve and protect Six new police officers start work in Penrith and St Marys as latest class graduates from Academy EMILY NEWTON

hree new police recruits have had their first week on the beat at St Marys Local Area Command.

Probationary constables Sam Abdallah, Melissa Brimfield and Aaron Mondon were excited to have traded the cold and windy Goulburn for the sunny western suburbs of Sydney following their attestation parade last week.

Speaking to the Weekender on their first day on the job on Monday, Mr Abdallah said he was drawn to the career because of its diversity.

“It’s a job that is always different every day, you don’t know what to expect on one given day,” he said.

Ms Brimfield agreed, saying she always wanted an exciting job, but now the options of where she might end up seem endless.

“I was always certain I was going to go to the Federal Police, but now that I am being shown all the different branches of the Police Force, I’m not really sure,” Ms Brimfield said.

The trio recounted their experience in Goulburn at the Police Academy, happy to now find themselves in warmer weather.

T

Sam Abdallah, Melissa Brimfield and Aaron Mondon joined the St Marys Local Area Command this week. Photo: Melinda Jane “The weather isn’t so great,” Ms Brimfield laughed.

“It was a big change, you’ve got to live there five days a week, and it is physically

and emotionally draining.”

Minister for Police Troy Grant joined NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller for the attestation parade last week.

Mr Grant said Class 331 brings the number of sworn officers to pass through the Goulburn Police Academy since 2011 to 4,163 and acknowledged the extraordinary commitment and dedication of the men and women who have chosen a career in law enforcement.

“As a community, we ask a lot of our police. We expect them to stand in harm’s way to prevent and disrupt criminal activity,” he said.

“It is an admirable and honourable profession, and we owe each and every new recruit an enormous debt of gratitude for devoting their careers to the safety of the people of NSW. “Our men and women in blue encounter the very best and worst of humanity in the line of duty, and the NSW Police family will be there to encourage and support our newest recruits as they embark on the next stage of their careers.”

Penrith Local Area Command also welcomed three probationary constables into their ranks this week.

State Penrith MP, Stuart Ayres, said it was great to see new officers in the area.

“I would like to welcome our newest officers to the region, and extend our gratitude to them for devoting their careers to such an honourable cause,” he said.

WW29630

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Police

19

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

True fighter lends her experience to others EMILY NEWTON

fter fighting cancer three times, 56-year-old Tammy Kajewski knows how valuable buying a daffodil can be, 30 years after being told to “get her affairs in order”.

“I was only 26 the first time and that’s when I had two young children, I fell pregnant throughout my treatment,” Ms Kajewski said.

“That was cervical cancer, and then nine years later I was diagnosed with breast cancer, five years later was stomach cancer, and now I’m all clear.”

She described the first time she was diagnosed as “a shock to the system”, especially after falling pregnant with twins.

“My body sort of fought back, I feel like they’re the ones that fought for me,” she said.

Every year she volunteers for the Cancer Council on Daffodil Day, putting herself out there for people to have a heartfelt conversation with.

“The biggest percentage of people coming up are survivors, or know someone close to them that is a survivor and they have their stories to tell,” Ms Kajewski said.

A

“You get talking to them, and they’re comfortable talking to you and you realise that you’ve been through the same thing.

“I like hearing people’s own journeys and how they get through it, what they’re going through and if I can help in any way with advice.”

The simplest advice Ms Kajewski has to give is to accept the offer of help and support from family and friends.

“A lot of people try and do it on their own, thinking they don’t want to be a bother or a burden,” she said.

“But family and friends want to help, they want to be involved and do what they can.”

She said the small gestures “like making you a cup of tea when you’re having a bad day and haven’t got the energy to get up” are enough to change the outlook of a whole day.

Like most people who will be buying a daffodil this year, cancer is still a huge part of Ms Kajewski’s life.

“My sister is going through a terrible time with her breast cancer and my mum’s just gone through it as well,” she said.

The Penrith Team Leader for the Cancer Council will join other volunteers at Westfield Penrith to sell merchandise and accept donations for Daffodil Day today, August 25.

dear weekender...

Our supplies cover a whole range of products that effectively assist in the cleaning of: • Auto Care • Algae • Bathrooms • Carpets

• Toilet Paper • Floors • Floor Pads • Homes • Liquid Soap Dispensers • Hospitals • Hotels

• Janitorial • Kitchens • Laundries • Mop Buckets • Safety Maintenance • Vacuums • Vacuum Accessories • Windows

Agar Chemicals & other products now available

email: news@westernweekender.com.au post: Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown 2750

Vote or survey?

CLEANING SUPPLIES

8/176 Forrester Rd, ST MARYS 9:00am-5:00pm 9:30am-1:00pm Closed

1300 853 738 www.adorecleaningsupplies.com.au

WW29554

M-F Sat Sun

Nepean District Athletics Club 2017/2018 SEASON

Location: Blair Oval, St Marys Registration Night: Wednesday 30th August at 5 - 7.30pm Dual Registration for U/12 - U/17 Little Athletics Athletes First Competition Night Wed 6th Sept at 6.30pm All Athletes & Fitness levels welcome We support Athletes who compete interstate & overseas

Come & join our family-orientated club

20

Tammy Kajewski and Dianne Goodwin volunteering for Daffodil Day at Westfield Penrith last year

Your issue on August 18 includes an article about the same-sex marriage “postal vote”. The metropolitan dailies also use this phrase. And yet the TV ads say that it is a “survey” which is being run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Therefore it is not a vote at all: our opinions on the issue are merely being canvassed. The ABS do not run elections, they do the Census. They are simply using the AEC’s federal enrolment information to issue the survey forms. The result of this “survey” will therefore mean nothing, because you can bet that the powers that be will simply manipulate the survey results for their own purpose and I’m sure much will be made of the percentage of people who do not respond to the survey.

I think people are being hoodwinked into thinking that they are actually voting to change the law. They’re not.

ANGELA SMITH, ST MARYS

Two sides to the story

WW29381

For all enquiries please contact: Evelyn Stark 9623 6608 or 0418 962 366

The same-sex marriage debate has produced two camps which are at war with each other and who can’t see that there are two points of view on this question. They may both have a point.

The religious community rely on the Bible for their outlook on marriage and how it works. The same-sex community believe they have been left out of the picture when it comes to committed

relationships. If we don’t want an ongoing war on this matter it may be wiser to let the religious community have their marriage ceremony and for the same-sex community to be invited to create a new name for their ceremony. They should have the same legal rights as everyone else and that is where the real equality will be satisfied.

PETER STAPLETON, VIA EMAIL

Let’s have our say on more than just same-sex marriage If we are to have a plebiscite on same-sex marriage, then why not extend it to cover other issues? There are many divided opinions on many subjects such as immigration, the selling of public assets, and becoming a republic. I am sure there are many more concerns and extra ticks cannot hurt us too much.

BILL STOCKWELL, PENRITH

Supporting the homeless in our community Mayor John Thain’s well written column on the homeless (Weekender August 11) was excellent for understanding a troubling issue. Its humanity makes me proud to live in Penrith. In contrast, the State Government’s attack on the poor buggers in Martin Place is a disgrace.

JAMES MCEVOY, PENRITH

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.

For more information, see our public notices section.

Expo Visit Leads to Big Career Move Two years ago, 15 year old Daniel went along to the Western Sydney Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo at Penrith Panthers with his dad.

“I had heard about the Expo from my school careers counsellor and thought I’d go along and see what was available,” says second year plant mechanic Daniel Manicaro. “Dad’s a mechanic so I was used to helping him work on our own machinery growing up so I’ve ϐ scale. I met Steve from My Gateway and he guided me through the process. Steve spoke to TRN and helped in getting things organised for my apprenticeship.”

Civil engineering and haulage company TRN Group has all the big earthmoving machines Daniel could wish for. Dz ϐ everything from changing oil to welding to breaking down machines for repair,” said employer Richard Fordham from TRN Group.

“I enjoy working on the larger machines and the challenge of having a hands on approach to solving mechanical problems. I’m lucky that I get to work on a variety of different machinery rather than just one type,” says Daniel. “TAFE is really great. I learn best hands-on so the teachers help us out and guide us along so we get a thorough understanding of the course work. I’m really happy with the choices I’ve made; I wouldn’t change anything.”

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

ADVERTISEMENT

The Western Sydney Apprenticeship & Traineeship Expo runs from 3pm – 8pm on Tuesday 29 August, 2017 at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club Marquee.

TAFE NSW will have hands-on demonstrations and teachers available to discuss career options with students and their parents.

tafe.ws/ATexpo

+ '( &" '- " -

$$& "( ' $ (& " ' $ ,$# The perfect opportunity for students and job seekers.

August 2017

3.00 - 8.00pm FREE Public Entry

OVER POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS AND TRAINING PROVIDERS!

Penrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee, Mulgoa Road, Penrith

Powered By:

Principal Partner

VISIT: tafe.ws/ATexpo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: WW29428

21

Friday, August 25, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

T S R O W JOKE D A D the t u o ab r on? a o e h m he you Did rant on t d, u oo resta Great f here. osp m t no a

We want to hear your worst dad jokes.

The winner will be decided by Vintage FM and will win a radio interview and four Hoyts tickets from The Western Weekender.

Why do chicken coops o nly hav e two d Becaus oors? e if the y h they w ould be ad four, ch sedans icken .

Did you hear about the guy w ho invented Lifesav ers?

They say he ma de a mint.

22

Playing the music you grew up with

Submit your worst Dad jokes to: info@westernweekender.com.au WW29793

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Community

How accepting help changed Christel’s life EMILY NEWTON

urning 81-years-old in September, Penrith’s Christel Fooks has spent her life looking after others, but now struggles to accept the help back in her retirement.

“It’s very hard when you’re totally on your own sometimes. You feel very lost,” Ms Fooks said.

“The last two and a half years were very bad, I lost a husband and I lost a daughter.

It’s hard to get over that, but life goes on.”

Following her husband’s death, Ms Fooks was contacted by a social worker that let her know that help was available if she wanted it, changing her life.

In something serendipitous, Ms Fooks chose KinCare as her service provider because she liked the name, at first uneasy of accepting help.

But since beginning with them in 2015, she now sees her carer Michelle as a dear friend.

“I call her my angel because she is more than a carer, she is in every way a good friend,” Ms Fooks said.

“She makes my life very enjoyable. I count the days until she comes back.”

The pair see each other weekly to go on outings together or enjoy quality time at

T

the home Ms Fooks has lived in since way back in 1975.

“The time that she is here, it’s a different life. I have someone to talk to. I can talk to myself but I don’t answer myself back yet, that day will come,” Ms Fooks joked.

“She knows more about me than I know about myself.”

A retired nurse, Ms Fooks remains active knitting beanies for the neonatal ward at Nepean Hospital and blankets for other KinCare clients. She often feels guilty accepting help, especially after dedicating her whole life to helping others in both her career and her large family of 10 children that now live across the globe.

Many older Australians experience real fear in becoming a burden, and hold off asking for assistance from family or the community.

This sadly leads to tragic cases of loneliness and isolation, something that KinCare and other aged service providers are trying desperately to prevent.

Jason Howie, CEO of KinCare, believes that direct connection and interaction is essential in helping clients who, like Ms Fooks, can be overwhelmed with feelings of guilt or fear.

“A lot of it has to do with the connections that people make and dealing with social isolation issues,” he said.

Christel Fooks says that accepting the assistance available to her has helped her more than she could have imagined. Photo: Melinda Jane

MAXIMUM SERVICE....

MINIMUM FUSS....

Do you need a Will?

• AIRPORT TRANSFERS • CRUISE SHIP TRANSFERS • WEDDINGS • HENS & BUCKS PARTIES • CORPORATE FUNCTIONS • GOLF / BOYS DAY OUT • GIRLS NIGHT OUT • CHRISTMAS FUNCTIONS

Have there been recent changes in your Life?

Let us help you plan for the future.

Are you an Executor of an estate and don’t know where to start?

Probate forms confusing?

No Will and you need to apply for Letters of Administration?

We also offer Estate Administration including, Applying for Probate, Letters of Administration, calling in and disbursement of assets to beneficiaries.

We offer fixed price Estate administration.

Please contact us for further information.

LET US BE YOUR PLAN B www.maxibuses.com ellen@maxibuses.com PH:

4729-0666

WW28907 WW28907

%

50off

Wills & Power of Attorneys

During the month of August

Amanda Little Principal Solicitor 3/36 Woodriff Street Penrith NSW 2750 PO Box 662 Penrith NSW 2751 T: (02) 47 616 935 F: (02) 47 616 939 WW24263

23

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Council

Complete bridge closure unlikely Wallacia Bridge won’t be closed during repairs but drivers remain frustrated with long delays ALENA HIGGINS

esidents concerned Wallacia Bridge will have to be closed while repairs take place may be able to breathe a sigh of relief after Wollondilly Shire Council indicated complete road closures were unlikely.

Motorists who use the bridge took to social media and email to vent their frustration at Council’s apparent inaction earlier this month, after the Weekender revealed it would be at least another eight months before the project to replace the ageing bearings was complete.

The bridge, which is the only way in and out of the town, has been subject to a speed reduction and tonnage limit since June 2016 but, to date, no works have commenced.

“The tender process is near complete, and based on methodologies provided, Council does not foresee that complete road closures would be required for any length of time,” Wollondilly’s Manager of Infrastructure, Strategic and Planning, Mike Nelson said.

“Some delays should be expected during construction works which are an inevitable part of bridge works.”

R

Penrith Councillor Ross Fowler at Wallacia Bridge. Photo: Kate Reid

Silverdale resident Kerry Bolic said up until now the community has been “left in the dark”, despite repeated requests for clarification.

“The only alternative route to get here is via Cobbitty at least an hour or more out of the way,” she said.

“It’s been a long, drawn out process. I think Penrith Council should be holding Wollondilly to account.”

Mr Nelson said Wollondilly was working collaboratively with Penrith Council to repair the structure that straddles the boundary between the two Councils.

Former Wollondilly Councillor Ray Law, who resigned in July after unsuccessfully fighting for greater transparency and accountability at Council, was scathing of the handling of the project.

“You can’t tell me if this was a major bridge in Sydney this wouldn’t have been fixed by now,” he said.

“We have this endemic situation I believe in Wollondilly where there is not enough action and too much dithering and procrastination.”

Penrith Councillor Ross Fowler echoed Mr Law’s sentiments.

“Councillors are very disappointed with the management of the problem by Wollondilly,” he said.

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

Disability Inclusion Last week I had the pleasure of launching Penrith Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021.

Council strives to be a Local Government leader in supporting people with a disability to fully participate in community places, programs and events.

Council has a strong history of community and stakeholder engagement, and this new Action Plan is another example of why collaboration is so valuable.

For many years we have engaged people with disability, their families, carers, advocates and service providers to identify challenges and priorities.

It is important to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by all past and present members of Council’s Access Committee.

The advice and input of community members with lived experience of disability and/or expertise in access and inclusion has helped Council make informed decisions on a wide range

24

WW26206

of policies, development applications and plans.

We know that around 18 per cent of our population, or 36,000 residents, has a disability.

Because of this, the Disability Inclusion Action Plan must be a priority and a central part of our delivery program that guides our day to day operations.

Together we’ve identified four key focus areas: Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours; Creating liveable communities; Supporting access to meaningful employment; and Improving access to services through better systems and processes.

The action plan sets out some of the specifics of how we’ll address these key areas over the next four years.

You can take a look at the full Plan on our website penrithcity.nsw.gov. au, or request a hard copy at the Civic Centre.

CR JOHN THAIN 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

Husar joins Glenmore Park community’s fight for dog park

Local Glenmore Park families and their four legged friends were out in force to campaign for a designated dog park EMILY NEWTON

lenmore Park residents have their hearts set on a pawesome dog park for their furry family members.

Federal Member for Lindsay, Emma Husar joined locals last Sunday to lend support and speak with dog owners, including Dee Kerr who has been instrumental in leading the push to build a dog park.

“I have had the opportunity to meet and discuss with Dee how we can bring this park to fruition,” Ms Husar said.

G

“The fact that Ms Kerr has brought together so many people to petition for the site is a testament to her.”

It is estimated that a dog area would cost $60,000 to establish and involve the construction of a fence, the installation of water taps, seating and dog friendly adaptations to make the park successful.

“I know Council is looking into the development with a serious eye but, like all things, there is a substantial cost involved and the right site needs to be assessed,” Ms Husar said.

“We will look at ways that we can work together to help the community get this park.”

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Penrith CBD Corporation Ltd will be held at 5.30pm on Tuesday 12th September 2017 at the PCBDC Offices, Suite 3, 488 High St Penrith NSW

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Community

Further information, if required, can be obtained by calling the office on 4722 5556.

Gai Hawthorn, CEO

WW29794

Give him a gift he’ll really like this

Father’s Day

DON’T GO PAST DOVES! Great gift ideas for your dad here.

If you are after the perfect gift for your dad this Father’s Day, then you can’t go past the great range of options at Doves Jewellers.

With everything from the popular diecast scale model cars to quality watches, stainless steel men’s jewellery, clocks and everything in between, Doves Jewellers has the quality and the expertise to satisfy your every jewellery and giftware requirement.

Doves Jewellers has provided a specialist retail jewellery store with quality merchandise, and reliable services in jewellery remodelling and repairs in St Marys for over 60 years. There’s a range of quality brands in store including Seiko, Police, Jag, Pulsar, Lorus and NRL club watches for gents, precious 9ct gold and sterling silver jewellery, a large collection of diecast scale model cars plus many other interesting gift ideas for dad.

So forget giving dad a tie or boring socks this Father’s Day, give him something memorable that will last forever.

Doves Jewellers is located in two stores; inside the St Marys Village Centre (Ph: 96231655, open 7 days a week) and on 104 Queen St, NSW (Ph: 96231141).

St Marys Village Centre, Charles Hackett Drive, St Marys. Ph: 9623 1655 104 Queen St, St Marys. Ph: 9623 1141

WW29801

25

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

Susan to use recognition to push for more mental health support EMILY NEWTON

olyton’s Susan Robertson has taken home the top honour at the local Volunteer of the Year Awards for her role in progressing people’s welfare and mental health as a volunteer chaplain for St John Ambulance NSW. As well as providing chaplaincy and pastoral care for members, Ms Robertson was recognised for her countless hours spent providing counselling for others who have been through trauma in their volunteer work.

“I was just flabbergasted, it just took me by surprise,” Ms Robertson said.

“I think in the field that I am in, the greatest payment is to see volunteers live fully functional lives.”

Ms Robertson is using her platform as the winner to highlight the need for mental health strategies for volunteer first responders that are battling trauma, fatigue and PTSD. “When you have people giving altruistically, being there for the community, the reward cannot be mental illness. We need to do something about our wonderful volunteers,” he said.

“They witness some horrendous stuff, and if we’re not there to watch their mental health, to do something proactive, then we’re really failing them.”

C

WW28594

WHY REPLACE IT? RAISE IT! The resinject process: A small hole is drilled into the slab

BEFORE

AFTER

Resin is injected The slab is raised guided by a laser level

Resin expands filling any voids & consolidating the soil

Resinject raise and re-level concrete We specialise in: • Re-levelling of sunken floors and improvement to cracked walls, foundations, footings, slabs and concrete pools and swimming pool surrounds driveways. Using our advanced resin • Re-alignment of foundations and snapped or broken footings injection and chemical underpinning • Re-alignment of sinking driveways and carports and void techniques, we offer safe, cost effective filling from washouts foundation repair and slab jacking.

Call today to receive a FREE assessment!

WW24417

Phone 0408 489 245 www.resinject.com.au

PH: 4730 6000

Susan Robertson was presented with her Volunteer of the Year Award by Member for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.

Photo: Melinda Jane Centre for Volunteering CEO, Gemma Rygate, said the awards recognise the nation working hard at a grassroots level to deliver resilient and compassionate communities.

Werrington’s Helen Williams was awarded Senior Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work at Clairgate Public School, while the Nepean Cancer Council Information Service was also awarded Volunteer Team of the Year for their remarkable work.

• 5 grades available • Delivery 7 days all areas • Free kindling

2073 Castlereagh Rd, Penrith

(BEHIND ACTION AUTOS)

Batteries Air Conditioning and Service 

4736 4752

NOW OPEN AT 63 BATT STREET, PENRITH

ALL YOUR AUTO ELECTRICAL NEEDS

WW28305

26

FREE BATTERY CHECK

BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

Coming together for the right reasons Nepean Domestic Violence Network brings providers together to deliver for victims in need EMILY NEWTON

ocal domestic violence networks are banding together to show that “collaboration not competition” is the best service available.

The Nepean Domestic Violence Network is a gathering of domestic violence oriented services, facilitated by Penrith City Council, who use this village mentality to do amazing work with some of the most vulnerable in the community.

Vanessa Donald-Smith, Manager of Penrith’s West Connect Refuge Services and member of the network, said working together is the best way to combat the high incidences of domestic and family violence in our community.

“One of the things around domestic violence services is networking, to know what each other is doing,” she said.

“We can refer clients to the appropriate service and have that strong relationship with that client and provider.

“It ensures that people will get the best possible help available to them.”

Meeting monthly, the Nepean Domestic Violence Network raises issues, promotes awareness and shares information on services and resources for vulnerable

L

Andrew Paech from WestCare, Vanessa Donald-Smith of West Connect and Tracy Leahy from Penrith Council are just some of the front line workers helping tackle domestic violence through the collaborative efforts of the Nepean Domestic Violence Network. Photo: Melinda Jane victims and survivors of domestic and family violence, while supporting one another.

The network also collaborates through safety action meetings in regards to high risk clients and is actively involved in special events including Stop Domestic

Violence Day, White Ribbon Day and Reclaim the Night.

“One voice is sometimes not heard, but a group of voices are more likely to be listened to when they come together for a common cause,” Ms Donald-Smith added.

“I believe one service can get quite lost in

the community, but if they’re known and promoted by their committee, their voice is going to be assisted.”

With some of the local organisations already scarily under-resourced and underfunded, recent Government reforms have seen money taken out of specific front line domestic violence services.

The reforms mean the services compete with a wider range of services in the tender process.

“Just from our service and the amount of domestic violence services that were lost during the reforms, we find very much it’s now about competing,” Ms Donald-Smith said.

“But here, through the network, it’s about collaboration, not competition.

“It was a lot of funding lost not just in the Penrith area, but the state, there was a lot of funding lost to domestic violence services across the board.”

By banding together, the collaborative not-for-profit network advocates for the community and helps those affected by domestic violence take back control of their lives.

If you believe you need help, call the Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 656 463 or visit www.dvhelppenrithregion. nsw.gov.au. In an emergency call 000.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Fighting Domestic Violence

y a d y l i m a f o p p la am 1 1 t a d n 2 r e b m e t Sat Sep er s i a r d n u F y a D n Family Fu

e

ron diseas u e N r o t o M t h ig f o t y e tain Goats Raising mon

Our local 301 Moun > PETTING ZOO TLE > JUMPING CAS

BQ

win a Webber B

rizes

& other great p

EE VAN > VINTAGE COFF > FACE PAINTING > FIRE TRUCK

www.lapstonehotel.com.au WW29814

27

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

re b e m

t e r mo

w

o h t us

h

an j

R

E CH

G GIFT VOUCHER d details $50 each C Country Brewer - Ph: 4731 5444, 2 Great Western Highway, 218 K Kingswood

U

VO T GIF

STEAK OF THE DAY + schooner of beer + free ticket into Fathers Day raffle $28 Club Paceway Ph: 4732 4777, 141-147 Station Street, Penrith

INDOOR GOLF SESSION 2 players for 1hr $45 Big Swing Golf - Ph: 4721 1296, Unit 4/233 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

28

S MAG WHEELS From $800 (set of 4) • Muffler Mart & Tyre Ph: 4731 6311, Unit 7/33 York Rd, Penrith WW29791

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

GET MATES RATES ON

GRASS TRIMMERS FROM

$

CHAINSAWS FROM

HIGH PRESSURE CLEANERS FROM

249

$

199

$

179

BLOWERS FROM

HEDGE TRIMMERS FROM

269

299

$

$

+ FREE VAC KIT *

Stihl Shop Penrith 1/35 York Road PENRITH 2751 Ph: 02 4722 3645 *On select models whilst stocks last.

WW29744

29

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Father’s Day Gift Guide Supporting local small business locally

Proudly supporting Penrith CBD Businesses

Spoil Dad with Penrith Panthers merchandise!

Buy any jersey and receive a FREE Penrith Panthers Cap!

541 High Street – Phone 4721 5909

478 High Street ph: 4722 9975 KLASK! Retailing for $70

Challenge Dad to a new and exciting version of Air-Hockey.

This popular pub game in Denmark is a fast-paced, epic magnetic battle. Test Dad’s skills with this new game!

Gift Your Dad with a SWEET SURPRISES Bag filled with this collection of all his (and your) faves.

DAD’S SPECIAL PRICE $29.95 WHILE STOCKS LAST 458-470 High St – 0428 080 100 www.sweetsurprises.com.au

THEODORE’S CAFÉ is happy to be celebrating Father’s Day, so why not treat Dad to a delish breakfast or brunch!

BIG BREAKFAST: Eggs your way on rustic white toast w/- bacon, Italian sausage, grilled tomato, hash brown & sautéed mushrooms w/- garlic & thyme.

AVOCADO SMASH: crushed avocado on rustic white toast with crumbled feta, spinach, poached egg & chermoula dressing.

30

WW29751

Open early from 7am till 3pm See you there . . . 474 High St – Ph 4721 1152

SPONSORED CONTENT

Making the switch to solar even easier

W

Penrith Solar Centre 7/29 Abel Street, Penrith

1800 202 930 www.penrithsolar.com.au

ant to make the switch to solar but find it all a little daunting? Then head along to Penrith’s new one-stop solar power and battery storage shop.

Penrith Solar Centre, which opened in July, is the brainchild of owner Jake Warner, who noticed how disjointed the process of switching to solar could be while working in the electrical industry.

“We were doing solar installs around the area as contractors and through that I realised there’s such a hole in the market for somebody that does a start to finish solar experience,” Mr Warner said.

Rather than having to deal with a retailer for the sales process and a contractor for the installation process, Penrith Solar Centre can provide customers with personalised assistance throughout the whole job.

“We find out what the customers want to do with their bills and we assign what we think will be right for their needs,” Mr Warner said.

“We then do an on-site inspec-

tion, measure their roof and look at their site very specifically to make sure what we are designing is correct and that there’s no hidden surprises on the day of installation.”

Penrith Solar Centre installs a wide range of mid to high range solar power and battery storage, including the industry leading Tesla PowerWall 2.

While switching to solar can often mean buying through call centres or pestering door to door salesmen, Penrith Solar Centre offers a brand new showroom where customers can see exactly what they’re purchasing.

“We built this showroom so that people could come in and have an interactive experience,” Mr Warner said.

“They can come and see how solar power and battery storage works and see the products we have on offer.”

Though it’s only a couple of months old the business is already a hit, selected as a finalist in the New Business category of the Penrith Local Business Awards.

WW29752

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

31

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

There’s a

NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN

W What makes you great can also be your downfall ca Michelle Grice // Founder of Shel Design 0412 701 147 | info@sheldesign.com.au

T

Creating experiences that last a lifetime . . .

When most people travel their intention is to explore an unknown land, immerse themselves in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The residents of Penrith can now work with a family owned and operated travel agency who are determined to help them achieve just that.

Started by a Penrith local, Travel Sphere is a boutique travel agency located in the foyer of Penrith RSL, determined to exceed their clients travel expectations. Travel Sphere’s team of experienced travel agents will work with you to provide carefully curated and well planned itineraries designed to help you achieve your travel dreams.

When asked what inspired him to open Travel Sphere, owner Danny Rizk says “I’ve worked in the travel industry for 15 years, and over that period I became passionate about providing a superior experience that was no fuss and helped my clients tick off the items on their bucket list. Nothing is more satisfying than working with a client who has been saving for their ultimate holiday for more than 12 months and then receiving a postcard or email from them whilst they are on holiday raving about what a great time they are having. I really wanted to bring that feeling to Penrith as it is where I grew up”.

Regardless if you are planning to go on a family getaway, a group adventure, or a romantic honeymoon, Travel Sphere have access to exclusive holiday deals and offers to suit any budget.

Travel Sphere is open Monday to Friday from 10am – 6pm and on Saturdays from 10am – 4pm, located at Penrith RSL, 8 Tindale St, Penrith.

Travel Sphere can also be contacted on 4789 2234 or via www.travelsphere.com.au

Redeem this ad for 10% off Travel Insurance

WW29784

32

BUSINESS

ADVERTORIAL

TravelSphere www.travelsphere.com.au

here are many articles for business owners that describe the qualities it takes to be successful. And there are just as many detailing the qualities that tend to result in an unsuccessful venture. Ironically, those traits are often the same: that is, the same things that can propel a business owner to greatness, can also hold them back.

The two traits most likely to fall into both lists is confidence and self-reliance. Both of these traits are inherently good, but an abundance of one or the other can lead a business owner to think they are capable of doing everything with no help from anyone else.

Of course, many of us start out in business with no choice but to ‘do everything’. Limited finances and slow growth can create a situation where everything from marketing to accounting to product development is done solely by you! But some business owners fool themselves into thinking that this is the only way to operate, even after revenue does start rising.

This is often due to a couple of fairly common character flaws: arrogance and dis-trust. It may be difficult to admit

that someone else might be able to do something as good as we can. Business owners can convince themselves that no one else can be trusted to do the job the way they want it done. The problem is, an overextended business owner will wind up producing inconsistent, low quality work. And it can cement a business in maintenance mode, rather than growth mode: who has time to strategise when you are entrenched in the day-to-day details?

The most successful business owners are those who have confidence in their own abilities, but who also have realistic views of their talents, strengths and weaknesses. They also recognise that there are limited hours in a day, and therefore delegation may be required, even in areas of strength.

Effective leaders exhibit humility.

Humbly acknowledging limitations in time or skill sets has a twofold benefit: it creates more time for the business owner, and it shows employees and colleagues a willingness to learn and collaborate. You also allow your business to re-capture an invaluable asset: your leadership.

When and how often should I post on socials?

Emma Gosper // Western Sydney Business Centre 4721 5011 | info@wsbusiness.com.au

O

ne of the most common questions people ask about social media is how often they should be posting their content on the platforms they use.

The answer is, there is no across the board rule for how often you should post, but with some experimenting and monitoring, you can definitely figure out what works for your business and the platforms you are using.

You don’t want to over post, so that you lose your fans and followers by flooding them with content, yet you don’t want to under post, so that you get lost within the social world or look like you don’t actively use your socials to promote your brand and keep in touch with your clients/customers.

For Facebook and Instagram, as a general rule, you’ll want to start with a post at least once every day. As a bare minimum, start with at least 3-4 posts per week. First, this gives your followers consistency; people will be more likely to continue following you if you’re providing them with a consistent flow of content. Second, this shows your commitment to being active. New prospective followers who browse through your older posts will see how consistent you are in posting every day, and will be more likely to follow you.

Twitter and other fast-paced feeds,

typically favour multiple posts per day.

Time is crucial when it comes to social media posts. For example, most platforms see a spike in activity after people finish work between 5pm and 8pm. You can aim to post at the most popular usage times to get in front of more people, but keep in mind that others are pursuing this strategy as well—it may be worth testing your posts during off times, when your content is less likely to be lost amongst the noise – possibly before work or during lunch breaks.

You can jump on your Facebook page and visit the Posts page in the Insights tab to see what times and days your fans are most active. Use this as a guide for the rest of your socials too, as people tend to browse different platforms at the same time.

Brought to you by…

PARTY AT PEPPER B I G C ROWD TI P P E D FO R F I NA L H O M E GA M E

MASKED PANTHER > P34 | BLAST FROM THE PAST > P45 | CELEBRITY TIPSTERS > P46-47

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

GARTH TO TITANS? » Don’t be surprised to see Garth Bren-

nan’s name continue to be linked with the vacant coaching job at the Gold Coast Titans. While Kevin Walters and Geoff Toovey are the high profile candidates in the running to replace Neil Henry, Brennan has more than served his apprenticeship and is considered ready to step up.

I’m told he’s definitely keen on the role despite the logistical problems he’d likely face in moving to Queensland, and the Titans are definitely open to chatting to the premiership winning lower grade mentor. Brennan recently accepted a gig as New Zealand’s assistant coach for the Rugby League World Cup and is currently in charge of Penrith’s ISP NSW side.

» I first told you that Anthony Griffin

would be re-signed as Penrith coach way back at the start of the season, but things obviously went quiet as the club continued to struggle for form. Penrith’s senior management never went cold on Griffin however and they certainly still plan to offer him a contract extension, with some suggesting it’ll be an added two seasons, taking him to the end of 2020. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers announce the deal before the season is over. Griffin is on the verge of becoming the first coach since John Lang in 2003-04 to take Penrith to back to back Finals campaigns.

» This year’s Merv Cartwright Medal night will be held on October 4.

» Penrith prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard

has admitted he might need a sponsorship from Soothers if the Panthers continue to win footy games. Campbell-Gillard is the man who leads Penrith’s team song after a win, however after seven victories on the trot – his voice is going a tad hoarse. “No one else knows how to lead the team song, so the throat is getting a bit dusty at the moment. Hopefully some Soothers can fix it,” he said. The 24-year-old was given the honour after former player turned staffer Shane Elford decided he didn’t want to do it anymore.

“Spud used to lead it for a while before he

Could Garth Brennan be heading to the Gold Coast Titans? stopped and said ‘you’re going to lead it’.

It’s just stuck ever since,” he said.

» Utility Sitaleki Akauola is poised to

continue his career in England with Warrington set to officially announce his signature soon. Akauola has struggled to nail down a first grade spot this season and would join former Panthers team mate Peta Hiku at the Wolves.

» If you think being 18th man for

Penrith’s NRL team is a cruisy gig, think again. Whoever ends up being 18th man is put through a tough one-on-one training session with a club trainer the morning after the game.

» Penrith will honour their past at this

Sunday’s game against St George-Illawarra with the day officially being labelled ‘Old Boys Day’. A special lunch for former

OF THE WEEK

Get access to a powerful combination of personal training, nutritional advice and the incredible support of the Vision Personal Training team.

START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY!

0431 415 706

» Nathan Cleary’s incredible season

continues, with the 19-year-old becoming the youngest player in the game’s history to score 200 points. Ironically, the goal kicker brought up the milestone with a try. He broke Graham Eadie’s record which has stood since 1974 – 23 years before Cleary was even born.

» Lorus is celebrating its new NRL

partnership with the release of its rugby league inspired watches for every passionate fan to wear with pride. Each Lorus NRL watch is available in three different styles for every team supporter.

What a perfect gift for Father’s Day next weekend!

LOOK, LISTEN and REVIEW with

Your guide to LOCAL BUSINESS Visit mylocalreview.com.au

Playing the music YOU grew up with

WW29111

Call Chris on

34

players will be held at the Leagues Club prior to Sunday’s game, while a lap of honour featuring former players will be part of the match day entertainment.

MATCH PREVIEW

SEEKING REVENGE PANTHERS V DRAGONS | SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 • 4.00PM | PEPPER STADIUM | REFEREES: GERARD SUTTON & BEN CUMMINS

PANTHERS

Penrith were hammered by the Dragons in Round 1. Photo: NRL Photos

1

Dylan Edwards

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20

Josh Mansour Tyrone Peachey Waqa Blake Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Tyrone May Nathan Cleary James Tamou Peter Wallace Reagan Campbell-Gillard Corey Harawira-Naera Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris Sione Katoa Bryce Cartwright Tim Browne 17 Trent Merrin Moses Leota 19 Dean Whare Viliame Kikau 21 Kaide Ellis

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

Brought to you by…

DRAGONS

TROY DODDS @troydodds

F

or me, the key moment in Penrith’s gritty 26-22 win over Canberra at GIO Stadium last Sunday came in the 54th minute.

Jack Wighton took off down the western touchline with the game in the balance and a huge crowd cheering him on – the result seemed almost inevitable.

Then, the most unlikely of chasers brought him down – James Tamou and Reagan Campbell-Gilllard. It was a minor moment in an 80 minute contest with plenty of twists and turns, but it showed the kind of guts and determination the Panthers are playing with at the moment.

This Sunday Penrith yet again find themselves up against a team with their season on the line and so much has changed since these two sides met at Kogarah Oval way back in the opening round.

The Dragons were dominant that day, as they were for the first quarter of the season, while the Panthers were embarrassing. That single game set Penrith’s season back at least a month – maybe longer.

The tables have now turned with Penrith somehow eyeing off a potential top four spot and the Dragons falling out of the eight and barely in Finals contention.

It is incredible to think that the Panthers are a chance of finishing so high on the ladder given they were second last after nine rounds – no Penrith side has made the Finals after such a horror start to the year, let alone the top four.

So what is the risk for a Penrith side

chasing eight straight wins on Sunday afternoon?

Some would say complacency now that the Finals berth has been all but locked up, but it’s hard to see this group falling victim to that. They’ve learned a lot of tough lessons in the 23 rounds that followed that opening round encounter and one of them is to never underestimate your opposition and certainly to not overestimate yourself.

From a technical standpoint the biggest improvement Penrith could make this weekend is in defence. They missed an incredible 50 tackles last weekend and still won – almost impossible to do in the modern game. They won’t get away with it for two weeks in a row.

But let’s not focus on how Penrith could lose, let’s look at why they will win.

A fullback in form – Dylan Edwards has emerged as one of the most exciting players at the club and the Panthers are finally

1

Matthew Dufty

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19

Nene Macdonald Josh Dugan Timoteo Lafai James Nightingale Gareth Widdop Kurt Mann Leeson Ah Mau Cameron McInnes Paul Vaughan Tyson Frizell Joel Thompson Jack de Belin Tariq Sims 15 Hame Sele Blake Lawrie Josh McCrone 18 T Milne Kalifa Faifai Loa 20 L Leilua

getting some decent metres from kick returns.

Props finding their groove – after a slow start to the year, James Tamou is playing some of his best footy while Reagan Campbell-Gillard is an absolute machine.

A halfback in control – this is Nathan Cleary’s team now, and the side is starting to reflect his calm and patient approach.

It’s why Matt Moylan being out this weekend is not as critical as it once would have been.

You want more? Waqa Blake’s exciting footwork, Bryce Cartwright finding his rhythm after a tough year and James Fisher-Harris starting to fire up at the right time of the year.

The storylines of a team that is very much the real deal are starting to form.

The Dragons are playing for their lives, but Penrith should be too good.

Tip: Panthers by 18

35

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

NEVER GIVING UP NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

T

here was a moment in the 54th minute of Penrith’s thrilling match against Canberra last Sunday where Raiders fullback Jack Wighton scooped up a Nathan Cleary grubber kick close to his line and raced down the sideline virtually untouched.

Seemingly on his way towards a 90 metre game-changing try for the home side, Panthers forwards Reagan CampbellGillard and James Tamou gave each other a quick glance and decided to put in an almighty chase.

Much to the surprise of the crowd watching on, they got him. Two rangy props who had busted their guts for more than half a match lassoed one of the fastest blokes on the field.

While the Raiders eventually crossed 60 seconds later, that try-saver on Wighton is proof the Panthers have refused to throw in the towel all season despite a disastrous start.

“In the back of your mind you think of your team and what you can do for them,” Campbell-Gillard said.

“I remember playing the ball and admiring the kick Nathan put through before Wighton picked it up and I said to myself ‘oh God’.

“I looked around and no one was chasing. I said ‘Jimmy, let’s go’. It was like two bloody Clydesdales running down the sideline.”

Campbell-Gillard, who has had an outstanding back end to the year coming off the bench, said never giving up on a play is exactly what typifies being a Panther in 2017.

“We’ve got a motto here – ‘What does it mean to be a Panther?’ – and it’s things like that. When you look at your fellow front

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is making a splash this season rower next to you, you get goosebumps and actually believe you can make the play,” he said.

“We’ll take loads of confidence from that and build that into the Dragons [this Sunday].”

Penrith will face a desperate St GeorgeIllawarra side currently on a two-game losing streak and fighting to keep their slim Finals hopes alive.

In the opening round the Dragons disposed of the pre-season premiership favourites with ease, something that haunted Campbell-Gillard for much of the early part of the season.

“There were some tough times back then,” he said.

“Those first seven weeks – I will admit – were the toughest I’ve felt here at the club.

It sucks when you’re losing and things aren’t working but we addressed it after those seven weeks, tried to simplify our football and that’s what we’ve done.”

And now, after a shocking 2-7 start to the year, Penrith are on the cusp of making the top four and boy, do they know it.

“I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been following other results and looking at the ladder. I’ve looked at it, trying to visualise things that we can achieve,” he said.

Join us for Father’s Day Mass on Saturday 2 September 10.30am at The Pavilion, Kemps Creek Cemetery 230-260 Western Rd, Kemps Creek 36

WW24699

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

37

WW28899

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

MERRIN'S FIGHTBACK NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

W

hile a spot in the 2017 NRL Finals looks all but secured for the Penrith Panthers, lock Trent Merrin is determined to keep the good times rolling with a win over his former club this Sunday

afternoon.

The 27-year-old Australian representative made a triumphant return from a serious knee injury during last weekend’s thrilling 26-22 win over Canberra.

When Merrin went down with a high grade MCL tear during Penrith’s Round 19 win over the New Zealand Warriors, many feared he wouldn’t return at all during the regular season.

However, proving Penrith’s medical staff wrong, Merrin returned earlier than

expected to play a starring role in his side’s nail-biting victory over the Raiders.

Speaking with Extra Time on Monday morning, Merrin said he pulled up fine albeit a “bit sore” from the heated encounter in the nation’s capital.

“That’s always the case when you come back a bit early from injury – it’s always going to pull up a bit tender and sore but other than that the knee will be better for it,” he said.

Missing five games during Penrith’s remarkable winning streak, the 2010 Premiership winner said he was determined to do everything he could to defy doctor’s orders and return to the paddock as quick as possible.

“It’s just like life, you set yourself little goals and you work really hard to achieve them,” Merrin said.

“It’s a credit to the medical staff here to put me in a position to get back when I wanted to get back, not when they wanted me back.

Trent Merrin is looking forward to playing the Dragons on Sunday. Photo: Megan Dunn “To show that trust in me, to push it the way that we did, it showed belief in me to put myself in that position.”

Merrin will give his knee another huge test this weekend when he comes up against his former club, St GeorgeIllawarra, for the second time this season.

While the novelty of playing his ex-teammates has well and truly worn off over the years, Merrin is looking forward to making amends for Penrith’s awful opening round loss to the Dragons at Kogarah back in March.

“You don’t forget a loss like that. It was a

tough game to walk away from and we’ll hold on to a bit of that come Sunday,” Merrin said.

“It’s always great coming up against your old club but our main focus the last few weeks has been us and that’s all we can control.”

Merrin is hoping for a big crowd on Sunday at Pepper Stadium.

“We are really excited for our last home game of the season. We’ve done the best we possibly can to put ourselves in a great position. All we need now is for everyone to get behind us and push us through.”

We transport anything up to 50 tonnes

• General Trade • Machinery • Accident • Prestige Vehicles • Heavy Vehicle up to 12 Ton • Local • Containers

Penrith

4736 4400

• Interstate/Country • Fully Insured • Green Card

St Marys (Division)

• Accredited Drivers • Family Owned & Operated • Ticketed Operations

9623 2020

PENRITH TILT TRAY SPECIALISTS S T M A RY S - P E N R I T H - B L U E M O U N TA I N S

38

www.dickiestransport.com.au

WW26514

Humbling experience that’s changed my life

JAMIE SOWARD

T

his week I wanted to tell Extra Time readers about my past month working with the U17 Minchinbury Jets Junior Rugby League side, who this Sunday morning will play against rivals St Clair for Grand Final glory.

Roughly a month ago I approached the team’s coach, Michael White, about helping out this group of talented boys in any way I could, and he was more than keen for me to come in.

I attend regular training sessions and work on little things with the boys, while the last couple of weeks I’ve had the privilege of running the water on game day.

While some parents of players on opposing teams are a tad jealous of me being out there, what I’m doing is perfectly within the rules as long as I don’t point players into position and I’m on the field when my side has possession.

Being out there, talking to the kids, seeing their excitement and connecting with them has really changed my outlook on where my future coaching career may lie. It’s certainly opened my eyes to another possible avenue in the great game of rugby league.

I must admit it’s been really exciting seeing these kids grow and improve in the short amount of time I’ve spent with them, and I can’t thank Michael and the club enough for accepting me in.

I’m nervous before each game, it’s like I’m playing again.

When the boys win and they sing that team song, it gives me chills and reminds

me of being 16 and when I started out. I have to confess that I have to learn to pull it back a bit and remember that these boys are teenagers and growing young men, but honestly this has been a very humbling experience and something more former NRL players should consider to give back to the game.

So often we hear that players don’t give

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

Brought to you by

enough back and, to be truthful, it can be difficult to fit within your schedule when you’re still playing.

All this is voluntary, I don’t get paid. I just wanted to help out a young local side and honestly it’s been one of the best, most humbling experiences of my life.

I can’t wait for the Grand Final this Sunday. Go the Jets!

WW27511

panthers on the prowl

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 15 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts.

s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d u St Brad Mason

WW25844

The student of the week is Brad Mason. Brad is from Penrith South Public School and he has begun to embrace the values and themes taught in our Primary Classroom Program. One of the topics we discuss is how to learn new skills.

When learning a new skill it is often necessary to go through a period of struggle or challenge in order to improve. Brad has shown that with determination and focus he can overcome setbacks and challenges when learning. He was able to demonstrate this during a player visit

by Penrith Panthers Jarome Luai (pictured) and Christian Chrichton when they competed in a cup stacking race.

Congratulations Brad!

The student of the week is brought to you by

39

40

RECORD BREAKER

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

CONGRATULATIONS TO ON NATHAN CLEARY BECOMING THE YOUNGEST EVER PLAYER TO SCORE POINTS IN 200 A SEASON the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

41

FATHER’S DAY COMPETITION

WW29708

42

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

W

D

L

B

F

A

Storm

22 18

0

4

2

537

324

+213 40

2 Broncos

22 15

0

7

2

543

371

+172 34

3 Roosters

22 15

0

7

2

464

398

+66 34

4 Sharks

22 14

0

8

2

436

373

+63

32

5 Eels

22 14

0

8

2

422

407

+15

32

6 Panthers

22 13

0

9

2

478

415

+63 30

7 Cowboys

22 12

0

10

2

435

409

+26

28

8 Sea Eagles

22 12

0

10

2

502

479

+23

28

9 Dragons

22

0

11

2

497

410

+87

26

CLUB

11

+/-

PTS

10 Raiders

22 10

0

12

2

506

437

+69

24

11 Rabbitohs

22

9

0

13

2

442

478

-36

22

12 Bulldogs

22

8

0

14

2

308

421

-113 20

13 Warriors

22

7

0

15

2

407

525

-118

18

14 Titans

22

7

0

15

2

418

592

-174

18

15 W. Tigers

22

6

0

16

2

371

533

-162 16

16 Knights

22

5

0

17

2

382

576

-194 14

Round 25

/ / / / / / / /

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, August 24 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

Friday, August 25 6pm GIO Stadium Friday, August 25 7.50pm Campbelltown Stadium Saturday, August 26 3pm Cbus Super Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Saturday, August 26 5.30pm AAMI Park Saturday, August 26 7.30pm Southern Cross Group Stadium Sunday, August 27 2pm Mt Smart Stadium

Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game?

If it is, you’ve won a $100 JB HiFi voucher thanks to Penrith Homemaker Centre. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 026 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday, August 27 4pm Pepper Stadium

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Jamie Soward SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi/ 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

Everyone’s team deserves to be seen.

Your team live, every round.

LIVE NOW Foxtel Play requires internet, data & a compatible device. Foxtel and some services not available to all homes.Foxtel marks are used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.

WW27341

1

PD

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES

CC TYRES is a local family-owned independent business established more than 60 years ago We supply many local businesses, Fleet companies, Government and Trade contracts. Selling all Tyre Brands, we supply and fit for Cars, Trucks, 4X4, Trailers, and Farm and Plant machinery.

We stock all major brands of tyres and wheels.

The latest equipment for larger wheel and run flat tyres.

Using the latest equipment such as: Premium inflation systems for clean dry air & the newest CAMERA Alignment for the best possible result.

WW26913

• Tyre sales • Wheel alignment (standard • Tyre puncture repairs (all tyres) • Wheel sales front, front and rear, full • Road Service for on site equipment inc backhoes, • Wheel balancing thrust alignment) bobcats, trucks, tractors etc

43

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Penrith’s young guns offer glimpse into bright future

EMMA LAWRENCE

A

t the end of last year, Phil Gould’s so-called “five-year plan” was up. Two cracks at Finals footy wasn’t bad, but questions were asked and fingers pointed when a premiership wasn’t delivered.

With the Panthers looking red-hot on a seven match winning streak, maybe Gus (pictured) just needed to add another year to his plan?

Regardless, there’s a silver lining that cannot be underestimated – the club’s pool of local talent is looking stronger than ever. And I don’t just mean in the NRL. I’m lucky enough to do sideline commentary for the Holden Cup and Intrust Super Premiership, and I’m in awe at some of the players.

The Panthers are currently second and third respectively, and it’s easy to see why – flashy outside backs, big props with crazy footwork, and young but composed halves with game management beyond their years.

Take Wayde Egan for example.

In one NYC game I called, he scored four tries and was involved in literally every-

thing. It got to the point where Jimmy Smith and I joked that we’d run out of notes on the young hooker.

Then there’s Liam Martin, the workhorse backrower who’s already being compared to Josh Jackson, and Kaide Ellis who can play 80 minutes in the front row and still manage more than 150 metres and 40 tackles.

And that’s not to mention the first grade squad where 80 per cent of players are either local juniors or developed in the Panthers system.

In 2012, that figure was just 20 per cent.

Plus 11 of the 17 players who ran out against Canberra last weekend were part of the 2013 or 2015 NYC premiership teams.

Sure, the salary cap should better reward junior development so clubs don’t lose the young guns they invest in.

Even still, it’s hard not to get excited about what Penrith can do in the next five years.

Seeing any player debut on the big stage is special, but let’s face it, when they’re home grown it’s even better!

You can catch every game of the Telstra Premiership live and ad free during play on Fox League.

Eat with us this weekend

Get your menu in front of our readers ahead of the weekend.

44

Con

tact

Pho n 4766 e: 5874 Add re 26 S ss: tatio n Sout h Pe St, nir th Web s conc ite : essio com ns. .au

Ema il conc : essio aust ralia ns@ .com au .

Contact us today sales@westernweekender.com.au • (02) 4761 3225 VV

WW29723

SCOREBOARD

brandy returns

NRL PANTHERS 26 RAIDERS 22

HOLDEN CUP TROY DODDS @troydodds

V

ery few people would argue that Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander is the best rugby league player Penrith has ever produced.

From the moment he burst onto the scene in 1984, he was destined for greatness.

He won the Rookie of the Year Award, and backed it up in 1985 by winning the Dally M Medal.

The Panthers rose alongside Alexander and eventually, he would lead them to Premiership success in 1991.

But the tragic death of his brother Ben in 1992 had a devastating impact on Alexander, and while he toughed it out through the 1993 and 1994 seasons, he simply wasn’t the same player that had

dominated the competition for close to a decade.

Needing a change, Alexander made the shock decision to play for the newly formed Auckland Warriors, joining them for their debut season in 1995.

From day one, the question around the Penrith community was obvious – would he one day return home?

That question was answered in 1997 when Brandy returned to the foot of the Mountains to play out the remainder of his career – adding to his 207 games for the Panthers with 31 more appearances before retiring in 1999.

His comeback in 1997 was much celebrated, and provided Penrith with additional marketing power ahead of their debut in the Super League.

Alexander would later admit that life was tough during the mid 1990’s.

“Those years after Ben’s accident at Penrith, and when I was at Auckland, were a blur,” he said.

PANTHERS 48 RAIDERS 28 Greg Alexander in 1997 “I wasn’t on the same page as everyone else. I’d lost all focus. I don’t know how I even played footy.”

Brandy admitted that he needed to return home to finish his career where it started.

“Penrith was where I belonged. At age 32, I’d obviously lost a bit of pace, but I’d learned to compensate by playing smarter, and my defence had improved,” he said.

After retirement, Alexander launched a strong media career. He spent time with 2UE’s Continuous Call team and Sports Today, before finding his natural home with Fox Sports, where he remains an expert commentator on the 24 hour rugby league channel, Fox League.

ISP NSW

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

BLAST FROM THE PAST

PANTHERS 24 BEARS 16

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Carports/Awnings Entertaining Areas Timber Decks Screened Enclosures Glass Enclosures Sunrooms

We will help design any home improvements to suit YOUR individual needs.

Cut out the middle man by dealing directly with the builder and you will SAVE!

0410 437 558 E: info@spshomeimprovements.com.au

We will BEA T any genuine writt en quote !!

www.spshomeimprovements.com.au

WW26331

45

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Eels Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

236

234

232

ST MARYS PROFESSIONALS 9673 4422

PREMIERSHIP WINNER

FOWLER AND CO 4722 3066

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 47 22 2998

TERRY HANSEN

JAMIE SOWARD

ROSS FOWLER

TROY DODDS

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Warriors Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

232

232

232

232

GOTZINGER SMALL GOODS 4721 1611

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 47 22 2998

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT 4732 2195

TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING 4731 8444

BILL MCDEED

NATHAN TAYLOR

VICTOR GLANVILLE

LEE BANISTER

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Titans

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

230

226

226

224

CC TYRES 4731 4822

LEISURE POOLS 4735 1585

STANTON & TAYLOR 4731 2899

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES 4704 8585

MICHAEL ASHTON

PAUL NEWTON

MICHAEL TAYLOR

ALEX MCKENZIE

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Knights Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Sharks Warriors Panthers

224

222

222

222

SYNERGY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4732 6555

KEMPS CREEK CEMETERY 9826 2273

FOX LEAGUE

GARTON GROUP MCDONALD’S 4721 2992

SHANAKA DE SILVA

KIM RILEY

ANDREW VOSS

IAN GARTON

Eels Raiders Tigers Titans

46

238

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Roosters Warriors Panthers

Eels Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Sharks Warriors Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

220

218

218

216

HARVEY NORMAN 4737 5111

MACQUARIE ACCOUNTANTS 4731 5628

ALL OFFICE BOOK KEEPING 4733 7751

PRD NATIONWIDE PENRITH 0414 620 532

PETER ANDERSON

CHRIS AYLING

CAROL COLLETTE

DARREN LATTY

Storm Roosters Warriors Dragons

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

Storm Roosters Warriors Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Bulldogs

Storm Sharks Warriors Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

216

216

212

MBR REALTY 4732 2888

KELLY PARTNERS 4721 7433

RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL 4722 8500

STATE PENRITH MP 4722 8660

MICHAEL BALL

CHARBEL GEAGEA

KATE RADCLIFFE

STUART AYRES

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Titans

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Tigers Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

212

210

204

198

LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR 4735 6411

CHRIS LAWLER BUILDING 0405 107 506

S&L CONCRETE 0411 704 302

AT PRINT 4731 5055

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

CHRIS LAWLER

SHANE MUSCAT

AARON TYERS

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Bulldogs

Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Storm Sharks Warriors Panthers

Storm Sharks Sea Eagles Panthers

Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Bulldogs

Storm Roosters Warriors Panthers

198

198

194

194

ABL TILE AND BATHROOM CENTRE 9623 0499

HERTZ 4731 6344

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0410 338 040

SUPREMACY FUNERALS 4721 2020

TANYA DAVIS

TEENA EDWARDS

LEE WATERHOUSE

DONNA HILDON

Storm Roosters Warriors Panthers

Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Eels Raiders Cowboys Titans

Storm Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

186

182

178

176

HOTONDO HOMES 4751 5222

VISION PERSONAL TRAINING 4742 5079

DICKIES TOWING 4736 4400

PENRITH HOMEMAKER CENTRE 4737 9800

PAUL SPICER

CHRIS GROSS

NARELLE TUBIE

STACEY GLANVILLE

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

166 A STEP AHEAD FOOT + ANKLE CARE 4732 2007

BRENDEN BROWN Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Eels Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Titans

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Eels Team Knights Cowboys Bulldogs

Rabbitohs Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

tr ivia 1. How many appearances has Tim Browne (pictured) made for the Panthers this season?

2. How many times have the Panthers beaten Canberra this season?

3. When was the last time the Panthers played in back to back Finals series?

4. Who will wear jumper number 17 for Penrith this weekend?

ANSWERS: 1. 17 2. Twice 3. 2003-2004 4. Trent Merrin

Broncos Raiders Tigers Titans

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 25, 2017

Broncos Raiders Cowboys Titans

216

47

WHAT’S ON workersclub. at the

WORKERS BLACKTOWN

sat 02 september

com.au

book online today www.workersclub.com.au

members $10.00 visitors $15.00

Workers Blacktown 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown 2148 (02)9830 0600

sat 09 september

members $15.00 visitors $20.00

Workers Sports 170 Reservoir Road, Blacktown 2148 (02)8822 2444

www.workersclub.com.au

sat 30 september

members $30.00 visitors $35.00

Workers hubertus 205 adams road, luddenham 2745 (02)4773 4444 WW29796

PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Down memory lane

W KATE REID

hile it’s common in the music world to take classic tracks and either remix them or sample them on contemporary hits, it seems some music is best left alone.

1940’s big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra is one such example.

“Audiences expect to hear the band play the tunes virtually identical to the way they were recorded 80 years ago,” Music Director, Rick Gerber (pictured) said.

“Any attempt to put beatbox solos or something else in it just doesn’t work,” he laughed.

“We play them the way they were intended to be played, we don’t ‘modernise’ them with electronics or with a rock ‘n’ roll beat.”

Known as one of the greatest big bands of the 1940’s, The Glenn Miller Orchestra is responsible for unforgettable musical arrangements from the Golden Era of Swing including ‘Chattanooga ChooChoo’, ‘In the Mood’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’, ‘A String of Pearls’, ‘Moonlight Serenade’, ‘Little Brown Jug’ and ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’.

This year the orchestra is celebrating its 80th anniversary, and it’s clear from the constant sold-out tours and numerous trips to our shores that audiences are just as in love with the music as they were in the 40’s.

“Our unique jazz sound is sought all around the world and in addition to recreating the golden era of swing, we bring to life the colour, costumes and spirit,” Rick said.

Helping to continue the legacy of these World War II era melodies is fans from the 40’s who’ve passed the music down through the generations.

It’s something that Rick has noticed in the audiences who’ve come to see the show during his 16 years with the orchestra.

“Very often the adult children will bring their parents to the show, and the adult children will have their kids to bring along as well,” he said.

As with the audiences the 22-memberstrong Glen Miller Orchestra has become its own musical family, with many of the lead musicians having played for a decade or more.

It’s the passion for this classic era of music that keeps them working hard to perfect a show whose nostalgia has been embraced so warmly by fans around the world.

“For the two hours we’re up there on stage there’s probably 100 hours behind the scenes,” Rick laughed.

“But it’s in my blood, as it is for all the musicians.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be performing at The Joan on Thursday,

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

September 14 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $79.90-$89.90. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thejoan. com.au or call 4723 7600.

western sydney publ ishing grou p Western Sydney Publishing Group is your custom printing solution Magazines | Newspapers | Marketing Materials Brochures | Plus much more westernsydneypublishinggroup.com.au • 4722 2998

WW26218

49

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

DIESEL

SAT 16 SEP

THE EAGLES

SHOW SAT 23 SEP

BROTHERS, B ROTHERS, ANGELS ANGELS & D DEMONS EMONS TOUR TOUR

MICHAEL JACKSON

THE LEGACY TOUR

FRI 29 SEP

50

FRI 24 NOV

WW28339

FATHER’S DAY @ PENRITH GOLF CLUB LUNCH & DINNER BISTRO SPECIALS Including our famous 400g

KATE REID

RIBEYE STEAK ON THE BONE

H

aving a laugh is fun at the best of times, but it feels even better when it’s for a good cause.

‘Comedy for a Cause’ will be heading to the Penrith Gaels Club stage this September to help raise money for the Australian wildlife-protection organisation Free The Bears.

The talented line-up of comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals will have your funny bone well and truly tickled, with proceeds going towards the building of a new bear sanctuary in Laos.

This hilarious evening will feature US comedian Tommy Dean, who is no stranger to Australia having appeared on our TV screens as a guest on shows

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Have a laugh and raise money for a great cause

with Jack Daniel’s sauce like ‘Spicks and Specks’ and ‘The Gruen Transfer’.

Joining him is ‘Good News Week’ writer and one of Sydney’s most sought after emcees Seamus McAlary, along with comedians Amanda Gray and Joe Comino.

‘Comedy for a Cause’ will be on at Penrith Gaels Club on Saturday, September 16 at 8pm. This is a 15+ event. Tickets are $35. To purchase tickets, visit www. comedyforacause.net/tc-events/ftb.

Happy Hour 2pm-4pm Live entertainment from 1pm with ‘Krishna Jones’ FATHER’S DAY RAFFLE including meat trays Gift Vouchers and more

WIN A FATHER’S DAY GIFT PACK Simply purchase a drink at the bar (members only)

The Northern Rd, Penrith P: 4736 1633 (Clubhouse) P: 4736 1613 (Pro Shop)

Email: admin@penrithgolfclub.com.au www.penrithgolfclub.com.au WW29743

Is it hot in here?

KATE REID

S

• Cost effective • Professional

• Fast turnarounds • Male and female voices available

“Ultra-fast, super professional and delivering way much more than I ever anticipated” - Melinda Leyshon, write copy

WW25364

eptember is set to bring the heat, and we’re not just talking about the weather!

Australia’s premier male dance show ‘Aussie Heat’ will be burning up The Henry Sports Club stage with world class choreography, electrifying dance moves and plenty of beautifullychiselled bodies.

Direct from their long-standing residency at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood this team of professionally trained dancers will indulge all your smoking hot fantasies in this heart-pounding, high-energy show.

For those wanting a little extra attention there’s also VIP packages including a pre-show meet and greet with the cast and a small pile of heat bucks – the show’s own sizzling currency.

This is Aussie Heat’s first ever Australian tour, so let’s make them welcome.

Grab your friends and get your tickets now! It’s perfect for a long-awaited girls’ night out!

Las Vegas’ #1 rated male adult show ‘Aussie Heat’ will be performing at The Henry Sports Club in Werrington on Thursday, September 7 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are $38 or $60.50 for a meet and greet. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.AussieHeat.com.au or call 9623 2119.

DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL VOICEOVER, RADIO COMMERCIAL, ON HOLD MESSAGE OR ANY OTHER FORM OF AUDIO RECORDED?

www.happyhourmedia.com.au WW28890

51

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

3RD SEPT

s ’ r e h Fat Day

The Blue Cattle Dog Hotel’s

FAMOUS SEAFOOD BUFFET

with Beer, wine and soft drink included for $75.

Kids $35 – Book now to avoid missing out.

FRESH COOKED BREAKFAST served from 8am on Father’s day here at the Blue Cattle Dog

All fathers who dine with us fathers day go into a draw to win a one of 2 $100 Blue Cattle Dog Vouchers

CNR MAMRE RD & BANKS DR, ST CLAIR P. 9670 3050 BLUECATTLEDOGHOTEL.COM.AU We promote the responsible service of gaming & alcohol. Advertising and promotions contained on ALH Group posters, flyers or newspaper advertising are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. alhgroup.com.au

WW29829

WHAT’S ON workersclub. at the

Workers Sports 170 Reservoir Road, Blacktown 2148 (02)8822 2444

52

www.workersclub.com.au

com.au

Workers hubertus 205 adams road, luddenham 2745 (02)4773 4444 WW29797

Blue Mountains Theatre & Community Hub Springwood

Earn CPD Points!

Bushfire Building Conference Building for the Future

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Milestone for choir

@bushfirebuildingconference

Friday 8 September 2017 KATE REID

F

or 40 years the Penrith City Choir has been singing its way into the hearts of local audiences.

To celebrate the milestone, the choir will be putting on a special performance of celebratory works including Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and excerpts from John Rutter’s ‘Mass of the Children’ and ‘Festival Gloria’ – a contemporary work by Craig Courtney.

Guests are also invited to join the choir for a complimentary afternoon tea and birthday celebrations in the church hall at the conclusion of the concert.

Penrith City Choir was formed in 1977 as the Nepean Choral Society, providing a platform for local Penrith and Lower Mountains audiences to enjoy major choral works.

So put on your best party clothes and help this beloved choir celebrate in style.

Tickets are on sale now!

Penrith City Choir will be holding its concert ‘Gloria’ at St Nicholas of Myra Church in Penrith on Sunday, August 27 at 2.30pm. Tickets are $5-$25, or $50 for a family of four. Bookings can be made online at www.trybooking.com or tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 0400 516 630.

PRESENTED BY

MAJOR PARTNER

This award-winning conference is Australia’s only bushfire building focused event for builders, architects, designers, landscapers, bushfire consultants, surveyors, planners, researchers, regulators and insurers.

NSW RFS Interactive Session All you need to know about the updated Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2017 publication.

Register now: bmee.org.au WW29739

Book now for

y a D s r e ’ th a F

pt

e S d r 3 , y a d n u This S

• Excellent Dining Experience • Fine Wine List • Great Place For Families & Friends • Available For Special Functions

Lakeside restaurant

Opening Times Thursday for Dinner Friday for Dinner Saturday for Brunch Lunch-Dinner Sunday for Brunch

Sydney International Regatta Centre Gate A, Old Castlereagh Rd Penrith Lakes www.lakesiderestaurant.com.au P:4729 3222 WW29651

53

HEADING OUT

John Williamson Rooty Hill RSL 9677 4916 Saturday, Aug 26, 8.00pm, $49

Friday, August 25

$20-$25, 5pm 4700 9308

Sunday, August 27 2017 NSW State Band Championships – The Joan $10-$25, 9.30am 4723 7600 Blake Tailor – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4721 5764 Buckshot – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Imogen Clark – Hawkesbury Hotel, Windsor Free entry, 3pm 4577 3050 Caoirne Ward – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 5pm 4722 8180 Penrith District Show – Penrith Showground $9-$16, www.penrithshow.com

Acoustic Soloist – Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Social Darts – St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Mary’s DJ – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Live music – Wentworth Falls Country Club Free entry, 7pm 4757 1202 Too Many Guitars – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Cover X – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Jack Thompson Twins – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase – Blue Mountains Theatre $31.90-$34.90, 8pm 4723 5050 Australian Trilogy – Colonial Hotel Free entry, 9.30pm 9623 1384 Blake Tailor Duo – Terrace Bar at Panthers Free entry, 8.30pm 1300 PANTHERS Jimmy Bear – Oriental Hotel, Springwood Free entry, 8pm 4751 4488

Rufino and the Coconuts – Baroque Room, Katoomba $20-$25, 8pm 4782 1111 Soundproofed 80s Rewind – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764

Saturday, September 2 Jazz Express – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 The Wharf Revue – The Joan $70-$75, 2pm and 7.30pm 4723 7600 Classical Dreams The Joan 4723 7600 Saturday, Sep 2, 8.00pm, $28-$60

Friday, September 1 Acoustic Soloist – Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666

Saturday, August 26 Jazz Express – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 2017 NSW State Band Championships – The Joan Penrith District Show Penrith Showground - www.penrithshow.com Saturday, Aug 26, $9-$16

$10-$25, 9.30am 4723 7600 Retrospective – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764 Urban Stone – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Us Too – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Times Two – Milestone Hotel, Kingswood Free entry, 9pm 4721 2999 Festival of Romantic Song: Phoenix Choir – Phillips Hall, Blackheath

The Wharf Revue The Joan 4723 7600 Friday, Sep 1, 7.30pm, $70-$75

Social Darts – St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Mary’s DJ – Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4731 3881 Karaoke – Wentworth Falls Country Club Free entry, 7pm 4757 1202 Shane Nicholson – Rooty Hill RSL $25, 8pm 9677 4916 Burgess & Burgess – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Bigfoot – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Remixes – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180

Celtic Illusion – Evan Theatre at Panthers From $49.90, 8pm 1300 PANTHERS Karaoke – Jamison Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4721 5764 Old School Band – St Marys Leagues Club Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 K-Groove – Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Marty’s Place – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 7pm 4722 8180 Kate Young – Milestone Hotel, Kingswood Free entry, 9pm 4721 2999

Sunday, September 3 Vintage 4 – Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Charlie Camilleri – Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 5pm 4722 8180

Community Connection NEPEAN

HOME

START

LOCAL NEEDS MET

BY LOCAL PEO PLE 54

SUPPORT A LOCAL CHARITY. WESTCARE.ORG.AU

Serving Penrith since 1977

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

what's on AND where

WW28524

O D UST

M

Spring Orchid Show September 9 and 10 Melrose Hall, Emu Plains. $2 Jordan Springs & Surrounds Women’s Community Group JS-WCG@outlook.com Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4733 8926 W.S. Melanoma Support Group • 1st Monday of each month • 0431 142 911 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878 Folk Dance Group Thursdays from 7.30pm St Finbars Hall • 0416 563 335

Affordable fun for the entire family It’s Show time! Prepare for a weekend of fun, food and festivities when the 174th annual Penrith District Show heads to the Penrith Showground this Saturday and Sunday. Whether you want to spin yourself silly on a ride, get up close with some furry friends, or check out the incredible fireworks display on Saturday evening, there’s something for everyone at the show! For more information, ticketing details and event schedule, visit www.penrithshow.com or look at out for your Penrith Show guide with today’s paper.

S D I K R FO

S

OR I N E S FOR

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120 Sunset Station Singers Singing group needs new members • 0425 223 113 Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

Fall in love with a Disney classic

Don’t miss this impressive local exhibition!

Relive the magic of the Disney classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at United Cinemas in Katoomba this Saturday.

Penrith Regional Gallery’s exhibition ‘Emu Island – Modernism in Place’ will be open to the public from tomorrow until November 19.

Queen of Hearts Domestic violence support 1300 856 737

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU! At The Western Weekender, our commitment to independent, local journalism has never been stronger.

You can trust Penrith’s biggest on-the-ground reporting team to deliver the news that matters.

Support truly independent journalism. Advertise with The Western Weekender. Tell your friends. SPREAD THE WORD! Want to advertise?

Email sales@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998

WW29235

Got a news tip or story?

Email news@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998 WW24901

55

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Wallacia Hotel celebrating 80 years this year FATHER’S DAY ONLY – Get Dad a

1KG TOMAHAWK STEAK for Father’s Day – $100

LIVE MUSIC Saturdays & Sundays WALLACIA HOTEL

DUE TO PREPARATION TIME BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

1590 MULGOA ROAD, WALLACIA 2745 | 4773 8888 | www.wallaciahotel.com.au

WW28688

SPOIL DAD WITH

DINNER ON RILEY STREET CHILLI JAM I CHOCOLATERIA SAN CHURRO COCO CUBANO I FRATELLI FAMOUS GELATO MESSINA | GRILL’D I KINGSTON & CO MAD MEX | NANDO’S | RED COW INN SITTANO’S BAR & RESTAURANT | STIR CRAZY SUSHI BAY I THE BAVARIAN I YOGURBERRY

PENRITH 56

WW28619

‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown’ late on Thursday and Friday nights.

Ê Another remake of classic series ‘The Munsters’ is in development, this time with Seth Meyers at the helm. In the latest version, the offbeat family will be determined to stay true to themselves while struggling to fit in in hipster Brooklyn. Ê How sad is it that more people are watching 15-year-old episodes of ‘Kath & Kim’ on Nine over great shows like ‘Hell’s Kitchen Australia’ on Seven and ‘Shark Tank’ on Ten? While I’ll agree ‘Kath & Kim’ is comedy gold, you literally can go out and buy complete seasons on DVD if you’re so keen!

Ê

Nathan

Taylor

One for the kids, Channel Nine has announced a new science show called ‘BrainBuzz’. Host Kellyn Morris and resident scientist Clare Van Dorssen will be joined by children from around Australia to explore, dissect and solve many of the world’s frequently asked questions.

‘BrainBuzz’ will launch on 9GO! in 2018.

Ê It’s been confirmed that cartoon classic ‘The Jetsons’ will be turned into a live action, multi camera sitcom. Casting is currently underway!

Ê

TV NEWS

It was due to air this year but it’s now been revealed the new series of ‘Russell Coight’s All Aussie Adventures’ won’t be seen until 2018. It’s understood star Glen Robbins has started filming the new episodes but they won’t be ready until some time next year.

Ê Do you want to star on the next series of ‘The Block’? Producers want you to apply for the new season which will be filmed at The Gatwick Hotel in St Kilda.

Couples must be aged between 18-65 and be available for a 10-12 week shoot period from mid-January until April 2018.

Previous home renovation experience is an asset but not required from both partners. To apply, visit www.castasugar. com/casting-now/block2018.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Ê Channel Ten aired the first promo for ‘The Bachelorette Australia’ starring Sophie Monk last week, and boy was it a winner! Featuring the smash hit Queen song ‘Somebody to Love’, fans are calling it one of the best and funniest promos for a new TV show in a long time. ‘The Bachelorette’ will premiere straight after this season of ‘The Bachelor’, which has less than a month remaining.

Ê Shane Jacobson’s new show ‘Little Big Shots’ will finally go to air this Sunday night at 7pm. Seven were due to screen it last month but were scared off after the success of ‘Ninja Warrior’ on Nine.

THE BACHELORETTE SEPTEMBER CHANNEL TEN

Ê Wrestling is back on free to air television for the first time in decades. 9GO! is broadcasting weekly one-hour versions of

Ê Channel Ten has confirmed that ‘The Project’ will now air six nights a week.

The panel show will air on Sunday nights from 6.30pm in addition to its usual weeknight slot. Peter Helliar, Dr Chris Brown, Natarsha Belling and Rachel Corbett will be on the panel for this Sunday night’s edition. While it doesn’t rate particularly well, ‘The Project’ has now become a staple of Ten’s schedule. Ê RIP to US comedy legend Jerry Lewis, who died earlier this week.

LTPM/16/01069

We provide the responsible service of gaming and alcohol. All our advertising and promotions are not implicitly or explicitly directed at minors, excluded persons, or vulnerable or disadvantaged groups.

PIONEER TAVERN CNR MAXWELL ST & THE NORTHERN RD, PENRITH WW29729

PH 4736 4647 • THEPIONEERTAVERN.COM.AU

57

Friday, August 25, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

Social Scene

Above:

The Joan in Penrith held a forum on planning in western Sydney, with plenty of locals attending

Below:

The Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce held its 90th birthday dinner at the Penrith Paceway on Tuesday night

58

HANNAH, HWNS customer

EVERY DAY House with No Steps support people like you on their NDIS journey. Let’s work together on making your plan a reality. visit hwns.com.au email enquiries@hwns.com.au freecall 1300 LETS GO (538 746)

WW27566

I am much happier about life with my NDIS plan. I have found a passion to help others.

GAME Madden NFL 18

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

OUT NOW WON T UO

DVD Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Rated M

Star-Lord and his fellow band of misfits are back and they’re ready for a whole new round of mayhem.

This follow-up to the hugely successful 2014 film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ sees the team continue on their adventures through the outer reaches of the cosmos.

As they seek to uncover the mystery behind Peter Quill’s parentage, the group must fight to keep their newly formed family together.

During their adventure, fan-favourites from the classic comics will come to their aid, as old foes become new allies.

The film franchise is led by action’s newest golden boy Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord.

Pratt is joined on-screen by Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.

With a killer soundtrack, stunning visuals and plenty of laughs this is one to add to the must-see list.

CINEMA

Rated PG • PS4 and Xbox One

American Made

Put yourself right in the middle of all the hard-hitting NFL action with the most photorealistic ‘Madden NFL’ release to date.

‘Madden NFL 18’ offers gamers a significant visual leap with stunning new stadium exteriors surrounded by vast cityscapes, making gameday come to life on screen.

This time round there’s even more ways to play with three new and unique Play Styles and the best real world match ups each week in Play Now Live!

So channel your inner Tom Brady and bring home the Super Bowl (or the game).

Tom Cruise reunites with ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ director Doug Liman in this week’s action blockbuster ‘American Made’.

Cruise plays the role of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot and hustler who is recruited by the CIA in the 80s to run one of US history’s biggest covert operations – providing reconnaissance on the growing communist threat in Central America.

In the process Seal finds himself caught up with the infamous Medellin cartel and almost causes the fall of the Reagan White House with the Iran Contra scandal.

Daredevil Tom Cruise is well known for doing most of his own stunts and this film is no exception, with the star showing off his piloting skills in the film’s action-

Rated MA

packed flying scenes. So far the film has been getting mostly positive reviews from the critics, suggesting that Cruise has another hit to add to his impressive catalogue of films.

‘American Made’ has been praised for its thrilling true-life storyline and for Tom’s performance in the lead role – which is a welcome change after being panned by critics for the 2017 reboot of ‘The Mummy’.

If you’re a fan of one of cinema’s greatest action stars then grab a ticket and check this one out on the big screen!

‘American Made’ is currently screening at Hoyts Penrith in the Westfield complex.

For more information on session times, visit www.hoyts.com.au.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU! At The Western Weekender, our commitment to independent, local journalism has never been stronger.

You can trust Penrith’s biggest on-the-ground reporting team to deliver the news that matters.

Support truly independent journalism. Advertise with The Western Weekender. Tell your friends. SPREAD THE WORD! Want to advertise?

Email sales@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998

WW29231

Got a news tip or story?

Email news@westernweekender.com.au or call us on 4722 2998 WW24901

American Made

(MA15+ Strong coarse language)

Thurs, Mon, Tues: 10:40AM, 1:20PM, 4:00PM, 6:50PM, 9:40PM. Daily except Sat, Sun: 11:00AM Fri: 10:50AM, 1:30PM, 4:30PM, 6:50PM, 9:30PM Sat, Sun: 10:50AM, 1:50PM, 4:10PM, 6:50PM, 9:30PM Wed: 10:30AM, 10:50AM, 1:20PM, 4:00PM, 6:50PM, 9:40PM

Everything Everything

PENRITH

SESSIONS VALID 24 AUGUST - 30 AUGUST

(PG Mild themes, sex scene and infrequent coarse language)

Thurs, Fri: 4:20PM, 9:10PM Sat, Sun: 4:00PM, 9:10PM Mon, Wed: 4:30PM, 9:00PM Tues: 4:30PM, 8:40PM

Hitman’s Bodyguard

(MA15+ Strong themes, violence and coarse language)

Fri: 1:40PM, 7:00PM. Sun: 3:30PM Sat, Sun: 1:30PM, 7:00PM

Hampstead

(PG Mild sexual references and coarse language) Session times are subject to change without notice, visit www.hoyts.com.au to check session times or book tickets

Daily except Mon, Wed: 10:10AM, 12:20PM, 2:30PM Mon: 10:10AM, 12:20PM, 2:30PM, 6:40PM Wed: 10:00AM, 12:20PM, 2:30PM, 6:40PM

WW29582

59

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

creative A U

S

T

R

A

L

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions I

A

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

11

crossword ACROSS 1. Frail 4. Writing-fluid pot 8. Lord Spencer’s title 11. Lived dangerously, ... with death 13. Throat projection, ... apple (4’1) 15. Pain 17. Belonging to us 18. Hired (staff) (3,2) 20. And not 21. Queenly 24. Flooded (of decks) 27. ... & outs 28. Intact 30. Lookalike 31. Bishop’s hat 33. Doormen 34. Angry outburst 35. Astronaut, ...

Armstrong 36. Valley 39. Humanitarian, Mother ...

42. Hitch (ride) 44. Vicious dogs 45. Rush 46. Harvard’s rival 48. Conscious 49. Hoard 50. At your ... & call 52. Invitation holder 54. Pawn (item) 55. Connection (3-2) 56. Landlord’s customer 57. Beggars ... be choosers (3’1) 60. Petroleum cartel 62. Reviews (accounts) 65. Import levies 67. Speciality 69. Church senior 70. Occasion 72. Drone 73. Share transaction 75. Solid ground, ... firma 77. Monarch’s sphere 79. Privileged few 81. Wedding promise (1,2) 82. Exclude 84. Pulse 85. Linger (on) 86. Medicine amount 87. Holds fast (to) 88. Brave deed

DOWN 1. Disengage gradually 2. Decorate 3. Family 4. Offhandedly 5. Hillocks 6. Wayward 7. Tibetan monk 8. Second largest bird 9. Moving about 10. Camera’s optical part 12. Surname of Billy Ray & Miley 14. Rosebush pest 16. Scratch 19. Ryan or Tatum (1’4) 22. Alternatives 23. Over 25. Mass 26. Falsely charming 29. Society 32. Actor, ... Danson 35. Wandering (tribesman) 37. Know-all, smart ...

38. Localised (outbreak) 40. Upright 41. Cause trouble (3,2) 42. Browned bread 43. Breakfast rasher 44. Mountain hut 47. Milk sugar 51. More compassionate 52. Cleaned (fish) 53. Academic job permanency 54. Filmier 58. Bad 59. Sticky coal byproduct 61. Spare 63. Absolute (nonsense) 64. Snow vehicle 65. Traffic diversion 66. Escape 68. Neglects 71. Honourable 72. Detained 74. Swedish pop group 76. Batons 78. Spoilt child 80. Definite article 83. Pixie

Last week’s solution

15

12

13

16

14

17

20

21

28

22

23

29

18

24

25

26

30

27

31

33

32

34

35

36

39

40

41

44

42

45

38

46

47

49

50

51

52

53

55

58

67

54

56

59

62

60

63

64

68

73

79

65

70

74

80

75

71

76

81

84

61

66

69

72

86

37

43

48

57

19

77

82

78

83

85

87

88

Sudoku brought to you by Emerson’s Envirocare 1800 600 760 www.emersonenvirocaresydney.com

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

60

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Are you feeling rather restless? Are you sitting around berating the world for not being the way you want it to be? It’s time for Rams to ricochet into brand new territory, as Mars and Uranus help you initiate changes in creative and innovative ways. But remember that Mercury is still retrograde until September 5. So don’t be too hasty. And don’t believe everything you hear! Spontaneity must be tempered with patience and discrimination.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Expect a domestic matter or a DIY project to go haywire, as retrograde Mercury leaves you wondering what is going on!

You need to be especially diplomatic with a recalcitrant relative. Don’t waste precious time wondering what a loved one is thinking, you’re probably off the mark. 100 per cent honesty isn’t the best policy. Communication will improve with some creative sugar-coating.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Many gregarious Geminis are keen to share information and exchange ideas with family, friends and work colleagues.

But Mercury is still retrograde, so make sure your amusing chatter doesn’t denigrate into gratuitous gossip. When it comes to all forms of communication, dynamic Mars and Uranus help you approach a dilemma in a new way. Is there a social media platform you haven’t explored? Keep your options open.

Joanne Madeline Moore

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Weekly posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Impulse buys today could lead to cash flow problems tomorrow. So avoid making expensive purchases or major money moves this week, as you’re inclined to view your current financial situation through ridiculously distorted glasses. A work project looks stimulating.

But retrograde Mercury stirs up mischief in your social media and self-esteem zones.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Mars and Uranus rev up your Cat curiosity and propel you into a brand new adventure. But you could encounter road blocks along the way, as retrograde Mercury stymies your progress. Hasty actions and half-baked plans will only lead to long-term frustrations. If you can balance dynamic action with a dose of discipline, you’ll have a stimulating and satisfying week. Lily Tomlin: “The road to success is always under construction”.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

With the planets activating your romance, travel and aspirations zones, it’s time to dream big dreams for the future. They won’t materialise overnight though. You need to be extremely patient and persistent (which are not natural strengths for a speedy and spontaneous Sagittarian).

Then – when the right moment manifests – you’ll be ready, willing and able to take flight. Be inspired by Florence Welch: “I like the idea of taking off like a bird”.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Thank goodness Mercury moves out of your sign on Thursday. But it’s still retrograde until September 5. So take a well-earned break from the madness around you, and escape somewhere quiet where you can relax and rejuvenate. And re-discover your Virgo vim, vigour and verve! The power of imagination is also on your side. You’ll find ideas and inspiration come from daydreaming.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

When it comes to business matters, financial opportunities or creative inspiration, things are unpredictable and haphazard at the moment. So heed the wise words of billionaire (and birthday great) Warren Buffett. “I’ve had periods of my life when I’ve had a bundle of ideas come along, and I’ve had long dry spells”.

So keep things in perspective, plus keep on keeping on.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Avoid being a lone wolf this week. If you nurture close relationships and network with colleagues, then you can combine your talents on a creative joint project.

You’ll have to be patient though as you work towards achieving a long-term goal. But a relationship with a friend or acquaintance could cool, as responsibilities overtake having fun. If you keep the lines of communication open, then the storm in a tea cup will soon blow over.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Uranus forms a fabulous aspect with Mars. So your boldly bohemian side shines brightly, as you inspire others with your quicksilver mind and avant-garde spirit. You think you know how a loved one is feeling but jumping to conclusions is a recipe for trouble. So take the time to talk things through. Attached Aquarius – the relationship heads into exciting territory. Single? True love is waiting where you least expect!

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

You’ll be thrust into the spotlight this week (hopefully for all the right reasons).

Venus and Mars give you a welcome confidence boost, so polish up your public persona and make sure you’re putting on a good show. Expect some frustration though, when a work colleague frustrates you or an authority figure antagonises you. Avoid the temptation to sulk, stew and simmer.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Are you feeling bored to bits with the daily grind? Seek out stimulating people this week Pisces, as you celebrate your versatility; shake up your usual routine; and do something wildly different. It’s also a terrific time to express your Good Samaritan side as you nurse a family member, support a friend in need, do some volunteer work or lend a helping hand in your local community.

Community Connection NEPEAN

HOME

START

LOCAL NEEDS MET

BY LOCAL PEO PLE

SUPPORT A LOCAL CHARITY. WESTCARE.ORG.AU

Serving Penrith since 1977

life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

your

WW28524

61

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

your

look

Why Microblading is all the rage with eyebrows Our eyebrows can take hours to look perfect, and you often have to do it all again tomorrow. But there’s other options for a more permanent fix...

Alyce Madden For the latest trends follow @westfieldpenrith on Instagram

They frame your face and bring attention to your eyes.

Often overlooked, eyebrows are more of an important feature than we give them credit for.

If your brows are thin and sparse and you lust for a perfectly arched full brow consider your options wisely.

The latest beautifying technique that is all the rage lately is called Microblading.

A permanent tattoo of tiny hair strokes feathered into the brow filling any bare patches, sounds like the dream doesn’t it?

If you are currently filling in your brows with brow gel make-up every day then this might be an option for you to consider. I’ve given the pros and cons of both techniques so you can be sure to make an informed decision.

Filling in eyebrows using makeup Cons: • Time consuming • Temporary solution • Not durable in water Pros: • Affordable. You only need the tiniest

amount of product per application.

Brow pencils, gels and cream products can start as low as $12. At Priceline, NYX have the tame and frame pomade, a pigmented gel that glides onto skin and hair.

• Foolproof. If you make a mistake, no drama, just wipe off and start again.

• Easily switch up your style. What if you want higher arches on the ends or what if thinner brows make a comeback or you simply dye your hair next week to a whole new colour? Easy.

Just pencil in whatever shape and colour you desire and fill accordingly.

• Gentle on sensitive skin. Just wash off when you’re done for the day with a make-up remover and cleanser.

Eyebrow Microblading Cons: • Expensive. Microblading is a very sought after technique. A full set of

brow tattooing can set you back on average $900 then you have to check if they charge for “touch ups” to go over hard to fill patches or areas that didn’t take the colour well.

• Painful. No matter how much numbing cream they use you will still feel it.

I’ve had friends say it’s like paper cuts!

• Downtime. You won’t be able to wash your face properly for a week as your freshly done brows have to scab over and heal. They can be itchy, make sure you don’t get them wet in the first few weeks as colour can come out leaving you with faded results.

• Undesired shape. What if your artist draws in the tattoo hair strokes too close towards your nose or misses a section in the arch? This is why researching who will be performing this treatment for you and checking out their portfolio is so necessary.

• Hair stroke look blending. Like any tattoo the detailed line work tends to bleed into the skin softening the longer the wear. Same goes for microbladed brows, I’ve heard even after three months this can be noticeable.

Pros: • Permanent, although there will be maintenance required every year or so to get them touched up.

• Wake up with your brows done. More time in the morning for you to sleep in.

Truth, Not Dare* *When audited by the AMAA # ./ -) & ) - is committed to protecting advertisers by having their distribution independently verified by AMAA.

Visit auditedmedia.org.au

62

WW28173

health

Let’s dump the excuses and start finding time to exercise!

Including exercise into your daily routine is vital for your health...

Every day I hear people come in with at least two or three excuses as to why exercise just doesn’t fit into their lifestyle.

So what are these reasons and how do we use simple strategies to overcome them?

Alicia Whiticker Exercise Physiologist OnePointHealth 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

“I don’t have time” There are 24 hours in a day and therefore dedicating 30 minutes to exercise is two per cent of your entire day.

Everyone can find two per cent of their day to exercise!

The best way to overcome this is to plan; put it in your calendar to wake up 30 minutes earlier, do some exercise whilst watching your favourite television show at night, or pack your joggers and go during your lunch break.

Nobody has time, you have to make time.

“I work long hours” If your work schedule is getting in the way of your ability to exercise then it might be time to start packing your joggers and going for a lunch time walk.

OK, this isn’t realistic for everyone, so scheduling some weekend time to exercise is better than nothing at all.

“I have kids to manage when I get home from work” Take them with you! Kids love running around in the park or riding on their bikes.

Pack them in the car and head to your local park. While the kids are using the equipment, set yourself up a circuit or go for a walk around whilst they ride their bikes next to you.

Even better; when the kids are at soccer training take your joggers and do some laps.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

your

Making exercise a priority with your kids is a great way to motivate your children to lead a healthy lifestyle as well.

“I don’t like exercise” Exercise is a broad term to cover a huge variety of movements and activities; exercise doesn’t have to be running a marathon or joining a gym.

Find something you enjoy doing such as dancing, yoga or walking the dog. Even better find a friend to do it with to keep it fun!

WW25886

63

Friday, August 25, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

Thinking of a pool?

Call us to start planning your Leisure Lifestyle now!

Call 1300-SPLASH (1300 775 274) or visit

www.leisurepools.com.au

WW27840

64

money

Getting the most benefit out of the Centrelink pension

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

your

Centrelink can be critical in our older years, and how much you’ll get can be a tricky scenario...

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

THSC 99 AMERICAN STAFFY MALE 8 MONTHS $385.00 AVAILABLE NOW (K15)

He is a happy natured boy that will need basic obedience although he will sit for a treat already and take it gently. Leo has completed his impound time and is ready for his new home now so please come and meet him anytime.

Retirement income includes at least some Centrelink age pension for most people. If we can increase the amount of income we can receive from Centrelink the less income we need to generate from our own assets.

Although increasing the amount of Centrelink we receive is important, it shouldn’t be by wasting money for the sake of increased Centrelink only.

You are always better off with more money so don’t fall into the trap of offloading assets for no good reason.

That said, you are able to gift up $10,000 per year and $30,000 over any five year period and these assets won’t count to your asset test.

The value of your primary residence does not count as an asset, and money spent improving your family home is a way to reduce your assets.

Again spending money on your home with the only reason to increase Centrelink is not encouraged. But if improving your home will improve your standard of living this might be an option.

Money in Superannuation doesn’t count as an asset for Centrelink income and

PCC 448 AMERICAN STAFFY MALE 3YRS $385.00 AVAILABLE NOW - FOUND IN PENRITH- KENNEL 71 Since coming into the shelter we have spent some time with this boy one on one. He is scared but very gentle taking his treats and will sit straight away when asked. He is quite a nervous boy around new people and this may just be the shelter environment that is scaring him.

PCC 483 X LABRADOR FEMALE 7.5YRS $203.50 AVAILABLE 26.8.17 KENNEL 70 FOUND IN PENRITH

Check out this chunky girl! She is quite a nice girl and does come out of her shell once she is out of her kennel and having a run, and does love to play. In her new home she will require a diet to help her get back to the trim dog she is supposed to be.

assets tests for those under pension age.

This in some circumstances can provide an opportunity to increase Centrelink payments. In the case that one member is of age pension and the other is not, by putting assets in the younger person’s Superannuation you will decrease the assessable assets and increase the pension in the short term.

The use of Superannuation to have assets not be assessable can also be used for those on pensions other than age pension, for example the disability

pension, and those assets won’t count until retirement age.

Long-term annuities are Centrelinkfriendly also. A portion of their value becomes non-assessable each year. An annuity with a term six or more years with no return on capital will see the value of the payment for the year come off the value of the asset each year. This however involves you spending your capital.

These are just a few methods that can increase your Centrelink pension.

HCC 301 BORDER COLLIE PCC 386 FEMALE 5YRS MALE 6.5YRS $260.70 $147.40 AVAILABLE NOW AVAILABLE NOW - KENNEL 19 FOUND IN CAMBRIDGE After being surrendered by PARK his owner this guy is looking for a new Forever Home, he is a middle age gent that still has lots of spring in his step and would love a home where he can be walked daily. In his previous home he lived with a female dog and children.

Sadly this girl was found as a stray and no one has come forward to claim her. She has been waiting a short while for her home and is a friendly girl that likes to get pats and is happy to see you. In the shelter environment she is a little overwhelmed but a new Forever Home will fix that.

HCC 150 MALE $125.40 AVAILABLE NOW FOUND IN MULGRAVE

Are you looking for a ginger ninja to add to your family?

He is a friendly cat that likes pats but he isn’t an “ in your face” personality so would suit a home where he can do his own thing but also be part of the family.

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW28994

65

Friday, August 25, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

your

The dangerous ramifications of your cat getting into a fight

pets

Cats often get into fights, and once all is said and done, serious health concerns can develop...

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

Cats love to roam and explore their environment, however cats that have access to outdoors will occasionally get into a fight with another cat.

Cats are territorial animals and will fight with each other to defend their territory. If your cat gets bitten during a fight, bacteria from the other cat’s teeth will enter the wound and this may result in the formation of an abscess.

An abscess is an accumulation of pus that usually forms as a result of a puncture wound. Cat fight abscesses are most common around the face, shoulders or around the rump/tail. If you know that your cat has been in a fight, it is always a good idea to see a veterinarian immediately.

What are the signs that my cat has an abscess?

Abscesses usually appear 2-7 days after your cat gets bitten. Affected cats will often be lethargic, have a poor appetite, have a fever and sometimes have painful areas on their body where the bite wound is. Often you will also find a soft warm lump and sometimes, if the abscess is burst, the wound will weep.

How are abscesses treated?

Treatment generally involves surgery to flush out the pus and remove any dead/ traumatised tissue. Sometimes drains are placed when there are large pockets and this allows the skin to heal. Antibiotics and of course pain relief are also used to keep your cat nice and comfortable.

Surgery can often be avoided if your cat is brought in as soon as a bite happens.

How can I prevent this in my cat?

Most abscesses are caused by cat fights, so the best way to prevent them is by keeping your cat indoors as much as possible. It is also essential to get your

cats desexed; entire male cats are very territorial and are much more likely to fight than desexed cats! It is also important to see your veterinarian as soon as you think your cat has been in a fight.

You can usually prevent an abscess from forming with early treatment for any injuries.

It is also important to remember that the FIV virus (feline AIDS) is transmitted through cat bite wounds. Cats that have access to outdoors are at risk of contracting feline AIDS. We strongly recommend testing for and vaccination against FIV for all cats that go outside.

Coreen Avenue

Veterinary Clinic

Quality Loving Care

Western Sydney

Cat Hospital

WW24905

Quality Loving Care

Exclusive Cat Clinic

Extended consulting hours 9am - 9pm

New Canine Learning Centre

Phone for an appointment

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

Indoor Park with Hydrobath

SHOW YOU

WHY..

WHAT..

HOW..

Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business

A U S T R A L I A N SMALL BUSINESS

CHAMPION

AWARDS 2016

WINNER

66

WW24755

WW26020

Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments Small Business Workshops & Training Offices across Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Mobile Advisors Available to visit you at your home or business

02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U

religion

How understanding God changed one man’s life

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

your

Perhaps our politicians need God’s help to start reaching our hopes and expectations...

Rev John Lavender www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

In recent times politicians from all sides have come in for a bit of a hammering.

As we look back in history, we see that this has not always been the story as some politicians have stood out as men and women who have made a significant, positive impact in our world.

One such politician was William Wilberforce.

Wilberforce was elected to the British Parliament in 1780.

After a self confessed slow start to his political life, during the Easter of 1786, Wilberforce experienced the transforming grace of God; his heart was “swelling with the song of praise and thanksgiving to God”.

He was simply amazed by the grace of God as he came to understand the kindness and forgiveness God had shown him in Jesus.

God’s grace transformed Wilberforce’s life, turning around his political motivation with two great causes holding his attention.

The first was the abolition of slavery.

Wilberforce wrote of slavery as something “So enormous, so dreadful... that I

your education

Rob Ollis

Master Coaching Penrith 4722 3072

Group coaching allows for a better and more productive working environment, with students able to achieve much more and reach their desired hopes and goals...

On a cold winter Saturday, in a warm room at one of our Master Coaching centres, I met with and trained 12 bright young coaches in the Art of Coaching.

There are two parts to coaching students, the first part requires an understanding on ‘How Children Learn’; and that was the first part of the training.

Maxwell Maltz explains in PsychoCybernetics that people only achieve to the level that they realistically expect to achieve.

If we have an academically underperforming student and we seek to improve their results we have to change their inner belief.

The method of doing this is called the ‘Art of Coaching’, a 16-step process that helps the student to relax and learn at his/her optimum rate.

On our website we have some video newsletters if further information is

required, visit www.mastercoachingaustralia.com/about/video-newsletter.

Most people misunderstand the concepts and the benefits of coaching; believing that their student has a plug or gap in their knowledge, and once this is ‘fixed’ they will brilliantly succeed from that point onwards.

In mathematics, the problem is not the initial learning, but the cyclic revision that ensures that learnt skills are maintained and re-producible under exam pressure.

The best results are achieved in small group situations where the coach organises the program to ensure that cyclic revision occurs, and the coach, through the ‘Art of Coaching,’ uses PsychoCybernetics to change the student’s level of expectation.

Advantages of Group Coaching 1. Master Coaching has designed workbooks that have cyclic revision 2. Students work for the full hour gaining maximum benefit for their efforts 3. The group environment encourages working and learning, allowing the student to enter his alpha state 4. The student is not ‘spot-lighted’ by having a coach sitting beside (or in front of) them 5. Psychologists have always espoused the advantages of group dynamics as the best means to ultimate success

would never rest until I had effected its abolition”.

Sadly, because of vested interests, entrenched bigotry and his own poor health, it would take many years to bring slavery to an end, as one historian wrote, “one of the turning events in world history”.

The second cause Wilberforce fought to turn around was the reform of the condi-

tions of the poor and needy. Wilberforce gave away one-quarter of his annual income to the poor.

He fought on behalf of chimney sweeps, single mothers and orphans and he founded numerous organisations, all with the goal of the betterment of society.

Quite a remarkable man, a man transformed and renewed by the amazing grace of God shown to us in Jesus.

TUITION THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE • Most School Subjects • Pre-school to Adult 4 Week Money Back Guarantee, Term Reports and Free Diagnostic

Enrolling NOW! • Master Coaching is the only Quality Assured tutoring centre in Australia (ISO: 9000:2007) • OUR MISSION: is to provide the most inspirational tuition in Australia • OUR VALUES: Do the right thing for the right reason • OUR SUCCESS: Are students who love to learn

Suite 9, Allen Arcade 140-142 Henry Street, Penrith Ph Rob 4722 3072 www.mastercoachingpenrith.com WW28796

67

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

your

food

A delicious recipe to try at home with the family Add some spice to your weekly meal routine with this great recipe from a local chef...

chopped spring onions and stir-fry for a few seconds, until fragrant. Add the pork and half the ground sichuan pepper and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up any clumps of pork. Stir in the chilli bean paste, dark and light soy sauces, stock and sugar. Cook until the liquid has almost evaporated. Set aside.

4. Cook the noodles in a pan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until slippery and tender. Drain and put into a large serving bowl. Pour the pork sauce over the noodles and top with the chilled cucumber and shredded spring onion. Serve with the remaining sichuan pepper, to sprinkle over the top.

This week we’re bringing you a delicious recipe from western Sydney chef Ross Dobson’s new cookbook Tuck In: Good Hearty Food Anytime.

Zha jiang mian (beijing spicy pork noodles) Serves 4

Kate Reid Nutritionist kate.reid@ westernweekender.com.au @kate_reid6

Ingredients: • 1 Lebanese (short) cucumber • 3 spring onions (scallions) • 2 teaspoons sichuan peppercorns • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 5cm (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated • 500g (1lb 2oz) minced (ground) pork • 3 tablespoons chilli bean paste • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce • 60ml (2fl oz/cup) chicken stock • ½ teaspoon sugar • 100g (3½oz) fresh udon noodles Method: 1. Cut the ends off the cucumber and roughly peel. Cut into matchsticks and refrigerate until needed. Finely

Tuck In by Ross Dobson (Murdoch Books RRP $39.99) chop two of the spring onions and set aside. Finely shred the remaining spring onion to use as garnish.

2. Put the sichuan peppercorns in a small frying pan and cook over high heat until they begin to smoke. Tip the hot peppercorns into a small bowl and cool. When cool, put into a mortar and pound with the pestle, or grind into a powder using a spice mill.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the garlic, ginger and

WINE LIST

JOHN ROZENTALS

Great family story

120 Russell St, Emu Plains Bringing in the grapes … Andrew Stein and his son Jacob

M

WW29694

68

udgee’s Robert Stein Winery and Vineyard was established in the mid-1970s but the family’s connection with Australian wine goes back to 1838, when Johann Stein migrated from Germany and brought with him our first riesling cuttings.

They apparently thrived under his supervision at Camden Park, the Macarthur family’s property not far from Sydney. Johann’s brother, Jacob, established his own vineyard, Sandal Farm, also towards Sydney’s south-west.

In 1976, Robert Stein revived the family’s connection with wine when he planted vines at Mudgee, and the rest, as they say, is history. Robert was helped by his son Andrew in establishing the

vineyard and grandson Jacob is now the winemaker at one of the district’s most acclaimed wineries.

Jacob and his team produce quite a broad range of wines, but, understandably, given their Germanic roots, are particularly proud of their rieslings.

Robert Stein 2017 Riesling Citrus and floral notes are obvious here. I’m drinking it on its own as an aperitif, and its dry and highly moreish, but I’d also like to try it with some freshly caught, quickly seared whitefleshed fish such as bream.

Robert Stein 2017 Half-Dry Riesling Like its completely dry brother, the wine has some bracing acidity but shows more fullness of flavour.

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

2017 FUNDRAISING

PANTHERS PAVILION PA SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER 6.30PM An address from special guest ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

CHARLIE TEO

Join us to raise funds for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation & solve the puzzle on brain tumours A fun night with entertainment, amazing 3 course dinner & auctions

GREAT MUSIC, GREAT CAUSE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT www.curebraincancer.org.au or musicforlife.net.au Media Partners

ENTERTAINMENT BY

Tickets only $140p/p or $1200 for table of 10 Bookings essential, major cards accepted

Please contact Ann - 4731 1876 or log on to www.curebraincancer.org.au or musicforlife.net.au to book tickets. All donations over $2 are tax deductible WW29823

69

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

creative A U

S T

R

A

L

I

A

Bringing DESIGNS to Life Penrith City Council - Community Newsletter

PENRITH CITY COMMUNITY NEWS

IN HOUSE graphic design team

The official newsletter of Penrith City Council December 2016 edition

26 January

AUSTRALIA DAY

al n iohere t a rn gis e t In win Ro It’s all he JAMISON PARK | 3PM PM - 8PM

CUSTOM design, production, printing and digital solutions

Grab the kids and enjoy the he free family fun day on 26 January

Help us celebrate our diverse heritage and traditions with free fun for all the family, including Pavlova decorating, games, face painting, bubble soccer, historical and interactive displays and shows, music and performances by Shaun the Sheep and Swamp Dawkins.

Penr ith

1300 736 836

Tailored high quality and PROFESSIONAL output

2017

EE

EXCLUSIVE partnerships with some of Australia’s leading print providers

FR

» Friday, December 16, 2016

FREE EVENT

FAST turn around times

Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith

re in

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ausday

Queen Street Customer Service Centre 207-209 Queen Street, St Marys

Ph: 4732 7777 Fax: 4732 7958 Email: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

Your guid e to

/penrith.city.council /penrithcouncil /penrithcitycouncil /penrithcitycouncil

Over a CENTURY of combined design experience

A

the C ity of Penr ith

Why choose Creative Publishing Australia • We are effective and affordable

• Big and small jobs

• Build brand awareness

• Domestic and international reach

• Utilising the most effective software solutions

• Constant and consistent project support and communication

Our Work & Clients

70

• Bowls NSW Magazine

• It’s all here in Penrith

• TAFE NSW

• Bridal Magazine

• International Rowing Guide

• Road Tech Marine

Call our sales team today on (02) 4722 2998 Alternatively, email us at: sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au

WW27660

ARYS AUTO PARTS ST M & MECHANICAL REPAIRS

MVRL Lic. No. 39728

WW29367

• New Car Logbook Servicing • Timing Belts Replaced • Brake & Clutch Repairs • LPG Installation Service & Repairs • Rego Check While You Wait Including LPG • No Job Too Big Or Too Small

WW29408

We Also Carry A Wide Range Of Parts For Your Car ar So Give My Team A Call & See If We Can’t Find The Right Parts To Help You With Your Car

Awnings

For all your air conditioning needs

PATIOMAN

Carports | Awnings | Pergolas | Patios | Decks Local and proud Request your FREE on-site quote for your next Allround Home Improvement

WW27083

Call Tom 0425 230 800 or info@allroundhome.com.au

FREE QUOTES preferredair@outlook.com

Call 4731 3057 or 0418 266 282

WW25471

Quality equipment with 3 year warranty

WW26421

• 25 years experience • Free quotes

LIC No. 269376c

AWNINGS t CARPORTS t DECKS

Ph (02) 4732 6595 MBL: 0403 011 058 Lic No: 121977 C ABN: 45 694 859 807

 

For your convenience





RE-DO KITCHENS

Transforming your kitchen into new by replacing your benchtops, doors, panels. Additional cabinets, pantrys and laundry fitouts.

PHONE MARIO PACE FOR A FREE QUOTE Ph: 0413 212 041

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Concrete Contractors

D & J Concrete Resurfacing & Landscaping ABN: 18342307434

We specialise in concrete resurfacing & landscaping such as spray-on paving, colour sealing, concrete resealing, concrete grinding, non-slip coating, pressure cleaning, concrete garden edging, roof restoration, returfing.

Call Darren on 0403 374 216 or Email: djconcreteresurfacing@gmail.com WW27223

Dog & Cat Clipping & Grooming

FOR ALL YOUR DOG GROOMING NEEDS

WW29730

We accept!



Prompt, professional, good old-fashioned service

 WW29269

dave@penrithcityawnings.com PENRITHCITYAWNINGS.COM



We will beat any written quote





• Glass enclosures • Kits also available • Gable roof specialist • Garages made to order



4731 4019

Cabinet Makers 

184 Smith St STH PENRITH

Phone Chris 0405 107 506

WW26699

Pink & Blue Slips All Work Guaranteed Logbook Service Warranty Safe Full Servicing ORTRANTO P/L L/C 20505

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE BUILDER? • Renovations • Carpentry • Decks/Pergolas • Frames • Bathroom Renovations • General Maintenance  admin@chrislawlerbuilding.com.au

• New design (Fly over) • New Flat Deck Roof • Carports & Awnings • Screened enclosures

Gutter Cleaning Service

0448 644 741

Building Contractors

WW29034

FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP LPG, REGO CHECKS & SERVICE

(ground floor only)

Call Harold today for a free quote on

www.summerbreezeblinds.com.au

ABN 56864924654

PENRITH CITY AWNINGS

Auto - Panel Beaters

SMITH STREET AUTO CENTRE

Ȉ Colourbond Carports & Awnings Ȉ Sunrooms & Glass Enclosures WW26413 Ȉ Timber Decks & Pergolas

Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Restretching Carpet Repairs Window Cleaning

WW26969

WW27617

CALL US NOW

1300 781 119 0419 990 004

• Di Digital i l TV iinstalls, ll upgrades, and repairs.

• TV, Pay TV, Phone and Data outlets • Insurance and repair work.

• Home Theatre installations.

• LCD/Plasma/Speaker wall mounting.

• EFTPOS / Credit cards accepted.

Phone 0407 217 582

P A T I O S

Licence #274965C

FREE QUOTES 0416 765 565

Specialists in home entertainment systems

Good Old Fashioned Service



Special – 20% OFF

We also repair Doors, Screens & Blinds.



WW29252

WW28808

Alan 0415 152 123

Call now for all types of Blinds, Security and Safety doors, Fly Screens, Plantation Shutters, Canvas & Metal Awnings.



We will fix it from $49

• DIY Kits Available • Carports, Awnings • Glass & Screen Enclosures • We handle council requirement • We use quality Call now for a free quote! stratco products Ryan 0406 494 470

WW25873

Having reception problems?

Need a new antenna?

Can’t tune your TV? Need a TV wall mounted?

WW29691

Pension discount & government endorsed 7 days same day service Call your local specialist

• Carpet & Vinyl • Supplied & Installed • Repairs & Restreches • Free Quote

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks Call Peter Dunn 4735 5055 or 0416 035 645 www.patioman.com.au

Lic No. 829 19C

PTY LTD

M&L Carpet Laying

Carpet & Furniture Cleaning

Est 1989

Prompt & reliable service

Carpet & Furniture Cleaning

Call Merv 0418 249 738 or 9625 7740

Blinds

Antennas-Communication

SKYLINE ANTENNA SERVICE

Fax: 9673 5411

WW26110

Sales, Service Maintenance & Installation

Call John on 0406 121 226

101 Forrester Rd, ST MARYS WW26397

Air Conditioning-Home

Ph: 9673 2188

Western Weekender

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

ALL ASPECTS OF

CONCRETING

CONCRETING SERVICES

Driveways | Entertaining areas | Pool surroundings | Garage slabs Plain, coloured or stencil available in all areas | No job too small

MVRL Lic. No. 48094

WW25220

FREE QUOTES

4733 2525 DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

Glenmore Park Lic No. 44995C Over 30 years experience

Electrical works and projects | Residential work Large corporations | No job too small or large Free quotations – call Greg today!

0424 135 877

STOP LEAKS

Plumbers & Gasfitters

IS YOUR SHOWER OR BALCONY LEAKING? No tile removal required – Full grout and seal

Guaranteed No Mess No Fuss

0412 000 893 www.1choicebm.com.au

ACCENT FURNITURE REMOVAL Garage Doors & Fittings

We accept!

Ezy Glide

Garage doors Pty. Ltd.

Licence No. 95571C ABN 70 510 279 284

Mowing and edging Bindi and weed eradication Lawn fertilisation Watering system installation General cleanup

* * * * *

Tree pruning Hedge trimming Gutter cleaning Bushfire hazard reduction Removal of all clippings

Call Steve on 4735 3142 or WW25626

0416 116 602

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

DAVE’S REFRIGERATION Specialising in Domestic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Rubbish Removers

Landscape Contractors & Designers “Specialists in Landscape Gardening & Design”

ROWLANDS HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

CALL NOW

0419 993 866

For domestic, commercial and body corporate work call Peter Rowlands today for quality, value and service

Peter Rowlands 0419 993 866

Available payment methods

Member - Australian Institute of Horticulture & Horticulturist/Team Member

Tilers & Slaters-Roof

Painters & Decorators Budget Painting & Decorating Servicess » Local Tradie » Trusted experts » Pension discounts » Servcing all areas of Sydney, 7 days a week

Contact Alex TODAY 0415 152 123

Budget Tiling Services & Installs » Local Tradie » Trusted experts » Pension discounts » Servcing all areas of Sydney, 7 days a week

Contact Alex TODAY 0423 741 999

WW28378

Mobile 0414 833 356 Phone/Fax 9833 3563

All garden and lawn services provided including:

Water & Gas Service Repair Blocked Drains Hotwater Heaters Backflow & TMV Testing Full Plumbing Maintenance

PH: 9724 1609 or 4733 6035 WW28635 MOB: 0418 294 998

WW28377

PROMPT, RELIABLE SERVICE

Penrith Valley Garden Care

    

WW29618

John Newham

* * * * *

0427 730 489

ph: email: info@kitchenjoineryprofessionals.com.au website: www.kitchenjoineryprofessionals.com.au

• Garden Renovation Specialists • Complete Garden Maintenance Programs • Quality Plants supplied and planted • Turf supplied and laid • Ride on mower avail.

Gardeners

FREE QUOTES

Design, Manufacture and Installation for: - kitchens - wardrobes - bars - vanities - laundries - home office

RHS

Lic No. 4715C

WW28811

92 099 831 955 Specialising in: A.B.N: A.C.N: 099 831 955 - Domestic Garage Doors - Remote Controls WW26012 - Repairs and Service Lawrie Sandona Mobile: 0414 822 723

Electrical Contractors

WW27096

Tel 9689 2781 or 0403 038 816

NEPEAN MAINTENANCE PLUMBING

CALL GREG NOW ON: WW29018 0400 873 805

Joinery

WW29383

Cheap, short notice Local, country, interstate Insurance and fixed rates available

For your convenience

WW27089

George Larin - Licence #R71555 No Job too big or small Renovation specialist

Home Maintenance & Repairs

Furniture Removals & Storage

WW29690

Accredited Dog Trainer PUPPY and DOG CLASSES M 0425 206 021 www.dogetiquette.com.au

Plasterer

WW28840

Ph: 9670 4512 M: 0418 407 170 www.gnrelectrical.com.au WW28820

Ph 1800 600 760

WW29020

GN Ryan’s Electrical Service

Email: envirocare1@bigpond.com

TOTAL SATISFACTION GUARANTEED WE CARE FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Plasterers-Plasterboard Fixers

Put a Splash of Colour in your ad Call 4722 2998

Jason 0417 221 822 • Mark 0417 223 288

Dog Training

PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

FREE Measure & Quote ~ Buy Direct & Save $$$$ Ph 02 9892 2522 Mob: 0451 966 966 www.bvkitchens.com.au Two Great LocaƟons Yennora 2161 Lithgow 2790

WW26742

• Fast Clean Service • Big Or Small Jobs • Interior & Exterior • Fully Insured • Reliable Service • All Work Done Personally • Decorative Finishes • Competitive Prices • Wallpapering

BV KITCHENS PTY LTD WW28500

www.mjpainting.com.au

Pest Control WW28721

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

Home Improvements

0403 662 319

WW28861

For a free quote call Reece on

POSITIONS VACANT

POSITIONS VACANT

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Immediate start for bench work in our factory.

We manufacture bespoke joinery.

Experience required. Driver’s licence preferred.

Pay rates negotiable upon experience.

Please call: 0419 016 049 • Email: claude@cajoinery.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

WESTERN WEEKENDER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters submitted for publication are done so on the condition that The Western Weekender may edit them, without affecting the overall message or intent of the letter. The Western Weekender reserves the right to publish letters in other publications.

COPYRIGHT Content in this publication belongs to Western Sydney Publishing Group, publishers of The Western Weekender, or its licensors, advertisers or affiliates. All content in this publication is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.

ETHICAL AND ACCURATE CONTENT The Western Weekender operates under a code covering both ethics and accuracy. If you believe either have been compromised in relation to editorial or advertising content that appears in this publication, you should initially contact the Managing Editor.

WW639

For your convenience We accept!

Complete Staff Solutions provide recruitment solutions to organisations Australia wide. right people, right job, right time

WW29786

CABINETMAKER & MACHINIST

Do you want to reach over 59,133 homes in the Penrith area each week?

Labourers | Plant Operators | Traffic Controllers 2.5yr Rd Project | Near Penrith

Advertise your business here!

Complete Staff Solutions have WON another road project!!

We are looking for experienced Labourers, Plant Operators and Traffic Controllers for a Road and Civil Project which is expected to last for 2.5 years.

Location: ½ an hour from Penrith.

Pay rate will vary based on experience between $30 - $35 per hour, plus meal allowance.

Labourers | Plant Operators | Traffic Controllers with one or more of the following skill sets are encouraged to apply: • Civil and Road • Asphalt • Construction • Formwork • Demolition • Traffic Controllers (Blue Card minimum) • Plant Operators (Excavator, Roller, Grader, Dump Truck & Water Cart Drivers)

It’s not as expensive as you think!

Call 4722 2998 Now!

Skills Required • MUST have a current White Card • Traffic Controllers - must have minimum Blue Traffic Control card • Plant Operators must have Ticket/VOC • MUST have minimum 6 to 12 months relevant experience on civil/road projects • Current driver’s licence and own transport (highly desirable) • Must be physically fit (not afraid of hard work) • 2 x checkable work references from previous Supervisors (ready for us to call)

“Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply”

Call WW29652

Please submit your resume to bgalt@completestaff.com.au or contact Bettina Galt on 4721 1817

Put a Splash of Colour in your ad 4722 2998

POSITIONS VACANT

western sydney publ ishing grou p POSITIONS VACANT – JOIN OUR TEAM! The Western Weekender is the Penrith region’s leading local newspaper. For more than 25 years, it has been the heartbeat of the city - providing a strong mix of news, sport, entertainment and more.

The Weekender has been nominated as Newspaper of the Year on three separate occasions.

The Blue Mountains Record is your new independent voice in the Blue Mountains, providing an exciting mix of content for locals from Emu Heights to Katoomba.

the successful candidate would write for both print and digital, with a primary focus on our highly regarded print editions.

Skills, attributes and requirements - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to produce accurate copy - Ability to identify and research fresh story angles and ideas - Ability to meet tight deadlines

Western Sydney Publishing Group currently has two positions available to join our newsroom, based in Penrith.

- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Both positions are 12 month maternity leave cover positions:

- A genuine interest in the local, state and national news cycle

One role commences in October 2017 One role commences in January 2018 Both roles are part-time (four days per week).

If you’re somebody who checks the news websites before you’ve had your morning coffee, never misses the 6pm news and uses social media to catch up on national affairs rather than Kim Kardashian’s latest drama, you’re who we’re looking for!

The successful candidates will write and research stories across a vast range of general local topics. Reporting to the Managing Editor,

- Strong worth ethic - High attention to detail - The successful candidate must have a car and driver’s licence - Local knowledge of the Penrith and Blue Mountains areas is a definite advantage This role is open to all experience levels including junior journalists and recent graduates.

Please send your CV and cover letter to troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au.

Applications close Friday, September 8.

WW29827

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

AUTO

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

K

ia’s highly-anticipated Stinger performance GT will hit the Australian market with a sub-$60,000 recommended retail price.

The Stinger, one of the most highly anticipated cars of 2017, will provide a topend performer at a realistic price across the full 3.3-litre bi-turbo V6 range. With 272kW of power and 510Nm of torque the Stinger is capable of a launch control assisted 4.9 second 0-100km/h sprint and a low 13 second standing quarter.

Starting at $48,990 for the S, through to $55,990 for the mid-spec Si and on to $59,990 for the fully-loaded GT, the Stinger brings the style, the refinement and the power usually available only to owners with substantially deeper pockets.

“It was critical for us to bring this car to as wide an audience as possible… something I believe we have achieved with the pricing we have been able to settle on,” Kia Australia CEO, Damien Meredith said.

“From the outset it was a goal to get a bi-turbo V6 into the market under $50,000. We have done that with room to spare.”

Mr Meredith said the decision to announce 3.3-litre pricing ahead of the Stinger’s October arrival was to provide confidence to the substantial number of buyers who have shown faith in putting down a deposit without knowing a final price.

KIA

No sting in this price tag!

SMITH STREET AUTO CENTRE Pink & Blue Slips Logbook Service Full Servicing All Work Guaranteed Warranty Safe

74

FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP REGO CHECKS LPG and SERVICE

ORTRANTO P/L

L/C 20505

184 Smith St STH PENRITH

WW29824

☎ 4731 4019

Classic sport defies the generation gap p.76-77

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

Sport

LAWN BOWLS

Rovers prove unbeatable The Penrith Rovers Football Club have won the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive year NATHAN TAYLOR

hey may only be a relatively small club but Penrith Rovers FC are the toast of the local football community after their Premier League team secured their fourth consecutive premiership.

Established 18 years ago, the Penrith Rovers may be one of the youngest and smallest clubs in the Nepean Football Association but that hasn’t stopped them

T

from being one of the most successful over the past decade.

Penrith’s Premier League side won a whopping 16 games this season along with three draws and two losses, to finish first past the post.

Penrith Rovers President, Ray McKeown, said he was incredibly proud of the effort and achievement of his Premier League side.

“In any sport it’s difficult to win one title let alone four in a row,” he told the Weekender.

“This group is dedicated, they turn up every single week, and what they have achieved will no doubt be hard to replicate.”

But success for the Penrith Rovers is nothing new, with their Premier League team winning eight of the past 10 seasons, while their Premier League Reserves side finished runners-up in 2017.

McKeown said plenty of credit goes to coach Michael Higham, who put in plenty of work to keep his side focused and determined.

“Michael has been around the club for quite a few years and has done a remarkable job with this side,” he said.

“For us, because the boys are so successful, when you play opposing teams they all turn up to play – everyone wants to knock you off the perch.”

Penrith’s Premier League team will go hunting for another title to add to their crowded trophy cabinet when they battle Emu Plains in this weekend’s Grand Final at Jamison Park.

Then, it’s onto 2018.

West City Tyres offers a 24 hour a day, 7 Day a week, Australia wide road side assistance service

WE COME TO YOU We also do Daily & Weekly Depot Services WE SPECIALISE IN TRUCKS and: • Bus • Light Truck • Industrial • Earthmoving • Fleet Service Specialist • 24 Hour Road Service

Proud Supplier Of: • Bridgestone • Firestone • Bandag • Kumho • Hankook • Double Coin • Continental

• Austone • Triangle • All Major Chinese Brands

Mobile Truck Tyre Service & Commercial Vehicles

0431 164 560 Ph: 4774 2233

www.westcitytyres.com.au

WW28633

75

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

Meet The President

Youth on the green: Lawn bowls defies It’s often the forgotten sport in Penrith but lawn bowls has a long, proud history in the region – and it’s Tell me about your lawn bowls background, how did you fall in love with the sport?

I played my first game of bowls in 1998.

Over many years I played Pennants for the club in the lower grades and social bowls on a regular basis. My biggest regret is that I did not take up the sport at an earlier age. The friendships you make, not only at your home club, but at clubs against whom you play is everlasting.

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Weekender’s Meet The President series introduces you to the people in charge of our local sporting clubs. This week, we chat with Penrith Lawn Bowls Club (Mens) President, Terry Simmons...

How long have you been the President of the Penrith Lawn Bowls Club (Mens) for?

I am in my 10th year as President.

How long have you been involved with lawn bowls and what were your previous roles?

I joined the club as a bowler in July 1998.

My first introduction to the administration side of bowls was when I was elected to the Board of Directors in 2002 and became Vice Chairman in 2006, a position I still hold today.

I was elected on to the Bowling Committee in 2005 and then became Vice President in 2006.

Terry Simmons has been playing lawn bowls since 1998. Photo: Melinda Jane

Explain what your role entails?

My main role is the management and administration of policies of the Mens Bowling Club.

I am fortunate in that I am a member of a forward thinking and dedicated Bowling Committee.

I have over many years been involved

in the securing of sponsorship for the club. I am a firm believer that all members should be heard and entitled to the same benefits.

What are some of the challenges/issues facing lawn bowls locally?

Bowls is a game that can be played all year round. However we are faced with having to compete with summer and winter sports, especially in regards to younger people who may desire to play the game of bowls.

The recruitment of younger people to the game of bowls has been difficult owing to the perception that the game of bowls is for old people. We are attracting record numbers to our barefoot bowls.

This format is popular and a great way to give people the opportunity to experience that bowls is a fun game for everyone.

If you could improve one area of your sport on a local level, what would it be?

ln times of crisis, you can give Please donate now salvos.org.au | 13 SALVOS 76

WW25188

the western weekender Âť Friday, August 25, 2017

the generation gap not just for old folks in their retirement years The recruitment and fostering of junior bowls members. I feel an area which must be explored further is the introduction of bowls to all local schools by way of Open Days where the game can be showcased by qualified coaches, umpires and officials.

Are you happy with the amount of Local and State Government funding your club receives or could you do with more financial help?

Our club receives no financial support as such from either the Local or State Government. Penrith City Council have been very helpful with our concerns of future high rise development which will affect our club.

There are always plenty of success stories about lawn bowls in the Western Weekender, what is the one thing you are most proud of?

Over the years our club has had many District and Zone Representatives and Championship winners.

Our success story is that we provide a facility for the people of Penrith to come and enjoy the game of bowls and make everlasting friendships. I am proud of the manner in which our members represent our club and all our members who give

their time to volunteer to coach, umpire and assist with green maintenance and barefoot bowls.

Our club sponsors local sporting bodies and charities within the city of Penrith.

Recently one of our members, Phillip Plackett, who is confined to a wheelchair, competed in the 2017 Australian Disabled Bowls, winning the Australian Disabled Pairs Championship. His dedication to performing at the highest level is admirable.

How many registered members does the Penrith Lawn Bowls Club (Mens) currently have?

At the present time we have 194 registered male bowlers. We are in the process of building on our School Bowls Program and we conduct an Annual School Holiday Bowls Clinic.

During the last financial year we had in excess of 5700 bowlers who played social bowls on our greens as well as 900 bowlers during Pennants and 800 bowlers who participated in our annual tournaments.

In addition, we had in excess of 1700 people of varying ages who experienced the fun of barefoot bowls.

In October, we will host an Open Day for the people of Penrith.

GET IT SORTED

SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

GET THE APP

Terry Simmons at the Penrith Bowling Club. Photo: Melinda Jane

ELECTRONIC WASTE DROP OFF JAMISON PARK 9AM TO 3.30PM Entry via Jamison Road, South Penrith Pack your old televisions, computers, microwaves, stereos and other electronic waste in your car or trailer. The friendly staff will unload for you and the items collected will be recycled.

Whitegoods, gas bottles, batteries and paints cannot be accepted.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au for a full list of acceptable items, or for more information phone 4732 7615.

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW29789

77

Friday, August 25, 2017 « the western weekender

TENNIS

Age no barrier to playing sport

Upgrades come at perfect time as Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex prepares for big event NATHAN TAYLOR

early 18 months after its last lot of upgrades were complete, Woodriff Gardens Tennis Complex is undergoing important renovations once again.

The NSW Government, Penrith Council and Tennis Australia have teamed up to deliver $130,000 towards the redevelopment of courts 1-4.

Resurfacing of the four synthetic grass courts began a fortnight ago, with the upgrade involving ripping up the old synthetic surface and grinding, filling and recoating the asphalt before the new surface is put in place.

The new courts are expected to be completed in the next week.

“These courts were falling apart,” Nepean District Tennis Association (NDTA) CEO, Chris Woodland said.

“My guess is they would have been last replaced in the early 2000’s, so they were well overdue.”

Meanwhile, in further good news for local tennis lovers, the NDTA will next month host a women’s International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament at the Woodriff Gardens facility.

It will be the first time a tennis event of this magnitude will be held in Penrith.

N

Seniors playing netball on Tuesday Story continued from » p. 80 “By participating in modified sport seniors can remain engaged at a level which suits their abilities, extends circles of friendship and builds social connections.”

Modifications include rule changes to mimic the successful ‘walking football’ in the UK, adapted rules for netball matches, and tailored gymnastics activities to cater for different levels of ability.

Played on a smaller field with less players, Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge said walking football will be an exciting initiative for local seniors.

To register or for more information about modified sports for older people, visit the relevant sporting associations’ websites.

Nepean Tennis CEO Chris Woodland is all smiles. Photo: Melinda Jane “Tennis Australia approached us and asked us if we were interested in hosting an ITF women’s event,” Woodland said.

“Around 50 to 60 per cent of the field will be made up of international players, while the rest will be Australian elite level players. The players will be ranked 120-150 in the world.”

To allow NDTA and Council to secure the international tournament, they had to meet the Pro Tour event’s “minimum standards”, which included upgrading the bathrooms, change rooms and lightning for the first time since the 1970s.

“Although our courts were up to standard, some of our facilities were not,” Woodland said.

“These amenities were in desperate need of renovation, and soon our 11,000 registered tennis players in Penrith will be able to enjoy them.”

The ITF event, which will be held from September 16 to 23, will be part of a major week in Penrith for sport and events.

The tournament will coincide with the Matildas playing Brazil at Pepper Stadium as well as Defqon.1 at the Regatta Centre, both to be held on September 16.

Around the grounds AUSSIE RULES: The Penrith Rams have lost their final game of the regular season, thrashed by the East Coast Eagles 85-37 in Round 18 of the AFL Sydney Division 2 competition.

James Devlin topscored for the Rams with two goals. Penrith will take on the UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs in this Sunday morning’s Qualifying Final in Blacktown.

Meanwhile, the Auburn-Penrith Giants have been smashed on the eve of the Finals, defeated by the Sydney University Bombers 90-15 in Round 17 of the AFL Sydney Premier Women’s Division competition.

The Giants will battle Macquarie University in this Sunday morning’s Semi Final in Blacktown.

GET EXCITED. CRICKET’S BACK Everyone can play cricket with their mates in an active, fun and competitive environment.

JUST PLAY.

EMU PLAINS CRICKET CLUB REGISTRATION Under 8s to Under 16s and Seniors Please go to

www.epcc.com.au

ALL UNDER 8s, GIRLS UP TO 10 YRS & ANY SENIOR PLAYERS UNDER THE AGE OF 20 ARE REGISTERED FOR FREE

78

SEASON COMMENCES 16 SEPTEMBER Contact: Richard Field 0412 473 418 Ange Barbaro 0418 209 105

WW29738

AUSSIE RULES: Congratulations to Jason Makin who played his 250th game for the Penrith Rams last weekend. Makin began his AFL career in 1989 as an 18-year-old, and managed to reach the impressive milestone playing for Penrith’s third grade side last Saturday.

AFL: The GWS Giants have recorded four wins in a row, defeating the West Coast Eagles 81-60 last weekend. A win in the final round of the season over third-placed Geelong and an Adelaide loss will see the Giants finish the 2017 season as minor premiers. The Crows will take on the West Coast Eagles on Sunday afternoon while the Giants battle the Cats this Saturday.

NETBALL: The Panthers Opens team have now lost back to back matches, hammered by the GWS Fury 54-37 in Round 12 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers Under 20’s team are back to their winning ways, defeating the Fury 52-44. Both teams will take on the Central Coast Heart in Round 13.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers hammered Brisbane Roar 4-0 in a trial match last Friday. It was the youngsters who got the job done on the day, as goals from Lachlan Scott and Abraham Majok either side of a Jaushua Sotirio brace ensured the Wanderers ended their weeklong training camp in Queensland on a high. This Tuesday Tony Popovic’s men will next battle the Bentleigh Greens in their FFA Cup Round of 16 clash in Melbourne.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The St Marys Rugby League Club have re-signed Ron Massey Cup coach Brad Drew and Sydney Shield coach Luke Swain for another season. Drew’s Ron Massey Cup side finished the regular season as minor premiers while Swain’s Sydney Shield team also had a fantastic season, making the Finals.

Do you have some sporting news or details of an event you’d like included in Around The Grounds? Email Nathan.Taylor@westernweekender. com.au, call 4722 2998 or message us on Facebook or Twitter.

MT DRUITT • 15 Luxford Rd | 9677 9944 PENRITH • Unit 3, 160 Station St | 4731 5888 Mt Druitt: MVRL Lic. No. 51198 • Penrith: MVRL Lic. No. 43130

FATHER’S DAY S P A L T O H 1st Prize l a i ec V8 Drive & Hot Laps 9 Lap Combo - value for Dad! Full tuition for driving courses by the professionals, and then enjoy 6 laps with you behind the wheel & 3 hot laps driven by a professional racing driver!

Draw will take place on Saturday 2nd September, 2017.

2nd Prize V8 Race Car 6 Lap Drive - value for Dad! Full tuition for driving courses by the professionals, and then enjoy 6 laps with you behind the wheel!

the western weekender » Friday, August 25, 2017

1300 288 662

sp

When you book and pay for a major log book service or spend over $299 in-store you automatically go into the draw to WIN one of the following V8 SUPER CAR LAPS VOUCHERS at Eastern Creek!

3rd Prize V8 Race Car Ride - value for Dad! Enjoy 3 blistering chauffeur driven hot laps in the front seat of a V8 race car!

WW29846

79

Sport Fit, healthy and engaged the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

4722 6693 24 HOURS

FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

WW29027

• 24 Hour • Accident • Trade • General • All Vehicles • Bobcats • Forklifts • Machinery

NATHAN TAYLOR

MOWERS BLOWERS

ocal seniors are being encouraged to take part in an exciting new low impact sporting initiative to help them stay active and connected in their communities.

On Tuesday morning, local MPs Stuart Ayres and Tanya Davies joined seniors at Jamison Park to launch the Modified Sports Program, a partnership between the NSW Government, Football NSW, Netball NSW and Gymnastics NSW. “Sport is one of the greatest connectors of people and communities in this state, and age should be no barrier,” Ms Davies said.

“The NSW Government’s $100,000 investment in lower impact versions of football, netball and gymnastics is another example of how we are committed to ensuring older people lead healthy, active and happy lives.”

Mr Ayres said seniors stand to benefit from the inclusive and healthy nature of sport.

“Sport is a vital part of the social and economic fabric of NSW and it helps keep our older community members fit, healthy and engaged,” he said.

Story continues on » p.78

L

$299 Ask about our

5 YEAR WARRANTY Y and KIT ed C VA nclud gi lchin

mu

& CHAINSAWS

269

from $

Range at the . . .

WW26014

THE MOWER & HEATING CENTER 87 York Road, Penrith  472 0 5800 6 days

Friday, August 25, 2017

Tanya Davies and Stuart Ayres battle each other on the netball court. Photo: Melinda Jane

WW29302