Western Weekender December 15 2023 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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PROPERTY & BUSINESS LAWYERS

NRL STARS DELIVER GIFTS TO SICK KIDS IN HOSPITAL

CHRISTMAS SURPRISE Penrith Panthers players traded the training field for gift giving this week, paying a special visit to patients at Nepean Hospital to deliver presents. Nathan Taylor reports on page 28

Photos: Alex Little.

PAGE 10 WIN DINNER FOR TWO

PAGE 25 PARDEY FOR RETIRING DOC

PAGE 39 FAMOUS STORY ON STAGE

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Your 2024 Bin Collection Calendar is Now Available It’s easier than ever to stay up to date with your bin collection days with our electronic calendars.

NEVER W A BE GREASTTE A CHANCE TO WITH WA STE 2023/24 Bin Ca

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Food Orga nics and

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calendar)

DEC

Recycling

Fortnightly

• ʷˢˡϠ˧ ˢ˩˘ ˥Ѓ˟˟ ˧˛˘ ˕˜ˡ (lid shou ld close). • Put your bins at the kerbside the night before collection day with the lid opening towards the road .

COLLECTED

• Place bins 50cm apart from parke d cars, trees and away poles and other obstr , telegraph uctions. • To repo rt a or request missed collection a bin repa replacem ir/ ent, visit penrith.c ity/thew astespot

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Downloading our Penrith Waste Champion app where you can get real-time ˡˢ˧˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˜ˡ ˧˛˘ ˣ˔˟ˠ ˢ˙ ˬˢ˨˥ ˛˔ˡ˗

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•

ʷˢ˪ˡ˟ˢ˔˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˖ˢˣˬ ˢ˙ ˧˛˘ ˖˔˟˘ˡ˗˔˥ ˙˥ˢˠʡʡʡ

•

˅˘ˤ˨˘˦˧˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˣ˥˜ˡ˧˘˗ ˖ˢˣˬ ˧ˢ ˕˘ ˦˘ˡ˧

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ightly Extra Colle 2023 JAN S M T All 3-bins ctions W T F 2024 S FEB 31 S M T W T F 2024 1 2 S MAR S M T 3 4 5 1 2 3 W T F 6 7 8 4 5 6 2024 S 9 10 11 12 S M T 7 8 9 W T F 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 2 13 16 S 3 31 14 15 16 17 18 19 4 5 6 20 21 22 17 18 19 7 8 9 1 2 20 23 10 24 25 26 21 22 23 3 4 5 11 12 13 24 25 26 27 28 29 14 15 16 6 7 8 27 30 17 9 28 29 30 10 11 12 18 19 20 13 14 15 21 22 23 31 APR 24 16 25 26 27 17 18 19 20 21 22 28 29 2024 MAY S M T 23 24 25 26 W T F 2024 27 28 29 30 S JUN S M T 1 2 3 W T F 4 5 6 2024 S JUL S M T 7 8 9 W T F 10 11 12 1 2 3 2023 4 13 S 30 14 15 16 S M T 5 6 7 W T F 17 18 19 8 9 10 20 11 S 1 12 13 14 21 22 23 2 3 4 1 2 3 24 25 26 15 16 17 5 6 7 4 5 6 18 27 8 28 29 30 19 20 21 9 10 11 7 8 9 22 23 24 10 11 12 12 13 14 25 13 15 26 27 28 14 15 16 16 17 18 29 30 31 19 20 21 17 18 19 20 22 AUG 23 24 25 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 2024 29 27 SEP S M T 28 29 30 W T F 31 2024 S OCT S M T W T F 1 2 3 2024 S NOV S M T 4 5 6 1 2 3 W T F 4 5 6 7 8 9 2024 10 S 7 S M T 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 2 3 W T F 14 15 16 11 12 13 4 5 14 17 S 15 16 17 18 19 20 6 7 8 18 19 20 21 22 23 9 10 11 1 2 24 12 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 13 14 15 3 4 5 25 26 27 28 29 30 16 17 18 6 7 8 28 19 31 9 20 21 22 29 30 10 11 12 23 24 25 13 14 15 26 16 27 28 29 17 18 19 20 21 22 30 31 23 24 25 26 ENSURE YOU 27 28 29 R BINS ARE 30

You can get yours by either: •

Area 1

Residual Waste

˧ˢ ˬˢ˨ ˕ˬ ˩˜˦˜˧˜ˡ˚ ˇ˛˘ ˊ˔˦˧˘ ˆˣˢ˧ at penrith.city/thewastespot

Additional Kerbside Bin Collections for Christmas and New Year’s

Drop Off Your Recycling! ʻ˔˩˘ ˔ ˟ˢ˧ ˢ˙ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˔˧ ˪ˢˡϠ˧ Ѓ˧ into your yellow-lidded recycling bin? ʵ˥˜ˡ˚ ˜˧ ˧ˢ ˢ˨˥ ˙˥˘˘ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ˗˥ˢˣʠˢ˙˙ ˣˢ˜ˡ˧ ˙˥ˢˠ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬ ʤʫ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ˧ˢ ʹ˥˜˗˔ˬ ʥʬ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦʝ ˕˘˧˪˘˘ˡ ʦˣˠ ˔ˡ˗ ʩˣˠ ʦˣˠ ˣ ˔ˡ˗ ˗ ʩˣˠ ˣˠ ˔˧ ˇ˛˘ ʾ˜ˡ˚˦˪˔ˬ ˃˟˔ˬ˜ˡ˚ ʹ˜˘˟˗˦ʟ ˊ˘˥˥˜ˡ˚˧ˢˡʡ ˘˟˟˗˦ ˘˟˗˦ ˗ ʟ ˊ˘˥˥ ˊ˘˥˥ ˊ˘ ˥ ˜ˡ ˜ˡ˚˧ ˚˧ˢˡ ˚˧ ˧ˢˡ ˡʡ ˖˛ ˛ ˔˦ ˦ ˪˥ ˪˥˔ ˔ˣ ˣˣ ˣ˜˜ˡ˚ ˚ ˊ˘Ϡ˥˘ ˔˖˖˘ˣ˧˜ˡ˚ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˦˨˖˛ ˔˦ ˪˥˔ˣˣ˜ˡ˚ ˘˦ ˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˡ˗ ˢ ˢ˧˛ ˧˛ ˛˘˥ ˘ ˣ˔ˣ˘˥ʟ ˖˔˥˗˕ˢ˔˥˗ ˕ˢ˫˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˢ˧˛˘˥ ˔˕ ˕˟˘ ˘˦ʡ ˦ʡ ˛ˢ˨˦˘˛ˢ˟˗ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˔˕˟˘˦ʡ ˧˛˔˧˧ ˣˢ˟ ˧˛ ˢ ˬ˦ ˬ ˧ˬ˥˘ ˧ˬ ˬ˥˘ ˥˘ˡ˘ ˘ ˖˔ˡϠ˧ ˔ˡ ˡϠ˧˧ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˥˘ˠ˘ˠ˕˘˥ ˧˛˔˧ ˣˢ˟ˬ˦˧ˬ˥˘ˡ˘ ˖˔ˡϠ˧ ˧ ˜˧˧ ˖˔ˡ ˧ ˡ ˕˘ ˘ ˣ˟ ˣ ˔˖ ˖˘˗ ˗ ˜ˡ ˕˘ ˗˥ˢˣˣ˘˗ ˢ˙˙ʟ ˕˨˧ ˜˧ ˖˔ˡ ˕˘ ˣ˟˔˖˘˗ ˜ˡ ˜˗˨˔˟ ˗˨ ˨˔˟ ˔ ˕˜ˡ ˡ ˢ˥ ˥ ˧˔ ˧ ˞˘ ˞˘ˡ ˡ ˧ˢ ˢ ˬˢ˨˥ ˥˘˗ʠ˟˜˗˗˘˗ ˥˘˦˜˗˨˔˟ ˕˜ˡ ˢ˥ ˧˔˞˘ˡ ˧ˢ ˬ ˅˘ ˬ ˅˘˖ˬ ˖ˬ ˬ˖˟ ˖˟˜ˡ ˜ˡ˚ ˚ʶ ˚ ʶ˘ ˘ˡ˧ ˡ ˥˥˘ ˘ʡ ˃˘ˡ˥˜˧˛Ϡ˦ ʶˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˅˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ʡ *Event excludes public holidays ollid day ys and ys and weekends. weeken w we eken en e nd ds.

Monday 25 December 2023 – Friday 5 January 2024 DEC S

2023

T W T

31 3

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 JAN S 7

2024

T W T

9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

ˊ˘Ϡ˥˘ ˣ˥ˢ˩˜˗˜ˡ˚ ˘˫˧˥˔ ˕˜ˡ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˧ˢ ˛˘˟ˣ ˪˜˧˛ ˧˛˘ ˔˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘˖ˬ˖˟˜ˡ˚ ˣ˥ˢ˗˨˖˘˗ ˢ˩˘˥ ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˁ˘˪ ˌ˘˔˥Ϡ˦ʡ ʷ˨˥˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ ˪˘˘˞˦ ˛˜˚˛˟˜˚˛˧˘˗ʟ ˣ˟˔˖˘ ˔˟˟ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ˧˛˘ ˞˘˥˕˦˜˗˘ ˧˛˘ ˡ˜˚˛˧ ˕˘˙ˢ˥˘ ˬˢ˨˥ ˡˢ˥ˠ˔˟ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˗˔ˬʡ ʶˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˠ˔ˬ ˥˨ˡ ˘˔˥˟ˬ in the morning and late into ˧˛˘ ˡ˜˚˛˧ʟ ˦ˢ ˣ˟˘˔˦˘ ˗ˢ ˡˢ˧ ˕˥˜ˡ˚ ˬˢ˨˥ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˜ˡ ˨ˡ˧˜˟ ˧˛˘ˬ ˛˔˩˘ ˕˘˘ˡ ˘ˠˣ˧˜˘˗ʡ

We’re collecting real Christmas ma as trees tree tr ee e es for free on Saturday 6 January 2024. ʵ˥˜ˡ˚ ˬˢ˨˥ ˥˘˔˟ ˧˥˘˘ ˧ˢ ˇ˛˘ ʾ˜ˡ˚˦˪˔ˬ ˃˟˔ˬ˜ˡ˚ ʹ˜˘˟˗˦ʟ ˊ˘˥˥˜ˡ˚˧ˢˡ ˕˘˧˪˘˘ˡ ʤʣ˔ˠ ˔ˡ˗ ʥˣˠ ˔ˡ˗ ˪˘Ϡ˟˟ ˧˨˥ˡ ˜˧ ˜ˡ˧ˢ ˠ˨˟˖˛ʡ ˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˠ˔˞˘ ˦˨˥˘ ˧ˢ ˥˘ˠˢ˩˘ ˔˟˟ ˗˘˖ˢ˥˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˙˥ˢˠ ˬˢ˨˥ ˧˥˘˘˦ ˕˘˙ˢ˥˘ ˕˥˜ˡ˚˜ˡ˚ ˧˛˘ˠ ˗ˢ˪ˡ ˢˡ ˧˛˘ ˗˔ˬʡ ʴ˥˧˜Ѓ˖˜˔˟ ˧˥˘˘˦ ˖˔ˡ ˕˘ ˗˜˦ˣˢ˦˘˗ ˢ˙ ˕ˬ ˕ˢˢ˞˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˕˨˟˞ˬ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˖ˢ˟˟˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ˔˧ ˇ˛˘ ˊ˔˦˧˘ ˆˣˢ˧ ˢ˥ ˕ˬ ˕˥˘˔˞˜ˡ˚ ˜˧ ˗ˢ˪ˡ ˔ˡ˗ ˕˜ˡ ˡʡ ˣ˟˔˖˜ˡ˚ ˜˧ ˜ˡ ˬˢ˨˥ ˥˘˗ʠ˟˜˗˗˘˗ ˥˘˦˜˗˨˔˟ ˕˜ˡʡ Learn more at penrith.city/christmasservices WW52681

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

You could be next: Businesses must be ready for cyber attacks MAKAYLA MUSCAT

he digital age has reinvented how society operates but it has also increased the risk of criminals targeting people’s personal data. The recent local incident involving Quantum Radiology, first reported by the Weekender, prove that no one is safe, and experts are urging people to prepare for potential cyber attacks. Simtronic Technologies Chief Executive Officer, Nathan Brookfield, said it is important for companies to protect themselves. He told the Weekender that the best thing businesses can do is keep back-ups of all their information and systems. “If something happens, and you find out, you can restore from a previous safe copy of all your data and get the business back online,” he said. Brookfield also said it is important for businesses to prepare for cyber incidents by ensuring they have security measures and software in place. “There’s a lot of this [cyber attacks] happening across the industry and the Cyber Security Centre in Canberra has been warning businesses, for at least the last six months, that it’s all about having endpoint protection,” he said.

Cyber security is an increasingly worrying issue for businesses.

“It’s literally software that sits on your end computer that makes sure the computer doesn’t have anything else installed. “Endpoint protection is what you need in a situation like this, where you have computers

Christmas trading hours at Penrith Homemaker Centre

Our opening hours this holiday season

on-site, so you can at least find out that someone’s in there, as opposed to not knowing until it’s too late.” Brookfield said the software analyses behaviour to see if anything looks unusual.

He told the Weekender that businesses are being increasingly targeted, and unfortunately things are going to get worse over the next year as hackers try to extort money from desperate victims. “In this day and age, everything is going cyber, so it doesn’t matter how small your business is, or how large it is, you’re going to be a target,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how small your business is, whether you’ve got one computer or 30 computers, you need to have some level of cyber security assessment done to ensure you’re covered.” And nobody should consider themselves immune from a potential hit. “Everyone is a target – if someone thinks they can make money out of you, you’re a target,” he said. Brookfield said being hacked is “very scary”, and it’s important for people to be educated on how to have better online cyber security. He also said that people who have been hacked shouldn’t feel ashamed to admit that they’ve been hit. “We need to change the stigma so people aren’t ashamed and discuss the stuff that’s happening,” he said. “The more it’s discussed and the more it’s open, the more people understand the risks and what they need to do to solve it.” Business back online: See page 13.

DECEMBER Monday 18 Tuesday 19 Wednesday 20 Thursday 21 Friday 22 Saturday 23 Sunday 24 Christmas Day Boxing Day Wednesday 27 Thursday 28 Friday 29 Saturday 30 Sunday 31

9am – 7pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 9pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 5pm 9am – 5pm Closed 10am – 5pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 9pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5pm 10am – 4pm

JANUARY New Year’s Day Tuesday 2 Wednesday 3

Closed 10am – 4pm 9am – 5.30pm

Cnr Mulgoa Road & Wolseley Street, Jamisontown Late night shopping every Thursday until 9pm penrithhomemakercentre.com.au WW52741

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

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@westernweekender @westernweekender Issue 1628 There’s many ways to get your paper each week – including via email! Visit westernweekender.com.au/getapaper to find out more.

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Distribution/delivery queries: distribution@westernweekender.com.au Published by: Western Sydney Publishing Group Managing Editor: Troy Dodds | troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds Weekender Newsroom: Deputy Editor: Nathan Taylor |

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Beach must be start of something C an you imagine the conversation that is had in major TV newsrooms when the weather bureau predicts temperatures will hit 40 degrees in Penrith? “Send the cameras out west and let’s see if the poor bogans are sweating,” is what I imagine a News Director sitting in an air conditioned office declares. And so begins the stereotypical coverage of hot weather in the ‘riff’: a reporter standing at Penrith Pools, or by the Nepean River for an alternate option, reminding us just how hot it is out here. If you’re sitting in the eastern suburbs or northern beaches watching the 6pm news, you must wonder why on Earth anyone would live in this furnace they call Penrith. Truth is it tends to bother everyone else more than it does us. The lifestyle in the suburbs is not quite how those 60 second news crosses portray; and indeed plenty wear sweltering through those 40 degree days – like last Saturday – as a bit of a badge of honour. But cooling off in summer can often be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a backyard pool or ducted air conditioning. And so Penrith Beach, which will open in the coming days, is something to be celebrated and not scoffed at. Plenty in the area have had a bit of a laugh over the launch of this concept; a beach in Penrith? You’re pulling our leg, surely. And while the sand and waters of Castlereagh aren’t about to become as iconic as Bondi or Manly, the opening of the beach, albeit for a limited time over summer, is the culmination of years if not decades of pushing and campaigning. It certainly won’t be perfect, and there was some concerns raised by Councillors on Monday night over accessibility and the State Government’s role in the beach’s arrival, and those issues are more than legitimate. Somehow, something 20 or 30 years in the making appears to have been rushed. And indeed, there is a chance that this whole concept proves to be a disaster this summer, but even if it does, we must use it as a learning experience and come back again.

Index

The last straw for X? Twitter, or X as it is now known, is a shadow of its former self, and it’s hard to imagine it won’t be dead and buried in a few short years. Elon Musk’s decision this week to reinstate Alex Jones on the network – the conspiracy theorist who claims the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax – will be the last straw for many. How Musk destroyed Twitter will be a business case study for generations to come.

Western Property........................51-61 The Experts...................................62-66 Relax & Unwind............................67-74

Auto........................................................75-76 Sport.....................................................77-80

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Christian Science Reading Room, 32 Woodriff Street Penrith. Phone: 4721 5022 Find out more at: cspenrith.com.au; christianscience.com; or Facebook (search Christian Science Penrith)

The opening of the beach at Penrith must be the start of something big for our region. It can not become a white elephant and can certainly not be put back in the too hard basket. The Lakes has become Penrith’s longest-running joke, with promises delivering nothing over many years. It’s why people are a little sceptical over the beach and over the wider plans for Western Sydney Lakes, which while stunning, are very much in the ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’ category for many. But with the warmer weather here, we must embrace our new little slice of paradise this summer. How many landlocked suburban areas like Penrith could have such a facility just a stone’s throw from the main part of town? Parking will be a huge challenge, especially in a city where driving everywhere is the norm and public transport is difficult to embrace. But with a bit of patience, Penrith Beach will be worth overcoming the challenges for. In years and decades to come, when the Lakes finally realises its potential, we’ll hopefully look back on this summer as the line in the sand (so to speak) where the sleeping giant of western Sydney was finally awoken.

News...........................................................1-31 Business..............................................32-37 Entertainment.............................39-50

Staying Safe

We all have the right to feel and be safe whether at home, the workplace, or travelling. Psalms 91 tells us that when we turn to God ZH ³FDQ ¿QG VDIHW\ XQGHU KLV ZLQJV´ DQG WKDW ZH ³VKDOO QRW IHDU´ QR PDWWHU ZKDW RXU FLUFXPVWDQFH 0DU\ %DNHU (GG\ WKH DXWKRU RI 6FLHQFH DQG +HDOWK ZLWK .H\ WR WKH 6FULSWXUHV found this to be true in her life. She ZURWH ³'LYLQH /RYH DOZD\V KDV PHW DQG DOZD\V ZLOO PHHW HYHU\ KXPDQ QHHG ´

“The heat tends to bother everyone else more than it does us in Penrith”

Palaszczuk sees writing on the wall And just like that, another of the COVID Premiers is gone. Annastacia Palaszczuk has left the building in Queensland, with the writing well and truly on the wall ahead of an election next year. Labor is in trouble in the sunshine state, and a change at the top is seen as a possible way to steady the ship. Like dominoes, the Premiers who were the face of daily press conferences and at times bizarre restrictions (in Palaszczuk’s case, my favourite was demanding Queenslanders wear face masks even when driving alone in their cars) have fallen. Gladys Berejiklian, gone. Daniel Andrews, gone. Mark McGowan, gone. Stephen Marshall, gone. And now Annastacia Palaszczuk Many fell by choice, perhaps flattened by a period governing their states that would have drained even the Energizer bunny. Most were suffering in the popularity stakes. With the air clearer and COVID largely behind us in terms of restrictions and pressure on the health system, many can now see the power trip some of these Premiers were on, and the bizarre restrictions from health experts (who often struggle to balance reality with their advice) they implemented without question. With Palaszczuk’s departure, so ends a period in Australian politics where we knew every State Premier, perhaps for the first time in history. We can now get back to knowing nobody in control of the other states, and perhaps not even our own!

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

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LOCAL NEWS

Beach access issues raised As Penrith Beach prepares to open, accessibility emerges as a major problem TROY DODDS

enrith City Councillors have raised serious concerns about accessibility issues at Penrith Beach, which is due to open later this month. It comes as it’s revealed plans for a major Australia Day event at the beach are being arranged for January next year. The State Government announced last month that a portion of Western Sydney Lakes would be opened to the public throughout the summer, giving locals a beach to tackle stifling heat expected across the months ahead. But concerns have now been raised regarding access for members of the community with a disability. This week, the Department of Planning and Environment confirmed that the beach will be “fully accessible” with dedicated mats to allow wheelchairs to immerse in the water. However, it is understood adult changing facilities will not be available and shuttle buses to and from the beach won’t be wheelchair friendly.

Kids give Penrith Beach a test run last month. Photo: Megan Dunn.

“Unfortunately, at this point the buses are not wheelchair accessible but ways to provide this service are being examined,” a Department of Planning and Environment spokesperson said.

“However, there will be accessible car parking spaces available and a drop off zone for people on site.” Council is allocating $100,000 to a program of activation at the beach, including the Australia Day event.

But some Councillors have raised concerns that the State Government was coming to Council for funding so late in the piece. “This seems to have been some sort of a half baked idea that hasn’t

been thought out by the State Government,” Councillor Ross Fowler said at Council’s meeting on Monday night. “I fear that the facilities that are being offered and put in place aren’t going to be adequate.” In agreeing to provide the $100,000, Council has asked that its General Manager be granted delegation to approve the program of events for the beach, in consultation with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. “The funds that Council voted on is to partner with Western Sydney Lakes to deliver a range of activations on the site for the community, including Australia Day as we all strive to ensure the success of the beach,” Mayor Todd Carney said. Council is also calling on the State Government to provide an adult changing facility at the beach from the day it opens. Councillor and former Mayor Tricia Hitchen said this was vital. “Accessibility is not a choice, it’s a basic human right, one that is being denied to the residents of Penrith by this State Government,” she said. “It is short sighted, ignorant and insulting and the State Government has to do better.”

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DINOSAURVALLEY.COM.AU Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS Man already behind bars given CCO in relation to separate issue A man has been given a two-year Community Corrections Order (CCO) after a judge found him guilty of indecent assault. Craig Rumbsy, 56, appeared at Penrith District Court on Wednesday, December 6, where he was sentenced in relation to the single offence. He appeared via audiovisual link from a suite, where he is serving at least 24 years for murdering a teenager over two decades ago. Judge Pauline David read out a set of agreed facts to the court, which detailed the offending that took place. The court heard the victim was indecently assaulted by Rumsby in 2007, at a house in Regents Park. “The offender used his hand to squeeze her bottom through her pyjama pants,” Judge David said. In 2020, Rumbsy participated in an electronically recorded interview, where he told police “he might have hit her on the arse”. In 2022, the offender was committed for trial, and he pleaded guilty to ‘assault with an act of indecency’. On Wednesday, his lawyer and the crown prosecutor were in agreeance that the offence was at the lower end of objective seriousness. The lawyer requested a CCO,

given that Rumbsy is already serving a “lengthy” term of imprisonment. Judge David took a number of factors into account, including the victim’s age and her relationship with the offender. She also noted that Rumsby has a serious cardiac condition, as well as another illness, which is expected to reduce his life expectancy by at least 10 years. Lastly, the judge considered the offender’s upbringing and psychological reports, accepting that he was exposed to violence at a young age. Before handing down the decision, Judge David said a CCO would be more of a “symbolic sentence”. “I accept that it was a spontaneous and opportunistic act,” she told the court. “In my view, the appropriate sentence is a Community Corrections Order.” Rumsby was convicted and given a two-year CCO, which will expire in December 2025. As conditions of the order, he must attend court if called upon to do so and refrain from committing any further offences. He will remain behind bars until at least 2044, when he becomes eligible for parole. – Makayla Muscat

New in blue: Recruits start work in Penrith TROY DODDS

ive new officers have started work with Nepean Local Area Command after graduating earlier this month. Class 360 attestated at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, December 8 and the new boots are now on the ground at their new home stations. The Probationary Constables will undertake general duties police work and gain valuable experience working alongside their seasoned colleagues. “I congratulate and welcome the five new recruits to our local community where I know they’ll be welcomed and make a real difference to people’s lives,” said State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown. Class 360 is made up of students from diverse backgrounds including Lebanon, Iraq, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, Russia, Lithuania, South Africa, South Korea, Pakistan, Nepal and Hong Kong. NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the new officers would play an important role in the communities they now work in.

Nepean LAC Commander Trent King with State Penrith MP Karen McKeown and the five new officers.

“I wish every one of the 179 Attesting Officers a long, rich and rewarding career in the NSW Police Force – the best Police Force in the world,” she said. “Each of these officers have displayed an unwavering commitment to make a difference to the people of NSW. Our state and the policing family is all the richer for it.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the officers were embarking on a career “that is unique and like no other” and wished them all the best. “This is not just a job; it’s a calling. A calling to serve and protect, to uphold the values of justice and to make a positive impact on all of our communities,” she said.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

When sun’s not fun: Push for skin checks CASSIDY PEARCE

his summer, parents and carers are being urged to protect both themselves and their children from the sun, with an alarming number of children and young people being treated in emergency departments for sunburn. In launching the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030 alongside NSW Chief Cancer Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien, Health Minister Ryan Park asserted that more needs to be done to reduce the incidence of skin cancer. “It is pretty shocking to hear more than 800 people presented last financial year to our state’s EDs with sunburn, with the majority children and young people,” he said. “Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and by the end of the year, we anticipate close to 6,000 people in NSW will be diagnosed with this devastating cancer. “Even mild exposure to the sun can lead to damage and I’m confident our latest Skin Cancer Preven-

tion Strategy will help build on decades of skin cancer prevention work in NSW and save more lives.” Two in three Australians will be treated for skin cancer during their lifetime, with 95 per cent of melanoma and 99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. O’Brien added that high sun exposure in the first 10 years of life more than doubles a person’s risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. “Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and protecting our skin from the sun from a very young age, and into adulthood, is key to reducing our risk of skin cancer,” she said. “When people think of skin cancer risk, they often think of a day at the beach, but in NSW, UV radiation levels are high 10 months of the year which is why its vital people protect their skin all year round, even on cool and cloudy days. “This new strategy is about working across government and community to ensure people are empowered and supported to

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protect their skin when at school, work and enjoying the outdoors.” Agreeing that Australia’s UV radiation levels can be incredibly dangerous, Dr Xiaoping Zhang from Medeco Skin Cancer Clinic in Penrith noted just how important it is to stay sun safe. “My top tip is still to wear sunscreen,” he said. “It’s also important to wear long sleeve shirts, wide brim hats, and try to avoid peak time in the sun.” However, Zhang’s biggest piece of advice is to start seeing a doctor for skin checks early and regularly, particularly if you have a family history of skin cancer. In particular, he suggests taking little ones to a GP to check moles if anything looks concerning, before beginning full body checks in their teens. “The most important thing is to start to see a skin cancer doctor for general checks and regular reviews,” he said. “If we detect skin cancer early and we can use the proper treatment, it won’t cause any life span shortage.” For cancer information and support, call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS TRAGEDY: WOMAN DIES AT BAKERY

Minister defends cuts King says government dedicated to west MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Tributes at the Erskine Park Bakery.

Police and SafeWork NSW are investigating the death of a woman at an Erskine Park bakery. The 49-year-old employee of the Erskine Park Bakery was found unconscious inside the building at around 9am on Saturday, December 9. “She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Nepean Hospital, where she later died,” police confirmed in a statement. SafeWork NSW is managing the investigation into the woman’s death, with Nepean Police Area Command assisting. A report is being prepared for the Coroner. The bakery remains closed, with customers laying floral tributes at the front of the business in recent days.

HOT TEMPS COMING Another 40 degree day is around the corner in Penrith with temperatures set to soar again next week. A top of 40 is predicted in Penrith on Tuesday, after a weekend in which it will reach a top of 38 on Saturday.

nfrastructure Minister Catherine King has again defended the decision to slash funding to a number of infrastructure projects in western Sydney, including car parks at local train stations and part of the desperately needed Mulgoa Road upgrade. A spokesperson for King said the Minister commissioned the review of the Infrastructure Investment Program to fix “the mess left by the previous government which left a pipeline clogged with projects, some of which were not properly costed or planned, and with projects that could not be delivered in the promised time frames”. “The reform of the program will allow projects to be actually delivered, while helping States and Territories with costs pressures, all without putting further pressure on inflation,” she told the Weekender. “It has required some hard decisions. “Both the Kingswood Station

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Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.

Car Park and Mulgoa Road faced significant cost overruns, and further escalation in costs were expected. The M7-M12 Interchange is fully funded by Transurban and NSW.” The spokeswoman said the Commonwealth funding being

withdrawn will stay with NSW for use on other projects. “The Albanese Government is making significant investments ... with the Western Sydney Airport and the Sydney-Metro our biggest infrastructure investment in the country with

combined funding of more than $10 billion,” she said. “We are also investing in the M12, and roads such as the Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1, the M5 Motorway – Moorebank Avenue and Hume Highway Intersection Upgrades.”

3SXMǻGEXMSR EFSYX G]FIV MRGMHIRX Quantum Radiology Group (Quantum) recently experienced a cyber security incident. If you have been a patient of Quantum and you are concerned about the potential for your personal information to be impacted, please visit the Cyber Incident tab on Quantum’s website: www.quantumradiology.com.au 4R 6YERXYQƶW [IFWMXI ]SY [MPP ǻRH JYVXLIV information about what data has been impacted, support available and actions that you can take. Quantum appreciates the patience and understanding of all impacted individuals as we continue to work through this incident, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or concern that this incident may have caused.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

˂˨˥ ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˢ˩˘˥ ʶ˛˥˜˦˧ˠ˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˁ˘˪ ˌ˘˔˥ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˕˥˔ˡ˖˛˘˦ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˙˥ˢˠ ʤˣˠ ˆ˨ˡ˗˔ˬ ʥʧ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦ ϝ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬ ʤ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

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ʶ˜˩˜˖ ʶ˘ˡ˧˥˘ ˢ˙Ѓ˖˘˦ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ʹ˥˜˗˔ˬ ʥʥ ʷ˘˖˘ˠ˕˘˥ ʥʣʥʦ ϝ ˀˢˡ˗˔ˬ ʤ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

ˌˢ˨ ˖˔ˡ ˦˧˜˟˟ ˟ˢ˗˚˘ ˤ˨˘˥˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˦ˢˠ˘ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ʡ ˉ˜˦˜˧ ˠˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ˧ˢ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˢ˨˥ ˂ˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ˆ˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ ˃ˢ˥˧˔˟ ˔ˡ˗ ˟˜˕˥˔˥ˬʡˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬ ˧ˢ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˧˛˘ ˘ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬʟ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˘ʶ˔˧˔˟ˢ˚˨˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˢˡ˟˜ˡ˘ ʿ˜˕˥˔˥ˬ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ʡ

ˁˢ˥ˠ˔˟ ˢˣ˘˥˔˧˜ˡ˚ ˛ˢ˨˥˦ ˥˘˦˨ˠ˘ ˇ˨˘˦˗˔ˬ ʥ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ

ʹ˜ˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˔˧ ˣ˘ˡ˥˜˧˛ʡ˖˜˧ˬʢˡ˘˪˦

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

Services Waste Services 4732 7777 Illegal Dumping Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the ˅ʼʷ ˆˤ˨˔˗ ʛ˅˘˚˜ˢˡ˔˟ ʼ˟˟˘˚˔˟ ʷ˨ˠˣ˜ˡ˚ ˆˤ˨˔˗ʜʡ ʺ˥˔˙Ѓ˧˜ ʻˢ˧˟˜ˡ˘ Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates ʥʬ ʽ˔ˡ˨˔˥ˬ ʥʣʥʧ ϝ ʪˣˠ ʛ˂˥˗˜ˡ˔˥ˬ ˀ˘˘˧˜ˡ˚ʜ Online via penrith.city

Council Briefs ● Council’s Civic Centre, St Marys Service Desk, and Library branches will be operating with shortened hours on Friday, 22 December and Saturday, 23 December 2023 before closing for the Christmas and New Year break until Tuesday, 2 January 2024. The eLibrary and Online Services Portal will still be accessible during the closure period. For more information, visit penrith.city/news ● Council is providing two weeks of additional bin collections from Monday, 25 December 2023 to Friday, 5 January 2024, as part of our Christmas Waste and Recycling services. Penrith residents are encouraged to place all three bins at the kerbside for collection each week on the night before their regular collection day. To ensure operations run smoothly during this time, please leave your bins out until they have been emptied, as our collection drivers will be starting early and working late into the evening to support the additional services. For more information about our Christmas waste and recycling services, please visit penrith.city/christmaswaste ● Is your pool summer ready? Over the last 20 years almost 500 ʴ˨˦˧˥˔˟˜˔ˡ ˖˛˜˟˗˥˘ˡ ˨ˡ˗˘˥ ˧˛˘ ˔˚˘ ˢ˙ Ѓ˩˘ ˗˥ˢ˪ˡ˘˗ʡ ˊ˛˜˟˘ ˔˟˟ ˧˛˘˦˘ drowning deaths are preventable, it’s the 54% that occur in home swimming pools where your immediate action can make a difference. It’s easy to check whether your pool is safe for you and any children by making sure that there is an effective child resistant barrier, pool gates and latches are in working order, and gates are never propped open. For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864. ● Boronia Park, North St Marys is looking better than ever after a series of upgrades across the precinct! Upgrades include a new cricket amenities building at the renamed Pat Yates Oval as well as an upgrade to the two-lane cricket practice facility, funded by Penrith City Council in partnership with Cricket NSW through the Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund. ˇ˛˘ ˥˨˚˕ˬ ˟˘˔˚˨˘ Ѓ˘˟˗˦ ˛˔˩˘ ˥˘˖˘˜˩˘˗ ˜ˠˣ˥ˢ˩˘˗ ˜˥˥˜˚˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔˦ ˪˘˟˟ ˔˦ ˨ˣ˚˥˔˗˘˦ ˧ˢ ˧˛˘ ˔ˠ˘ˡ˜˧˜˘˦ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ʡ ʿʸʷ Єˢˢ˗˟˜˚˛˧˜ˡ˚ ˘ˡ˛˔ˡ˖˘ˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˛˔˩˘ ˕˘˘ˡ ˖ˢˠˣ˟˘˧˘˗ ˔˧ ˧˛˘ ˥˨˚˕ˬ ˟˘˔˚˨˘ Ѓ˘˟˗˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˡ˘˧˕˔˟˟ courts. The North St Marys Dog Park upgrades include a fenced off-leash areas for dog of different sizes, alongside dog agility equipment, accessible seating and pathways, funded by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government. ˇˢ Ѓˡ˗ ˢ˨˧ ˠˢ˥˘ ˔˕ˢ˨˧ ʵˢ˥ˢˡ˜˔ ˃˔˥˞Ϡ˦ ˨ˣ˚˥˔˗˘˦ ˚ˢ ˧ˢʭ penrith.city/spros

penrith.city.council penrithcouncil penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

● Penrith City Council is inviting the community to share their feedback on the draft St Marys Town Centre Place Plan up until Thursday, 29 February 2024. Following extensive community consultation last year, Council adopted its St Marys Town Centre Structure Plan which established a shared vision to transform St Marys into a vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming strategic centre over the next 20 years. The St Marys Town Centre Place Plan is a community-led roadmap ˪˛˜˖˛ ˢ˨˧˟˜ˡ˘˦ ˔˖˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˢ˩˘˥ ˧˛˘ ˡ˘˫˧ Ѓ˩˘ ˬ˘˔˥˦ ˕˘˧˪˘˘ˡ ʥʣʥʧϝʥʣʥʫ to help achieve this long-term vision, with a focus on events, activities, and street and park improvements. To view the draft St Marys Place Plan and share your feedback, please visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmarys Hard copies of the plan are also available to view at St Marys Library and Penrith City Council Civic Centre.

Development Consent/s Determined Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.

Approved Development Applications • Darren Love Mod23/0251 Lot 4 DP 785201, 10 Bluebird Road, Cranebrook ˆ˘˖˧˜ˢˡ ʧʡʨʨ ˠˢ˗˜Ѓ˖˔˧˜ˢˡ ˢ˙ ʷʴʥʥʢʤʥʥʣ ˧ˢ ˥˘ˣˢ˦˜˧˜ˢˡ ˔˗˗˜˧˜ˢˡ ˔ˡ˗ remove alfresco • MGK Holdings Pty Ltd DA23/0720 Lot 1 DP 854975, 458 High Street, Penrith ʹ˜˧ˢ˨˧ ˔ˡ˗ ˨˦˘ ˢ˙ Ѓ˥˦˧ Єˢˢ˥ ˇ˘ˡ˔ˡ˖ˬ ʛˆ˨˜˧˘ ʤʸʜ ˔˦ ˊ˘˟˟ˡ˘˦˦ ˆ˧˨˗˜ˢ • Dalal Tahan Lot 18 SP 65682, 18/22–32 Hall Street, St Marys Home based food business

DA23/0918

• Nima Asgari DA22/0450 Lot 21 DP 35970 and Lot 22 DP 35970, 115 Glossop Street, St Marys Demolition of existing structures, tree removal and construction of ˔ ʧʠ˦˧ˢ˥˘ˬ ˥˘˦˜˗˘ˡ˧˜˔˟ Є˔˧ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ʥʪ ˔ˣ˔˥˧ˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˪˜˧˛ basement car parking, rooftop open space, civil works and landscaping • Peter Roppolo DA23/0908 Lot 157 DP 270417, 35 Twin Creeks Drive, Luddenham Alterations and additions to the existing dwelling and detached garage • Sydney Recycling Park Pty Ltd DA22/0756 Lot 230 DP 1134016, 16–23 Clifton Avenue, Kemps Creek Construction of 2 sheds, and associated earthworks, retaining walls, driveways, hardstand areas, drainage works and landscaping • Tania Shephard Lot 2 DP 1237137, 36 Persoonia Avenue, Agnes Banks Installation of a solid fuel heater

DA23/0975

• Andrew Abboud Lot 1 DP 556381, 1 Price Street, South Penrith Construction of deck and associated roofed pergola

DA23/0898

• BJD Design Pty Ltd DA23/0341 Lot 271 DP 204977, 1 Emily Avenue, Emu Plains Demolition of existing dwelling/structures and construction of a 2-storey dwelling • Bluetongue Homes Pty Ltd DA23/0571 Lot 4009 DP 260391, 54 Tanbark Circuit, Werrington Downs Detached dual occupancy with strata subdivision

Refused Development Application • The Trustee for 1080 Mamre NSW Logistics Property Trust DA23/0495 Lot 6 DP 250002, 1080–1094 Mamre Road, Kemps Creek ˇ˥˘˘ ˥˘ˠˢ˩˔˟ʟ ˕˨˟˞ ˘˔˥˧˛˪ˢ˥˞˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘˧˔˜ˡ˜ˡ˚ ˪˔˟˟˦ ʛ˧ˢ ˖˥˘˔˧˘ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˣ˔˗˦ʜʟ ˦˧ˢ˥ˠ˪˔˧˘˥ ˠ˔ˡ˔˚˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ ˔ˡ˗ ˗˥˔˜ˡ˔˚˘ ˪ˢ˥˞˦ʟ ˥ˢ˔˗ ˖ˢˡ˦˧˥˨˖˧˜ˢˡ ʛ˜ˡ˖˟˨˗˜ˡ˚ ˔ ˛˔˟˙ ˪˜˗˧˛ ϟ˟ˢ˖˔˟ ˜ˡ˗˨˦˧˥˜˔˟ ˥ˢ˔˗Ϡ ˔ˡ˗ ˔ˡ ˜ˡ˧˘˥˜ˠ ˦˜˧˘ ˔˖˖˘˦˦ ˥ˢ˔˗ʜʟ ˜ˡ˙˥˔˦˧˥˨˖˧˨˥˘ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ʟ ˟˔ˡ˗˦˖˔ˣ˜ˡ˚ʟ and torrens title subdivision into 10 lots comprising of 9 industrial type lots and 1 road reserve lot Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker ˂˙Ѓ˖˘˥˦ ˢ˙ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟Ϡ˦ Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries. Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrith.city WW52813

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN

Joke of the Week

prize cupboard

re you ready to experience Oribu? The 120-seat venue – the first of its kind in Parramatta – is nestled in the heart of Church Street. Oribu beckons guests to embark on a culinary experience, meticulously crafted by the Head Chef Harry Cho. Bringing over two decades of expertise, including a tenure at the world’s most prestigious Japanese restaurant, Nobu, Chef Cho combines his mastery with a unique background steeped in military discipline. Together, these elements create a dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation and precision. Chef Cho’s talent for transforming fresh ingredients

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? A: Frostbite. Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

into culinary masterpieces conducts a symphony of fresh flavours. With cooking skills honed from his Korean father and Japanese mother, his distinctive approach weaves fusion and creativity into every dish, which is illustrated through the innovative popcorn prawns with creamy spicy sauce and yuzu juice. Oribu’s Chef’s Tasting Menu ($150pp), features delights such as hiramasa kingfish carpaccio carved with military precision, a selection of the finest, freshest sashimi, yuzu guacamole paired with crispy lotus chips and yukari salt, succulent grain-fed tenderloin brochettes and a choice of side dish per person. The meal culminates in a divine yuzu sorbet, accompanied by coconut cream, fresh berries and a hint of vanilla

fairy floss; a menu perfectly encapsulating Chef Cho’s passion. Oribu invites food enthusiasts to savour Japanese cuisine at its finest. Book your seat at the table to taste Chef Harry Cho’s signature menu. Visit https:// heritagelounge.com.au/oribu/ for more information and to make a reservation today. The Weekender has a dinner for two at Oribu to give away. For your chance to win, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Oribu’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, December 21 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners

Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender. Club members can pick up a free specially numbered

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community. Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week! This week’s lucky winners are: 0872, 0783, 1029.

I SPY

Dose of Dorin

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

The pretty Christmas decorations are located in the car park of Nepean Village Shopping Centre in Penrith. Did you catch them while out shopping?

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Two local restaurants last week took bookings from large groups and were then completely closed up when the groups arrived. It’s a terrible way to do business.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

@wwpenrith @westernweekender

We’ve had a lot of reports recently of people paying for other people’s coffees in local cafés. It’s great to see the Christmas spirit shining brightly at this time of the year.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY MAKAYLA MUSCAT

St Marys: Firefighters battle massive blaze at scrap metal yard

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews extinguished a large blaze in a scrap metal yard at St Marys on Monday, December 11. The fire broke out amongst 500 tonnes of scrap at the Christie Street recycling business just after 6pm. More than 50 firefighters battled for five hours to contain the flames whilst employees from the business used heavy machinery to break up the piles of metal. Three aerial platforms supported fire crews in breathing apparatus as they attacked the seat of the blaze and prevented it spreading to an adjacent hammer mill. There are no reports of injuries and no evacuations were required. The cause of the fire is being determined.

Penrith: Man charged after attempting to steal can of drink

A man has been charged after he was caught stealing from a store in Penrith. About 12.30pm on Wednesday, December 6, covert police were making patrols within a large shopping centre in Penrith. While police were in a supermarket within this centre, they sighted an 18-year-old Doonside man. It is alleged he had taken a can of drink from a shelf and placed it down his pants. The man then walked out of the store through the self-serve checkout failing to pay for the drink. Police stopped the man and spoke with him. The man allegedly admitted to stealing the drink and he was charged with larceny. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on January 15.

St Marys: New year court date for man after drink driving charge

St Marys: Police officer hurt as man and woman are arrested

About 9.30pm on Thursday, December 7, police attended a unit on Saddington Street in relation to a woman with outstanding warrants. Police have knocked on the door. It is alleged the occupant would not open the door and police were aware the wanted woman was inside. It is alleged the 50-year-old occupant has then partly opened the door. Police informed him that they were there for the woman. It is alleged one officer was in the doorway, when the 50-year-old attempted to shut the door again. The officer’s leg was pinned in the doorway at the time. He deployed his OC spray, and the man let go of the door, freeing the officer. The man was arrested and charged with a string of offences including ‘hinder or resist police’. He will appear in Mt Druitt Local Court at a later date. The woman wanted on warrants was also arrested.

Cranebrook: Drugs and knife found during vehicle stop

A man and woman have been charged after their car was searched in Cranebrook. About 1am on Saturday, December 9, police were patrolling Sherringham Road when they stopped a vehicle for a random breath test. Police have had a conversation with the 52-year-old driver. After his breath test proved negative, police have informed the driver and his 31-year-old passenger that they would be searching the vehicle. Immediately the 31-year-old female got out of the vehicle and appeared to place something down her top. She was questioned in relation to the item and it is alleged she removed a small resealable bag containing “ice”. Police continued to search the vehicle and allegedly located a 19 centimetre hunting knife in the centre console. The man was charged with ‘custody of knife in public place’. The woman was charged with ‘possess prohibited drug’. Both will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

A man has been charged after he was caught mid-range drink-driving in Jamisontown About 4.40pm on Wednesday, December 6, police were travelling on Kurmond Street when a vehicle pulled out in front of them. Police stopped the vehicle and had a conversation with the 44-year-old driver. It is alleged police could smell alcohol and subjected the man to a breath test, which proved positive. He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.101. The man’s driver’s licence was suspended

and he was charged with mid-range drink-driving. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on January 18.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

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

EXPLAINER: DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT? If you rent a commercial property best practice is to ensure that your Lease is registered on title. This is because registering a Lease creates a legal interest in the relevant property in your favour meaning that your interest will take priority or be protected from other dealings that affect the title of the land that occur after registration. For example, if your landlord sells the property then any potential purchaser is on notice of and is bound by the terms of your Lease subject to any specific provisions in the Lease that might afford a right on the part of the landlord to terminate your Lease in certain circumstances. An example of this might be a demolition clause pursuant to which a landlord can terminate your Lease with notice if it is intended that the property you are renting is to be demolished for the purposes of improvement/redevelopment. Your Lease is still binding if it is not registered on title however nobody knows it’s there other than you and the landlord (for example a potential buyer or mortgagee proposing to take the property as security). Legislation also requires that Leases of real property with a term exceeding three years

(including the initial term and any auction terms) must be prepared in an approved form and registered on title in order for the Lease to pass with the property if the property is sold. It is therefore critically important if you are a tenant of a commercial property with a term exceeding three years that the Lease is registered so as to protect your security of tenure. Leases with terms not exceeding three years are provided separate protection under legislation and are therefore not required to be registered however it is often best practice to do so anyway. In relation to a retail Lease, which is different to a commercial Lease, section 16 of the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) requires that any Lease that falls within the scope of that Act and has a term exceeding three years must be registered. Far and away the biggest consequence for not registering a Lease is that if the landlord sells the property and your Lease is not registered on title, the purchaser of the property is unlikely to be bound by the unregistered Lease and so you might be forced to find an alternate premises at your own cost and inconvenience.

COUNCIL PUSHES SUMMER SAFETY Penrith City Council has issued an urgent warning to locals to make sure their pools, especially inflatable pools, are properly fenced off.   Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said that many residents this summer will look to beat the heat and spend time cooling off by the pool. As fun as the pool is, it can also be a dangerous place, especially if there is no barrier to stop children from going for an unsupervised swim. “Anyone with a swimming pool must do the right thing and protect our young ones. Active supervision by an adult is the best protection against drowning but, a pool barrier is another layer of protection if supervision is interrupted,” Carney said.

Portable and inflatable pools are a cheap way to keep cool but can also be a source of tragedy as they have the same drowning risk as permanent pools.   It is important that home pools, including portable and inflatable pools that hold 30cm of water or more, are properly fenced. “Take the time to check your pool is safe and complies with the law. If residents need help with their swimming pool barrier, we encourage people to contact Council and one of our qualified Compliance Officers will plan a visit to assess the pool and assist with certification,” he said. Council can issue fines if it is found that the gate of a pool has been propped open or there is an unfenced portable or inflatable pool.

LOCAL NEWS

Shameful statistic Almost one driver a day caught drink driving in Penrith

enrith has been named as one of the state’s drink driving hotspots, with 339 motorists caught over the limit this year. The Bust the Boozers report, which was released by the NRMA last week, ranked Local Government Areas by the highest recorded numbers of drivers who were caught drink-driving. The Central Coast topped the list with 919, followed by Sydney CBD with 579, Blacktown with 567, the Northern Beaches with 455, Penrith with 339 and Canterbury-Bankstown with 249. The NRMA is warning motorists against drink driving, reminding them of the risks this festive season. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury is calling for an increase in Random Breath Testing (RBT), saying it is the “ultimate deterrent” to drink driving. “There have been 70 more deaths since this time last year which represents a 27 per cent

Cars are pulled over for Random Breath Testing.

increase to the Road Toll, so we are again reminding drivers to keep the car at home if you’re attending work Christmas parties and other social gatherings and plan on drinking,” he said. “We want the public to play its part while at the same time reiterating our call to the NSW Government to significantly

increase the number of RBTs across the state. “We need a particular focus on regional communities where road fatalities are significantly higher and the temptation to drink and drive can be greater due to a lack of alternative transport options, especially late at night.” Over the holiday period,

Greater Western Sydney Highway Patrol and Nepean Police Area Command will be conducting Random Breath Tests and Random Drug Testing Traffic Inspector Steve Atherton told the Weekender that motorists can expect to see police active in the local area, performing vehicle stops and ensuring drivers are not impaired. “Police acknowledge that the festive season will involve people indulging in drinking alcohol, but motorists are reminded to consider a Plan B if they are driving,” he said. “Do not put yourself, your passengers and other people at risk by mixing alcohol and driving this holiday period. Consider alternative transport modes including public transport, rideshare vehicles and taxis or nominating a designated driver. “Local Police know the local roads so rest assured that Police will be patrolling the back streets in addition to the main arterial roads. Police work 24/7 so you can be stopped at any time and anywhere.”

Penrith Councillors have called for an urgent report into plans for a dog park in Thornton. It’s understood plans are underway for a dog park in the popular estate. At Monday night’s Council meeting, Councillor John Thain called for an urgent report into the plans for the dog park, including whether or not it would be fully fenced and its hours of operation. “I think the important thing is that we get a dog park in there,” he said. “If we could get a report back to Council with the costs on it, I’d greatly appreciate it urgently.” A report will be prepared for Council’s January meeting. – Troy Dodds

BACK IN BUSINESS AFTER CYBER HIT Quantum Radiology, which operates several clinics in the Penrith area, including the busy Nepean Radiology on High Street, is back open for business. The company was forced to close and cancel appointments almost three weeks ago, after a cyber attack on their systems and servers. “Quantum Radiology has commenced seeing patients who have been referred by their doctors for diagnostic imaging services on a case-by-case basis,” a spokesperson from Quantum Radiology said. “Our intention is to open our clinics to all patients as soon as possible.” – Makayla Muscat

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MAKAYLA MUSCAT

Dog park set to open at Thornton

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

PENRITH’S

1 2 d a y s o f

xmas How to play:

photo challenge

Step 1. Pick a challenge from below and snap a pic at a Penrith local business Step 2. Tag us on Instagram with #twwcbd and include your team name and the venue you are visiting Step 3. You can include multiple challenges at the one location Step 4. There is a business for every challenge advertising in the Western Weekender! Step 5. Competition closes 12pm Wednesday 20th December Must be a business in PENRITH

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Lunch & Loud Attire Dress the team in loud shirts and celebrate locally

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Get a photo with a shopping centre Santa

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Buy a local business gift certificate & snap a pic with it + 100 points

Make a 7 purchase from a

Charity Xmas Tree at Panthers

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+ 100 points per order

+ 300

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+ 100 points

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3 people, 3 Panthers jerseys, 3 Panthers Players

Enjoy a mani/pedi, haircut, beard trim etc, from a Penrith business

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Penrith venue named after a person

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for 3 yourVote favourite

+ 100 points

Scan me to see where to shop and dine local this Christmas!

High Street Selfie

Visit a local brewery + 100 points

Fishy Feast

Snap a pic with a Xmas decorated High Street business

Savour local seafood dining in or for home cooking

+ 100 points

* Decisions on points is completely at the discretion of the Western Weekender * If there is more than one team with the top final points score the winner will be randomly selected from those teams. Proudly supporting local businesses

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

Shop & Dine Local

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Shop Crystals and spiritual new age gifts. Gift certiﬁcates available.

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

Shop & Dine Local

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Pink Up Penrith initiative hits major fundraising milestone TROY DODDS

Gai Hawthorn and the Pink Up Penrith committee are recognised by Mayor Todd Carney and Deputy Mayor Mark Davies.

there are four. More than 1,400 local breast cancer patients and their families have been cared for by these

nurses throughout their journey,” he said. “I want to congratulate Pink Up Penrith’s President and

Ambassador Gai Hawthorn and her team for a stellar result this year. It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for

these events, and to get the community on board. “Our City’s giving businesses, big and small, as

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his year’s Pink Up Penrith campaign has raised more than $100,000 to help fund McGrath Foundation nurses at Nepean Hospital. It brings the total raised by Penrith’s annual Pink Up initiative to some $360,000. This year saw an overwhelming display of solidarity from various sectors of our community, resulting in a series of impactful events and initiatives that furthered the crucial message of breast cancer awareness. The campaign was recognised at Monday night’s Penrith Council meeting, with Mayor Todd Carney saying the funds raised make a significant difference in the local community. “Six years ago, there were no dedicated Breast Cancer Nurses at Nepean, and today

well as our schools and local organisations who have supported the charity also deserve a special mention. Whether it’s thousands of dollars or a spare gold coin, every cent counts and I am proud to be Mayor of such a generous community.” Deputy Mayor Mark Davies said those involved with Pink Up Penrith were making a huge difference in the community. “The impact is quite immense and it’s had a significant impact throughout our community,” he said. “It’s wonderful that they’ve crossed over the $100,000 for this year. The high teas, the golf days, the community events and raffles... I really just want to thank Gai Hawthorn and her team who have done a fabulous job. “We can see with the generosity that the community has really embraced this campaign.” Pink Up Penrith will return in 2024.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

On a road to nowhere

“Like toddlers arguing”: Long-promised East West Connector Road remains in limbo MAKAYLA MUSCAT

esidents are becoming increasingly frustrated that a piece of critical infrastructure, which was promised years ago, remains undelivered. 450 metres of the East West Connector Road between Jordan Springs and Ropes Crossing remains unfinished and before Penrith City Council, which is yet to make a decision regarding the road’s future. One Jordan Springs resident, who spoke on the condition on anonymity, said everyone is at their wits’ end and thinking of abandoning the suburb. “We moved from Cranebrook to Jordan Springs to get our kids into Jordan Springs Public School, but if this road doesn’t go through we’re looking at moving out of the area,” he told the Weekender. “Lendlease blamed Council and Council blamed Lendlease… it’s like a couple of toddlers arguing.” Lendlease submitted a Development Application (DA) to Penrith City Council in May, with plans estimated to cost more than $15 million. According to the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) attached to the DA, Lendlease proposed to push on with Stage 3 of the Jordan Springs Estate. The proposal included plans to complete

The East West Connector Road between Ropes Crossing and Jordan Springs remains incomplete. Photos: Melinda Jane.

the final portion of the East West Connector Road, describing it as “the vital transport link between the Northern Road, through Jordan Springs to Ropes Crossing”. According to the resident, the road is needed not only for convenience, but to provide a much-needed second entry and exit. He said, without the road, locals have to add 15 to 20 minutes to any trip just to get out. “It is extremely, extremely frustrating. We bought here and we knew there were delays, but we thought we could wait,” he said.

“It’s been at least six years... we need an outcome, not de-escalation rhetoric thanking us for our patience.” A spokesperson from Council said Lendlease is responsible for the construction of the East West Connector Road, and some elements of their application remain outstanding. “A DA submitted by Lendlease is under assessment, however additional information is required from Lendlease which has not been presented. It is anticipated that the outstanding essential information will be

submitted this month,” the spokesperson said. “Once this has occurred, assessment of the application is expected to be finalised and reported for determination early in 2024.” If greenlit, Council were unable to provide a definite timeframe for when the road would be complete. Lendlease were contacted for comment, but did not respond by deadline. Are you impacted? Share your story at news@westernweekender.com.au.

DEAR WEEKENDER NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750 West abandoned by the Prime Minister

Peter Dutton (Not the most favourite) has welcomed Anthony Albanese as the latest Liberal Party recruit with Catherine King a very close second (Editor’s Desk, Weekender December 1). Penrith has long been considered a litmus electoral zone. With the cancellation of five major vital projects, which will allow the new airport to work, he has guaranteed Penrith and environs will vote Liberal in two years. Albanese, you chose a long sword to fall on, there is no backing off.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

Labor’s long list of achievements

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e the t t a r b e l e C son a a e S y l l i S ing DonuteK Nep an!

PHIL DALE, VIA EMAIL

Free TAFE, pension increases, welfare increases and funding, child care subsidies, higher wages, lower medicine prices, energy subsidies, fixing the NDIS, rental assistance, just lowered the required deposit amounts to purchase a home to two per cent. More funding to build homes, a budget surplus and not a trillion dollar debt. More people employed. Fairer working conditions. Addressing climate change, China’s trade embargo lifted. Other nations leaders actually talk to Albo instead of hiding from him like they did with Morrison. Just a couple of changes that they have made. Troy Dodds might be affiliated with the Liberal Party but as an Editor you would think that he would actually tell the truth when reporting. KERRIE DYKES, VIA FACEBOOK

Albo losing touch

He’s running the highest immigration rates in history in the middle of a housing

and environmental crisis. We are now in a per capita recession. The Libs were bad but Albo’s obvious big Australia agenda is hurting everyone GEOFF BROWN, VIA FACEBOOK

New tunnel a winner

Traffic jams for the crowd who don’t think their time is money (Editor’s Desk, Weekender December 8). Yes it is expensive but so is my time. Less wear and tear and better fuel consumption. Everyone gets to make their own choice as best suits them. RONALD POLLETT, VIA FACEBOOK

Editor out of touch

Seriously Troy Dodds you’re so out of touch. People are already feeling the crunch without you missing the part where people from Penrith would need to queue up on a new road with bottle neck after bottle neck, only to pay with your left arm for this so called dream run. KAT PATATOU, VIA FACEBOOK

Connected to the city

Went from Penrith to the Opera House in about 47 minutes last Monday afternoon, was very surprised at how quick the run into the city is now. JUSTIN WEBB, VIA FACEBOOK

Quickest ever trip

I had my quickest ever trip into the city on the weekend thanks to the new tunnel. I guess the people of the Inner West now know what we’ve been dealing with on the City West Link and Parramatta Road forever! STEVE WILLOUGHBY, CRANEBROOK

The Western Weekender reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space. For more information, see our public notices section.

Get Macca’s delivered. ®

McDelivery® is available in select locations.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

Live well at home. Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is a leading not-for-profit aged care provider that has been caring about people for more than 50 years. We are local supporting you to live happily and independently in your own home. Our experienced care managers guide you through the services available and create a flexible, individualised plan that helps you live life to the full. If you’re aged 65 years and over, or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander aged 55 years and over, why not enquire about how home support services could assist you. Please note, the first step to accessing Government-funded Home Care services is to apply for an assessment. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online at www.myagedcare.gov.au. If you are eligible, you will then receive a referral code which will allow you to progress services with us.

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Call 1800 958 001 Visit sccliving.org.au WW52689

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

Hot weather sparks concerns for most vulnerable in our region W

ith hot summer weather already being experienced, experts are reminding Penrith residents to keep cool as best they can to avoid being struck by heat-related illnesses. Victor Carey, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Public Health, notes that warnings for western Sydney in particular should be taken seriously, due to very high temperature predictions. “Given that we are seeing already very hot days and long periods of extreme heat, we’re very concerned, and are trying to ensure that people are very aware that this can be a serious problem, and what they can do to try and reduce the risk,” he said. Though heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone’s health, there are a few groups of people who are more vulnerable than others. “There are certain sections of the community that are more vulnerable to these sorts of things, including those with pre-existing medical

Victor Carey is urging locals to take the hot weather seriously.

conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, neurological diseases, as well as people over 65, babies and young children, pregnant women,” he said. “For socially isolated people, as a community we need to ensure that people check up on people who live on their own. People who live on their own should have a system in place where they get a call from someone.” According to Carey, the key to beating the heat is keeping temperatures down, and fluids up. “The main thing is that people need to remain cool. Especially during the very hot periods of the day, try and find cool places,” he said. “It’s also very important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. We lose a lot of fluid when it’s hot through sweat, but when it gets really hot, the body can’t keep up with the need, and that’s when things start to fail, and the body starts to heat up and it becomes quite dangerous.” If you think you may be developing a heat-related illness, there are a few signs and symptoms to look out for.

“Heat exhaustion, we’re looking at headaches, dizziness, fainting, and irritability first. Also, pale skin, sweating a lot, and people might even feel nauseous and vomiting, and they may get muscle cramps,” he said. “Heat stroke, which is even more severe, goes that much further. People can become confused and have slurred speech and be agitated. They’ll have an altered mental state and a very high temperature. They can also have rapid breathing, be sweating a lot, and can even have seizures.” Though these conditions can be manageable on your own to an extent, Carey is reminding the community to take it seriously and seek urgent medical assistance if needed. “If people are starting to get those sort of neurological symptoms, or even if they’re nauseous and vomiting and unable to keep fluids down, then people should seek medical attention,” he said. “This can be extremely serious, so call an ambulance if people are very concerned.” In an emergency, call 000.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Near and far, there’s lots From local activities to day trips and weekends away, keeping busy isn’t an issue MAKAYLA MUSCAT

he school holidays are almost here again, so it’s a good time to start planning how you’ll keep the family entertained. Luckily, there’s no shortage of local activities, day trips and weekend getaways that will help you and the kids bust the boredom this summer break.

Local activities

Thankfully, there are plenty of local activities to keep everyone busy, including the thrill seekers. iFLY Indoor skydiving at iFLY could be for you, if you’re looking for an exhilarating experience for kids as young as three-years-old. Located in the Panthers Entertainment Precinct, there is also a range of impressive dining options that caters to all ages and budgets, once your feet are back on the ground. To book, visit www.ifly.com.au. Penrith Beach You don’t need to break the bank to prevent the dreaded phrase – “I’m bored”. And better yet, there’s no need to drive to Bondi this school holidays, because our very

Haven’t tried iFLY yet? Give it a go in Penrith.

own beach will be opening later this month. Penrith Beach will be open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Beach-goers of all ages will be able to take a free shuttle bus from Penrith Station, or apply for a permit to park on-site. Games for older teens

For the older kids, Penrith City Library is holding an ‘Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons’ on Monday, January 15, 2024. A group of teens will band together to play out a one-shot game over a single session, led by Games Master Ian Zammit. They will learn the basic rules, tailor their own character, connect with fellow gamers, and dive into the world of role-playing games.

Tickets are $15. To reserve your spot, visit www.visitpenrith.com.au/events/workshops.

Day trips

There’s plenty to do outside of Penrith too, especially if you’re looking for all-day fun. Sydney Zoo Sydney Zoo should be at the top of your list

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

LOCAL NEWS

to do over the holidays through the school holidays with plenty to do to keep the whole family happy if you’re looking for a day out with the family this summer break. It is home to over 4,000 animals, including awe-inspiring and endangered species from all around the world. Visitors can get up close with the animals in one of the many encounters on offer. And if you’re planning on visiting the zoo with younger children this month, Christmas Animal Kingdom is a must! To buy your tickets, visit www.sydneyzoo. com. Sydney CBD There is so much to do if you’re planning a trip to the city these school holidays, that caters to all ages and budgets. From Luna Park to Madame Tussauds, Sydney Tower, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and the National Maritime Museum, the possibilities are endless. City-goers will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries, with takeaway, hatted restaurants, and everything in between. Blue Mountains If you’re looking for a change of pace, a day trip to the Blue Mountains is a good option. If you want to ride the world’s steepest railway, take in the iconic views from the cable car or explore kilometres of elevated rainforest boardwalks, Scenic World is a must.

Whether you want to catch a few waves, go horse riding on the escarpment, or visit Jamberoo Action Park, or walk among the treetops, Wollongong is the perfect destination for your next trip south. There are also a myriad of events this month if you’re heading down for Christmas. Hunter Valley If one day just isn’t enough, there are plenty of options for a short getaway this festive season. The Christmas Lights Spectacular is on again at the Hunter Valley Gardens this summer. Until January 28, visitors will be able to stroll through magical themed light displays created with over four million lights, plus enjoy amazing amusement rides, roving entertainment, hearty food and beverages. For more information, including accommodation packages, visit www. huntervalleygardens.com.au/events/christmas-lights-spectacular.

Stroll through the spectacular lights at Hunter Valley Gardens.

If you’re after a more affordable option, there is an infinite amount of walking tracks for families to visit. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafés that line the streets of Katoomba and Leura. For more information, visit www.nationa lpa rk s.nsw.gov.au/v isit-a-pa rk/pa rk s/ blue-mountains-national-park.

Weekend getaways

A few days away might be just what the doctor ordered across the holidays. Wollongong Wollongong, affectionately known as ‘The Gong’, offers a wide range of family-friendly activities.

Central Coast There are plenty of family friendly options on the Central Coast. With the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, TreeTop Adventure Park, Amazement Farm and Fun Park and Aquafun, there are plenty of fun kid-friendly attractions and activities to keep the whole family happy.

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Viral duo win top award From South Penrith to the world: How TikTok helped take friendship to new level CASSIDY PEARCE

ince meeting for the first time as students at Penrith South Public School, Sean Skeels and Marley Whatarau’s friendship has taken them on a rollercoaster ride which has made them known all over the world. The duo’s claim to fame was their very first YouTube video which, since being posted in February 2021, has accumulated just short of 300,000 views. “We first made a music video for a song we made, ‘Oh Yeah!’,” Whatarau said. “On YouTube, all the comments were so nice, and I’m so happy me and Sean have become famous.” After this, Whatarau and Skeels created their TikTok account @ getdownwithsandm. The account has 3.6 million followers, and 69.2 million likes – and counting. “On TikTok, we hit 3.5 million, and I thought ‘Wow, that’s a big one’, and the likes, that’s big!” Whatarau said. “I love TikTok, and YouTube and Spotify, and I love that me and Sean can do it together.” Skeels agreed with the sentiment,

adding that they love nothing more than meeting and taking photos with their followers. “This is our dream!” he said. Since blowing up online, Skeels and Whatarau have diversified their content, with their pages now mainly focused on cooking videos. The videos, which see them create delicious meals in Skeels’ kitchen, are based around their love of food, and aren’t without a little bit of chaos. “Once, we cooked spaghetti bolognaise, but the cats ate the meatballs!” Whatarau said. Together, they’ve made all kinds of food on TikTok, like chicken schnitzel and sausage rolls, though both agree that pies are their favourite thing to make. In doing the videos, the boys have also gotten the attention of a few celebrity followers. “I love cooking all the foods, but Gordan Ramsay follows us,” Whatarau said. “We also met a chef in Sydney at the culinary school.” The boys have also been on a few excursions in Penrith, which have seen them go to iFLY, Bombshell Blowdry Bar, and meet some of the

Sean Skeels and Marley Whatarau. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Penrith Panthers players. However, one of their favourite outings saw them head down to Wollongong, where they were VIP guests at Yours and Owls. “We loved going to Wollongong for Yours and Owls,” Skeels said. “We took heaps of photos, and talked to lots of girls.”

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Karen’s Comment The weekly views of the State Member for Penrith

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Embrace the spirit of giving: Shop and dine local in Penrith this Christmas

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This holiday season, Penrith residents are encouraged to support our local businesses by choosing to shop and dine locally. Small businesses are the lifeblood of Penrith, they provide a large number of local jobs and sustain our local economy. Our town thrives on the uniqueness and character brought by these local establishments. When you choose to shop or dine locally, you aren’t just making a purchase – you’re investing in the essence of Penrith itself. Wander through High Street, where charming and cosy shops offer an array of hand crafted treasures and locally sourced goods. This Christmas, let us unite in celebrating the businesses that make Penrith exceptional. As we exchange gifts and gather around tables, may our choices reflect a commitment to the prosperity and uniqueness that define our Penrith community. So, with only 11 days until Christmas, join with me and support our local campaign to support our diverse sole traders by contributing to the local economy, and making this a “wonderful time of the year”.

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As for their goals after TikTok, Whatarau said he wants to be a rapper, with Skeels saying he just wants to meet his icon Kylie Minogue – something he got very close to after they were both nominated in the 2023 TikTok Awards. Skeels and Whatarau both said they had the best night at the TikTok

Awards, held at Hordern Pavillion last Wednesday, at which they were nominated in the TikTok for Good category – aiming to celebrate creators who share TikTok’s passion for driving positive change in their communities. “We were happy and overjoyed,” Skeels said. “We had so much fun at the party, and had pizza for dinner.” Going up against The Black As Crew and Jenna Hudson, the boys said they weren’t sure if they’d be able to take out the win. However, to hear their names announced was a welcome surprise. “We were sitting there together and I had my head down, thinking, and then they said, ‘Sean and Marley’. I won that!” Whatarau said. “Sean said a speech and I said a speech, and it made me feel happy. I was shaking on stage, but I loved it.” Now award-winning creators, Skeels and Whatarau assure they have plenty more videos to make – as long as they can do it together. “We’re definitely going to keep making TikToks, I want to do more dancing,” Whatarau said. “I also like sushi, so I want to make sushi on TikTok.”

Karen McKeown OAM Role Model Award Recipients Continued I would like to congratulate the below recipients of the Karen McKeown OAM Role Model Awards on their outstanding efforts and achievements for 2023. Cambridge Gardens PS – Stephanie P Corpus Christi PS – Jesse D Cranebrook High School – Ryan H Emu Heights PS – Chelsea W Jamison High School – Keon T Kingswood High School – Sophie P Kingswood Park PS – Zayd S Kingswood South PS – Brianna W Our Lady of the Way PS – Ella H Penrith Anglican College – Erin O Penrith PS – Tushar S

KAREN MCKEOWN OAM Member for Penrith

‘Authorised by’ Karen McKeown MP. ‘Funded using parliamentary entitlements’. Shop 23, 510-534 Ground Floor Tattersalls Centre High St Penrith 2750

LOCAL NEWS

Legendary baby doc calls time CASSIDY PEARCE

ssociate Professor John Pardey has delivered his last baby, marking an end to his 34-year career at Nepean Hospital which has seen him provide obstetric care for tens of thousands of women. According to Pardey, going into obstetrics was never an obvious career choice for him, noting that most careers rather ‘happen to people’. “I did six months of women’s health because I wanted to do something by way of trauma surgery or something surgical in emergency, because I was an adrenaline junkie back then, and I thought knowing which end of a pregnant woman was which was going to be useful for doing that,” he said. “I did a six-month term to do a diploma of obstetrics, and at the end of that time, the midwife took me out to dinner and said, ‘You should be doing this’, and I stayed on for another three months and the boss said, ‘You should be doing this’, and they organised me a job in New Zealand.” Little did he know, this would be the beginning of a long career which would see him also work in England before making his way to Nepean Hospital.

Pardey has personally delivered 10,058 babies through his private practice, in addition to many more public deliveries – a number he finds difficult to conceptualise. Sharing that one of his recent scrub nurses was a baby he delivered, Pardey said he well and truly feels part of the Penrith community, so much so that he considers Nepean Hospital as his own. “My mother died there, my youngest daughter was born here, my wife and I have both been admitted through the uni, as has at least one of my daughters, one of my daughters was a trainee doctor here, and my youngest daughter is just about to start her internship having been a med student there,” he said. “I am of this community, and that hospital belongs to the community, and it belongs to me in the same sense that it belongs to my nextdoor neighbour and my neighbour beyond that, and I am very proud of this community. I have never been ashamed to be associated with Nepean Hospital.” As for what’s kept him going for so many years, Pardey said he’s been driven by a sense of duty to his patients. “I think to do obstetrics well, and to do medicine well, I believe you have to love every one of them a little bit,” he said. Upon reflecting on his career,

it’s no surprise that Pardey is most proud of the lives he’s saved and the suffering he’s ended – even if he struggles to say it. “I try very hard not to say ‘I’ve saved your life’ – that cripples people and gives people a sense of debt,” he said. “If you’ve done that, they usually know, but to let people move on with their normal life is so important.” Now that he’s ready to retire, however, Pardey said there’s one thing in particular that he will miss. “At the moment of birth, pain, fear, months of anxiety and ambition, suddenly go, and the mother looks at her baby, and if I could crystallise that moment and make it into a pill, I’d be a billionaire, because that moment for me is the most beautiful moment of human existence – that sudden moment of love,” he said. “As corny as it sounds, there is no equal, and I will miss it until the day I die.” However, he hopes to see his legacy live on through those he’s trained. “There’s not one of them who’s not going to be a better surgeon than me – most of them already are – and that’s okay,” he said. “There’s a line in a famous play called ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ where he says, ‘good, better, best, bested’, and whoever you are, if you have a responsibility for teach-

Associate Professor John Pardey celebrating his retirement.

ing, that should be your goal. You aim to be good, you aim to get better, you hope to be the best one day, and you hope to train those coming after you to exceed you, and as you retire, the job is going to be better done because you were there.” So what’s next for Pardey? “I’ve been asked to go and teach

some surgery in the Solomon Islands, and I’ll do that,” he said. “My daughter who’s just graduated med school, she starts her internship out here, and she’s talking about doing a Master of Surgery, and last night over dinner, the conversation was around if I’d do it with her, and I may just do that!” he said.

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Is it time for a new bathroom or laundry? Why not deal with a local trades company who has been in the area for 50 years.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Students show festive spirit Colyton High School goes above and beyond to help those in need at Christmas CASSIDY PEARCE

tudents from Colyton High School’s Student Voice Team are doing everything they can to make a difference this Christmas, coming together to collate donations for hampers to give to local charities and organisations. The school’s Student Voice Team is a group which aims to bring the ideas and issues of students to the teachers, ultimately creating change both within and outside of the school. Ahead of the festive period, Year 9 student Kayleigh Williams said the student body’s idea was to make a difference in the community, and organise donations to local charities. “The idea came from the students,” she said. “Everyone wanted to do something for people in need this Christmas time.” Ultimately, with the support of teaching staff, the Student Voice Team decided that they would make donations to Parramatta Park soup kitchen, The Haven Women’s Shelter, and Westmead Children’s Hospital. “We wanted to donate to The Haven because heaps of people in Australia are struggling with domestic violence, and they don’t have a lot of support,” she said. “We also wanted to donate to Westmead Children’s Hospital, because the kids there

Students from Colyton High School’s Student Voice Team.

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

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City Park close to opening The corner of Station and Henry Streets in Penrith’s City Centre has enjoyed a varied modern history as the site of a blacksmith’s shop, livery stable, lolly shop, and the John Price and Son funeral home. Soon this site will begin its next chapter when City Park opens to the public. Creating a communal green space in the heart of Penrith has been an important part of the City’s transformation, with the vision of creating more vibrancy and attracting more people to the City Centre. There’s a central lawn, seating, and pergolas for workers and shoppers looking for a spot to enjoy lunch, relax, get some fresh air, or perhaps meet up with friends during the day. Several water features have been installed to help refresh people in the warmer months, while the 78-metre garden, trees, and planting across the park

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

will grow over time to boost green canopy and shade. An amenities building with an adult changing facility, ambulant toilet, accessible and unisex toilets with baby change tables, will also be open. There are plans to hold special events in City Park in the future, to encourage people to spend more time in the CBD and its restaurants, bars, cafés and shops. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the NSW Government. I encourage everyone to check out City Park when it is completed, and to keep an eye out for more details of an exciting community event to be held in the new year! See you next week.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

NEW PLAYSPACE OPEN AT KINGSWOOD

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often don’t get much of a childhood, because they’re spending so much time in the hospital. It’s good to give them donations so they can finally just feel like a kid. “We also donated food to Parramatta Park soup kitchen.” Kayleigh then put a call out to the school community for non-perishable food items, sanitary products and other items which could be donated. She said that the support from everyone was immense and overwhelming. “We sent our message out to the school through announcements, and we had heaps of donations by the end of it,” she said. Kayleigh was also part of the team which split up the donations between the three organisations based on what each could take, and the hampers were finally delivered last Friday. After the delivery, Kayleigh said she felt happy to have been involved, particularly given her own tough upbringing. “It feels good because if I was younger and I had all these donations, it would really make me happy,” she said. “I feel really proud of myself as well for setting this up, because I know that all of these donations will help people.” According to Kayleigh, this is just the beginning, with Colyton High School’s Student Voice Team aiming to make even more community connections in 2024.

Penrith City Council joined Kingswood Park Public School students to celebrate the opening of the new playspace in Illawong Avenue Reserve this week. The fenced playspace features a multiplay unit with two slides, various climbing equipment, bridge and play shop front.

A swing set with three swings, rocker, picnic table, bench seating, water bubbler and pathways were also installed, and the existing yarning circle was retained to maintain a sense of place and belonging. Students helped in the design process for the new playspace.

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

LOCAL NEWS

Helping others in need Local organisations still need your help with donations this Christmas period CASSIDY PEARCE

his month, community members from local businesses and organisations are doing everything they can to ensure those in need can have the best Christmas possible. WestCare is on track to have their biggest Christmas appeal in history, aiming to meaningfully reach thousands of people across Penrith. According to WestCare’s Director Andrew Paech, this number will cover 1000 vulnerable Penrith homes, in addition to the homeless, hurting, and hospitalised – a cause that’s extremely close to his heart. “21 years ago, my own daughter was hospitalised with a brain tumour coming into Christmas, and believe it or not, our family received a WestCare Christmas hamper that year,” he said. “Anything in that sector is, of course, going to be a priority for us, and we’ve already made deliveries to the oncology ward and the cancer care centre at Nepean Hospital.” Paech said this effort wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support he’s received from his connections within the community, who have helped to not only raise funds, but also donate food and toys for these hampers. “We live the dream, we really do,” he said. “Our all-consuming vision is ‘local needs met by local people’, and just to see our school kids, the Men’s Walk community, the church engagements, you name it, all sorts of people stepping in, and then others finding these people, all that comes under our banner. We couldn’t be more happy about that.” Paech is encouraging as many people to

Staff from Petstock Penrith. Photo: Megan Dunn.

contribute as possible, saying monetary donations are most important at this stage of the appeal. “No contribution is too small, and no donation is too large,” he said. “The more we get closer to Christmas, the more people we help. We expend all the funds we get!” For more information on how to help WestCare, visit www.westcare.org.au. WestCare will also be providing chickens for Christmas lunch at Mama Lana’s Community Foundation. Mama Lana’s will be providing kindness with no strings throughout the holiday season at The White House, 56 Woodriff St, Penrith,

trading Monday to Saturday, 6.30pm to 8pm, with a free lunch from 12pm on Christmas Day, complete with hampers and presents to be handed out. Mama Lana’s is also looking for donations at this time, and are specifically seeking out unwrapped Christmas gifts for all ages, as well as toiletries and food products for hampers. For more information on how to help Mama Lana’s, visit www.mamalanas.org.au. Businesses are also getting involved this festive season, with the staff at Petstock Penrith taking part in Children’s Weekend last Saturday and Sunday. The Children’s Weekend was raising funds for the Petstock Foundation’s Christmas

Project, which aims to raise $800,000 for its children-focused charity partners like Cowboys4Kids, and saw the store transform with fun activities for children, Christmas dress-ups, and plenty of animals to pet. Local residents can also donate to the Christmas Project until Christmas Eve, by purchasing a Christmas bauble from Petstock Penrith, rounding up their purchases or by donating online. Petstock Penrith is located inside HomeCo. Penrith on Mulgoa Road. Do you have a special Christmas story to share? Email news@westernweekender. com.au, call us on 4722 2998 or message us on social media.

Panthers swap training for gift giving NATHAN TAYLOR

hristmas came early for sick kids at Nepean Hospital, with players from the premiership-winning Penrith Panthers paying them a visit on Wednesday morning. Armed with several sacks of presents, the players – including superstar Nathan Cleary – donned Santa hats and went from hospital bed to hospital bed to help brighten the day of sick children. Along with the gift giving, players also posed for photos and signed autographs for the scores of hospital staff and other patients, who were very excited to see them. Speaking with the Weekender, Cleary said he never gets tired of doing community work like Wednesday’s Children’s Ward visit. “I really enjoy it and it’s something I never get sick of doing,” he said. “We’re very lucky to be in the position that we are in, where we can give back and try and make people feel a little bit better.” Cleary, along with fellow Panthers Mavrick Geyer, Luke Garner, Tyrone Peachey, Soni Luke and Sunia Turuva, also spent time chatting with parents about their children’s respective illnesses. “It just makes you realise how grateful you are for your own health,” Cleary said. “A lot of the time you’re worried about such little things, but at the end of the day we’re all

Penrith co-captain Nathan Cleary visiting patients on Wednesday. Photo: Alex Little.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

healthy and we’re still alive… you just have to be grateful for the little things in life. “You hear stories from the parents and it makes it feel real. For us, it’s just trying to give back and make it that little bit easier. They’re the ones who are the real tough ones.” Fairly new to hospital visits, Penrith young guns Turuva and Geyer said it was special for them to see the positive impact they can have on a sick or injured person’s life. “When I got asked on Monday to do this, I was so keen to come. It’s good to see the smiles on kids’ faces, especially with the stuff they are going through,” Turuva said. “Connecting with the people of Penrith is the best thing to do ever,” Geyer added. “It’s so rewarding for both sides – to see the kids how happy they are from us coming to see them.” Festive hospital visits are becoming an annual tradition for the reigning Premiers, who once again teamed up with long-time sponsor Allam Property Group to help with funding the Christmas presents. “Panthers came to Allam a few years ago with the initiative and asked if we wanted to be involved,” Allam Property Group Development Director, Adrian Arnaudon said. “It’s such a great initiative to see the young kids, who are going through a tough time especially this time of year when it should be joyful. “The Panthers are the best people to put smiles on faces, that’s for sure.”

LOCAL NEWS

For kids, by kids: Students play role in designing new playspace L

Llandilo Public School students and Principal Naomi Amidy join Deputy Premier, Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry Prue Car and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney to officially open Wilson Park.

The Wilson Park project was funded by Council and the NSW Government who contributed $75,000 through the Everyone Can Play grant program and $15,000 through the Community Building Partnership program. Deputy Premier, Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Londonderry Prue Car attended the opening and said she was thrilled to see Wilson Park reinvigorated thanks to the new playspace. “This playspace has been designed for children, by children,” Car said. “In years to come Llandilo Public School students can look back on this momentous achievement and know they had a hand in its creation. “I can’t wait to see local families enjoy the new facilities at Wilson Park.” A new amenities building is also under construction, which will include a unisex toilet and unisex ambulant toilet with baby change tables, as well as a MLAK-fitted unisex accessible toilet. Community consultation on Wilson Park’s new look started in October 2021.

landilo Public School students have celebrated the opening of the new playspace in Wilson Park. Students from the school co-designed the playspace with Penrith City Council as part of the annual Penrith Mayoral Challenge program, which teaches young people about civic engagement, local government and the decision-making process. Key features of the new playspace include climbing equipment, a multi-play unit with slide, three bay swing set with an accessible swing, outdoor fitness equipment, and a revitalised multi-sport court. Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said it was fantastic to see the ideas and creativity of the students come to life in Wilson Park. “Llandilo Public School students have played a key role in improving this facility for their local community to enjoy and should be proud of what they’ve achieved,” Carney said. Shade sails, a picnic table, hammock, bin, bike racks, pathways, trees and landscaping were also included in the upgrade.

For the whole family FREE and light refreshments 8pm Sunday 17th December.

Nepean Baptist Church 173a Bringelly Rd, Kingswood Corner Parker St and Bringelly Rd – opposite the Medical Centre Enquiries:

Pastor Nathan Kemper – 0447 308 785

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

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TURNING BACK TIME This photo shows quite the crowd gathering for the inauguration of electric train services in Penrith in 1955. It was October 8, and it was a big deal for a growing city – with faster journeys into Sydney promised. Prior to this day, trains that operated to and from Penrith were primarily steam trains and had no access to other trains on the system. Premier Joseph Cahill officially opened the new line. In the booklet, St Marys-Penrith: Commemorating the Opening of the Electric Railway to the District, published for the occasion, it stated: “October 8, 1955 will be a day well long remembered as a milestone in the progress of this Municipality.” It further stated that Penrith Council had been planning with ‘an eye to the future’ and was well prepared for the inevitable development that would follow.

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

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

’ NEW YEARS DAY

80S TRIPLE PLAYS ALL DAY

tional Christmas delights, complemented by the freshest seafood, locally-sourced produce, and mouthwatering desserts. Visit www.theorchardpenrith.com.au to book.

Δ AG stays closed: AG Bar in Penrith has extended its closure to now encompass all of December.

Δ Festive recall: A recall has been

Δ Christmas lunch at The Orchard: The Orchard has confirmed it’ll be opening Christmas Day for a massive buffet. Adults are $209 each while children aged four to 17 are $99. Enjoy savouring your favourite tradi-

Δ Threepeat still available: Looking for a Christmas gift for that Panthers fan in your life? Copies of Threepeat are still available – a 48-page special release magazine dedicated to Penrith’s incredible Premiership run. You can order online at www.westernweekender. com.au/shop or get your copy in person at Suite 2, 42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown.

Δ A hard earned Budgy: Budgy Smuggler has launched a new partnership with VB. There’s the traditional Budgy Smuggler for the blokes, plus bikini (pictured) and one-piece options for the girls. There’s also a VB Rashie available. Visit https://budgysmuggler.com. au for details. Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about store openings, new products and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

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issued for a Christmas light up gnome tree decoration, produced by History & Heraldry (Australia) Pty Ltd. The product (pictured above) does not comply with the mandatory standards for button/coin batteries. The button/coin battery packaging is not resistant to being opened by young children. The item was sold at numerous retailers across Australia, including Ronis Home Depot

Penrith. Consumers should immediately stop using the decorations and store them out of reach of children. Return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Δ Open for business: Falak Indian Cuisine has officially opened at Caddens Corner. There’s all the usual Indian favourites, as well as some unique menu items. It’s the second Indian restaurant to give the location a shot. Visit www.falak.com.au for more details.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SP O N S O RED CO NTENT

YOUR SIDE • YOURSIDE.ORG.AU • 1300 134 332

Tough conversation with parents A

s aged care workers, the team at Your Side is quite often asked how to broach a conversation with parents about getting some extra care and support. Usually this comes from worried children and comes from a place of love. The first piece of advice is to approach the topic gently. Recognise that discussing the need for additional care is a sensitive matter, and listening to your parents’ input is crucial. Acknowledge the challenge of reversing roles, where the child becomes the caregiver. Assure your parents that this journey is a shared one and emphasise your commitment to looking out for them, just as they once did for you. Explain they may only need a little bit of help and it is not about losing control or independence. In fact, getting a bit of support to help live a comfortable life at home can significantly extend the time people live connected lives, in their community. Highlight the fact that home care services are designed to enhance independence, fostering a more enjoyable and fulfilling life. These services can open doors to social activities, expanding friendship circles and support networks.

Research indicates that access to home care services and social support can effectively delay the transition to residential aged care. When discussing home care,

emphasise the tailored nature of Home Care Packages. These packages are designed to address specific needs, providing a personalised approach to support. Explain

that these services can include assistance with daily tasks such as cleaning and gardening, medication management, mobility aids, and allied health support, all geared

towards facilitating a confident and independent lifestyle at home. Include discussions about home care into a broader conversation about future planning. Emphasise that home care is a proactive step to ensure a safer and more secure transition into the later stages of life. By including this information, the conversation becomes more about empowering them for the future rather than focusing solely on immediate needs. Initiating conversations about support and care with ageing parents requires tact, empathy, and patience. Remember: your main concern might be safety, but your parents may be more worried about losing control. By fostering open communication and highlighting the positive impact of home care services, families can ensure that their loved ones age safely and happily at home whilst maintaining autonomy and quality of life. To learn more about Your Side’s Home Care Packages, call 1300 134 332 or email hcpreferrals@yourside.org.au. If you are looking after older parents or relatives, you are also eligible for support from Carer Gateway. Call them on 1800 422 737.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

BUSINESS WITH HANNAH STACK WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Marketing during the holiday period

s the year winds down, small business owners often find themselves in a common dilemma. The festive season is a golden opportunity for sales, but the challenge lies in capitalising on this period without breaking the bank. So, how do you make your business stand out during the busiest time of the year, especially when resources are limited? Here are some seasonal marketing tips for small businesses that won’t cost you a fortune! Understand your audience Before diving into any marketing strategy, it’s crucial to understand who your customers are and what they’re looking for during the holiday season. Use your buyer persona to brainstorm what your customer wants. Think of marketing promotions that fit the persona, whether it’s a special offer for busy parents during the back-to-school season or a unique gift idea for Valentine’s Day. Leverage social media Social media platforms are a cost-effective way to reach a large audience. Create engaging content that aligns with the festive theme. Use hashtags, run contests, and encourage user-generated content to increase engagement. Also, make sure to consider these platforms based on your business type: • Instagram: Ideal for visually appealing products. • LinkedIn: Best for B2B services and professional networking. • Facebook: Great for community engagement and a broader audience.

• X: Useful for quick updates, news, and customer service. Email marketing Utilise your email list to send personalised messages and exclusive offers. Emails with a holiday theme or countdown can create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to make a purchase. Consider these tools to streamline your email marketing: • MailChimp: Offers user-friendly templates and automation. • Campaign monitor: Great for creating personalised email campaigns. • Constant contact: Provides extensive email marketing features with easy integration. Offer exclusive deals Create special holiday offers or limited-time discounts to attract customers. For Mother’s/Father’s Day, consider family package deals or ‘thank you’ discounts. During Christmas, bundle offers or gift card promotions can be effective. For Black Friday, think of doorbuster deals or early bird specials. And for New Year’s, offer new beginnings or resolution-themed promotions. Host events or workshops If feasible, organise small events or workshops that align with your business and the festive season. Retail stores can host holiday shopping nights, service-based businesses can offer free consultations or workshops, and restaurants or cafés might consider themed dining experiences or cooking classes for their regular or new customers.

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PROPOSAL TO INSTALL MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT KEMPS CREEK INCLUDING 5G S4753 - Kemps Creek East – 54 Exeter Road Kemps Creek NSW 2178 (RFNSA 2178014) The proposed facility consists of installing new Optus equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows: r Installation of one (1) new 35m monopole r Installation of one (1) new headframe to house the antennas r Installation of eight (8) new 4G/5G antennas r Installation of one (1) new 3 bay outdoor cabinet at the base of the facility r Installation of ancillary equipment other associated equipment essential to the operation and safety of the facility 1. Indara in connection with Optus regard the proposed works as Complying Development under Schedule 4 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 based on the above description. 2. In accordance with Section 6 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Musab Kadan at Indara, 02 9495 9000, community@Indara.com or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Friday 26th of Janurary 2024. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/2178014 WW52819

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THOMAS, MAUREEN Passed away peacefully on 3rd December 2023.

can help advertise your business in our Trades & Services and Classifieds

Late of Werrington County. Dear wife of Fred (dec). Beloved mother of Peter and Mark. Devoted grandmother of Stephen, Melissa, Nathan and Chantel. Greatly missed by all of her family & friends.

“Forever in our hearts” ~ Aged 87 years Western

der

Weeken

WW52808

Maureen ’s family & friends are warmly invited to attend her funeral service to be held at Pinegrove Memorial Park, North Chapel on the 19th of December 2023, commencing at 10.30am.

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Your 39th Birthday and now our third without you being here. Missing you every minute of every day that you are no longer with us. You were the best Son that Parents could ask for and an equally great Brother to Toni and Father to your three Beautiful Girls. We will struggle for eternity to understand how you could have been taken from us so soon. With all of our love and deep respect for eternity. Mum, Dad, Toni XOXOXO David Campbell (CAMBY) 18/12/84 - 08/05/21 WW52804

51510

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enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player. But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match. Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta. It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons. It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won . From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

Caddens

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

CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE CASSIDY PEARCE

s far as fairytales go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Alice in Wonderland. First brought to our screens by Disney in the ‘50s, and again in Tim Burton’s film series throughout the 2010’s, the story has been a staple in the childhoods of many. Now, it’s headed to the stage. For Eowyn Turner, securing the role of Alice was a dream come true, though she said it wasn’t always meant to be. “I was originally supposed to be the understudy a few years ago, but after COVID lock-

outs I ended up playing Alice, and I just kept getting asked back,” she said. “I grew up with the fairytale, so to play Alice has always been a dream of mine.” Turner has been touring with the show for just over two years now, having performed as Alice in Brisbane two years ago, and in Melbourne over Christmas in 2022. “It’s been so much fun,” she said. “The show has always been a hit with kids and families, and it’s fun working in the rehearsal room, the scripts are amazing – it’s just all-round a great show.” In saying this, she noted that the show, and her role specifically, has definitely had its challenges, having had her learn tongue twist-

ers, and work with puppets as well as people. “I’d say the most challenging parts would be learning some of the lines, especially with rewrites, but my favourite parts would 100 per cent be working with some of the puppets and the other actors,” she said. She said she can’t wait to bring it to Sydney Coliseum for the school holidays. “I’m 100 per cent excited, I’ve got family down there!” she said. Featuring breathtaking costuming and puppetry, using ingenious stagecraft and limitless imagination, the show is captivating from start to finish. But, Turner said there is one part she’s excited for people to see.

“I think all of the parts are magical in their own way, but I’d say a personal favourite of mine that everyone loves due to how iconic it is would probably be the tea party,” she said. Kicking off on Thursday, January 4, Turner said it’s a must see for kids big and small this school holidays. “It’s great for kids and families, and it’s allround phenomenal. It really brings the characters to life, and I just 100 per cent recommend it,” she said. Alice in Wonderland will be on at Sydney Coliseum from Thursday, January 4 to Saturday, January 6. Tickets start at $44.90. For more information or to book, visit sydneycoliseum.com.au.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

THINGS TO DO Get into the Christmas spirit at Panthers

Have a laugh in Penrith

Making the impossible, possible

Celebrate the joy of the season with the enchanting melodies of Christmas carollers at Panthers Penrith. Talented vocalists from Penrith Harmony Choir will fill the air with timeless holiday classics, creating a warm and festive atmosphere in the main foyer this Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16. For more information, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

This Friday, December 15, head to Comedy Club @ The Joan for a night of belly laughs. After having hosted big names, The Joan has well and truly made a name for itself as the home of comedy in Penrith. This time around, Tommy Dean and Cam Knight will be the ones providing the best comedy night in town. For more information, visit thejoan.com.au.

iFLY will be hosting their last All Abilities event for the year this Sunday, December 17. iFLY All Abilities is a unique event that makes the dream of flight a reality for all, having been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, possible.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.

from 10am. New members are always welcome. Probus Club of Nepean Meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am.

Penrith Markets Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

Penrith NASHO’s Monthly meetings at Penrith RSL Club. Call 0400 129 006 for details.

BUSINESS

Nepean Valley RSL Day Club Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi classes Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Guan 0422 120 738. Tai chi and qiqong exercise.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Jordan Springs Probus Club Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763. Nepean Riverlands Probus Club Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244. Blue Mountains Amateur Radio Club Club meets at 7pm on the first Friday of the month at the old scout hall at 4 Moore St, Glenbrook. Call Ron on 0408 483 269 for more information. Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith. Nepean Food Services Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au. Free food shop 9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information. Nepean Naval Museum Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700. The Nepean Naval Museum opened in 2014 and is the area’s first museum dedicated to the naval forces. The Museum houses a collection of Naval forces memorabilia. Arms of Australia Inn Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222. Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594. Gamblers Anonymous Mondays 7.30pm. 0433 018 484. Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160. Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River. Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499. Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details. Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

Stay Informed Visit our website direct to stay update to date with all recent local news Your home of local news in Penrith

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w w w.w e s t e r n w e e k e n d e r .c o m . a u Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

HOLIDAY FUN AT AIRPORT SITE CASSIDY PEARCE

his school holidays, the team at the Western Sydney International (WSI) Experience Centre will be hosting a variety of fun and interactive activities to keep all kids, big and small, entertained. The activities, which will all be free to participate in, will range from arts and craft through to guided educational workshops, including Sydney Zoo’s immersive wildlife workshops, Bee Hotels, Lego Workshops, Farm to Plate workshops, food art workshops and so much more. Katy Hannouch, General Manager, Community Engagement and Social Impact at WSI, noted that though the activities are

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commonly targeted to those under the age of 12, kids of all ages are more than welcome to participate. “The holiday program starts on 16th December 2023 through to 31st January 2024 and will run each week – Saturdays to Wednesdays,” she said. “The free workshops have limited availability, so bookings are required.” The WSI holiday activities program will be held at the Western Sydney International Experience Centre at 100 Eaton Road, Luddenham. Free parking is available. The WSI Experience Centre will be closed on public holidays and on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the holidays. For more information or to book, visit westernsydney.com.au.

NEW YEAR’S EVE SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER 2023 | 6.30PM-10PM

quee

ar under the M

The Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains is hosting the ultimate family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash amidst the mountains!

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FOOD STALLS | KIDS ACTIVITIES | LIVE MUSIC FIREWORKS ON THE BIG SCREEN Enjoy a range of international food stalls and delights, live music, entertainment, a magician, face painting, kids play zone and more! A night of fun for all ages.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable celebration!

1 Sublime Point Road, Leura, NSW, 2780, Australia | Tel: +61 2 4785 0000 | Email: reservations@fairmontresort.com.au | www.fairmontresort.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

SCAN QR CODE TO BOOK

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ADULT $85pp | KIDS 12-17yrs $59pp | CHILDREN 5-11yrs $45pp LITTLE ONES 0-4yrs Free

JOIN THE SACRED DANCE FLOOR

Attention all art lovers! As a young man, Les Feher found his passion and studied art. Due to demanding circumstances at the time he needed to turn to a trade for income, leaving his beloved paint brushes aside.

Temple of Dance is an 18+ event, and tickets are selling out quickly, so book now for your chance to join the pilgrimage to the sacred dance floor where timeless memories are forged. Temple of Dance will be on at the Evan Theatre on Saturday, December 23 at 8pm. Tickets are $88.45. For more information or to book, visit penrith. panthers.com.au.

Upon retirement, Les has returned to his love of art. With a distinctive style of painting in abstract, geometric, decorative art, landscape, seaside and flora, Les really takes on a journey with his unquestionable talent and attention to detail.

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ext Saturday, December 23, take a break from feeling the Christmas spirit to embark on an electrifying journey at Temple of Dance. Since its inception in 2006, Temple of Dance has reigned supreme as a beacon of Sydney’s dance music scene, bringing pulsating beats

and immersive soundscapes to lovers of sound and movement. This year, Temple of Dance is bringing a stellar line-up of DJs to the Evan Theatre, including Sunset Bros, Dimatik, Argie & Terry, Outsource, and Antonio. Hosted by MC Losty, the event is set to become a haven where emotion and rhythm will come together to ignite in ecstatic harmony.

Penrith City Library is pleased to present a selection of Les’ work in an exhibition not to be missed. Exhibition running: 1st December to 23rd of December Penrith City Library 601 High St, Penrith NSW 2750

Library open hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm Friday to Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 5pm

Heaps of H to be w ams o n!

Cnr Woodriff & Derby Sts, PENRITH

Phone:

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CASSIDY PEARCE

4721 2515

penrithbowling.com.au

facebook.com/penrithbowlingclub

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

summer lovin’ Deep dive into summer with a refreshing offer at Kimpton Margot Sydney. Enjoy the ultimate city getaway and receive a $100 bonus credit to spend however you like during your stay.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

At the movies... REVIEW Napoleon  2 hours, 38 minutes Despite what it may look like in the trailer, ‘Napoleon’ is not the spectacle-filled action epic that it promises to be, instead boasting stark historical inaccuracies, and enough pacing issues to leave even the keenest viewers bored and confused. Based on the story of Napoleon Bonaparte, ‘Napoleon’ looks at the military commander’s origins and climb to emperor, starting with the beheading of Queen Marie Antoinette in 1793, and ending with his death in 1821. One of the most significant issues with the film is an obvious one – it’s not easy to fit decades of history into just over two-and-a-half

hours. Because of this, major battles became minor, and characters who would have been significant in Napoleon’s real life were diminished to cameos, making it difficult for those going into the film without having done some prior reading to keep up with the plot. This is only exemplified by the film’s lack of focus. Though it is primarily described as portrayal of Napoleon’s rise to power, the only main characters were him and his wife, Josephine. However, even their story lacks dimension, with the film instead providing a romanticised, Bridgerton-esque depiction of what was realistically a chequered rela-

tionship, plagued by a yearning for power on both fronts, and an age gap that it neglects to mention. And, this isn’t the only thing ‘Napoleon’ got wrong. Though my own knowledge of the period stops at the end of the French Revolu-

See thIS movie at...

PENRITH

tion, the film has received many harsh criticisms for its historical inaccuracies. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t know a lot about Napoleon, or is willing to overlook these flaws, ‘Napoleon’ is still not a

film I’d recommend, with an underwhelming performance from Joaquin Phoenix, and visuals and a score that were good, but no better than what you’d expect from a film of this genre and budget. – Cassidy Pearce

www.hoyts.com.au

Tickets $15 Movie Info & Session Times

Ph: 4739 4433 The Goonies

Trolls Band Together

(PG)

(G)

14 Dec to 3 Jan

18 & 19 Dec

18 & 20 Dec

Love Actually

Wish

One Life

(M)

(PG) Advance Screenings 16 & 17 Dec

(PG) Advance Screenings 15 to 17 Dec

19 & 20 Dec

www.glenbrookcinema.com.au

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

COUNTRY CORNER Brett Young features in ‘CMT Crossroads Christmas’ at 10am, and then at 11am CMT kicks off hour-long specials focused on various artists, including Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. Keep it on Channel 805.

Fundraising with Entertainment 20% of every Membership we sell, does directly to our fundraising

More ways to enjoy every day From dining to shopping, to travel, get more of what you love & give back to our cause. Share in the good, with up to 50% off & 2 for 1 deals in your city and across Australia and New Zealand.

Support us. Buy your Entertainment Membership today! Western Weekender Order your Memberships online today! www.entbook.com.au/948q083 *Member offers are subject T&Cs. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

Summer Sessions CMT on Foxtel is currently screening ‘Summer Sessions’ specials, a series of live concerts filmed in the United States. There’s some top acts included, such as Chris Janson (pictured), whose special goes to air tonight (Friday, December 15) at 6pm, with an encore on Sunday afternoon. Check the Foxtel guide for the schedule. CMT Christmas schedule CMT has confirmed its Christmas Day scheduling – so make sure you’re in charge of the remote control wherever you’re celebrating Christmas. It’ll kick off at 7am with a special Christmas edition of ‘Campfire’, followed by ‘A Country Christmas’, a special featuring the likes of Thomas Rhett, Amber Lawrence and Keith Urban. ‘A Tennessee Kind of Christmas’ at 9am features a star-studded line-up of country stars from yesteryear including Billy Ray Cyrus and Clay Walker.

Ray back in spotlight Michael Ray (pictured below) certainly took a back seat after his highly publicised divorce from Carly Pearce, while Pearce’s career shot through the stratosphere. Now Ray is back with a new track, ‘We Should Get A Drink Sometime’. “I typically end up cutting more songs than I need when I’m in the studio, and sadly that means there are a few that never get to see the light of day,” Ray said. “But this song has always been special to me, and it felt like the right time to put it out there. This one is for those of you traveling home for the holidays and reconnecting with those people in your life that you’ve lost touch with, whether you reach out or run into someone you didn’t expect to see.” It’s out now on all usual streaming services.

Ê ‘Sunrise’ co-hosts Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr will host this year’s ‘Carols in the Domain’, which will be broadcast on Channel Seven next Saturday, December 23 at 7.30pm. It will be the first time the former Olympic sprinter will host ‘Carols’ after David Koch pulled the pin from ‘Sunrise’ earlier this year. Artists confirmed to appear at Sydney’s Domain include Dami Im, The Wiggles, Casey Donovan, Rhonda Burchmore, Todd McKenney, Tarryn Stokes, Silvia Colloca, Jonathon Antoine, Blake Bowden, Matt Lee, Ben Mingay, Lucy Durack, David Berry, Erin Holland, plus the cast of ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’. Of course, Santa himself will also be making an appearance! Ê One of the shows of the summer, Netf-

Nathan Taylor TV NEWS

lix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’, is set to return with a second season. Full details on the new season are still under lock and key, but fans worldwide can sign up to join the reality competition on www.squidgamecasting.com. If you haven’t seen this eye-popping show yet, 456 real players enter the competition show in pursuit of a life-changing reward of USD $4.56 million. As they compete through a series of games inspired by the original show – plus surprising new additions – their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while com-

JANUARY 25

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petitors are eliminated around them. This show is the ultimate binge and it’s arguably more entertaining than the original series it was inspired by.

Ê A new music special coming to the ABC will see ‘Australian Idol’ judge Marcia Hines sing iconic gospel hits and discuss how her own faith helped forge 50 years in the music industry. ‘The Gospel According to Marcia’ will include never before heard stories from behind the industry curtain told by one of Australia’s most enduring, celebrated artists. It premieres on Sunday, December 24 at 4.30pm. Ê New UK drama series ‘Sexy Beast’ will

DECEMBER 24 4.30PM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARCIA, ABC

drop on Paramount+ on Thursday, January 25. The series, a prequel to the 2000 film starring Ben Kingsley, explores the origins of Gal and Don’s complicated relationship as they find themselves descending into the seductive madness of the London criminal world during the vibrant and volatile 1990s, while Gal’s budding relationship with DeeDee threatens everything in their world.

Ê Here’s one for fans of the classics: For

the first time, after 12 years of planning and setbacks, all 14 seasons of ‘The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet’ have been released on DVD. The incredible box seat features all 435 episodes, full-length and restored. Hundreds of episodes exist on YouTube and on various other platforms and DVDs, but the entire series has never been released and many episodes are of poor quality. Even episodes considered ‘lost’ are included in this new release. This is a one-of-a-kind, meticulously crafted box set that also includes bonus features. It’s available now to purchase on Amazon at https://a.co/d/cJI4eUf.

Ê All seven episodes of upcoming Seth MacFarlane comedy series ‘Ted’ will premiere on Binge and Foxtel on Thursday, January 11. In this comedic prequel event series to the ‘Ted’ films, it’s 1993, and Ted the bear’s moment of fame has passed. He’s now living back home in Framingham, Massachusetts with his best friend, 16-year-old John Bennett, along with John’s parents, Matty and Susan and cousin, Blaire. Ted may be a lousy influence on John, but at the end of the day, he’s a loyal pal who’s always willing to go out on a limb for friendship.

Did someone call for stress-free + merry holidays? Happy kids equal happy parents with Novotel Sydney Darling Square’s exclusive Kids Club! From 16 December 2023 to 28 January 2024, hotel guests with children aged 15 and below can enjoy an array of play activities, movie nights, complimentary meals and more. Wine down worry-free! ²ƧƊȁ ɈǘƵ ©ª ƧȌƮƵ ɈȌ ˛ȁƮ ȌɐɈ ǿȌȲƵ‫خ‬ ȌȌǲ Ɗ ȺɈƊɯ ƊȁƮ ǿƵȁɈǞȌȁ ٗ§ƊȲȲƊ yƵɩȺ٘ ɈȌ ȲƵƧƵǞɨƵ Ɗ ǏȲƵƵ ǐǞǏɈ ɐȯȌȁ ƧǘƵƧǲٌǞȁ‫*ث‬

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

TV Guide: December 15–21

Sunday 17 December

Saturday 16 December

Friday 15 December

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds 11:00 Magical Land Of Oz 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Gardening Australia 3:30 One Plus One 4:00 Parkinson In Australia 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Barry Humphries In His Own Words (PG) 9:00 Midsomer Murders (M v) 10:30 Question Everything 11:05 ABC Late News 11:20 Life (M l) 12:20 Wakefield (M)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 12:00 Beach Cops (PG) 12:30 Cricket: Pre Game 1:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* From Optus Stadium 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Men In Black 2” (PG) (’02) Stars: David Cross 10:45 Movie: “Last Night In Soho” (MA15+) (’21) Stars: Thomasin McKenzie

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:00 Barry Humphries AC CBE - State Memorial *Live* 12:30 NINE’s Morning News 1:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Deck The Halls” (PG) (’06) Stars: Danny DeVito 10:25 Movie: “Last Christmas” (PG) (’19) Stars: Madison Ingoldsby

7:00 Everyday Gourmet 7:30 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 8:00 Farm To Fork 8:30 Judge Judy (PG) 9:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 9:30 Neighbours (PG) 10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 TBA 3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Judge Judy (PG) 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M l,s) 9:30 My Life Is Murder (M) 11:30 Good Sam (M)

9:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Star Trek: Voyager (PG) 1:30 MacGyver (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (M) 8:30 NCIS (M)

2:00 TBA 2:30 I Escaped To The Country 3:30 The Zoo 4:00 I Escaped To The Country 5:00 Bargain Hunt 6:00 Pie In The Sky 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 Escape To The Perfect Town

3:30 Extreme Ice Railroad (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Pickers (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Godzilla” (PG) (’98) Stars: Hank Azaria

4:40 Movie: “Playmobil: The Movie” (G) (’19) Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy 6:40 Movie: “Hotel Transylvania 2” (PG) (’15) Stars: Adam Sandler 8:30 Movie: “Dangerous Minds” (M l) (’95) Stars: Michelle Pfeiffer

4:00 Toi Time 4:30 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 5:00 Our Stories (PG) 5:30 Strait To The Plate (PG) 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Brazil Untamed 7:30 Movie: “Get Santa” (PG) (’14) Stars: Jim Broadbent 9:20 Movie: “Baby Done” (M) (’20)

5:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Miraculous World: Paris, The Tales Of Shadybug And Claw Noir 8:30 Good Game Spawn Point 8:55 The Legend Of Korra

4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 8:00 Planet America: Fireside Chat 8:45 ABC News Tonight 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 The Business: Summer Special

6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Gardening Australia Junior 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You At Christmas? (PG) 8:30 Movie: “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (M) (’98) Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt

3:50 ABC World News 5:30 Freshly Picked Tonight With David With Simon Toohey Muir 4:20 PBS 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Newshour 5:20 Shortland Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Jamie Street (PG) 5:50 The Curse Of Cooks Christmas 8:30 Gordon Oak Island (PG) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News: Ramsay’s Christmas Cookalong 10:05 The Cook Up Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) With Adam Liaw

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 2:00 QI (M l) 2:30 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 3:05 The Durrells (PG) 4:40 Landline 5:10 Joanna Lumley’s Britain (PG) 5:55 Barry Humphries In His Own Words (PG) 6:30 Poh’s Kitchen On The Road 7:00 ABC News 7:30 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 8:20 Vera (M) 9:50 The Capture (MA15+)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Be Our Guest! Behind The Scenes Of Beauty And The Beast - The Musical (PG) 12:30 Cricket: Pre Game 1:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 3 *Live* 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 3 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 3 *Live* 8:00 2023 Mayor’s Christmas Carols *Replay*

12:00 Surfing Australia TV (PG) 12:30 Great Australian Detour 1:00 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 2:00 Explore TV 2:10 Family Drives 2:00 Explore TV 3:10 Movie: “Christmas Next Door” (G) (’17) Stars: Jesse Metcalfe 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Country House Hunters Australia 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 The Garden Hustle 8:30 Movie: “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory” (G) (’71) Stars: Gene Wilder

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Legacy List With Matt Paxton 10:00 Paddington Station 24/7 (PG) 10:50 Our Coast (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:05 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate 2:55 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:25 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 3:55 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Lost Treasures Of Egypt (PG) 8:30 Lost Cities Of The Bible (PG)

2:00 My Lottery Dream 8:30 Seinfeld (PG) Home 3:00 The Block 10:00 The King Of (PG) 4:00 Blog Cabin Queens (PG) 11:00 4:30 Yard Crashers 5:00 Fixer Frasier (PG) 12:00 Becker (PG) 1:00 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 Upper 6:00 House Hunters The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 International 7:00 House Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) Hunters USA 7:30 Island Of 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bryan 8:30 Building Off The Grid 9:30 Log Cabin Living Bang Theory (PG) 4:00 Family Ties (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:45 Movie: “A Unicorn For Christmas” (G) (’21) Stars: Catherine Dyer 7:30 Movie: “The Polar Express” (G) (’04) Stars: Tom Hanks

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Lap Of Luxury 12:00 Luxury Escapes 12:30 The Yes Escapes Down Under (PG) 10:05 Love Your Experiment (PG) 1:00 Taste Of Australia Garden (PG) 11:00 Rick Steve’s Europe BBQ Special (PG) 1:30 Exploring Off The (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 1:00 Surf Life Grid 2:00 Planet Shapers 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Healthy Homes 3:30 Luca’s Saving: Round 1: Iron Series *Live* 3:00 Key Ingredient 4:00 My Market Kitchen 4:30 Yachting: Transat Jacques Vabre Highlights Farm To Fork 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Bondi 4:00 Ethnic Business Awards 6:00 Grand Rescue (PG) 6:30 Jamie Oliver - Cooking Tours Of Scotland’s Lochs A Fyne Tour For Less 7:30 The Dog House (PG) 8:30 (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Hidden Ambulance (PG) 11:00 CSI: Vegas (PG) Treasures Of The National Trust 8:40 2:00 Home Shopping 4:30 Authentic (PG) Highclere - The Real Downton Abbey (PG)

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Extreme Animal Transport: Adult Lion (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 Carol Drinkwater’s Secret Provence

4:00 Secrets Of The Supercars (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 3 *Live* 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG)

12:00 Bringing Sexy Back (PG) 1:15 Wife Swap Australia (PG) 2:25 The Goldbergs (PG) 2:50 Baking It (PG) 3:30 Dodger (PG) 4:50 Movie: “The Smurfs” (G) (’11) Stars: Hank Azaria 7:00 Movie: “Jumanji” (PG) (’95) Stars: Robin Williams

4:30 Songlines On Screen 4:50 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:50 The Last Land (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 The Barber 7:00 Great Lakes Wild 7:30 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro (PG)

11:30 On The Fly (PG) 12:00 Escape Fishing With ET 12:30 Jake And Fatman 1:30 Luxury Escapes (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 I Fish 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Round 8: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC *Live* 10:15 NCIS (M)

8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 Neighbours (PG) 11:00 Farm To Fork 11:30 Seinfeld (PG) 12:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:00 Becker (PG) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 4:50 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG)

1:30 Log Cabin Living 2:30 Building Off The Grid 3:30 Restoration Man 4:30 Island Of Bryan 5:30 Lakefront Bargain Hunt 6:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 7:30 Escape To The Chateau 8:30 House Hunters USA

4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:20 100 Things To Do Before High School 6:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:35 Miraculous World (PG) 9:35 Robot Wars

4:00 ABC News 4:30 Close Of Business 5:00 ABC News 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Heywire 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 The Pacific: Summer Special 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Live At The Apollo (MA15+) 9:15 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG) 9:40 Melbourne Comedy Festival 2021 (M d,l,s)

3:45 PBS Newshour 5:40 Hairy Bikers’ Asian 4:45 Mastermind Adventure 6:40 Australia 5:50 Homegrown Tastes South Africa 7:40 Tales From American Runestone: A Viking River Cottage 8:35 Rick Stein’s Mystery 6:45 The Toys That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Cornwall 9:35 Anthony Impossible Engineering 8:30 Bourdain: No Reservations 10:30 River Cottage Australia Love In Bright Landscapes (M) 10:25 Vegan Vigilantes 11:30 Mystery Diners

4:00 Movie: “Loving Christmas” (AKA ‘Wrapped Up In Love’) (G) (’21) Stars: Brittany Bristow 5:50 Movie: “The Secret Life Of Pets 2” (G) (’19) Stars: Kevin Hart 7:30 Movie: “Crocodile Dundee” (M) (’86) Stars: Paul Hogan

2:55 Movie: “Beautiful Stranger” (PG) (’54) Stars: Ginger Rogers 4:50 Movie: “The Barefoot Contessa” (PG) (’54) Stars: Humphrey Bogart 7:30 Movie: “Johnny English Reborn” (PG) (’11) 9:30 Movie: “Octopussy” (PG) (’83) Stars: Roger Moore

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Pilgrimage 10:00 Weird Australia (PG) 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:00 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 1:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 3:00 All Creatures Great And Small (PG) 3:45 Grand Designs (PG) 4:30 Project Wild (PG) 5:00 Nigella’s Christmas Table 6:00 Antiques Roadshow 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Living With Devils (PG) 8:30 Vera (M)

6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Surf Patrol 12:30 Cricket: Pre Game 1:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 4 *Live* From Optus Stadium 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 4 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 4 *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Men In Black: International” (PG) (’19) Stars: Chris Hemsworth

6:00 Religious Programs 8:00 Everyday 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Golf: Jack Gourmet 8:30 Freshly Picked 9:00 Jamie Newton Celebrity Classic Highlights 11:00 Oliver: Cooking For Less 10:00 Studio 10: Cross Court 11:30 Iconic Australia 12:30 Sunday (PG) 12:00 The Bachelors Australia Fishing Australia 1:00 Drive TV 1:30 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 2:00 The Garden Hustle (PG) 1:30 Farm To Fork 2:00 Food Trail: (PG) 3:00 For The Love Of Pets (PG) 4:00 South Africa 2:30 Everyday Gourmet 3:00 Great Getaways (PG) 5:00 NINE News: First Cook With Luke 3:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 4:00 All 4 Adventure 5:00 10 News First At Five 5:30 RBT (PG) 6:00 NINE News 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 The Sunday 7:00 Christmas With Delta (PG) 8:50 Movie: “The Holiday” (PG) (’06) Stars: Bachelors Australia (PG) 8:40 NCIS: Hawaii (M) 10:40 The Secrets She Keeps (M l) Jude Law

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Lap Of Luxury Escapes Down Under (PG) 10:05 Love Your Garden 11:00 Rick Steve’s Europe (M l) 12:00 Worldwatch 12:30 France 24 English News 1:00 Surf Life Saving: Round 2: Iron Series *Live* From Manly 3:00 Motorsport: Speedweek/ AusMoto Show 5:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:30 The D-Day Superhero (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Nefertiti - The Raiders Of The Lost Tomb (PG) (In English/ French)

4:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 3:00 Extreme Animal 5:00 Storage Wars Transport (PG) 3:30 Texas (PG) 6:00 The Yorkshire Vet In Autumn 4:30 The Yorkshire Vet Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: 5:30 I Escaped To The Country Test 1: Day 4 *Live* 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s 6:30 Escape To The Country 7:30 Slow Train Through Africa Front Line (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Apocalypse Now” (MA15+) With Griff Rhys Jones (PG) (’79) Stars: Martin Sheen 8:30 Call The Midwife (M)

1:45 Black-ish (PG) 2:15 The Amazing Race (PG) 3:15 Crufts Dog Show (PG) 4:15 Movie: “Goodbye Christopher Robin” (PG) (’17) Stars: Domhnall Gleeson 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M)

5:00 Stories From The Land (PG) 5:50 Moko (PG) 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Wild New Zealand (PG) 7:40 Greatest Hits Of The 80s (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Ella Fitzgerald: Just One Of Those Things” (M l,s,v) (’19) Stars: Ella Fitzgerald

11:00 JAG (PG) 1:00 On The Fly 1:30 What’s Up Down Under 2:00 I Fish 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 Football Round 8: Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners *Live* 7:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 NCIS: Los Angeles (M v)

1:30 George Clarke’s 1:00 The Middle (PG) Amazing Spaces 2:30 2:00 Basketball: NBL: The Garden Hustle Round 11: Tasmania Jackjumpers v Sydney Kings 3:30 Self Made Mansions 4:30 *Live* 4:00 Basketball: NBL: Escape To The Chateau 5:30 Round 11: Brisbane Bullets v House Hunters USA 6:30 Cairns Taipans *Live* 6:00 House Hunters International The Big Bang Theory (PG) 7:30 Christina On The Coast 9:00 Two And A Half Men (PG) 8:30 Flipping 101

4:00 ABC News 4:30 ABC News Regional 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 Project Wild: Cambodia 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 India Now: Summer Special 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 TBA 8:00 ABC News Tonight

4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 Reef School 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiya And The Kimoja Heroes 5:55 Octonauts 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Karma’s World 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 QI (PG)

5:30 Paul Hollywood: A Baker’s Life 6:00 In The Spirit With Lindsay And Curtis 6:30 Michel Roux’s French Country Cooking 7:30 James Martin’s French Adventure 8:30 Hairy Bikers Mediterranean 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

4:50 Shortland Street (PG) 5:20 Kelly Clarkson: When Christmas Comes... 6:10 Kars & Stars (PG) 6:40 The Buildings That Fought Hitler (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 A Very British Space Launch

3:00 Movie: “Charming Christmas” (G) (’16) Stars: Julie Benz 4:45 Mr Mayor (PG) 5:15 Movie: “Christmas Next Door” (G) (’17) Stars: Jesse Metcalfe 7:00 Movie: “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” (PG) (’05) Stars: Johnny Depp

5:40 The Next Step 6:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 6:30 Operation Ouch! 7:00 Horrible Histories 7:35 Movie: “Hank Zipzer’s Christmas Catastrophe” (G) (’16) Stars: Henry Winkler 9:05 Scream Street

Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “The Brides Of Fu Manchu” (PG) (’66) Stars: Christopher Lee 5:30 Saved & Remade 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 RBT (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Never Say Never Again” (M s,v) (’83)

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

1:25 Movie: “Private’s Progress” (G) (’56) Stars: Ian Carmichael 3:30 Movie: “The Hallelujah Trail” (PG) (’65) Stars: Lee Remick 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “A View To A Kill” (PG) (’85) Stars: Roger Moore 11:10 Madam Secretary (M v)

Thursday 21 December

Wednesday 20 December

Tuesday 19 December

Monday 18 December

Get Macca’s® delivered. 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Barry Humphries In His Own Words 3:00 Gardening Australia 3:55 Back In Time For Dinner 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Great Australian Stuff 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 The Man Who Stole The Scream (PG) 9:35 Bradman And Tendulkar (PG) 10:35 Brock (M l)

12:00 Beach Cops (PG) 12:30 Cricket: Pre Game 1:20 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 5 *Live* 3:20 Lunch Break 4:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 5 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v Pakistan: Test 1: Day 5 *Live* 9:00 Movie: “Morbius” (M l,v) (’22) 11:15 Movie: “Winchester” (M) (’18)

12:00 Movie: “Crashing Through The Snow” (PG) (’21) Stars: Amy Acker 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III (PG) 8:40 Australian Crime Stories - The Investigators (M v)

6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV 4:00 Modern Family 5:00 American Pickers 4:00 RSPCA Animal News Update 6:40 (PG) 4:30 The (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Rescue 4:30 Better Africa’s Hidden Goldbergs (PG) 5:00 Australia v Pakistan: Homes And Gardens Kingdoms 7:30 Who Do You 5:30 I Escaped To The Country Test 1: Day 5 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Puppy Stars (PG) 7:30 Outback Opal School (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Doc Living Black Criminal Intent (M v) Martin (M) 8:30 Endeavour (M) Hunters (PG) 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Ratburger (PG) 8:45 Malory Towers 9:10 The Dengineers 9:40 School Of Rock (PG)

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Thomas and Friends 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 4:00 Back In Time For Dinner (PG) 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Great Australian Stuff (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 8:30 Whitney (M d,l) 10:30 Movie: “Burlesque” (M l,s) (’10) Stars: Cher 12:25 Just Between Us (M l,n,s) 1:25 rage (MA15+)

12:00 Movie: “Christmas In My Heart” (PG) (’21) Stars: Heather Hemmens 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Surf Patrol 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Adelaide v Sydney Thunder *Live* 11:00 The Endgame (M l,v) 1:00 Bates Motel (MA15+)

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Thomas and Friends 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

5:00 ABC News With 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Operation Ouch! 6:45 Evening News 7:00 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Movie: ABC National News 7:30 7.30 “Grandpa’s Great Escape” 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 (PG) (’18) Stars: Tom Courtenay 8:50 Malory Towers Australian Story

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 The Royal Variety Performance 2021 (PG) 4:30 Back In Time For Dinner 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Great Australian Stuff (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 The Yearly With Charlie Pickering 2023 (PG) 9:30 Would I Lie To You At Christmas? (PG) 10:05 QI (M s)

12:00 Movie: “Karen Kingsbury’s Maggie’s Christmas Miracle” (PG) (’17) Stars: Jill Wagner 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Surf Patrol 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Perth v Hobart *Live* 11:00 Amazing Race (PG) 12:30 Parenthood (M)

1:30 MacGyver (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (M)

4:30 Yard Crashers 5:00 Christina On The Coast 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 8:30 Christina On The Coast

5:30 Saved & Remade 5:30 I Dream Of 5:50 The Curse Of Oak 6:00 Food Safari 6:30 6:30 Antiques Jeannie 6:00 Everybody Island (PG) 6:40 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 Roadshow 7:30 Death Loves Raymond (PG) Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV The Cook Up With 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Movie: Adam Liaw 7:30 Shane Delia’s News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Love Island “The Living Daylights” (PG) Out Of 10 Cats Does Spice Journey 8:00 Luke (’87) Stars: Timothy Dalton Australia (M) Countdown (M l,s) Nguyen’s India

12:00 Movie: “A Song For Christmas” (G) (’17) Stars: Becca Tobin 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Travel Guides (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Crocodile Dundee II” (PG) (’88) Stars: Paul Hogan 10:45 New Amsterdam (M)

5:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 5:30 American Pickers 4:00 RSPCA Animal 6:30 First Dates (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars Rescue 4:30 Better Australia (PG) 7:35 (PG) 7:30 Outback Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country Truckers (PG) 9:30 Heavy Tow First Dates UK (PG) 8:40 Movie: “The Tourist” (M l,v) Truckers Down Under (PG) 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 10:30 Ice Road Truckers (PG) (’10) Stars: Johnny Depp Rosemary & Thyme (PG)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 3:10 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 8:40 The Secrets She Keeps (M) 9:40 FBI: Most Wanted (M v)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

4:30 Yard Crashers 5:00 Flip Or Flop 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble

6:40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms 7:30 The Casketeers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Bitchin’: The Sound And Fury Of Rick James” (M) (’21) Stars: Rick James

11:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 12:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG)

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Heston’s Feasts 8:30 Fun’Q With Spencer Watts

5:30 Saved & Remade 6:00 Everybody Loves 5:50 The Curse Of Oak 6:30 Antiques Raymond (PG) 7:00 Island (PG) 6:40 Roadshow 7:30 New Young Sheldon (PG) Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: Tricks (M v) 8:40 Movie: News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 “Licence To Kill” (M v) (’89) “Troy” (M n,s,v) (’04) Stars: Out Of 10 Cats Does Stars: Timothy Dalton Julian Glover 11:45 Seinfeld Countdown (M l,s)

12:00 Movie: “A Dogwalker’s Christmas Tale” (PG) (’15) Stars: Jonathan Bennett 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga - Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Clarkson’s Farm 9:40 Police Rescue Australia (PG)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 9:00 My Life Is Murder (M v) 11:00 The Hunt For The Family Court Killer (M v) 12:00 Women Of The Movement (PG)

2:05 The Wonderful World Of Chocolate (PG) 2:55 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:25 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 3:55 Great Continental Railway Journeys (PG) 5:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5:30 Letters And Numbers 6:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Gods Of Tennis (M l) 4:30 Yard Crashers 5:00 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town 8:30 Good Bones

5:00 American 4:00 RSPCA Animal Restoration (PG) 5:30 Rescue 4:30 Better American Pickers (PG) Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol (PG) 8:30 The 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Heartbeat (PG) 8:45 Lewis (M) Force - Behind The Line (PG)

6:40 Africa’s Hidden 4:30 The Goldbergs Kingdoms 7:30 (PG) 5:00 Bondi Vet Supreme Team (M) (PG) 6:30 First Dates Australia (PG) 7:30 First Dates 8:30 Movie: “Let The Music Play: The Barry White Story” UK (PG) 8:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (M l) (M s) (’07) Stars: Barry White

12:30 JAG (PG) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 Hawaii Five-O (PG)

4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M s)

5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story

6:00 Food Safari 6:30 6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen 7:00 Mecha Builders 7:05 The Cook Up With Star Wars: Young Jedi Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Seafood Lovers’ Guide 8:00 Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Doc Martin (M) Luca’s Key Ingredient

5:15 Shortland Street (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi (In Japanese) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News: Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M)

5:30 Saved & Remade 6:00 Everybody Loves 6:30 Antiques Raymond (PG) 7:00 Roadshow 7:30 As Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: Time Goes By (PG) 8:40 Movie: “GoldenEye” (PG) (’95) “Deck The Halls” (PG) (’06) Stars: Pierce Brosnan Stars: Danny DeVito

6:30 Operation Ouch! 6:45 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Movie: “Gangsta Granny” (G) (’13) Stars: Julia McKenzie 8:45 Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes (Part 1)

12:00 ABC News 1:00 Vera (M v) 2:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 3:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 3:30 Movie: “The Flight Before Christmas” (M) (’15) Stars: Mayim Bialik 4:00 Back In Time For Dinner (PG) 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 Great Australian Stuff (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Project Wild (PG) 8:30 Grand Designs (PG)

12:00 Movie: “Candy Cane Candidate” (PG) (’21) Stars: Jacky Lai 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 TBA 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane *Live* 11:00 Movie: “Cold Pursuit” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Liam Neeson

12:00 Movie: “Dancing Through Christmas” (PG) (’21) Stars: AnnaLynne McCord 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 5:00 Millionaire Hot Seat 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) 8:30 RPA (M) 9:30 Children’s Hospital (PG) 10:30 Chicago Med (MA15+)

12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 The Bachelors Australia (PG) 3:30 Farm To Fork 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Jamie’s Christmas Shortcuts 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 10:30 Blue Bloods (M v) 11:30 Women Of The Movement (PG)

5:00 American 4:00 RSPCA Animal Restoration (PG) 5:30 Rescue 4:30 Better American Pickers (PG) Homes And Gardens 5:30 I Escaped To The Country 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Family Guy (PG) 8:00 American Dad (M) Brown (M)

4:30 Castle Hunters 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 12:30 JAG (M) 2:30 6:40 Africa’s Hidden 5:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 5:00 Home Again With Frasier (PG) 6:00 Jake And The Fatman Kingdoms 7:30 Going 6:30 10 Years Younger The Fords 6:00 House Friends (PG) 6:30 (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Places With Ernie In 10 Days (PG) 7:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends Hunters International 7:00 Dingo (PG) 8:30 Not Even (M) Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) First Dates UK (PG) 8:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares 9:00 Movie: “I’m Not There” (M) 7:30 Bull (PG) 8:30 NCIS (M v) (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M s) 9:30 Seinfeld (M) House Hunters Renovation 9:25 NCIS: New Orleans (M) (’07) Stars: Christian Bale USA (M l)

5:00 ABC News With 6:00 Hardball 6:30 Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC Operation Ouch! 6:45 Evening News 7:00 Merlin (PG) 7:35 Movie: ABC National News 7:30 7.30 “Gangsta Granny Strikes 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:25 Again!” (G) (’22) Stars: Griff Australian Story Rhys Jones

6:10 PJ Masks 6:30 Mecha Builders 7:05 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Would I Lie To You At Christmas? (PG)

5:15 Shortland Street 6:30 Lidia’s Kitchen (PG) 5:45 Vs. Arashi 7:00 The Cook Up With (In Japanese) 6:40 Adam Liaw 7:30 Rick Stein’s Seafood Lovers’ Guide Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News: 8:00 Paula McIntyre’s Hamely Summer Yarns 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) Kitchen 8:30 Rick Stein

7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Survivor 45 (PG) 9:00 Love Island Australia (M) 10:30 Movie: “Vampires Suck” (M) (’10) Stars: Matt Lanter

5:30 Saved & Remade 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Tomorrow Never Dies” (M s,v) (’97)

Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

WW52632

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

A STUNNING LOOK BREEZE BLOCKS ARE BACK IN A BIG WAY | SEE PAGE 52

In the MIRROR

SEE PAGE 65

Your HOROSCOPES SEE PAGE 69

Crosswords & PUZZLES

SEE PAGES 72-74

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FEATURE STORY Western Property

BREEZE BLOCKS: STYLISH, ATTRACTIVE, PRACTICAL B

reeze blocks, also known as architectural screen blocks, are having a moment in the sun once again. These decorative concrete blocks, which were a staple in mid-century modern homes, are making a significant comeback, especially in the Palm Springs architectural trend. Breeze blocks are undeniably attractive. Their patterns range from

simple geometric shapes to more intricate and artistic designs. Whether used as a decorative wall, a garden screen, or an outdoor room divider they add a touch of retro charm to any space.

“BREEZE BLOCKS ARE UNDENIABLY ATTRACTIVE”

“Breeze blocks have always had a unique charm, and it’s exciting to see them being embraced once again in contemporary designs. Their versatility in landscaping is unmatched,” said Jason Hodges, landscape expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador. “Whether it’s creating a stylish garden wall, a patio feature, or even to create zones in your backyard, these blocks bring both form and

function to any outdoor space. Part of their appeal to homeowners is the neutral concrete colours and finishes which serve as a blank canvas. “Adbri Masonry’s Coloured Breeze Blocks offer modern colour options such as ebony, ivory or steel.” Alternatively, homeowners can paint the blocks to match or contrast with the surrounding décor, making them versatile

and adaptable to anyone’s design preferences. “The versatility of products like Adbri Masonry’s Coloured Breeze Blocks truly enhances the design possibilities. Their iconic form makes them a top choice for those looking to combine tradition with contemporary style,” Hodges said. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, breeze blocks offer several practical advantages: Airflow As the name suggests, breeze blocks are designed to let the breeze flow through. This design is especially beneficial in Australia’s warmer climates, where natural ventilation can help reduce the need for air conditioning and create a more comfortable living environment. Privacy While they allow air to pass through, the designs of breeze blocks can obscure direct views, offering privacy without completely blocking off an area. Durability Made from concrete, these blocks are sturdy and can withstand the elements, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Sunlight diffusion The patterns in breeze blocks can act as a natural diffuser, casting beautiful shadows and reducing the harshness of direct sunlight. For more information on breeze blocks, head online and visit www. adbrimasonry.com.au.

A Reverse Advent Calendar encourages individuals, fami ffamilies fa ami mili lies ies es a and nd nd m off ffood ood o ood oo orr community groups to place one non-perishable item ox iiss fu ox ffull, full ull ll,, it it is is toiletries into a box each day for 20 days. When the b box ty. then donated to those struggling with food insecurity.

Email hello@thegiftingemporium.com.au for more details

REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR BOXES WILL BE DONATED TO MAMA LANA’S FOUNDATION AND PENRITH COMMUNITY KITCHEN

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

WW52770

Come & collect your box this weekend at THE GIFTING NG EMPORIUM REATIVE at Southlands Shopping Centre (pop-up stall, near Woolworths) or THE CREATIVE day. FRINGE at Unit 6/51 York Road, Penrith, between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

4 COMMODORE STREET, JORDAN SPRINGS

BUY OF THE WEEK Western Property

SPRING IN FOR THIS PRE-CHRISTMAS BEAUTY! What is so great about the property? Ducted air conditioning, solar panels, great location, close to local parks, short drive to local school, shops and pub. Who does this property suit? Families, first home buyers, investors.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Jordan Springs is a new development in Penrith City Council and has the following amenities: Jordan Springs Shopping Centre, Jordan Springs Public School, Xavier College, Brooks Tavern, parks and lakes. Plus close access to proposed Penrith Beach.

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

OPEN FOR INSPECTION Saturday, December 16 11am – 11.30am CONTACT: Raine & Horne Penrith Bianca Rossetto • 0423 798 801 bianca.rossetto@penrith.rh.com.au

SOLD LOT 1 - 223-227 Hinxman Road Zoned C4 Environmental Living

FOR SALE

2.3 Hectares (Penrith Local Environment Plan 2010)

Jocelyn Marrian 040 516 4446

Lot 1 - 223-227 Hinxman Rd, Castlereagh

Special Features: For the Family: Large 1 level federation style home surrounded by bullet nose veranda, white picket fence, 7 bed home, 3 living areas, 4 bathrooms, massive kitchen with plenty of storage and prep area, overlooking your inground salt water pool, fully fenced yard, ducted air, fire place, fans. For the Tradie: 3 car lock up garage with studio work space, large office space with 3 offices, large mezzanine storage, bathroom, 3 car lock up space, meetingroom, kitchenette withstorage, 1 office has walk in storage space. side access to the property and back fully fence paddocks, truck parking space, town water, electricity, water tanks. and so much more

Call today for a private inspection! WW51418

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.® OFFICE: 233 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

127 Wrench Street, Cambridge Park

NDIS

3+ 100A

JUST LISTED

IDEAL FIRST HOME OR INVESTMENT PROPERTY This well-maintained home is ideally suited for family living or investment purposes. In a sought-after pocket of Cambridge Park with 809sqm block. Offering 3 generous-sized BRs, freshly-painted interiors, natural light-filled living room & massive backyard. In an ideal lifestyle location, the property is just a stone’s throw away from the bus stop, walking distance to Kingswood station, schools, shops, parks, and close to Nepean Hospital and only a short drive to Penrith CBD & St Marys CBD.

JUST MOVE IN Inspection: Saturday 12 - 12:30pm

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

28 Orth Street, Kingswood

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

$220,000 gross rent per annum Potential Gross Rental Yield 25%

Teenage

26 Gadara Drive, South Penrith

3+ Retreat

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

SOLD Very Happy Seller

SOLD Happy Vendor

Good market knowledge and personable

Ultimate professional

“ Working with Gizzelle for the sale of my property was

Sale: $950,000 Inspection: Saturday 9:30 - 10am

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

Litsa exuded confidence and made my wife and I feel very confident that our property would fetch a premium price. She was the ultimate professional.

fantastic. She is very personable, has great market knowledge and always kept me in the loop. She dealt with any issues or questions in a prompt manner and was happy to walk through the process in great detail with any potential buyers. The photos and video of the property were great and she was happy to do all she could in my tight timeframes. I would be happy to work with her again.

– Verified by RateMyAgent

”

– Verified by RateMyAgent

Thinking of Selling or Investing? Please give me a call or SMS Litsa on 0466 969 164

Thinking of Selling, Buying or Investing? Call or SMS Gizzelle on 0428 934 618

409/71 Grima Street, Schofields

19 Platypus Street, Marsden Park

10kW Solar Panels Plantation Shutters House sold with furniture

JUST LISTED

Sale: Just Listed Inspection: Saturday 12:45pm - 1:15pm

• 2 generous-sized BRs, both fitted with BIRs & access to the balcony, main with NEARLY NEW, JUST MOVE IN e/s • Natural light-filled living room with access to balcony • Well-appointed kitchen Inspection: 10:45am - 11:15am feat. quality European s/s appliances, 40mm stone benchtops, breakfast bar & high-grade cabinetry • Modern bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles & premium GIZZELLE POWELL designer fixtures • Huge balcony • Specifically designed with privacy & space in M: 0428 934 618 mind • Ducted r/c a/c • Durable & waterproof hybrid flooring • Video intercom • Secure parking & storage area • Landscaped gardens, pathways & play areas E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

31 & 31A Deborah Cres, Cambridge Park 3+2

1+1

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

House & granny Claremont Meadows 4

In an ideal lifestyle location, the property is close to Kingswood train station, childcare centres, bus stop, schools, shops, parks, Nepean Hospital and Penrith CBD. MAIN HOUSE: • 3 good-sized BRs • Contemporary kitchen with ample storage • Separate dining • Spacious bathroom with laundry • Cypress pine floorboards • High ceilings • Huge backyard • Double carport • Currently rented APPROVED GRANNY FLAT: • 2 generous-sized BRs, both fitted with BIs • Modern kitchen • Combined bathroom & laundry • Currently rented

JUST LISTED

Ideal for Growing Family or Astute Investors Inspection: 12:45pm - 1:15pm

GIZZELLE POWELL M: 0428 934 618 E: gizzellepowell@remax.com.au

2+ HOT PROPERTY

• 3 generous-sized BRs, 2 with BIRs • Natural light-filled living room with s/s a/c • Contemporary kitchen with breakfast bar plus ample storage • Main bathroom with separate bath & shower • Internal laundry with 2nd toilet • Well maintained large above ground pool • Spacious front and backyard • Covered alfresco area • Concreted driveway • 758.5sqm block • Shops, schools, cafes and eateries as well as a variety of nearby transport options • Zoned R2, granny flat potential (STCA)

Zoned Mixed Use in the heart of Kingswood Inspection: Saturday 1:30 - 2pm

Put Our Winning Team to Work

1.5

It’s your call . . . develop, rent or land bank, whatever you want to do. Situated in the heart of Kingswood, just a walk away to the hospital, station, shops, childcare services, cafes etc. With the upcoming Western Sydney Airport & Nepean Hospital’s expansion you don’t want to miss this one. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity whether you want it rented, to develop or hold for future growth. * INFORMATION ABOUT THE ZONING: Land Zoning MU1 - Mixed Use: (pub. 24-2-2023) Height Of Building: 18m Floor Space Ratio: 3.5:1 Minimum.

JUST LISTED

TSARINA M 3/158-160 GWH, KINGSWOOD

Gizzelle Powell

0428 934 618

Litsa Meleti

0466 969 164 0

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

JUST LISTED

Land area: 612m2 Rental Yield 4.2% approx. Combined rent: $1,300 per week 500m to new metro train station Orchard Hills 500m to M4

Peter Parker

0408 432 998

Uzrah Bi 0435 205 061

LITSA MELETI M: 0466 969 164 E: litsameleti@remax.com.au

Teeannah Camilleri 0424 823 911

Victor Borg

0439 755 081 1

Penrith Greater Region and Blue Mountains FOR SALE

69 Second Avenue, Kingswood

Dual Income – House & Granny Flat • Dual income investment opportunity • Spacious 3 bedroom house • Updated kitchen & bathroom • 2 bedroom granny flat • Modern & spacious design • Good-size backyard • Directly opposite Western Sydney University

OPEN HOME

$1,029,000 INSPECT Contact Agent ADDRESS 69 Second Avenue, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood

Beautiful, Stylish & Modern • Modern 2-storey 3 bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite & WIR to main • Large modern kitchen & bathroom • Ducted A/C throughout • 1 of 10 in complex, street frontage

$659,990 INSPECT Sat 16 December 10:45am – 11:15am ADDRESS 10/28-30 Joseph Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

OPEN HOME

16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood

Definitely Worth Your Time! • Beautiful 2-storey, 3-bedroom townhouse • Spacious open living design • Huge modern kitchen with S/S appliances • 3 good-sized bedrooms, ensuite to main • Private U/C timber deck entertaining area • Secured gated complex with street frontage

OPEN HOME

Expect To Be Impressed! • Beautiful double-storey 3 bedroom home • Amazing modern living design with high ceilings • Stunning modern kitchen with S/S appliances • 3 double-sized bedrooms with B/I robes • Ducted A/C throughout • Established lawn & gardens set on f ully-fenced allotment

2.5

$669,990 INSPECT Sat 16 December 10:00am – 10:30am ADDRESS 16/14-18 George Street, Kingswood CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

41 Cooper Street, Penrith

$859,990 INSPECT Sat 16 December 11:30am – 12:00pm ADDRESS 41 Cooper Street, Penrith CONTACT Professionals Penrith 4725 3100

penrithprofessionals.com.au 02 4725 3100 253 High Street, Penrith Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

APARTME

N T

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ACT NOW! N

SELLI

ORAN PARK

This is your last opportunity to secure a luxury apartment in the prestigious Metro precinct, centrally positioned in the heart of the Oran Park community. Generously sized, this 3-bedroom apartment features ample floor space, sophisticated style and the finest finishes. Built in partnership with the award-winning Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residence is completed to a high standard with: •

Miele oven, gas cooktop, rangehood, built-in microwave oven and dishwasher plus striking Parisi tapware, tinted mirror splashback and Caesarstone benchtop centrepiece

•

Ceramic tile floor throughout with carpet to bedrooms

•

Ground floor entry, two levels of secure parking and a communal rooftop with barbeque facilities

Interior

111sqm

Exterior

33sqm

Total

144sqm

Price

$829,500

9043 7500 metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

Wishing our customers a safe and happy Christmas & New Year.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

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Kingswood locals can pick the paper up at the following locations:

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�� KINGSWOOD SPORTS CLUB �� PENRITH GAELS CLUB �� RADHE INDIAN GROCERY STORE �� VOLUNTEERS DESK NEPEAN HOSPITAL �� 7/11 KINGSWOOD

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

BROKING BREAKDOWN The Experts

RBA CHASING NEW INFLATION TARGETS W

MARK STEVENSON Bell Partners Finance bellpartnersfinance.com.au

hile the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) gave mortgage holders a Christmas gift by leaving official interest rates on hold this month, what it does over the course of the next year is harder to read. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers and new RBA Governor Michele Bullock and her Board have agreed to significant changes to the government’s expectations about the way the bank works. The RBA will be operating differently next year, with fewer Board meetings and more transparency about how it comes to its decisions on interest rates. One change announced this month is the RBA has altered its inflation target of from 2-3 per cent to a more

specific 2.5 per cent. This is an inflation rate Australia has not enjoyed since March 2013, and could mean the RBA will keep interest rates higher for longer. Inflation began rising rapidly in 2021 and the RBA has lifted interest rates 13 times since May last year to bring down inflation, which peaked at about eight per cent at the end of last year. The latest monthly measure of inflation showed it falling to 4.9 per cent in October, and the RBA expects inflation to have fallen to just under three per cent by the end of next year. AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver said the change could be interpreted two ways. “In theory, this shift ... could have the effect of making them more hawk-

ish: making them raise rates again or making them less inclined to cut rates, or take longer when they do,” he said, but added that directive was softened by the looser timeframe. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham said the fact there’s no timeframe in which the RBA must return inflation to target means the statement shouldn’t change the path of interest rates. “I’m not sure that has made that much difference to the way they’re going to operate,” he said. “It really does leave them with a high degree of flexibility.” My conclusion from all of this is do not assume rates will come down next year, and be prepared for any further rises.

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MONEY MATTERS

DON’T BE SILLY IN THE SILLY SEASON! M

ALEX MCKENZIE Future Financial Services 4704 8585

ost of us have spent the last few weeks at various Christmas parties and getting well and truly into the festive season. It is very easy to overspend during this period, and way too many people get themselves into financial trouble. Hopefully, many of you read my article last year and have already allocated funds throughout the year for this period of increased spending, and have your festive period kitty ready to go. If you did, good work and enjoy! Obviously, you still need to be somewhat aware of what you are spending. Increased spending over this period is inevitable, the key, as always, is to direct the increased spending to areas that add the most value. Too much of our spending adds very little value to our lives. It may not be necessary to buy a new outfit for every one of the functions you are attending. I know my wife loves to get a spray tan and her hair and make-up

done for an event, it makes her feel great and this adds value. The difference is that she picks and chooses the events she goes “all out” for, while the others that aren’t as important, she does her own and hair and make-up. For me, if I decide not to have a few drinks at some events and drive, I can really reduce the cost of a night by avoiding the need for a taxi or a hotel room. Other nights, I will let my hair down and celebrate. Christmas presents can really add up to be expensive. For my family, we no longer buy everyone a present, we have a Kris Kringle; we buy and receive a single present, but it is high quality. This works out to be cheaper and better value than buying a large number of inexpensive and lower quality presents. This is just a few examples of how to direct your spending to the things that are important to you, so you can still enjoy the festive season without breaking the bank to do so.

The thing we really want to avoid is racking up a credit card debt. Ideally, you have put some money aside specifically for this period or have some savings. If you haven’t and will be putting money on the credit card,

at least plan in advance how you are going to pay it back. Don’t let this enjoyable time of the year become an expensive millstone for the rest of the year. And remember some of these tips for next year, to make it a smoother festive season!

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

SWIM SAFETY The Experts

THE TRAGIC STATISTICS WE OFTEN DON’T HEAR ABOUT T

JULIE SHELDRAKE Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900

here is a common misconception that all drownings result in a fatality, but did you know that for every drowning death there are many non-fatal drowning incidents? A new range of research on non-fatal drowning was unveiled at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Perth last week, and the findings were concerning. It is estimated that for every one of the 236,000 people who fatally drown each year globally, another three people are hospitalised after being resuscitated. Some are unaffected, some have minor injuries and learning disabilities and the most unfortunate suffer lifelong injuries. The World Health Organisation’s Dr David Meddings, the lead on drowning prevention, suggested that this could mean that fatal and non-fatal drownings kill and injure as many as a million people a year. Previously, all non-fatal drownings have been grouped together with the same definition, regard-

less of the impact the incident has had upon the victim’s life. Dr Meddings unveiled a new classification system at the conference that could be used to better identify and support people who had experienced a non-fatal drowning, ranging from mild, for someone with temporary distress, to someone with severe injuries and disability. The new classification system will

allow further research about the treatment and long-term health outcomes of non-fatal drownings. Australian researcher Dr Amy Peden said that, “In Australia, for every child under five who fatally drowns, an estimated eight children are brought back to life”. In a NSW review of people aged 0-25 admitted to hospital from July 1, 2001, to March 31, 2019, with a diagnosis or cause of death saying

drowning or immersion, 1934 cases were identified. Of these, 1871 survived. Slightly more than half were under five-years-old. The Samuel Morris Foundation was established locally in March 2007, and is Australia’s first charity providing support services to children disabled by non-fatal drowning (or other hypoxic brain injuries). Samuel Morris was a “bright and happy two-year-old” until April 9, 2006, when he had a non-fatal drowning in the family’s backyard pool. As a result of this accident Samuel experienced a severe Hypoxic Brain Injury and was left with a range of severe disabilities. Tragically, Samuel died aged 10 in 2014, however the Samuel Morris Foundation continues to raise funds and awareness to help others. Accidents happen. Please focus on the layers of protection this summer to keep your children as safe as possible – teach them to swim, supervise closely, fence the pool and shut the gate, and make sure to learn CPR in case of emergency.

HEALTH

FIVE WAYS TO PREVENT A FALL

The Experts

O Follow us on n socials for updatess

LEARN TO FOR ALL AGES 52271

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

ne in three people over the age of 65 and one in two people over the age of 80 are at risk of a fall that will lead to a serious injury. For people over the age of 65, you are three times more likely to end up in hospital after a fall. Risk factors that can contribute to falls include; strength, balance, coordination, walking speed, gait imbalances, poor vision, medication and reduced sensation of lower limbs. Exercise can help to improve most risk factors associated with falls and decrease your chance of falling. A study that was recently completed in Australia concluded that three hours of high challenging balance exercise per week slashed your risk of falling by 40 per cent or more. Exercise for falls prevention will cover the five main points below as well as work on improving your general cardiovascular fitness. 1. Strengthen your lower limbs: This will help

GEORGIA SMITH OnePoint Health 4732 5188

with your ability to stop yourself from falling or recover after tripping or slipping. Stronger lower limb muscles especially the calf muscles can significantly reduce your risk of falls. 2. Gait imbalances: This will help to improve walking stride, stride length and help minimise your risk of tripping over your own feet. 3. Balance and coordination: High challenging balance exercises are proven to help reduce the risk of falls. 4. Upper limb strength: This will help with your falls recovery strategies and give you the ability

to pick yourself up after a fall or increase your ability to access a device to call for help. 5. Walking speed: A minimum walking speed of 3km per hour is recommended to stay safely active within the community. Falls will result in a fear of falling, social isolation, avoidance of activity and decrease a person’s quality of life. Falls prevention classes are recommended to increase a person’s confidence and ability to be active within the community and stay independent. Strength, Conditioning and Balance classes are run daily at OnePoint Health. For more info, call us!

IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Hands on with the hottest new tool in hairdrying

s far as hairdryers go, it’s always been pretty easy to head down to your local chemist or electronics retailer and purchase one that will do the job. At the end of the day, how hard can it really be to dry your hair? But, as the technology in hair tools has become increasingly advanced, a hairdryer has become a beauty lover’s closest companion, complete with endless possibilities – as long as you get the right one. Over the last month, I’ve been testing out the Shark SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer – the newest addition to the Shark Beauty family, known best for the viral Shark FlexStyle. Advertised as being able to take your hair from wet to dry in mere minutes, the Shark SpeedStyle has been designed to allow users to create almost any hairstyle quickly, and with no heat damage. In order to do this, the tool comes with five attachments – the Express Touchup Brush, the RapidGloss Finisher, the

QuickSmooth Brush, the DefrizzFast Diffuser, and the Turbo Concentrator. It also has customisable heat and airflow settings, which you can let adjust on their own, or tweak manually to suit your needs. I will admit, prior to using this tool I haven’t been a frequent hairdryer user. Given my curly and frizzy hair type, I thought that hairdryers should be left to the professionals beyond a rough dry, finding it difficult to achieve a smooth, seamless look. However, this tool has quickly begun to prove me wrong.

When using the Shark SpeedStyle, I’ve found it best to be equipped with the right tools and products – for me, that’s a wet brush, hairspray, and my trusty Colour Wow Dream Coat. After applying the Dream Coat, I go in with the Turbo Concentrator on my hair in sections until it’s about 70 per cent dry. Though you could do this without an attachment at all, I do find the directed airflow helps to speed up the process. Then, I like to use the QuickSmooth Brush to completely dry and straighten my hair. For those who, like me, aren’t coordinated enough to manage a brush and hairdryer at the same time, this tool will be a complete game changer, only made better by using the RapidGloss Finisher. This attachment truly is a standout from the suite, smoothing flyaways with ease. Whilst I haven’t used it yet, I am excited to use the DefrizzFast Diffuser

on my natural hair. I love that this attachment enables you to extend or retract the prongs, personalising the airflow for your hair type. The one tool that I haven’t managed to master, however, is the Express Touchup Brush, as I do find its turning does make it tricky to manoeuvre. Retailing for a whopping $559.99, the question is then posed of whether you really need this tool. If you have the Shark FlexStyle already, I would say this product has enough different attachments to warrant you having both. However, if you’re comparing it to its direct competitor, the Dyson Supersonic, you’d be best off choosing one or the other, with the Shark option coming in at a better value for money. If you’re a beginner looking for an easier way to style your hair, or just someone who wants to cut their time in the bathroom in half, the Shark SpeedStyle is an excellent option.

Since 1975 Pancakes On The Rocks has been a Sydney favourite with restaurants at The Rocks, Northmead, Darling Harbour, Beverly Hills & Darling Square. With something for everyone from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we have a wide range of meals including Ribs, Steak, Pizzas, Salad, Crepes & of course our Pancakes.

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

PET HEALTH The Experts

TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR PET HAS A SAFE CHRISTMAS W

ith Christmas just a few weeks away, it’s time to ensure your pets are prepared for the silly season.

KELLIE TICKNER Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

Too much Christmas cheer Over eating and eating the wrong food can have grave consequences for our pets. To enjoy the festive season, avoid giving your pets the following Christmas foods... • Pork products can cause severe vomiting and diarrhoea and lead to Pancreatitis. • Chocolate and desserts can be deadly for dogs especially if they involve chocolate, xylitol

or alcohol. Chocolate can lead to vomiting, heart problems and seizures. • Sultanas, grapes, nuts and fruit cake can cause kidney disease and possible renal failure. • Kebabs with skewers can be catastrophic for pets if they are accidentally ingested. Fireworks frenzy This time of year, it is fun to watch the colourful fireworks but to our pets it can be frightening and cause anxiety. The noise and smell can send our pets into a frenzy. Make sure your pets are safely locked away a few hours before the fireworks are due to start or book them into a reputable boarding facility for the night. Adaptil collars and anti-anxiety medications may help your pet. If using medication,

please stay home with your pet and create a safe den for them to snuggle down. Microchip update Ensure that your pet is microchipped and registered with local council and wearing an ID collar. If your pet goes missing, contact Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter on 4560 4644. Snakes alive If you are traveling anywhere between the Blue Mountains and the coastal regions, snakes and paralysis ticks are most prevalent this time of year. Both can cause severe illness and even death. Brown snake and red-bellied black snakes are the two most common types of snakes we see in the Penrith area. With more than a dozen pets already affected by snake bites this season, it is important to be on the lookout. Symptoms from a bite may include blood in the urine, weakness, salivation, twitching and respiratory problems.

Troublesome ticks To prevent paralysis ticks, start using a preventative product at least two weeks before travelling. Continue using the product throughout your stay and check your pet daily. If your pet experiences either of these nasty critters, STAY CALM and contact your vet immediately. Merry Christmas The staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital will be on duty until Christmas Eve. We will be closed Christmas Day and have limited staff on duty for the remainder of the scheduled public holidays for emergencies. We recommend you phone ahead on 4736 2027 to arrange an appointment to minimise waiting times. Outside normal hours phone 9061 6836 and make your way to SASH Western Sydney where vets and nurses will be on duty 24/7 the entire Christmas period. Merry Christmas from Dr Camille and the staff at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital!

Get the care your pet deserves at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital! At Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your pet is a cherished family member. That’s why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care services to animals across the Penrith district. We offer: • Vaccinations • Radiography • Microchipping • Surgery • Dental care • Ultrasound

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Phone 4736 2027 49 Wentworth Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm

PET OF THE WEEK Relax & Unwind

On The

RIES – TOL NRITH’S STO

OPLE D BY THE PE

Record PENRITH’S STORIES – TOLD BY THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THEM!

HOW TO LISTEN TO THE WEEKENDER’S PODCAST 1. Search ‘Western Weekender’ wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe. We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict and more! 2. Visit www.westernweekender.com.au/ podcast and listen direct on our website 3. Scan the QR code to listen now

my name: Buddy my proud owner: Danielle Goodvinn i live in: Penrith a bit about me: Buddy is a very energetic and

playful boy who loves going for walks and short or long drives in the car. He also lights up any room he walks into with his loving personality.

Greg Taylor Penrith real estate veteran

Fiona Scott Former Member for Lindsay

Jim Mason 45-year Penrith Council veteran & local historian

Belinda Wollaston Musical theatre performer

Peter Collins Bernard Zuel Chair of Nepean Blue Popular music critic & Mtns Local Health District former Penrith journalist

Ross Free First Federal Member for Lindsay

Troy Dodds Long-time Editor of The Western Weekender

John Todd CEO of Western Sydney Business Centre

Tricia Hitchen Current Penrith City Mayor

Mark Geyer Penrith Panthers legend and gym owner

Stuart Ayres State Member for Penrith

Matt Jones Former owner of the Daily Planet nightclub

Graham Chapman Local business and marketing guru

Greg Alexander Penrith Panthers 1991 Grand Final captain

Ian Taylor Former ONE FM broadcaster

Kevin Crameri Veteran Penrith City Councillor

Prue Car State Member for Londonderry

Terry Gallaway Veteran journalist and broadcaster

Peter Lang Respected Panthers rugby league writer

Andrew Paech Local charity leader

Wayne Willmington Local radio legend

Royce Simmons Penrith Panthers legend

Ross Hutchison Entertainer

John Scott Local business icon

Ben Feszczuk Penrith’s former top cop

John Thain Veteran Councillor

Matthew Freeburn Long-time Penrith business owner

WW52480

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

Gai Hawthorn CEO of the Penrith CBD Corporation

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HOROSCOPES Relax & Unwind

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

The Venus/Uranus opposition suggests a house move, family fiasco, uninvited guests dropping in or some other kind of domestic pre-Xmas drama. And some Aquarians could experience disruptions at work. Whatever happens, strive to get the balance right between your public life and your private responsibilities. Retrograde Mercury also pushes you to revisit and revise an old dream. But don’t get so carried away that you throw the baby out with the bathwater!

This week the sociable Sun and proactive Mars are both charging through your career zone. So fire up the festive charm as you party with work colleagues and improve relations with clients or customers. However – with Uranus stirring things up and Mercury in retrograde mode – you may find relations with a relative, friend or neighbour become rather strained. So it’s also time to fire up your Piscean diplomacy skills – they are hiding there somewhere!

Mercury is reversing through your career/reputation zone, so make sure you behave yourself at the office Christmas party. And you also need to think twice about posting controversial comments online (especially about work or colleagues). Plus – with a tricky Venus/Uranus opposition – if you are too impatient, distracted (or even reckless) then you could find yourself involved in an argument or accident. Your Yuletide motto? ‘Act in haste, repent at leisure.’

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Hey Bulls … this week Jupiter (which is transiting through your sign) makes a positive connection with Mercury. Which favours communication, education, organisation and productive work. But remember Mercury is in retrograde mode (and it also links up with Saturn) so results won’t be instant, and success won’t be overnight. Don’t be all work and no play though – make the time to kick up your heels (or should that be hooves?) and have some fun.

You’re in the mood to let your hair down and party but don’t accept things at face value. With Mercury reversing through your mystery zone, look beneath the surface gloss to discover what’s really going on. And – when you’re buying last-minute presents – Saturn encourages you to choose gifts that are practical and useful. It’s also a good idea to get as much of the food preparation done as you can before Christmas Day. Organisation is the key to a cool Yule.

It’s time for Crabs to get cracking! When it comes to work, habits, health and fitness, the more proactive and organised you are, the better the results will be. However – with Mercury retrograde – a lack of focus, direction (and diplomacy) could temporarily side-track relationships and confuse you. And don’t let a dubious acquaintance lead you down the primrose path to trouble (romantically or professionally). Keep your trusty Truth Detector set on high.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Curious Jupiter and adventurous Uranus are charging through your career zone, so it’s time to stretch yourself in exciting new professional directions. But Mercury is reversing through your work zone, so you need to prepare carefully and plan thoroughly before you launch exciting projects in the New Year. Your motto for the week is from birthday great, actress and activist Jane Fonda (who turns 86 on Thursday), “Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing.”

Courtesy of retro Mercury, you can’t escape close relationships this week. Don’t approach things with the same old stale attitude – it’s time to recalibrate! If there is a problem: fix it. If there is a misunderstanding: sort it out. If there is too much distance between you and a loved one: get closer. The more positive energy and hard work you pour into partnerships, the more beneficial they will be. Christmas Eve is all about connecting with family and friends.

The opposition between your ruler Venus and Uranus is exact on Tuesday. So the challenge is to get the balance right between your independence and the needs of loved ones; between being cautious and being spontaneous. An impulsive online spending spree on Monday or Tuesday could see you full of regrets later in the week. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, make sure you closely check all travel arrangements, bookings and accommodation – twice!

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Expect the unexpected! Many Scorpios are primed for parties and other Yuletide celebrations as sociable, va-voom Venus transits through your sign until December 29. So it’s time to dance, charm, shmooze, shimmy, sparkle and shine! But on Thursday a loved one could hit you with some surprise news. And – with Mercury reversing through your money zone from Saturday – resist the temptation to spend up big over the Christmas/ New Year period.

The Sun and Mars are charging through your sign, so you’re raring to bust out of your comfort zone and do something daringly different as you travel, explore and/or experiment. But retrograde Mercury also moves into Sagittarius, so prudence and patience will take you further than spontaneity and speed. As writer (and birthday great) George Eliot wisely observed, “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

With Mercury retrograding through Capricorn until Saturday (when it reverses back into Sagittarius) it’s time to reflect, reconsider, reevaluate, recalibrate and reboot. The Sun transits into your sign on Friday, where it stays until January 20. So it’s also a good week to inspire those around you in positive, powerful, long-lasting ways. As actress (and birthday great) Jane Fonda says, “I want to be inspiring to myself, to my kids, my family, and my friends.”

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CO N N EC T W I T H U S O N S O C I A L M E D I A Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

Relax & Unwind DESTINATION Bowral

WORDS

Cassidy Pearce

IMAGES Cassidy Pearce & Supplied

MORE INFO

BOWRAL STANDS OUT AS B

owral – home to brilliant tulip gardens, an array of hidden-gem boutique shops, and endless food and beverage options. Add in the fact that it’s just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, and it makes for the perfect weekend away. Earlier this month, my best friend and I took advantage of the warm weather and headed south for a few nights, where we stayed at the new Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral. Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral is Australia’s first Park Proxi hotel from StayWell Hotel group. Its design is equal parts rustic and modern, with all of the sleek design features you’d expect from premium accommodation coupled with earthy colours and floor to ceiling windows to make you feel at home in the space. The hotel features 77 generously sized rooms and suites – we were lucky enough to stay in an Executive Suite, complete with a bath and walk in shower, comfortable bed, and a balcony perfect to sit at for your morning tea. However, some of the main highlights are the amenities.

Harveys Bar is the perfect place for a drink.

Cocktails at Paste.

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral boasts an indoor heated pool, gymnasium and an inviting 18-hole golf course, which our balcony looked onto. The hotel’s food and beverage options are also endless between Observatory Restaurant and Harveys Bar. Observatory Restaurant offers a truly elite buffet breakfast, including all of your basics, as well as an array of hot food including hash browns and poached eggs, and a refrigerated section with fruit, yoghurt and cheese. There’s no better way to start the day! For pre (or post) dinner drinks, Harveys Bar is the perfect place to go, offering a diverse drink menu featuring their signature dry martinis, locally crafted beer, and a selection of exquisite Australian wines. The place also exudes warmth and homeliness, complete with marble tabletops and a cosy fireplace. During our stay, we were also treated to dinner at Observatory Restaurant, serving up a modern Australian à la carte menu celebrat-

(02) 4862 8600

The stunning Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral.

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

ing the Southern Highlands. With excellent service and a menu with options for every appetite, you won’t want to leave the hotel – however I really recommend you do. Bowral is famous for being a gourmet geta-

“BOWRAL IS FAMOUS FOR BEING A GOURMET GATEWAY, COMPLETE WITH NUMEROUS AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS AND LOCAL COOL-CLIMATE WINERIES”

way, complete with numerous award-winning restaurants and local cool-climate wineries. Just a 10-minute drive from Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral, you’ll find Centennial Vineyards – a premier winery in Bowral that offers not only a sophisticated wine-tasting experi-

TRAVEL

A FOODIE’S DELIGHT

The Observatory Restaurant at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral.

ence, but also an attached restaurant with outstanding food using fresh, local produce. The picturesque surroundings alone make Centennial Vineyards worth the visit, with the restaurant situated amongst the vines, and next to their Cellar Door, enabling you to float in between as you please. Given the beautiful weather, the restaurant’s glass doors were open, and we were able to sit out on the verandah to enjoy our delicious lunch, complete with wine and cocktails. After this, we ventured to Artemis Wines – a family run winery situated in Mittagong. As someone who’s not a massive fan of wines that aren’t a variation of Moscato, I found the staff here to be incredibly helpful in suggesting options I might like, and I will say, I really enjoyed the 2023 Artemis Sauvignon Blanc and the 2021 Artemis Chardonnay (which seriously tastes like crème brulee!). We then finished the day off at Paste. As far as accolades go, this place truly has it all, having been recently awarded a Chefs Hat by the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024, as well as a Chef Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide 2023. Chef Bee Satongun was also voted Asia’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Knowing this, we went in with high expectations, and Paste did not disappoint. Located on the main street of Mittagong, Paste serves up a unique approach to Thai food, using Australian ingredients to re-imagine ancient Thai recipes. Upon being seated we were greeted by Satongun herself, who promptly delivered an array of entrées, mains, desserts and cocktails to our table. The food we tried at Paste was unlike anything I’d ever had before, bursting

with unique flavours that combine the two cuisines seamlessly. Stand outs for me were the roasted duck with rice crackers, and the jeen juan chicken curry – two menu items that I’d never think to order on my own, but would absolutely get again. Whether sampling delicious food is your goal out of a weekend away, or if you’re just looking to fill your stomach between hikes, rounds of golf or museums, you can’t beat a trip to Bowral, and the Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral makes for the perfect base.

Delicious dessert at Paste.

Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral’s Executive Suite.

Incredible food and wine at the Centennial Vineyards restaurant.

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK

STARTING FROM A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS 69 York Road, South Penrith | 1300 122 263

Crossword brought to you by Abcoe

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9 1

the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

7 4 1 8 3 9 2 5 6

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3 7 Warmly invites you and y Sunday, 17th D 7.30pm, St Mary’s 7 5 6 8 4 9 To complete Sudoku, fill the us for to join our sp board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 4 2 6 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. 2 5 For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org 5 If you like Str8ts check out our 4 3 books, iPhone/iPad Apps and

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to The solutions will be published here in the next issue. see how ‘straights’ are formed.

3 7 6

Previous solution - Very Hard

catholiccemeteries.com.au enquiries@catholiccemeteries.com.au

Easy

9 9

7 8

No. 676

4 3 2

SUDOKU

8 7 2 6 5 4 3

Sudoku brought to you by Catholic Cemetries + Crematoria

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

PARTY

CLEANING & PACKAGING

1 4

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

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Test your knowledge about Christmas carols and songs in our special trivia quiz this week...

1. In ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, how many reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh? 2. In ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, the singer tells children, “You better not cry” and “You better not ____.”? 3. In ‘The 12 Days Of Christmas’, who sends the gifts? 4. Who first recorded the Frank

Sinatra hit song ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’? 5. What tune does Carol Brady lead the carollers in singing during the 1988 ‘A Very Brady Movie’? 6. What country icon wrote Roy Orbison’s ‘Pretty Paper’? 7. What Beach Boys song features Santa’s sleigh as a hot rod?

ANSWERS 1. Nine 2. Pout 3. The true love 4. Judy Garland 5. ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ 6. Willie Nelson 7. ‘Little Saint Nick’

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

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Test Your Brain brought to you by Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital orchardhillsvet.com.au | 4736 2027

TEST YOUR BRAIN STR8TS SUDOK

Camille and all the staff at rchard Hills Veterinary Hospital wish to hank everyone who voted for us in the 021 Penrith City Local Business Awards.

No. 676

5 7 6 1

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5 4

3 1 4

6 7 5 6

We won the Pet Care category in 2015, 6 and 2019, and we are looking forward to the 2021 awards presentation!

Previous solution - Medium

Str8ts, Hexwords & Name the Movie brought to you by Choices Flooring Penrith

Str8ts

e are grateful for the continued support d friendship of our clients and their pets.

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9 1 You can find more help, tips and hints at www.str8ts.com

Hexwords

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

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

No. 676

9 1

3 7 6

Name the Movie

If you can’t tell from the photo, drop the letters from the list below into the circles. We’ve given you a head start.

KHTSHLDCA E Previous solution:

intermediates have to complete their own challenge AND the beginners’ challenge, and advanced players have to complete their own AND the intermediate. You can try to improve on your times each day.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

www.30secondchallenge.com

your brain sharp in just 30 seconds. Start on the 30-second Keep left with the number given and follow the instructions as you go across. Within the 30-second time limit, challenge beginners have to complete their own challenge,

HINTS

InTeRMedIaTe

4736 2027

Who Am I?

49 Wentworth Rd Orchard Hills

adVanced

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Previous solution: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

30 Second Challenge

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DEALING WITH COMMON DILEMMAS 3. Engine oil check: Keeping things lubricated Checking your engine oil is a simple yet vital task for every driver. • Park on level ground and have a rag or paper towel handy. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle. • Pop the bonnet and locate the dipstick. Before you remove the dipstick, take note of where it slots back into the engine. • Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with the cloth or paper towel. • Re-insert the dipstick fully and then check the level, it should be between the low and high level markings – ideally, nearer the high mark. • Additionally, pay attention to the oil’s colour and consistency.

alent, promising a cleaner alternative. However, drivers should be aware that it may result in reduced mileage and potential corrosion in certain components as ethanol attracts water. It’s best to do some research and check with your mechanic.

If it appears dark or gritty, it might be time for an oil change. 4. Overheating woes: Cooling down safely An overheating engine is a driver’s nightmare. If you notice your temperature gauge climbing, the check engine light or temperature warning light, look for somewhere safe and pull over immediately. Open the bonnet only when it’s safe to do so, and never attempt to

remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot (it can take up to an hour for the engine to cool down). Check the coolant levels via the overflow bottle, and if needed, top up with the appropriate coolant or water. It may not be safe to drive in case you have done engine damage, its best to check with roadside service first or have it towed. 5. E10 Fuel: Understanding the trade-offs E10 fuel has become more prev-

6. Three rules for re-fuelling: A quick guide When it comes to re-fuelling, follow these three golden rules: • Turn off your engine and avoid using your mobile phone. • Keep your receipts – if there’s a problem with your fuel you can go back to the service station and get them to investigate. • Don’t fill up while a fuel tanker is there, it will stir up the water that naturally sits at the bottom of the tanks, which can potentially end up in your tank. Arming yourself with knowledge and being prepared for unexpected situations on the road can make a significant difference. If you need any advice, contact us on 4732 3676.

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Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

2. Charging your car’s battery: Powering up safely If you don’t drive regularly or only make short trips your battery may go flat. You can avoid a flat battery by using a battery charger if your

car is sitting for long periods of time or if it has gone flat you may be able to re-charge it. There are different types of batteries, so they all need different charging regimes. It’s best to do some research, talk to a mechanic or a battery expert before buying a charger.

riving comes with its fair share of challenges, and every now and then, we find ourselves facing unexpected situations on the road. From putting the wrong fuel into your car to dealing with overheating engines, here’s a guide to help you handle some common car dilemmas along with some tips. 1. Mistaken fuel: Wrong pump, right response It happens to the best of us – you pull up to the fuel station, and in a moment of distraction, you choose the wrong fuel. If you’ve mistakenly filled your diesel engine with petrol or vice versa, don’t panic. Do not start the engine. Get your car towed to your mechanic to sort it out for you. If you have driven the car, it will need more extensive repairs, stop as soon as you realise and get it towed.

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testing, repairing and servicing your vehicle. They use sophisticated modern methods to make sure your vehicle repair and service is of the highest standard. “Whether you need log book servicing, tyres, brakes, a minor tune-up, batteries or complete engine overhaul, we are dedicated to offering a range of quality, affordable motor repair services to get you back behind the wheel fast,” owner Matt Bond said. Bondys Auto Centre is located at 1/33 York Road, Jamisontown. Call 4721 2500 to book your car in today!

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A dream in green Thunder sign talented duo NATHAN TAYLOR

former St Dominic’s College student will live out his childhood dream over the coming months when he suits up for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. Liam Doddrell and fellow western Sydney cricketer Will Salzmann both put pen to paper with the Thunder, prior to the first match of the season against Brisbane on Tuesday. 21-year-old Doddrell, who is a popular member of Penrith Cricket Club’s Belvidere Cup team, signed a one-year deal with the lime green, while Salzmann is on board for the next two seasons. Doddrell, who’s enjoying a sensational season with the Cats and is also contracted to Cricket NSW, says he takes inspiration from Australian cricket captain and fellow Penrith junior Pat Cummins, who also signed with the Thunder this week in a supplementary role. “When I was younger, I always dreamed of playing for

VITI TAKES HOME LOCAL AWARD Story continued from » p.80

“I’m looking forward to our trip to Taree, however. The whole club goes up there for a few days and we have a lot of fun racing. We’ve then got State and Nationals as well.” Following her “proud” fourth-place finish in the U16 single scull at the 2023 NSW Rowing Championships, Viti is hoping to make the podium the next time she’s there. Nominated by her coach Daniel Waddell at Nepean Rowing Club, Viti’s Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor St Marys Leagues Club. If you or you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination to Penrith Valley Sports Foundation. Nomination forms are available at www.pvsf.org.au.

The Sydney Thunder’s latest signings Will Salzmann and Liam Doddrell.

Sydney Thunder and now to get a contract, it’s unreal, sort of breathtaking,” he admitted. “I used to go to Sydney Showground Stadium with my dad to watch them play, the atmosphere is crazy and now I could be playing for Thunder there.” Doddrell and Salzmann have played the bulk of their junior representative cricket either

together or against each other and now the pair will do it again under the leadership of master coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Chris Green. Doddrell said having Salzmann alongside him is just the icing on the cake. “I have played a fair bit with Will,” he said. “We have kind of the same

game – bowlers who can bat – and it will be really good to be there with ‘Salzy’. He’s such a competitor and I am going to love being there and doing this with him.” Following Tuesday’s loss to Brisbane in the opening game of BBL|13, the Thunder will travel to Adelaide Oval on December 19 to play the Strikers.

Viti Young chatting to the Weekender.

Pendragons Abreast:

supports the wellbeing of breast cancer survivors through the sport of dragon boating. At Pendragons Abreast we encourage fitness, wellness, fun and camaraderie. We empower individuals and educate on the benefits of an active lifestyle after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our inclusive team consists of breast cancer survivors and supporters of various ages, from a variety of backgrounds and athletic abilities. Pendragons Abreast Penrith was formed in 2004 and we are also members of the Pendragons Dragon Boat Club, Penrith. We race and train at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Penrith Lakes and Nepean River at The Nepean Rowing Club Penrith. With opportunities to participate in regattas, travel and race against other breast cancer survivor teams. Want to know more? Find us on Facebook: Dragons Abreast Penrith Or contact our Membership coordinator 0407 278 384 Take a look at Dragons Abreast Australia website: www.dragonsabreast.com.au Pendragons Dragon Boat Club: pendragons.online

Come and try and have a chat over a coffee & morning tea. Contact the membership coordinator for dates & times: 0407 278 384

Friday, December 15, 2023 « the western weekender

SPORT

Fans will return to western stand TROY DODDS

enrith will aim to cater for existing season ticket holders in the soon-to-be revitalised western grandstand when the new-look Penrith Stadium opens in 2026. The Panthers will exit the venue at the end of the 2024 season to make way for 12 months of upgrades, which will include a new western stand and improved facilities. There had been fears that existing western stand members – some of the club’s longest serving fans – would be forced to move elsewhere in the stadium from 2026 in a repeat of CommBank Stadium in Parramatta where the western stand is reserved for corporate and media facilities. Panthers Chairman Peter Graham is adamant that won’t happen at Penrith. “It will be one of our guiding principles that those with current seats will retain them,” he told the Weekender. “We can be confident about

that because the early plans at this stage are that the stands will be bigger, will incorporate more... we’ll certainly be taking care of our members. We don’t want people losing their seats.” The Weekender understands that Panthers will push for existing season ticket holders to be offered ‘like for like’ seating in the new stand. It is a request almost certain to be accepted by Infrastructure NSW and Venues NSW who are keen to get the project right and welcome Penrith as the anchor tenant. Graham is also determined to ensure Penrith’s exit from the venue at the end of next season is a smooth one. “We’re developing some principles around our move out of here and that needs to be handled with respect as well,” he said. “There’s so many people who love the old Panthers ground and so do I. It’s got that wonderful tradition. “There will be the opportunity for people to take away a bit of memorabilia.” Penrith’s season away from

home will be a challenge but the club is planning to offer similar seating to season ticket holders at the temporary home – likely Accor Stadium or CommBank Stadium. There’s a push for some to head to Homebush even though Parramatta is closer, the Weekender understands. “We want to retain the loyalty of our members and supporters during that period,” Graham said. The club will also spend more time on the road with plans to be part of the Las Vegas slate of games in 2025 and potentially an extra regional match. Graham said Venues NSW would run the refurbished venue from 2026 but was hopeful Panthers would manage food and beverage offerings and groundskeeping. “Potentially there’s challenges but the conversations we’re having with both Infrastructure NSW and Venues NSW are very positive,” he said. “They really are interested in what we need and what we want. We think there’s a fantastic opportunity.”

WERRINGTON

Fans in the Western Grandstand at Panthers Stadium. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Panthers stake NRLW claim

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Penrith is aiming to be part of the NRLW competition from 2026. Photo: NRL Images.

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the western weekender » Friday, December 15, 2023

enrith is pushing ahead in its quest to be granted an NRLW licence in time for the 2026 season. Panthers Chairman Peter Graham has confirmed the club wants a spot in the elite competition to coincide with the return to BlueBet Stadium in two years’ time. “We have made a formal application and it’s currently being considered by the ARL Commission,” he told the Weekender. “We’ll be without our own stadium for 2025 so 2026 makes more sense. The other reason is when we start it, we want to do it properly, so we need an Academy. “We’re going to build our own Women’s Academy and that will almost certainly be in our football precinct. We’re just in discussions at the moment about how we

utilise some of the facilities that we’ve got over there at the moment.” The NRLW launched in 2018 and has grown considerably in a short time – with every game now broadcast on television and 10 teams competing in the upcoming 2024 season. The NRL is yet to confirm plans for future expansion but it’s expected Penrith’s application will be looked at favourably. It would be a huge boost to the women’s game in greater western Sydney. “There’s a number of things we need to do between now and 2026,” Graham said. “One of them is to put in place programs that will mean our good up and coming girls aren’t attracted to other teams.” Penrith already have a number of women’s teams in other competitions, but an NRLW licence would be the club’s biggest ever advancement in the female game.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Records fall at Zone Carnival event ATHLETICS: Emu Plains Little Athletics Centre are still celebrating after five of their athletes broke seven records at the Outer West Metropolitan Zone Carnival in Werrington earlier this month. Kael Brown took out the U15 300m Hurdles; Maximus Kontantinoff won the U17 400m; Matthew Willetts came out on top in the U17 300m Hurdles; Nekea Talaia cleaned up in the U17 100m and 400m; and Mabel Dukes was crowned champion in the U17 1500m and 800m. “We are extremely proud of these athletes, some of which are in their final season with Little Athletics NSW,” Emu Plains LAC said. Athletes will now progress to the Regional Carnival, which will be held at Blacktown International Sportspark in February. CRICKET: Gordon have belted Penrith in Round 8 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a One-Day match at Chatswood Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bowl. Gordon were on fire with the bat, reaching 6/393 after 50 overs. New Sydney Thunder acquisition Liam Doddrell took three wickets in a tough performance. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they struggled in the heat and were ultimately dismissed for 208. Jake Scott smashed 50 not-out in the loss. Penrith will look to get back in the winner’s circle when they battle Sydney University this Saturday morning at Howell Oval. CRICKET: Penrith have won three straight

games, defeating Sydney University in Round 10 of the Women’s First Grade competition. Playing in a One Day match at Sydney University / St Paul’s Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bowl. Sydney University scored 7/181. When Penrith hit the crease, they reached their opponent’s total with five wickets in hand. Elise Noble had one of her best games of the season, belting 69. Penrith will aim for four on the trot when they play Sydney at Drummoyne Oval this Sunday.

Record breakers: Kael Brown, Maximus Kontantinoff, Matthew Willetts, Nekea Talaia and Mabel Dukes.

in the 88th minute before Valentino Yuel scored in injury time to make it 4-3. The loss was Western Sydney’s first of the year, having gone six matches unbeaten. After leading the competition for the majority of the season, the Wanderers have now dropped all the way to fifth spot on the ladder heading into tonight’s game against Adelaide at CommBank Stadium. FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have won two games in a row, smashing the Central Coast Mariners 3-0 last Friday night in the latest round of the A-League Women’s

the perfect

CRICKET: Round 9 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition was abandoned last weekend due to the extreme heat. All teams will receive three competition points each.

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FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have suffered their first loss of the season, going down to Melbourne Victory in a high-scoring affair last Sunday afternoon. Played at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Melbourne led 4-1 before the Wanderers made things interesting in the dying stages. Marcus Antonsson got his second goal of the afternoon

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Wanderers keeper Lawrence Thomas.

competition. A brace to Wanderers striker Sophie Harding set the tone at Wanderers Football Park, with an unfortunate own goal to Mariners captain Taren King in between Harding’s two strikes putting the hosts out of sight as Robbie Hooker’s side won their second game in succession. The Wanderers will look to keep their good run going when they face the Brisbane Roar at Perry Park on Sunday night.

the Championship. TOUCH FOOTBALL:Congratulations to the Penrith Touch Association after two of their teams came home from the NSW Touch Football State Cup winners. Penrith took out the Men’s 55s competition for the fourth time in a row, while Penrith were also crowned Plate Champions in the Mixed Open B competition.

BASEBALL: Round 9 of the Baseball NSW State League First Grade competition took place last week, with Greater Western having mixed results. On Wednesday night, Greater Western narrowly overcame Baulkham Hills 2-1, while on Sunday afternoon, Greater Western went down 4-2. The Warriors will enjoy a month’s rest before competition resumes in January. Greater Western will play the Cronulla Sharks when play returns in Round 11. GRIDIRON:The Nepean Ducks are through to the Kookaburra Bowl for the second straight year after their talented Colts team beat the UTS Gators 46-8 to advance to the Final. The Ducks will now travel to Brookvale Oval to take on the Northern Sydney Rebels this Saturday, December 16 at 12pm for

Penrith Touch’s Men’s 55s team. GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message me on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

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A STAR ON THE WATER NATHAN TAYLOR

hile some young athletes have big dreams of representing Australia at the Olympic Games, Viti Young is more than happy to go with the flow and see how far her rowing journey takes her. After a sensational 12 months on the water, the 15-year-old is entering her fourth year in the sport and is ready to take her rowing to the next level. The Year 9 student at Blaxland High School first got into rowing, following in the footsteps of her older brother – but it’s not the inspirational story you may think. “My brother tried rowing, but he hated it, so I figured I’d give it a try,” Viti told the Weekender. “My parents were really keen for us to row because there’s lots of rowers where I live in Glenbrook, a few people in my street do it. “I already liked the river and boats, so I thought it would be good fun, and I was right.” Viti, who is the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award, said she has a lot of fun rowing and enjoys meeting new people and working as a team. “I have a lot of friends who I’ve met

through rowing. Seeing people and working together is a lot fun,” she said. One person Viti loves competing with is fellow local rower and former Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Emily Boyes. Viti and her doubles partner won gold competing in the NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River event as well as gold in the NSW Combined High Schools Championships in the U16 double sculls. Competing against other high schools from around the state, Viti and her Blaxland High crew also took home gold in the interregional quad event. “Emily and I only figured out we were decent at rowing last season when we started winning school races,” Viti said. “It’s really fun rowing with her because she’s one of my good friends.” The coming months are set to be really pivotal for Viti. Not only does she have a trip to Taree planned with her Nepean Rowing Club teammates, but she’s set to increase her workload both in and out of the water. “The toughest part about rowing is trying hard every single session, it’s a lot of hard work,” she said. “Last season we were racing 500m and 1km, but this season we have to start doing 2km races, which is a lot harder.” Story continues on » p. 77

Viti Young on the Nepean River. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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