Western Weekender February 10 2023

Penrith confirmed its status as the State Election’s major battleground on Sunday when Chris Minns hosted a party rally as Labor tries to win the seat for the first time since 2007.

Troy Dodds reports on page 5

THE FOOD YOU PETS HAVE BE WAITING FOR!

New centre to house community groups

Community will be at the heart of the developing Western Sydney Conference Centre (WSCC) at Panthers in Penrith.

The Panthers Group has announced that part of the space will be called the Warami Community Centre.

Warami is the Darug word for ‘welcome’ and the centre, which will be located on the first level of the WSCC, will serve as a hub for local organisations to operate from, with flexible spaces for a broad range of community programs.

Panthers Chairman Peter Graham said it will support the next generation of community initiatives.

“What we do is football, everyone knows that, but the people behind it matter and this represents a real commitment from Panthers to our community,” he said.

“We hope this helps create a real home for community workers in Penrith.”

With the Federal and State Government contributing a total of $24 million into the project, Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres announced that the not-for profit charity Westcare will permanently occupy some of the space.

“It is important to recognise that Panthers has been such a significant contributor to our local community and continues to do so with the presence of this wonderful facility,” Ayres said.

“After fire impacted the community building down on Henry Street, it meant that WestCare has been a little displaced and operating as best as they can.

“I know all the dedicated people involved will really be able to maximise what they do across the community by being here.”

Other sporting groups and community organisations will also be able to book time to use the space as they need at no cost to them.

WestCare’s Director Andrew Paech welcomed the announcement and the opportunities the facility will provide.

“This sensational facility will provide much-needed

engagement space for many vital community groups and organisations in western Sydney,” Paech said.

“For WestCare, the space presents a significant opportunity to enhance our local benevolent activities across a wide range of community sectors and we are honoured to be a part of it.”

In addition to the bespoke conference centre and the community centre, the venue will have a 154-room Pullman hotel, and speciality restaurants and bars.

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said he cannot wait to see the completion of the project, which is expected to be by the end of June this year.

“There are a lot of domestic violence organisations or sporting organisations that need places to come together, so they can come here, be comfortable and hold their meetings,” Fletcher said.

“Panthers has added $96 million to the Government’s funding and this whole complex is going to be magnificent for the community. It will create jobs and be good for the local economy as well.”

Andrew Paech, Peter Graham and Stuart Ayres at WSCC.

EMILY FESZCZUK

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The Editor’s Desk | Opinion

Troy Dodds

troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au @troydodds

What is that helicopter doing?

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Hell hath no fury like a Facebook community group member scorned. Most of you would likely be part of a Facebook group for the suburb or area in which you live.

In fact, you might even be a member of two, given breakaway groups often form when the rebels feel the administrators of their group are restricting their rights to complain about the local KFC or ask why their bins haven’t been emptied.

In a world where the term ‘fake news’ has become part of our vocabulary, and trust in the media is so low, it’s quite remarkable to watch what gets bandied about on community Facebook groups; as members use their best guesswork to tell us, with assurance, just why that helicopter is circling above.

In my local community group last week, a photo was put up of a “suspicious” man walking along the public street at 3am. Turns out the bloke had been on the turps and was simply finding his way home, albeit not in a very straight line.

Facebook community groups, surely first developed to create a better sense of neighbourhood camaraderie, are the home of romantic letters too.

“To the person whose dog keeps s***ting on my lawn, my security camera has captured you and I’ll be reporting you to the police,” one post read, presuming said dog owner is also on the group.

Another said: “To the person who added their stuff to my Council pick-up, I have your number plate!”

My favourites though are questions that could easily be answered by Google in the time it took to write the post.

“Is there still a Build-a-Bear in Penrith Westfield,” one person said this week.

We’ve gone through different eras and chapters of how well we know our neighbours.

In the 1960s and 1970s, everyone knew who was in the house next door, the place down the street and joint across the road. The Facebook community group of the time was chats over the backyard fence or during a break mowing the front lawn.

You found out about local businesses and happenings by checking out your local paper or the large collection of junk mail catalogues that would land in your mailboxes. Here in Penrith, that local paper method is still a winner, by the way!

In the 1980s, Neighbourhood Watch was all the rage. Those green and white signs, showing that a community had come together in a quest for safer streets and lower crime rates.

And when it comes down to it, where else could we complain, and get whatever is bothering us off our chest? Who cares about the 99 times out of 100 the local fish and chip shop got your order right? Today, they didn’t, and the world must know.

Facebook community groups are a funny, quirky corner of the Internet. Like everything, something created with the best of intentions often takes some weird, dark turns. And you’d have to question if they do more harm than good at times.

Still, they’re here to stay.

Now, what times does the bakery open?

And another thing...

I have no doubt that the whole Latrell Mitchell / Jack Wighton debacle is a storm in a teacup that both players, and the game, will easily survive.

The NRL has had worst pre-season atrocities, no question.

But regardless of what the courts end up doing with the pair, the whole situation is intriguing in the context of the ongoing dispute between NRL players and head office itself.

The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) wants the best possible pay and conditions for its players, and that makes sense.

Professional athletes make extreme sacrifices and those sacrifices must be acknowledged and recognised.

Neighbourhood Watch still exists to this day, I should note, run in conjunction with the NSW Police Force.

But nobody can deny that Facebook community groups are the new Neighbourhood Watch and have replaced the back fence catch-up.

But you’d surely ponder just how professional Mitchell and Wighton are if a week before the NRL All Stars game, they’re out on the drink at a nightclub at three in the morning.

The Western Weekender is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

The answer is yes, as a very quick Google search revealed. Closes at 5.30pm on weekdays, by the way.

Lost dogs, potholes, poor fast food experiences, desperate call-outs for a JP, grainy security footage of car break-ins, bad experiences with businesses... being part of a Facebook community group does make you feel great about where you live.

Where else would you find out what those bangs were at 2.30am, that were definitely not a car backfiring and must have been gun shots. Like, for sure.

Where else could you ask what bin goes out tonight, then patiently wait for 30 or 40 people to provide the same answer; an answer a convenient app could have provided in half the time.

The RLPA declares: “If players help the game generate more money than it expects, they should get their fair share”.

Indeed.

Perhaps too, then, if players help generate bad publicity for the game, potentially costing it investment from sponsors, broadcasters and ticket buyers, they should burden their fair share of responsibility too?

Or are the players just all care and no responsibility?

“Facebook community groups are the new Neighbourhood Watch and have replaced the back fence catch-up”

Labor “ready to

Penrith becomes State Election battleground as Chris Minns rallies the troops

“12 years is a long time for one party to be in power, so you have to be a great government to ask for another four.

Opposition Leader Chris Minns has declared Labor is ready to govern after 12 years in the wilderness.

Minns addressed the Labor faithful at a rally in Penrith last Sunday afternoon, declaring a fresh start was needed in New South Wales.

“After 12 long years of O’Farrell, Baird, Bere jiklian and Perrottet, I am proud to say Labor is ready to return to Government in NSW,” he said.

“The Shadow Cabinet is ready. They have done the work and are hungry for the challenges of office.

“Our members are ready and have never been more energised.

“And our candidates are ready to deliver a Labor majority that includes a record number of women in cabinet and in caucus.”

One candidate who will play a key role at the election in March is Karen McKeown, who is hoping to unseat Stuart Ayres in what has become the battleground seat of Penrith.

It was no surprise Minns opted to hold the rally in Penrith as Labor prepares for an all-out assault in an attempt to win the seat.

Minns spoke in detail about health, education, cost-of-living pressures and pork barrelling in a speech delivered in front of former Labor Premiers Barry Unsworth and Bob Carr.

“On March 25, we have the chance to vote for a fresh start in NSW. After 12 years in office, the Coalition will be asking for 16,” Minns said.

“Just look at the Coalition MPs who have abandoned it since the last election – one Premier, one Speaker, two Presidents of the Upper House, 14 Ministers, eight backbench ers – 26 MPs in total.

“In just 48 days NSW will reach a fork in the road. We’ve seen what the Coalition can deliver – let’s talk about another way, a differ ent path.

“One that leads to a new team in NSW with the fresh ideas, energy, and integrity this state desperately needs. A team with the solutions to the problems in our schools and our hospitals.”

While Minns’ speech was met with a strong reception from the faithful, the government is – predictably – not buying it.

Treasurer Matt Kean said it was “heavy in rhetoric, but light on details”.

“The only clear fact to emerge from his speech is that the people of NSW will be financially worse off under a potential Labor government, in addition to the risks to the economy,” Kean said.

“Good governance requires a long-term plan for the people of NSW including competent economic management and delivery of infrastructure. It also requires competence

that reduces risk for the state and its residents. Labor is risk.”

New South Wales voters will go to the polls on March 25.

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With

Karen McKeown addresses the crowd.

Chris Minns speaking in Penrith.

Charity ripped off to pay man’s debts

A Glenmore Park man has been sentenced after a magistrate found he deceived a registered charity organisation to repay his debt.

Stephen Mayers, 56, fronted Penrith Local Court last Friday charged with ‘dishonestly obtaining financial advantage or causing disadvantage by deception’.

It is alleged that he verified 27 false invoices in a computer system to obtain $14,800 worth of payments into his Virgin Money bank account.

At the time of the offence, Mayers and his co-accused were employed at Secondbite’s Penrith warehouse.

It is alleged that after the co-accused registered an ABN as a sole trader in 2021, Mayers, who was the State Operations Manager, showed him how to create an invoice template on Microsoft Excel that he could send to his work email address.

Mayers would allegedly process them and split the payment three ways between each of the accused.

At around 3pm on Monday, October 24, 2022, Mayers participated in a voluntary electronically recorded interview with police.

He admitted that he processed the invoices knowing it was wrong. The police say he was remorseful and apologetic.

The court heard that Mayers has since paid Secondbite $14,800 in compensation.

Appalled by his actions, Magistrate Fiona Toose said she can only hope Mayers’ “current employer doesn’t encounter the same fate”.

He was convicted of the single offence and given a two-year Intensive Correction Order.

– Makayla Muscat

RBA whacks locals

Struggling mortgage holders hit with another rate rise

TROY DODDS

Local mortgage holders are in for more pain after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lifted the official interest rates again this week.

The RBA has shifted the official cash rate up by 0.25 per cent to 3.35 per cent.

Banks have been announcing throughout the week their intention to pass on the increases.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said the average mortgage holder will be forking out over $12,000 more a year in interest compared to this time last year.

“Australians with the average loan size of around $600k will be paying $1,000 more per month compared to what they were paying in April last year,” he said.

“That’s a significant amount of extra money to allocate towards your mortgage every month – especially when household budgets are already stretched thin.”

Cooke encouraged homeowners to give themselves some

breathing room by negotiating a more competitive rate with their lender.

“If that doesn’t work, consider refinancing your home loan. Even trimming your rate half a percentage point can save you hundreds a month,” Cooke said. In further bad news for mortgage holders, RBA Governor Philip Lowe hinted the increases are not over.

“The Board expects that further increases in interest rates will be needed over the months ahead to ensure that inflation returns to target and that this period of high inflation is only temporary,” he said.

“In assessing how much further interest rates need to increase, the Board will be paying close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in house-

hold spending and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target and will do what is necessary to achieve that.”

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the Federal Government needed to do more to put downward pressure on inflation.

“We have a Prime Minister who’s hands-off when it comes to managing the economy and a Treasurer who has wasted his summer penning a 6,000-word ideological essay and talking about what picture should feature on the $5 note,” Taylor said.

“The government should be working on a solution to the worst outbreak of inflation we’ve seen in three decades. We’re seeing double-income families right across the country struggling to make ends meet and having to make really tough calls to keep their homes.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said there was evidence that inflation had peaked in the economy and would begin to moderate.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor wants the government to do more.

Premier backs reform as pokies face biggest overhaul in history

However, Perrottet’s move will create plenty of division ahead of the election next month.

The State Government will make every poker machine cashless by the end of 2028 as part of landmark changes that will see one of the biggest gambling reforms ever undertaken in Australia.

Cabinet signed off on Dominic Perrottet’s ambitious plan late on Sunday night, with clubs and pubs to be compensated for the expected costs and losses the initiatives will create.

Cashless gaming will include a number of features to curb problem gambling, including mandatory self-imposed limits and cooling-off periods, breaks in play, prohibiting the transfer of funds from credit cards and prohibiting automatic top-ups.

This will be complemented by other systemwide changes such as self-exclusions and third-party exclusions, prohibiting the use of VIP Lounge signage and prohibiting political donations from both pubs and clubs.

“Today we make a once in a lifetime change to create a better NSW,” Perrottet said on Monday.

“We address the number one recommendation from the Crime Commission and we will end money laundering in pubs and clubs, while protecting jobs and supporting communities. We will also ensure people

using poker machines receive more support, if they want it, to deal with problem gambling.

“Pubs and clubs are the lifeblood of so many communities across NSW and I want them to

thrive, continue to grow and be a place for fun and enjoyment for everyone. My Government will walk with our pubs and clubs every step of the way on this transition.”

The Australian Hotels Association said it was “considering the impact” of the announcement.

“The NSW hotel industry is disappointed the Coalition has announced it will set a commencement date of December 31 2028 without having any understanding of how cashless gaming will be rolled out,” Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said.

“This includes the actual costs involved, the impact on industry, employment, the NSW Budget and whether it will actually help problem gamblers.

“We’re particularly concerned this policy won’t help problem gamblers but will instead drive away the majority of casual players who won’t sign up for a government-mandated gaming account linked directly to their own bank accounts. There are currently four trials of various forms of cashless gambling either underway or about to start across NSW. It is disappointing the Coalition has set a fixed commencement date before considering any of the information learnt from these trials.” Labor is planning an expanded trial of cashless gaming but has not committed to a full implementation.

More details about the specifics of the plan are available at www.westernweekender. com.au.

Poker machine players will have to sign up to a gaming card to play.

Cash to fix intersection

Residents welcome funding to improve dangerous Londonderry black spot

Bridge and traffic improvements project with early works set to begin shortly.

The State Government will deliver longawaited safety upgrades to a notorious accident spot in Londonderry.

$15 million has been allocated to upgrade the intersection of The Driftway and Londonderry Road to deliver a new roundabout and an extra lane.

While Londonderry residents have been campaigning for improvements to the intersection for years due to multiple accidents and fatalities, the project will be part of $1 billion in WestInvest funding to upgrade flood evacuation routes.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said Londonderry Road is a regional flood evacuation route that has been identified in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation Road Resilience Program.

“The upgrade of the intersection of Londonderry Road and The Driftway to a roundabout will improve road safety and accessibility at the intersection by slowing vehicles down and allowing better priority for all movements,” the spokesperson said.

“Adding an additional lane southbound through the intersection will increase the capacity of the road in the event of a flood event, helping local residents evacuate safely.”

The upgrade of the intersection will be delivered as part of Stage 1 of the New Richmond

Main works will start in 2024 and are expected to take around 18 months to complete.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said that safe evacuation routes were vital after the extreme weather events.

“After unprecedented rain and consecutive flooding events across western Sydney, it is more important than ever that we provide the infrastructure needed to protect communities and ensure they have safe evacuation routes,” he said.

“This important upgrade will boost capacity on this important evacuation route and support the new Richmond Bridge, which has been designed with increased flood resilience.”

Londonderry resident Alana Wilson, who was in an accident at the site in 2019 and subsequently launched a petition to improve safety there, said she thought the plans would help.

“Just two weeks ago there was another accident there because people simply don’t stop when travelling on The Driftway,” Wilson said.

“With the Redbank estate getting bigger across the bridge and more subdivisions getting the go-ahead it will become busier, so it is needed.”

Member for Londonderry Prue Car told the

Weekender that she would ensure that the project is carried out successfully.

“Residents have waited for a long time for action on this intersection and I will make sure that this upgrade is actually delivered, not just another promise,” she said.

It was also announced this week that Penrith City Council will receive over $13 million as on one of 35 metropolitan councils that will share $220 million worth of funding from the NSW Government to repair roads damaged by unprecedented rain.

Londonderry Road and The Driftway will be upgraded.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Administration

Penrith Office Civic Centre, 601 High Street. St Marys Office 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 RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

Graffiti Hotline Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

27 February 2023 – 7pm Online via penrith.city (Ordinary Meeting)

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

From active fun in the sun and eating out with family and friends, to lazy days in nature or exploring our cultural gems.

Council Briefs

● Don’t forget to leave feedback on Penrith City Library’s draft Library Services Strategy! The strategy for 2023–2028 will help guide Council’s decision-making on how to manage library programs and resources for the next five years. It includes identifying the potential to increase the number of library facilities available and opportunities to broaden the range of library programs and services offered.

There are multiple ways you can provide your feedback, which you can find at yoursaypenrith.com.au/library-strategy2023

● Join us for our Seniors Festival this week as we host a variety of great workshops and activities from a comedy gala that will have you in stitches, chair yoga, informative talks on aged care costs, how-tos on using the iPad, a great author talk and a cooking class. Most of the activities are free. Visit penrith.city/events to check out what we have in store and to book!

● Don’t miss some of Australia’s best First Nations hip hop talent at a free concert in Penrith at 6–10pm on Saturday, 18 February 2023 at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Ngana Birrung (pronounced Nin-Gahna Bir-Rung, Dharug for ‘Black Stars’), will showcase some of Australia’s best First Nations hip hop musicians including headline act, JK-47, who will be joined by special guests A.GIRL and supported by Prodikal-1 and Keely.

Ngana Birrung is presented by City of Parramatta in association with Penrith City Council, Penrith Performing and Visual Arts and Campbelltown City Council. The event series is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Tickets are FREE – bookings are essential. Go to penrith.city/events/ ngana-birrung to secure your ticket.

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• The Trustee For Chp Family Superannuation Fund DA23/0018

13 Barber Avenue, Kingswood

Installation of a digital LED advertising structure, measuring 12.33m by 3.35m, wall mounted to the Octa Medical Nepean Health Hub building

Contact: Mahbub Alam on 4732 7693

Closing Date: Monday, 27 February 2023

• Trustee For Stimson & Baker Unit Trust DA23/0043

2115–2131 Castlereagh Road, Penrith

Proposed free-standing internally illuminated pylon sign with two faces for multiple tenant identification, fronting Castlereagh Road

Contact: Mahbub Alam on 4732 7693

Closing Date: Monday, 27 February 2023

• Mitchell Wearn DA23/0016

839–857 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa

Proposed works to complete and use a garage, workshop and carport for storage of machinery, vehicles, and equipment, with a first floor attic to be used as a dual occupancy dwelling. works also include alterations and additions to existing dwelling with landscaping works

Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568

Closing Date: Monday, 27 February 2023

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

• CK Design Pty Ltd

Mod22/0205

Lot 5 DP 24603, Lot 6 DP 24603 and Lot 7 DP 24603, 115 Derby Street, Penrith

Modifications to Development Consent (DA16/0137.04) for a 6-storey

Residential Flat Building – proposed changes are to building façade materials and detailing, internal unit layouts, floor levels, and design changes to comply with the NCC and BCA, resulting in an increase to the building height

• Harvey Horsfall

DA22/0787

Lot 54 DP 1285675, 331 Great Western Highway, Emu Plains

Demolition of existing dwelling/structures, tree removal and construction of a 2-storey dwelling and retaining walls

• Baini Design

Lot 20 DP 239809, 1 Jordon Street, Cambridge

DA21/0994

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a child care facility for 39 children with basement car parking

• Kleyn Creations

Lot 9 DP 261060, 49 Koloona Drive, Emu Plains

DA22/1248

Alterations to the existing dwelling including a first floor addition and demolition works

• All Dirt Solutions

Lot 47 DP 259982, 58 Pamela Parade, Leonay

Demolition of existing dwelling and carport

DA22/1173

• Andreas Albert Stoermer DA22/1134

Lot 59 DP 259229, 8 Iralba Avenue, Emu Plains

In-ground concrete swimming pool, pool enclosure and timber deck

• Hi-Craft Home Improvements Pty Ltd DA22/1209

Lot 3115 DP 701131, 84 Pine Creek Circuit, St Clair Dwelling addition and patio cover

• Professional Development Services Australia DA22/1163

Lot 4 DP 1097876, 850 Richmond Road, Berkshire Park

Shed and ancillary vehicular access

Refused Development Application

• Baini Design DA22/1148

Lot 193 DP 13531, 23 Barker Street, Cambridge Park

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 2-storey child care facility x 53 children with basement car parking and associated works

Viewing of Development Applications

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker Officers of Council’s 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

PAGE TEN

Joke

Week of the

Q: What did the police officer say to his belly-button?

A: You’re under a vest.

Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.

Good Change Store is on a mission to rid your household of plastic, starting with your cleaning cupboard, and they’re giving away one of their favourite eco-cleaning gift sets with a total RRP of $300 AUD that includes:

• 1x Starter Box – includes 3 x Stylish Reusable glass spray bottles – your Bottle For Good and 3 x cleaning tablets, one for each their three formulations: All purpose cleaner, Kitchen cleaner, Bathroom cleaner.

• 1x Box Tablets (Kitchen, Bathroom, and All-Purpose)

– used to replenish your Good Change Bottle For Good Spray Range

• 3x Bamboo Towels – Sustainable alternatives to single-use paper towels.

paceway winners lucky

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-

Dose Dorin of

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 man with the red shirt and hat and green apron is Manoosh Pizzeria’s mascot. He’s located at their North Penrith store on Castlereagh Road.

• 3x Medium and Large Eco Cloths – highly absorbent cloths made up of biodegradable materials.

• 3x Wooden Brush – ideal sustainable alternative to plastic dish brushes.

• 3x Eco Scrub – an eco-alternative to your daily Scotch Brite, can also be used for body care. For stockist enquiries, visit www.goodchangestore.com.

The Weekender has a Good Change Store cleaning pack to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Good Change’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Thursday, February 23 and the winner will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au.

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: 0273, 0263, 0504.

New era for Nepean Hospital as Emergency Department opens

EMILY FESZCZUK

People needing medical attention are being alerted that the Emergency Department (ED) at Nepean Hospital has now moved.

The new Emergency Department officially opened last Thursday and can now be accessed by the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week via Gate 7 at Somerset Street, Kingswood.

In March 2022, construction was completed on the new 14-storey tower and over 25 hospital departments, wards and services have since moved into the tower.

The transfer of the ED marks the completion of Stage 1 of the $1 billion redevelopment. Director of Nepean Hospital’s Emergency Department, Dr Cindy Hastings said a commissioning plan had been developed to ensure a safe and smooth transition for all, with staff working tirelessly to complete the complex move.

“Relocating our Emergency Department was a big undertaking, but the safe transfer of patients and our service was a task our staff embraced and dedicated themselves to,” Hastings said.

“With thorough planning in place, our relocation to the new tower ran incredibly smoothly and patients who presented

for emergency care continued to receive high-quality, exceptional care throughout our move.”

The new purpose-built ED has been co-designed with staff, patients and consumers and aims to deliver high quality and modern healthcare for the local community.

Hastings said the move was a monumental occasion for those who were involved in the intensive planning and design process.

“There was a real buzz amongst staff

throughout the first day in the new ED. We also had great feedback from patients who were excited about the new space and its contemporary design,” she said.

“We are incredibly excited to be in this new space that will better support the world class care that we provide to our patients.”

There will be signs and maps around the Nepean Hospital campus to help direct the community to the new location, while extensive messaging was put on social media.

People are reminded that minor illnesses or injuries are best treated by your local doctor or medical centre, rather than in the Emergency Department.

Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is already underway with a main works contractor appointed to construct a second clinical services building on the hospital campus.

Enabling works and construction are on track to start shortly.

Nepean Hospital’s Emergency Department has moved. Doctors inside the new-look Emergency Department.

We’re doing it tough, new statistics confirm

important measures to ensure the wellbeing of those people.”

per cent were going without meals and 24 per cent said they could not afford essential travel.

The peak social services body in NSW is calling for more support for western Sydney residents after statistics highlighted the severe issues impacting people day to day.

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has put forward eight recommendations to policymakers to consider ahead of the State Election including energy price relief, better dental care and more secure and affordable rent.

NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty told the Weekender that both sides of government needed to respond to the past three years of upheaval, which has taken a toll on residents.

“We know at the moment we have a perfect storm happening, we’ve got chronic housing stress across the state, we’ve got a cost-of-living crisis where the cost of essentials such as energy, petrol and food is going through the roof,” Quilty said.

“We’ve got stagnant wages and seemingly never-ending natural disasters, so lots of households are doing it really tough.

“This is an opportunity for the next NSW government to put in some

The NCOSS 2022 cost-of-living research surveyed over 1,000 people in low-income households or those who are living below the poverty line including in the Outer West – Blue Mountains region, which covers Penrith.

Quilty said that 58 per cent of respondents from the Outer West –Blue Mountains indicated that they were in housing stress.

“A significant proportion highlighted that they had experienced negative change to their housing arrangements in the last 12 months so things like rent increases, evictions, or having to move because of costs surrounding having their property damaged because of extreme weather,” she said.

“It also had the highest rate of overcrowding of all 25 regions across NSW, so 30 per cent said their housing situation was overcrowded which compared to the lowest rate of five per cent for Northern Beaches.”

20 per cent of people surveyed from the Outer West said that they were unable to pay a utility bill on time and Quilty said it was “concerning” that 24 per cent indicated that they were going without medication or healthcare, 18

Bolstering children’s safety and educational outcomes is also being campaigned for along with more social housing for women and children.

“We know more kids are starting school developmentally vulnerable and we have seen a 15.7 per cent increase of reports in the Penrith area of children at risk of significant harm because of lockdowns, living in overcrowded conditions and stressed families,” she said.

“We want to see greater investment in our social services infrastructure so when families are going through a tough time, they can reach out to their local neighbourhood centre to get support, a food hamper or financial aid and we also need core funding so they can do this.”

To read the full Policy Platform, visit www.ncoss.org.au.

READ ALL ABOUT US

Penrith’s All Abilities Sensory Activity Centre is Turning One!

It’s been nearly 12 months since Penrith’s first Sensory Activity Centre opened its doors to the public. The centre was officially opened and supported by special guests of parliament and Penrith City Council Members and community partners in late February 2022.

Share My Ability is a new recreational play centre that provides the local community and surrounding areas a space that is inclusive, engaging, safe and lots of fun! The state-of-theart equipment is interactive and accessible to all ages and abilities. Features of the centre include an inflatable bag jump, interactive projector, climbing wall, liberty wheelchair swing, bespoke sensory room, cafe, sensory store, accessible bathrooms, onsite parking and a range of Allied Health Services.

Denise Heath, NADO CEO stated “We’re very excited to share in our first birthday celebrations here at Share My Ability. Since opening we have extended our services to offer specialised school holidays activities, creative art and music programs, in addition to Active Kids classes. We were also thrilled to receive the “Most Outstanding New Business” Local Business Award in 2022. Our customers are at

the heart of everything we do.”

The first birthday celebration is a free event open to the local community and will include play time, face painting, balloon animals and craft activities, along with a BBQ Sausage Sizzle for a gold coin donation. It will be held on Sunday 26 February from 10am – 2pm at Unit1, 57 Regentville Road, Jamisontown. There are limited numbers available for this event, please visit www.sharemyability.org.au/events to register.

Share My Ability is owned and operated by NADO Disability Services, a registered NDIS provider that has been supporting people with disability for over 40 years.

The NSW Council of Social Service CEO Joanna Quilty.

EMILY FESZCZUK

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Police Snapshot Legal Matters

South Penrith: Man to front court after drugs, weapons found during search

A man has been charged after driving an unregistered vehicle while suspended and possessing prohibited drugs and weapons in South Penrith.

About 4.30pm on Wednesday, February 1, it is alleged that a 43-year-old Emu Plains man rode a Yamaha motorcycle into a shopping centre car park in South Penrith.

The man was allegedly sitting on the bike while moaning, swaying and appearing drug affected.

About 5.30pm police were called to the location where they found the man still seated before he attempted to use the throttle and start the bike.

Checks made on the man confirmed that he was a suspended rider.

Further checks revealed that the registration of the bike was expired.

Officers called an ambulance for the man and his bag was searched.

Police located a small container, containing a plastic bag which allegedly contained methyl-amphetamines, along with another small bag containing tablets and a set of knuckle dusters.

The man allegedly informed police that he had ridden the bike to the location and that the bag and its contents were his.

He refused to go in the ambulance and was arrested and charged.

The man will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, February 17.

St Marys: Woman declares she can’t pay, now she’s got a court date

A woman has been charged after stealing in St Marys.

About 2pm on Thursday, February 2, a 35-year-old St Marys woman allegedly attended a hair dressing salon on Queen Street, St Marys.

It is alleged that she agreed to a certain service being provided and agreed to the price after being informed by staff how much it would cost.

As the hairdresser was doing the woman’s hair, she allegedly made comments that she was unable to pay for the service.

The attendant stopped the service and they had more of a conversation where the woman stated that she was unable to pay for the service.

Police were contacted and asked the woman if she was able to pay.

She allegedly said she had funds but they

were for other purchases so she was refusing to pay for the treatments that were provided.

The woman was arrested and charged.

She will appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 2.

Cambridge Park: Woman who didn’t use indicator found to have drugs

A woman has been charged after possessing prohibited drugs in Cambridge Park.

About 3pm on Saturday, February 4, police were patrolling Barry Street, Cambridge Park when they stopped a motor vehicle for failing to indicate to turn.

Checks were made on the driver, a 44-yearold Kingswood woman.

Police searched the vehicle and informed the woman that she would be searched.

She allegedly removed a plastic bag from her handbag containing cannabis.

The woman was charged and will appear at Penrith Local court on Thursday, February 23.

North St Marys: Man without helmet caught carrying cannabis

A man has been charged after he was caught possessing prohibited drugs in North St Marys.

About 9.20pm on Saturday, February 4, police were patrolling Kurrajong Road, North St Marys.

Police stopped a 37-year-old St Marys man as he was not wearing a helmet.

The man was asked if he had anything in his possession that he should not have before he allegedly handed officers a small bag of cannabis.

He was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, March 9.

Jamisontown: Truck fire causes major delays on M4 Motorway

A truck caught alight on the M4 Motorway at Jamisontown on Monday morning, causing delays for the morning peak.

Witnesses said the rear wheels of the truck were alight.

Police along with Fire & Rescue NSW attended the scene.

The truck, which was carrying gravel, was damaged in the incident but nobody was injured.

Citybound traffic was impacted, and the M4 was closed at one stage after the peak to allow for vehicle recovery.

Anyone who witnesses a serious incident on the roads is urged to call 000.

with Daniel McKinnon

WHAT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE’S ESTATE IF THEY DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

If a person dies without a Will, this is known as dying “intestate”.

An intestate Estate is divided in accordance with the formula set out a piece of legislation called the Succession Act NSW 2006 Distribution typically works as follows:

1. Firstly, any debts of the Estate (for example mortgages, loans, or other creditors) need to be paid first.

2. If there is anything left over, it is divided as to:

(i) The deceased’s spouse;

(ii) If the deceased died leaving a spouse and children other than children of the relationship with the spouse, then the spouse gets what is known as a statutory legacy and shares the remainder with the deceased’s children of the former relationship;

(iii) If the deceased died leaving no spouse, but leaving children, then the Estate is divided between the deceased’s children in equal shares;

(iv) If the deceased died leaving no spouse and no children, then the Estate is divided amongst the deceased’s parents in equal shares;

(v) If the deceased died leaving no spouse, no children, and no parents, then the Estate is divided equally between the siblings of the deceased.

3. The legislation goes on to include aunts and uncles, and in some circumstances cousins, and essentially creates a list of

which family members of the deceased person takes priority.

4. If a person dies leaving no living relatives then the Estate will pass to the government. There is a provision in the legislation however whereby a person who has some moral claim on the Estate (for example, a long term carer or friend) can make an application for the Estate to be awarded to them rather than to the government. It is very rare that the government receives a person’s Estate because there is usually a living relative entitled somewhere along the line.

The legislation is designed so that if a person dies without a Will their Estate goes to the people who would generally be expected to receive it. However everybody’s situation is different and it may be the case that you want to leave your assets to someone other than those who would take priority under the legislation. Alternatively, you might want to make a specific gift to a specific person, which will not otherwise occur if you die without a Will.

The best way to make sure your assets end up with who you want them to is to make a Will. The process need not be complicated and is relatively inexpensive in most circumstances.

If you would like to talk about making a Will you can get in touch with us on 4704 9991 for an obligation free consultation with one of our solicitors.

LETTERS BECOMING PART OF THE PAST

A decline in the number of us posting traditional letters is being blamed on Australia Post’s drop in revenue.

In the first half of the 2023 financial year (1H23), Group revenue was $4.69 billion, down 2.4 per cent from 1H22, largely driven by an ongoing decline in letter volumes. Letters revenue continued to decline, falling 5.7 per cent compared to 1H22, despite the benefit of a number of one-off mail outs, including State Election materials, cyber-attack and interest rate notifications.

In 1H23, the Letters business made a loss of $189.7 million. Letters revenue now makes up just 18.8 per cent of total Australia Post revenue, down from 19.5 per cent in 1H22. Last month, Australia Post increased the Basic Postage Rate (BPR) from $1.10 to $1.20. This change did not affect the concessional or seasonal greeting cards rate and is the first increase to the BPR since 2020.

It is anticipated that this increase will only partially offset the substantial Letters losses in the next reporting period.

Five policy interventions that would support local newsrooms

If Government is serious about supporting media diversity and public interest journalism to address the news deserts that have emerged across Australia, it needs to clear a path for locally produced news to build sustainability.

The COVID-19 pandemic and increasing extreme weather events have highlighted the role of localised media services in community safety and resilience. In 2023, we are at a critical juncture for news and information in Australia and require support to turn the tide on shrinking local news reporting.

Local news publishers are under pressure globally as business models sustained by advertising and user-fees have weakened in all markets, compounded by COVID-19 disruptions, causing concern for media diversity across the world. Government interventions across the globe have included grants supporting content production and/or journalist employment, tax breaks for public interest news publishers, and operational support for publishers in the form of grants and subsidies.

Here in Australia, we’re ranked as the 10th most concentrated media market in the world (Brevini and Ward 2021; Stanford 2021). Nearly 300 Australian newsrooms have downsized or, more often, closed completely since January 2019. At least 30 areas across Australia are now considered to be news deserts with no local print or digital outlet at all (Dickson, 2022).

The Commonwealth has attempted to curb this trend through a variety of policy levers in recent years, including: creating the Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund; developing the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code; the Public Interest News Gathering fund; tax relief measures for the commercial broadcasting sector; and, more recently, a print relief assistance program for print newspapers. With varying levels of success and engagement, these actions have provided one-off funding injections, predominantly to large news corporations.

But it’s not all bad news, a growing hyperlocal and independent news sector exists and is well placed to address the news and information needs of local communities, strengthen Australia’s democracy, reduce the spread of misinformation and disinformation, and

build community. In the wake of local newsroom closures, community members have stepped up, establishing news services to meet a need for locally relevant news. Around 20 per cent of hyperlocal newsrooms have launched in the past three years (Bones, 2021), demonstrating an encouraging rate of growth in response to an audience shift to digital news consumption over decades.

of people are making donations to support a digital news service, up by +1 to four per cent in 2022 (Digital News Report, 2022), and the philanthropic community is indicating a willingness to support newsrooms with DGR status. All that’s needed is a DGR category for public interest journalism to be introduced to support donations from the public, philanthropic grants, and, where appropriate, corporate sponsors.

Legislated government spend ratios

Australian governments spend nearly $450 million each year (combined) on advertising campaigns to communicate important information to the public (Wood, Stobart & Griffith, 2022). However, government appointed media buying agencies consistently preference networked media with advertising campaigns that are hidden behind paywalls, not locally relevant, and/or missing significant audience segments.

notices on their own websites with no obligation to reach a broader audience.

This legislation has become outdated by technology changes, given the trend in audiences seeking information on digital platforms. The inclusion of digital news publishers in the legislation would mean Councils were obligated to publish notices in local print and/or digital news publications at a minimum for public engagement.

Eligibility for support programs

There are a range of ways Government could support these green shoots in the news industry, but here are just five that would make a big difference to our media landscape in the short term:

Give donor gift recipient status to public interest journalism

While community radio and television services are required to be not-for-profit to meet licensing eligibility requirements, community-based digital newsrooms in Australia are disincentivised from establishing themselves as not-for-profits and/or charitable organisations by a lack of recognition for public interest news services as a public good.

By comparison, in the U.S. where journalism is recognised as a public good attracting tax deductibility for donors, the industry has been highly successful in attracting philanthropic support. For example, the Institute for Non-profit News runs an annual NewsMatch program raising $47 million, with $5.1 million in matched funds from 17 national and regional funders in 2021. In the Australian market, smaller populations and cost-of-living pressures will limit the potential scope for donations. However, an increasing number

Commercial incentives to streamline booking processes are understandable, but do not adequately meet Government’s responsibility to reach all audience groups. Local news outlets are well placed to keep communities informed of activities such as community consultations, road closures, recruitment, meetings, and events. These actions increase transparency and engagement with local Council activities. Again, looking to successful examples in the U.S., New York and Chicago governments have signed Executive Orders to boost advertising spend through community media organisations (including print and digital publications, television, and radio outlets). Both cities have reported significant success from the equity-based policy intervention, and diverse news outlets have increased local reporting. If applied at all levels of government in Australia, a requirement of five per cent of all government media spend would be enough to shift the media landscape and better inform audiences.

Update Local Government Acts

In most jurisdictions, the relevant Local Government Act requires Councils to publish public notices in the local print newspaper – should one exist in the region. There is a growing number of Local Government Areas where no local newspaper is printed, in which case Councils are generally publishing public

The Global Investigative Journalism Network recommends governments provide subsidies, whether direct or through independent intermediaries, in ways that do not privilege old-fashioned forms of distribution, and that are tailored to support local journalism and journalism serving underserved, underprivileged, and marginalised communities as a key to news media preservation (Pandania, 2022). Small digital newsrooms, including new entrants to public interest journalism, should be eligible for all government programs supporting news media.

Start-up support

Getting a newsroom off the ground in this challenging environment is no small thing. A significant barrier to addressing news deserts and increasing media diversity exists in a lack of wage support to allow businesses to launch successfully, with many operators hamstrung by attempting to operate news businesses alongside alternative paid employment. Correlations between a healthy media sector and a strong democracy are well established in academic literature. To bolster both, the Commonwealth should provide operational support for news business start-ups.

There are a range of capacity building supports required to strengthen public interest journalism around the country. None of these five policy levers is the silver-bullet to saving news media in Australia alone. But they would certainly give local news publishers a head-start toward building sustainability to deliver high-quality news content to communities. And they wouldn’t hurt to try.

Claire

Stuchbery is the Executive Director of the Local & Independent News Association (LINA) and a community media policy specialist.

“Government appointed media agencies consistently preference networked media with advertising

No places for kids

Childcare shortages not helped by rejected applications

The demand for childcare in the area is evident with multiple Development Applications (DA) being submitted to Penrith City Council.

Despite providers wanting to establish centres, out of five DAs that were decided in the last month, Council has rejected all but one.

An 82-place childcare centre at 29 Marsden Road, St Marys, was refused last month along with a two storey 53-place facility at 23 Barker Street, Cambridge Park, this month.

The proposed construction of a centre for 47 children at 1 Phoenix Crescent, Erskine Park, was not approved and a DA for a three storey 70-place facility at 246 Carpenter Street, St Marys, is a part of ongoing court proceedings, which could be an attempt to overturn the rejection from Council.

Getting the green light was plans to demolish existing structures at 1 Jordon Street, Cambridge Park, and the

construction of a childcare centre for 39 children.

The Statement of Environmental Effects said the 653 square metre site will have a two storey building on it that will include indoor and outdoor play areas.

“The facility will be run by six staff with the operating hours proposed to be 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays,” it said.

“The development proposes a total of 15 car spaces within a basement level. In addition, there is a dedicated turning bay.”

A Penrith City Council spokes-

person said certain criteria must be met for a DA to be approved, with one common condition not being met by developers.

“Each DA is assessed against the relevant State and Local Planning requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“The common theme in the rejected applications are the sites are not suitable for the scale of development proposed.”

St Clair mother Amanda Latimore has had her 20-month-old daughter on seven waitlists across St Clair and Claremont Meadows since the week she was

Medical interns begin new careers

67 new medical graduate interns have recently started working at Nepean Hospital in Kingswood.

born and has not been able to secure a place for her.

“Originally I had her down for two days, thinking she would get in when she was around one, however now that she is nearly two, I’m needing her in more days so I can return to work,” Latimore said.

“All seven centres advised me that the reason she is still on the waitlists is because they take kids at risk first, followed by siblings of kids already enrolled in the centre, then single parent household and then new enrolments.”

Wanting to return to a minimum of part-time work as a high school teacher, Latimore said the need for more centres is paramount.

“I think Council needs to work with people to try and amend plans to make them more suitable or build extensions on current Council run centres to meet the demand of the community,” she said.

“Between the teacher shortage and increased living costs, I’m finding it incredibly frustrating at the lack of future planning.”

Penrith MP Stuart Ayres said that a record intake of almost 1,100 medical graduate interns recently started work across NSW.

“I want to extend a warm welcome to the class of 2023 and thank them for choosing a rewarding career in health. Each of these new interns will play a crucial role in keeping the people of Penrith safe and healthy for years to come,” he said.

“These new medical graduate interns will also provide a major boost to their new colleagues – our dedicated health staff in Penrith who have performed remarkably during a very challenging few years.”

AIRPORT CALLS FOR FIRST RETAILERS

Registrations of Interest are now open to establish shops, food outlets and travel services at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said establishing the right retail mix for the terminal was crucial.

“We want to ensure that the international and domestic passengers who travel through Western Sydney International Airport will have the quality of retail shopping they’d expect from a world class airport terminal,” Mr Hickey said.

The new airport is on track to open in late 2026.

Tuesday 7 March 2023 4pm - 7pm

The rejected centre at 29 Marsden Road, St Marys.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Keep your (financial) cool

How to stay comfortable without burning a hole in your household budget

tioner, and simply involve making the most of facilities you already have.

With the Bureau of Meteorology tipping that most of Australia will experience higher than usual temperatures from now until April, it’s no secret that keeping the house cool for a few extra months will put budgets under the pump for many. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to keep temperatures low without breaking the bank.

Penrith Air Supply Service Manager Rhys Keen said that he’s seen firsthand the battle that his customers are having just to survive those 40 degree days.

“As years have progressed air conditioning has gone from being a luxury to a necessity in the warmer months,” he said.

“However, with the cost-of-living so high and interest rates still on the rise, some people have to make hard choices to be comfortable in their homes or possibly go without, especially when it comes to repairing it if it involves a breakdown, let alone running costs.”

Despite this, he believes that

many go unaware of the different things they can do to reduce running costs by up to 20 per cent.

“I do believe without them asking specific questions when a technician may be in attendance at their property, or until they’ve used it frequently and get a bill, some

people may have no idea that there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure they’re maximising the use of their a/c all whilst keeping their bills at a minimum,” Keen said.

Some of the best ways to cool your home can be without an air condi-

“One way you can keep your home cooler is by drawing your blinds down or close plantation shutters to add an additional layer of protection from heat and minimise direct sunlight to indoors,” Keen said.

“You can also close any doors to places not being airconditioned, for example, bathrooms, laundries or bedrooms, when not in use and when there’s no a/c running, or use draft stoppers at the garage doors and front doors to block residual heat coming through under them.”

The temperature you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference.

“Instead of running it at 22, up the temperature to 24-26,” Keen said.

“Each degree of extra cooling can, in some instances, add 10 per cent to your running costs.”

And, if you know it’s going to be a hot one, it’s important to be prepared.

“If you know it is going to be a hot day, turn it on in the morning so the inverter can maintain the temperature inside, rather than playing catch up,” he said.

Some more tips to keep your house cool include:

1. Check your filters are clean to minimise airflow restrictions when the a/c is running.

2. Do your best to ensure your outdoor unit is in the shade and not in direct sunlight where possible (installation location may have required this positioning). A shade cloth from house to fence to shade the outdoor can help.

3. Check your home’s insulation is adequate, not only is it a great way to keep the heat out, it also keeps the cool in.

4. Minimise using cooktops/ ovens as they all add additional heat load to the house when the a/c is running – try to prioritise using the BBQ outdoors instead.

Penrith Air Supply Service Manager, Rhys Keen. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

of

Penrith City Council is increasing resources to crack down on residents who may be impacting the community and environment in a negative way.

In a Notice of Motion at the most recent Ordinary Meeting, Councillor Kevin Crameri asked for a report on the staffing levels and resourcing of the Environmental Health and Compliance Department.

Crameri said when he has raised issues, he has been met with the response that there was not enough staff to investigate.

“There have been many cases around Llandilo and right across the city of people doing the wrong thing when it comes to building or even loading truckloads of dirt, which diverts waterflow and causes flooding on other properties,” he told the Weekender

“There is dumped rubbish or properties loaded with shipping containers, buses, boats and rotting junk that neighbours have to put up with it because Council can’t follow it up.”

Councillor Ross Fowler shared his support, saying Council did need to concentrate more on the area.

“There has been a number of issues, with some stemming from the advent of Western Sydney Airport and for want of a better description, ‘cowboys’ out there that think

they can do anything, anytime, anywhere,” Fowler said.

“We definitely need to be more proactive as a Council as there are issues that have come to my attention which are completely disre-

garding Council orders, Council officers and Development Applications that have been made and refused.

“We really need to act quickly, effectively, and efficiently or there will just be more of it.”

In a memorandum issued to Crameri by Acting Director Development and Regulatory Services Greg McCarthy, it acknowledged there was an increase in reports of unlawful activity.

“Council’s Development Compliance team has faced an unprecedented number of investigations over the last three years,” the memo said.

“This increase has been attributed to the increasing development within the Penrith LGA, COVID-19 impacts, increased numbers of residents working from home, and the recent successive extreme weather events.”

It stated that a business case for four additional staff was submitted in late 2022 and approved to have an impact on the workload.

“The additional resources will bring the immediate workload under control, as well as providing a sustainable ongoing capacity to manage the higher compliance workload,” it said.

“Recruitment for the additional staff has commenced and all staff are expected to be in place by the end of March 2023.”

Crameri said he hopes to see issues being prioritised and dealt with.

“I welcome that they are hiring more staff, but I am disappointed that it will take to the end of March to get them,” he said.

“I hope there it will be enough to handle the backlog of issues within 12 months.”

Kevin Crameri in Llandilo. Photo: Melinda Jane.

What about the little guy?

by WestInvest

The $5 billion WestInvest initiative is funding transformational projects in western Sydney, but a community group is calling for more equal opportunity when it comes to going up against councils.

Not-for-profit group Little by Little applied for $4 million through the WestInvest Community Program Grants – Competitive Round to create a service in Werrington that would help young people with high support intellectual or physical needs into adulthood.

“Our charity has 15 buses which we contract to the Department of

Education to transport the students of Kurrambee School, but we know after they leave school they can be challenging for other organisations and the placements often break down,” President Murray Gracie said.

“There is a piece of land next to the school, which is owned by Penrith Council, that we want to buy and

offer activities for people of different ages from around the area that find it difficult to fit in the current structures of services.”

The Little by Little Centre would offer activities such as modified TAFE courses in hospitality, basic mechanic courses, a bus washing bay, a green space for horticulture classes, and an art space for pottery and music.

Taking part in an extensive and costly application process, which proved unsuccessful, Gracie said it was disappointing that only four local charities got money worth $52.2 million in the recent funding round, while eight projects by Council were approved.

“We are all volunteers, so we spent not only hours of our time but wasted $9,800 of the charity’s funds as we had to get the land evaluated to see if Council would agree to sell it,” he said.

“We had to engage a town planner and spend thousands for a horrendous process, which was not an investment as it is all gone now.”

Receiving $152.3 million in funding, Penrith Council received a further $28 million last year in the Community Project Grants – Local

Government Allocation. A NSW Government spokesperson said a total of 683 applications worth more than $7.9 billion were received as part of the WestInvest Community Program Grants – Competitive Round.

“The majority of these applications were assessed as having merit, however unfortunately WestInvest was only able to fund projects worth $1.6 billion,” the spokesperson said. “All applications – regardless of who submitted them – went through a comprehensive assessment process by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Treasury.”

The spokesperson said that many of the successful projects put forward by local councils were assessed as being able to “deliver region wide benefits to a broader range of the community”.

Registering for a feedback session for unsuccessful applicants, Gracie said a fairer process needs to be adopted moving forward.

“Council and these bigger organisations have the resources to hire people to prepare their grant proposals and make them much more professional,” he said.

Murray Gracie (far left) with parents and students who are supported by Little by Little. Photo: Emily Feszczuk.

EMILY FESZCZUK

Brisket Boys ready to cook

New American-style BBQ restaurant to officially open in Penrith this weekend

After more than a year of hard work from the team, Brisket Boys’ restaurant within the Manufactor precinct on Castlereagh Road, Penrith, will finally be opening on Saturday.

Inspired by a love of low and slow American-style BBQ cooking, Mark Fitzgerald and Daniel Latty initiated the idea for Brisket Boys during the pandemic.

“Fitzy had become very passionate about that as a hobbyist around eight years ago, and I was getting to try a lot of his food because he’d invite us over, or he’d bring some offerings into the office,” Latty said.

“It got to the point where I was suggesting we could do this, do that, but it wasn’t until COVID was kicking in that we had time on our hands and a couple of drinks to marinate the ideas that we decided we would maybe do something.”

It was after this that Darren Latty and Derry O’Donovan came on board to bring the vision to life, but not before heading to Texas for inspiration.

“They do something over in the States called the ‘Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Places’, so we just circled the top 10 and said, let’s go to all of them,” Daniel said.

“Of the 10, I think we went to nine, and probably seven of them were just open arms,

and about six gave us undivided attention, full tours, invited us to come early – it was unbelievable.”

In addition to learning more about cooking, they also took on board the Texas BBQ culture.

“We got a lot out of that in terms of the community – everyone’s there to help each other out. They don’t see it as competition, it’s a healthy partnership,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Even the community, when you’re standing in line at the restaurants, some for up to four hours, people will have a chat together, and we love that, so we want to bring that here.”

It’s in this way that the trip has also influenced the restaurant itself, with the layout and seating designed to cultivate this sense of community.

“At one point, we rang up home and the builders were about to start, and we just said, ‘You know what, stop, we’re going to change things’, because the experience we had, we hadn’t really prepared for. You don’t really see that in the magazines,” Daniel said.

When it comes to the menu, many may be familiar with Brisket Boys’ standards of cooking, with their popular food truck becoming

a Penrith staple since it opened in May last year, making appearances at the NRL Grand Final, the CBD Christmas Tree Lighting and the DrinkWest commercial shooting.

Though the team, including mentor Wes Griffiths, assure the quality will be just the same, there will be more than a few new options for regulars. For first-timers, Fitzpatrick has a few recommendations.

“Brisket is king here, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, so we’re going to have a range of proteins, with one of the most surprising being the turkey chicken – it’s easy to make it dry and unpleasant, but our turkey chicken is to die for,” he said.

“The jalapeno and cheese hot link is also out of this world, that’s probably the thing we get the most comments on.”

For Saturday’s grand opening, the boys have organised entertainment such as live music and a mechanical bull to accompany the great food, with the hope to continue bringing the local community quality barbeque and a good time for years to come, just as they’ve been able to through the food truck.

“There have been some tough days, heartache, blood, sweat and tears throughout the process, but we’re here now, it’s going to be worthwhile, and we appreciate everyone’s support along the way,” Fitzpatrick said. Though they’re offering a $50 voucher for the first 50 orders, the team ensures they’ll be serving through the day from 11am.

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Pantry makes real difference

Pantries are one of the most open doors in the family home, but for some, this isn’t a luxury they have access to on a regular basis. Now, one Emu Plains mum has taken matters into her own hands.

Inspired by other street pantries she’d seen popping up in other communities around Sydney and in South Australia, Lisa Mamo decided to create her own last October, with just a small cupboard that was found in a landfill pile on the side of the road, and a few staples from her pantry.

Though she had been thinking about starting the pantry for a while, she admits not a lot of planning went into the resource side of it, waiting to see how the local community would respond.

“We just kind of found this cupboard on the side of the road and went, ‘Yep, that will do for now, and if this works, we’ll be guided by how the journey goes, and what feedback we get from the community as to what we need to change’,” Mamo said.

The pantry runs as a gift economy, wherein those who engage with it are asked to take what they need, and give what they can. It’s because of this that the pantry is consistently filled to the brim with homegrown produce, pantry staples, and more.

Mamo committed to a three-month ‘probation period’ with the pantry before realising it had become much bigger than she anticipated.

Last month, the pantry was upgraded to a fridge, which adds both space, and protection from the elements.

Overall, Mamo said that the conversations she’s been able to have with those engaging with the pantry is her favourite thing to come from the initiative. This feedback has also given her even more motivation to continue with the project.

“A couple of really generous people, as their way of expressing gratitude, have even left little jars of jams or things that they’re making on my doorstep, or left a Christmas card in the letterbox. Everyone has been really grateful and appreciative,” she said.

“A gentleman actually said to me, just after Christmas, that he just really authentically wanted to thank me, because it really helped his family through that period. To know that it’s reaching people on a deeper level who really have that sense of need has been really humbling.”

The fridge now has its own Instagram page, @little_green_gem_on_emerald, and logo.

Despite Mamo’s four-year-old daughter being currently in charge of upkeep, she’s been overwhelmed by the community’s contribution to the pantry, and is hoping that

will only continue to grow and become almost entirely sufficient on this engagement.

“While the pantry is located on the land where I reside, it doesn’t belong to me. I may have put it there, but I feel that it’s a community resource that’s not only engaged with by the community, but also maintained by the community,” Mamo said.

“I’m really encouraging people on social media to not just bring things, but to stack them in and make them look presentable.

I’m really wanting the community to manage it and be fully engaged with it, and for there to be a sense of responsibility around that, so that eventually, if one day I was to move, it could potentially stay where it is, and the community could continue to operate it.”

The street pantry is located at 34 Emerald Street, Emu Plains.

Tell us about other community initiatives where you live! Email Cassidy.Pearce@ westernweekender.com.au.

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NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

SUITE 2, 42-44 ABEL STREET, JAMISONTOWN 2750

Speed camera warnings

What was the big deal with the changes to signs displayed near the revenue gatherers?

Today I drove past one displaying the new signs. There was one placed about one or two car lengths before the camera and one about the same distance past. They were so small they would fit into a Woolies plastic bag and cannot be seen until you are on top of them. They still have the sign on top which is clearly visible as a ‘hat’ 500 metres away. No trouble spotting the vehicle, which for the ordinary motorist, would be illegally parked.

PHIL DALE, VIA EMAIL

Movie memories

Thanks The Western Weekender for jogging our memories of days gone by (Editor’s Desk, Weekender February 3). So much of the area has changed, so sad.

JO-ANNE DARKE, VIA EMAIL

New private hospital opens

Typical Libs! Lauding a private hospital (with public money) whilst in our public hospital there is not enough staff to service that shiny new building (Hospital ready for patients, Weekender February 3). It’s one thing to point to new buildings but another to actually invest in the essential workers to staff these facilities.

LINDA MARIE, VIA FACEBOOK

Funding questioned

While these are great news for the sporting

community, what about the many small, hardworking community and volunteer organisations who put considerable time and money into WestInvest grant submissions and were allocated absolutely nothing? (Win for Penrith, Weekender February 3). There were some incredible submissions for projects to make a REAL impact to some of the most disadvantaged and deserving populations within our community. So incredibly disappointing to read what has been prioritised in this process.

NATALIE

SMITH, VIA FACEBOOK

Call for your help

According to the Leukaemia Foundation’s latest research, many Australians living with blood cancer, particularly those in regional and remote areas, are under significant financial strain as a result of their diagnosis and treatment. With blood cancer incidence on the rise, and more Australians than ever needing financial, emotional and practical support, the Leukaemia Foundation has launched the 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave to help raise vital funds. Funds raised will also help research scientists continue their search for better ways to diagnose and treat blood cancer more effectively. We urge all Australians to join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of World’s Greatest Shave by signing up to shave, cut or colour their hair in support of the growing number of Australians diagnosed with blood cancer every day. Sign up to World’s Greatest Shave online at worldsgreatestshave.com, or call 1800 500 088 for more information.

CHRIS TANTI CEO, LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION

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

Eugene Mathyi, Joyce Hammerton and Jane Chen at the pantry.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Brew to impress: Learn to make the perfect cup of coffee

With over 20 years of training budding baristas under her belt, owner of Little House Coffee Co., Bunty Grech, aims to one day build a coffee empire in Penrith. But, until then, she’s starting at home.

Ever since she was young, Grech had a passion for coffee, and knew it would be a big part of her life.

Like all big dreams, she had to start small, with a kitchen of machines and no clue how to use them. Now that she’s achieved her dream, she wants to help others learn.

“We’re just all after a good cup of coffee. The whole world is after a good cup of coffee,” she said.

“The problem is, they all start out like me, with a cupboard full of coffee-making devices and no clue how to get a good coffee out of any of them. You can buy the most expensive home espresso machine, and buy what other people have said is the best quality coffee, and all of the upmarket equipment and make it look fantastic, and still get a really bad cup of coffee because you don’t know what you’re doing.”

It’s for this reason that she started offering coffee courses at Little House Coffee Co., both for those seeking accreditation as a barista, and those who just want to make a good coffee at home.

The courses, which are taught in groups of three or four people, provide information about coffee beans, different grinds, and different coffee machines and grinders, before getting into some practical experience using the machines, whilst tasting a lot of coffee.

By the end of the course, Grech assures that participants will be able to use any machine,

even if they’ve never seen the brand.

“The difference between coffee machines is the same as the difference between a Subaru and an MX-5,” she said.

“They look different, but they both have steering wheels and breaks and accelerators, and coffee machines are the same –they all work the same way, from your home espresso machine to your 3 Groups.”

Grech said that she hasn’t been surprised to see people taking the course with no intent to use it in a professional environment, with people she’s trained ranging from age 14 in school, up to retirees in their 60s and 70s. The best part is, it can also help to impress guests.

“I had people come in before Christmas and buy extra coffee because they were having visitors, and then on Boxing Day, message me and ask if they can get more, because the visitors loved it so much that they came back for a second and sometimes third cup,” she said.

“That makes me feel good, because it’s not only my coffee that they’re drinking, but I taught that person how to make it, which means they’re making it right. They’re paying attention to what they’re doing, and it’s tasting so good that people want more.”

For anyone wanting to upgrade your morning coffee at home, Grech recommends giving her course a go.

“Come and do a course!” she said.

“It’s fun, you can drink lots of coffee, and it can be very therapeutic to, on a Sunday morning, be able to roll out of bed and make a coffee and sit in the sunshine. You can do it at home, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the really good quality.”

The next course will be held on Tuesday, February 21.

For more information, visit littlehousecoffeeco.com.au.

Junior Landcare Grants on offer

Woolworths and Landcare Australia are on the lookout for primary schools and early learning centres across Penrith with ideas to help connect young generations with nature and inspire them to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.

The latest round of the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program is now open, offering primary schools and early learning centres the chance to share in $1 million to support the development of hands-on environmental learning projects.

Grants of up to $1,000 are on offer for

We’re thrilled to be able to host a weekend of celebration as part of WorldPride Amplified. Take a ride on the world’s steepest train with a drag king. Have your face painted in the rainbow and enjoy a burlesque show. Strut the runway of the Progress Skyway with a drag queen. And musical acts, burlesque dancers and more! Enjoy unlimited rides across the site. All included within the regular Unlimited Discovery Pass ticket/price.

projects focused on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices, enhancing native habitats and deepening First Nations perspectives.

Woolworths Stores in Penrith City Operations Manager, Matthew Smith, said getting children involved with hands-on activities in and around nature is an incredible way to help them explore sustainability in action.

“No idea is too small, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this next round of applications,” he said.

To find out more and to apply, visit juniorlandcare.org.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Bunty Grech at Little House of Coffee Co. this week.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Tiana’s mission to help others survive

For most 10-year-olds, the idea of creating a food drive to feed the homeless likely isn’t front of mind. But, for Werrington County’s Tiana Shepherd, it’s all she can think about.

Tiana’s idea came to mind on a family trip into the city, after seeing a homeless man being tormented by others on the street.

“He had a broken arm, and these kids were being mean to him, so we walked up and we gave him some money,” she said.

“I just felt really bad, so Mum and I created the idea to make survival packs.”

Wanting to be a surgeon when she’s older, Tiana said that helping people is something she’s incredibly passionate about, but for now, she needs some help herself.

Tiana and her mum, Amanda Shepherd, created a GoFundMe, asking the community to get behind the cause with videos and posts on social media. According to Tiana, more work has gone into this than you might expect.

“The last video, I had to do it 17 times, because I kept stumbling and was interrupted by something!” she said.

Having already raised almost $1000 of their $5000 goal, Tiana said she’s happy to see so many people in Penrith wanting to support her.

“I thought it would take a little bit of time

for money to start rolling in, but I’ve realised that a lot of people care, and aren’t like those people who were making fun of the homeless man,” she said.

“It makes me feel really happy and excited.”

Once Tiana reaches her $5000 goal, she has also vowed to cut her hair and donate to Kids with Cancer for wigs. Though she’s been growing her hair out for two years solely for this purpose, she said that doing the big chop would be the perfect way to mark the milestone.

For Shepherd, seeing her daughter commit to this has been a humbling experience.

“We pride ourselves to give back in every way we possibly can, and the kids have followed through with that as well, all three of them have such generous souls,” she said.

“Initially, I thought it was a fleeting comment, and then it was more and more. She became quite upset at Christmas time because she received so much, and there were so many people out there with nothing, so from there, we said, ‘Okay, let’s do it!’.”

The two plan to walk the city and hand out the packs themselves once they hit their goal, with Tiana hoping to see one person in particular.

“I really, really want to see that man again, so I can give him a survival pack,” she said.

To follow Tiana’s journey, follow her Facebook page bit.ly/3JPKe8D. To donate to the GoFundMe, visit bit.ly/3DSAE0W. Tiana

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

For

we can help.

The Salvation Army offers a community service where independent local solicitors can prepare a simple Will for $100 (or $150 per couple). All money will go towards the mission of the Salvos in supporting people facing hardship. Community

Wednesday 22 March 2023 The Salvation Army

Centre, 54 Henry Street, Penrith

Investing in our city

Penrith City Council is thrilled to be receiving $152 million for eight City-shaping projects through the NSW Government’s WestInvest program.

Penrith is fast becoming one of the best places to live, work and play, and the delivery of these projects will enable Penrith City Council to provide the infrastructure needed to cater for our current and future generations.

There was a buzz of excitement when the WestInvest funding news was announced in Claremont Meadows.

That’s where the $106 million Indoor Multi-Sports Arena will be built, featuring multi-sport courts, a show court, squash courts, rooms for dance, yoga and martial arts, a covered outdoor roller-skating rink, and more.

The arena will serve as a local sporting hub and cater for regional, state and even national sporting events. This is a big win for our community!

I am really pleased about securing $7.56 million for 21 playspace upgrades in many of our suburbs across the LGA.

These playspaces will get new play equipment, surface improvements, seating, tree planting, shade, landscaping and pathways.

As our population grows, it’s more important than ever to provide safe, modern

and inclusive recreation spaces for young people and their families.

Council will also realise its vision for a 1,000sqm mixed recreation space at Bennett Park in St Marys, with skate, scooter and bike riding areas, climbing and obstacle equipment, play equipment and picnic areas.

The design has been developed with community input and addresses a need in the area.

I can’t wait to see residents gather at what will be a welcoming and vibrant space.

Council’s ongoing efforts to cool the City will be accelerated as Penrith is transformed.

The wonderful work that happens at Council’s Nursery, where we propagate and grow trees before they are planted in the community, will be better supported through the $5.06 million Nursery upgrade and Cumberland Plain improvement project.

You can see the full list and read more about these City-shaping projects at penrith.city/news.

See you in next week’s paper. Have a great weekend.

CR TRICIA HITCHEN Mayor of Penrith

Shepherd.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

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Hip hop festival brings top talent to the west as hit event expands

ELLIE BUSBY

Ahip hop festival will see some of the country’s best First Nations artists bring their music to the Penrith stage this February.

Running across three western Sydney sites, the City of Parramatta’s Ngana Birrung (Dharug for ‘black stars’) music event will shine a light on First Nations artists over three massive days.

Predicted to be “bigger than ever,” the Parramatta hip hop festival has expanded to now include Campbelltown and Penrith, following the success of last year’s event.

Ngana Birrung – pronounced Nin-Gahna Bir-Rung – is an initiative of City of Parramatta Council to help elevate First Nations artists and bring together some of the best talent in the country.

“We are so proud of our Ngana Birrung concert series and excited to see it expanded to reach more audiences across western Sydney,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Donna Davis said.

“It’s important we provide a platform to nurture, celebrate and highlight our incredibly talented First Nations artists.”

The music event was first launched as part of Parramatta Nights in 2022, as part of a vision to help reinvigorate the city, support

local businesses and boost the creative arts industry, following lockdown and the end of COVID restrictions.

The event was then followed by sold out concerts at Bankstown and Blacktown. Artists who have previously graced the stage include Briggs, Miiesha, DOBBY and Denni.

This year, 2020 Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year and talented Indigenous artist JK-47 will headline all three shows.

Following the successful release of his debut album ‘Made For This’, JK-47 has performed at popular festivals across Australia like Groovin’ The Moo, Splendour In The Grass and BLUESFEST.

JK-47 is also set to be joined by other incredible First Nations artists such as Keely, Prodikal-1, T Breezy and Walker Boy, with special guest A Girl at the Penrith show.

More artists are expected to be announced for the Parramatta show in the lead up to the event.

Ngana Birrung 2023 will run from Wednesday, February 15 to Saturday, February 18.

The one-night only Parramatta event will be held at Rosehill Bowling Club, Rosehill, from 6pm-10pm, with tickets costing $5, including booking fee.

Meanwhile, the Penrith show is taking place on Saturday, February 18 at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts centre from 6pm-10pm. Tickets are free and the show features JK-47,

Get Macca’s® delivered.

Keely, Prodikal-1 with special guest A.GIRL Ngana Birrung is presented by City of Parramatta in association with Penrith City Council and Campbelltown City Council.

The event series is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. The event is open to all ages, with tickets available now.

JK-47 will headline hip hop festival Ngana Birrung.

Growing up in Penrith in the ‘90s, Nyssa Streatfeild recalls challenges with acceptance as a queer person in suburbia.

Now, they’re becoming the role model they always needed, with the help of Scenic World and Sydney WorldPride. Having danced throughout their life, Streatfeild started in ballet and jazz, and moved into things like fire twirling and poi. But, it wasn’t until they met Porcelain from Stone Cold Fox that they realised burlesque was what they were passionate about.

“It completely took my creative life in another direction,” they said.

“Stone Cold Fox also has a huge emphasis on body positivity, diversity and inclusion as part of our ethos, so I’ve been able to, through burlesque, completely transform the way I see myself, the way I present myself to others, and it’s allowed me to develop as a human being in ways I didn’t really think was possible.”

When they’re not on stage, Streat-

feild also works at Scenic World, having joined the team as a casual last year for Light Up The Night, and now holding the position of Team Leader. Little did they know, their two worlds would be colliding for WorldPride.

“At Scenic World, when they got offered the WorldPride opportunity, and they were talking about getting performers, I was like, ‘I know a lot of queer performers!’, because our studio is mostly queer performers,” they said.

“I love my work in food and beverage and customer service in Scenic World, so to be able to combine it with my love of creativity and dance really is so nice.”

Currently, Scenic World is hosting one of the 45 rainbows from Sydney WorldPride’s Rainbow City project, for which the Scenic Skyway has been wrapped in the Progress Flag.

On Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19, the fun will be taken to the next level, with visitors able to see burlesque dancers like Streatfeild, as The Dirty Rose, perform, walk the Progress Skyway runway, or ride the world’s steepest train with a Drag King.

For Streatfeild, seeing Scenic

World embrace WorldPride in this way has come as no surprise.

“It’s been amazing at Scenic World, because they’re so incredibly LGBTQIA+ friendly, and neurodivergent friendly,” they said.

“For me, stepping into a workplace and discovering that I can be just 100 per cent myself and not have to mask my differences or hold back my personal life from my coworkers because of fear of discrimination has been incredible.”

During WorldPride, Scenic World will also be working in partnership with Platform Youth Services, who will be giving LGBTQIA+ young people from Penrith and the Blue Mountains the chance to experience a Mardi Gras Viewing Party.

“It’s so beautiful seeing Penrith and the Mountains so accepting, and for my own workplace to be fundraising for Platform so they can take youth to Mardi Gras is so beautiful,” they said.

“It makes me so happy, and makes me want to show up at work and be someone that people can look up to.”

For more information or to book, visit scenicworld.com.au.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Do you ever wonder about the history behind the street signs we look at every day?

Carpenter Street in St Marys was formerly called Gidley Street. It was named in 1933 for Mr J Carpenter who was the Mayor of the Municipality of St Marys from 1909 to 1911.

If you know the meaning of a street name in the Penrith LGA email emily@ westernweekender.com.au.

Source: A History of the Nepean and District Street Names compiled by Lorna

Δ New menu faves: Popular Penrith cafe Percy Plunkett has unleashed a raft of new menu items to tempt our tastebuds. Among them is the Classic Chicken Roll, stuffed with roast chicken and hot chips, and the Steak Roll (pictured) which features grilled steak strips, melted swiss cheese, rocket, onion and roast garlic mayo. There’s also a new frozen margarita mocktail that is perfect on a hot summer’s day.

Δ Splice Pine Lime: Oak has just revealed its latest special flavoured milk – and it’s

sure to get people talking. Teaming up with Streets Ice Cream, the makers of the popular Splice ice cream, Oak’s new Splice Lime flavoured milk (pictured) could soon become a summer favour ite. With hints of vanilla, the drink promises to pack a full-on pine apple punch to the face of hungrythirsty before squeezing lime into the wound. Pick up a 600ml carton for $3.60 from your nearest Woolworths.

Δ New place for treats: Brown and Cream has opened a new store at Westfield Penrith, near Coles. They’ve got a great selection of coffee, frappes, smoothies and quick, fresh food.

Δ Pumpkins in town: The Smashing Pumpkins have announced a major new tour, and they’ll be coming to Penrith. The band will play at the Regatta Centre on Saturday, April 29. Tickets are on sale now.

Δ Valentine’s Day treat: Messina has unveiled its first tub of 2023, the Valentine’s Red Velvet Hot Tub (pictured right), just in time for the most romantic day of the year. No

date? No worries, Messina promises this Red Velvet Hot Tub is for everyone. Best enjoyed on the couch, straight from the box, in your best bathers, solo or with your favourite person. Pre-order now before it sells out.

Δ Revolver opens: Thornton residents now have a new place to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, drinks, desserts, and shisha. Revolver Lounge at Shop 1 – 2 Lord Sheffield Circuit, Penrith opened this week and are having a grand opening event from 6pm today, February 10 with entertainment.

Δ Cafe confirms location: The popular Bunker Café bar and restaurant has announced that its third venue will be at 1319 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa. A March opening is likely.

Δ Got Source? Share your news via email at news@westernweekender.com.au.

PENRITH’S SAFEST SUMMER

HELPFUL CONTACTS

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 000.

Royal Life Saving 9634 8529

Penrith City Council Swimming Pool Administration

4732 7897

Swim Safer

www.swimsafer.org.au

Kidsafe NSW 9845 0890

Samuel Morris Foundation 0404 552 429

State Emergency Service 132 500

Australian Maritime Safety Authority 1800 641 792

Weather conditions

www.bom.gov.au

STAYING SWIM SAFE

WITH

JULIE SHELDRAKE NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL • 4730 8900

Ihaven’t swum laps regularly myself for some time, with the usual excuses of too busy, too tired, etc, however a great cause has inspired me to get back into the water this month and reminded me how much I love to swim for health and fitness!

I was shocked to find out that a sick child is admitted into hospital in Australia every minute of every day, so I jumped at the chance to be a part of the Starlight Super Swim Challenge, sponsored by iconic Aussie swim brand Speedo, raising money for the Starlight Foundation by swimming laps alongside many other staff and squad swimmers at our swim centres.

Nepean Aquatic Centre has put together an amazing swimming team that are ready to go the distance and fundraise for sick kids. We have chosen our individual kilometre goals and are steadily working towards them this month.

So far, our team has raised over

$2,900, however we are yet to reach our fundraising goal. You can donate by visiting superswim.org.au/t/nepean-aquatic-centre, or you can join our team and swim some laps yourself! Any donation to this great cause would be much appreciated, and you can follow our fundraising efforts across our socials.

There are so many benefits to getting back in the water. Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water, keeping your heart rate up without impact. Swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and healthy heart and lungs, tones muscles and builds strength, and provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming. Swimming can also be a relaxing and peaceful form of exercise alleviating

Royal Life Saving Creative Concepts Poster

stress, improving coordination, balance and posture, improving flexibility, provide good low-im pact therapy for some injuries and conditions and is a pleasant way to cool down on a hot day!

Young or old, fit or unfit, I challenge you to get back into the water this February, both for yourself, and to brighten the lives

on,

Why Aussie men need to lift their safety game

The Federal Government and Cancer Council are urging Australian men to pick up their sun protection game this summer.

New Cancer Council research reveals that only 45 per cent of Australian men agree sun protection is part of their daily routine, despite the fact it’s estimated that men are almost twice as likely as women to die from melanoma.

Data released from the Summer Sun Protection (Life in Australia) report also found men are half as likely as women to report applying sunscreen SPF30 or more as part of their routine most days in summer.

When it comes to where the risky behaviour is occurring, men were more likely than women to have recently been sunburnt at an outdoor swimming pool, sporting facility or their workplace.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said that overexposure to harmful UV radiation causes 95 per cent of melanomas, making skin cancer almost entirely preventable.

“If we can get people to be safer in the sun – by checking the UV, covering up from the sun with hat, sunnies, clothes, shade and sunscreen – we can save lives,” Butler said.

“We are asking all Australians, in particular men aged over 40, to think of sun safety every time they head outdoors.”

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Currently, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

Cancer Council CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, noted that it’s never too late to improve sun protection habits and more needs to be done to ensure males are safeguarding themselves from the cumulative impact of the sun.

“We are proud to be working with the Australian Government once again and enlisting the help of respected Australian sporting stars to save lives from our ‘national cancer’,” she said.

“Even on a cloudy or rainy day, UV levels can still be high and put you at risk, so always check the UV before you head outside.

“Most skin cancers can be prevented by using all five forms of sun protection.

“Whenever the UV levels are three or above, Australians should Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broadbrimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.”

Aussie men are being encouraged to take sun safety seriously.

This photo from August 22, 1970, shows the Western Endeavour coming through Penrith Station.

It was the first steam train to travel from Sydney to Perth and return via the new Standard Gauge Railway Line.

When the construction of the link between Sydney and Perth was completed and opened in 1970 the NSW Rail Transport Museum organised a steam train tour to celebrate.

At the time of the announcement of the trip locomotive No. 3801 was designated to be the engine to take the train from Sydney to Perth and return with the assistant engine No. 3813 travelling as far as Port Augusta in South Australia.

On the day the historic train left for Perth there was a large crowd waiting at Penrith to see the two green Pacifics arrive at 9.17am.

and information

Australia’s Leading Supplier of Continuous

Benefits

(Photo

thanks to James Whitfield)

Join the growing team at The Bunker

Great news for Penrith coffee lovers! Popular café bar restaurant The Bunker is expanding to Mulgoa.

Locals can look forward to soon enjoying a new type of dining experience close to home when The Bunker officially opens on March 29.

Located at 1319 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa, The Bunker will operate Wednesday and Thursday 7am-9pm, and Friday to Sunday 7am to late.

Visitors can expect some great new features, as well as existing elements that will be getting a refresh at the new site. This includes a kids playground, pizza oven, fresh new outdoor dining options, takeaway coffee window, a new bar, liquor service, water fountain, refreshed gardens and a great new spot for weddings, functions and gatherings.

Designed to pay homage to the beautiful location as well as take it to the next level, the new venue will look to highlight the iconic Peppercorn Tree that sits on the site.

The Bunker was originally created by Ross Purser, with the first venue opening in Springwood nearly nine years ago, followed by Leura opening in 2019.

Community is a huge part of what the team at The Bunker focus on.

The venue offers a meeting place, a place to connect and a place that feels like home, whilst dining out.

The Bunker is also on the lookout for new baristas, bartenders, chefs, wait staff and

a supervisor to join the team. The café bar restaurant prides itself on combining a team of talented and driven people with locally sourced produce.

If you are well presented, customer centric and a team player send your resume and availability to michael@thebunker.au before Wednesday, February 15.

To stay up-to-date with the new venue’s progress at Mulgoa, jump on the Bunker’s Facebook and Instagram page and make sure to give it a follow.

WITH GRAHAM FITZPATRICK WESTERN SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011

Opportunities (and challenges) await your business in the 12 months ahead

Now that the holidays have finished, we have celebrated Australia Day and the kids have gone back to school it is time to get back to business. As you look at your plans, here are some things to consider in 2023.

Like always, good business planning is about setting solid, achievable goals. This year is no exemption. One of the tools that always works when setting goals is the SMART rule. For those that are not familiar with this and those that need a reminder, SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Bound. When setting your business goal for the year, imagine holding a party or get together in 12 months’ time, what is it that you will be celebrating? How are you going to know that you have achieved success? Then also think about what the steps are you need to take to achieve that goal that you want to celebrate.

Another thing to consider this year when planning ahead is interest rises and the effect it may have on your cash flow. Increases in interest rates will have impact on meeting business loan repayments just like your home mortgage.

Plus getting short-term loans to prop up you cash flow may be more difficult to get. As interest rates go up, consumer confidence and spending is affected. So now is the time to look at those cash flow change levers to maximise your cash flow.

As you look at the year ahead you should

also look at investing in better cyber security. The Medibank and Optus hacks have seen businesses stepping up their cyber security measures to not just protect their customers, but to also protect their reputation.

The good news is the Western Sydney Business Centre now has a Cyber Security Advisor on board as part of the State Government’s Business Connect program.

My final piece of advice for this year is to continue to look for new opportunities.

When exploring new opportunities for your business, look at what pain points exist that your current and potential customers are experiencing.

Look for potential market needs and conduct plenty of market research.

Plus, question current processes and practises with the view of makings things better, quicker, more reliable and easier.

And don’t hesitate to ask for help!

ENTERTAINMENT

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

PENRITH, AND THEN THE WORLD

Hailed as the world’s youngest tenor, and one of Australia’s best, Mark Vincent rose to prominence after winning the third season of ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ in 2009. Now, with 10 albums under his belt, the latest being last year’s hit ‘In the Eyes of a Child’, he’s heading back on the road, and his first stop is in Penrith.

Becoming a tenor came fairly easily to Vincent, who found himself inspired by his late grandfather, Bruno, at an early age.

“He was always very encouraging, and really pushed me into music, because he saw something that a lot of people didn’t see at the time, which was a future,” he said.

“He really thought I could follow in the footsteps of all the great tenors we’ve loved in the 21st Century, and so I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Among the music he listened to were the songs of The Three Tenors; Italian Luciano Pavarotti and Spaniards Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. In particular, he recalls falling in love with their music and voices whilst watching one of their concerts.

“I always watched The Three Tenors when they did that concert at Madison Square Garden in 1990,” Vincent said.

“There were so many people there, like Frank Sinatra, the President George H W Bush and his mother, so there was a huge respect for them, and I remember watching the three of them perform, and the show was so mixed with musical theatre, arias, classic ballads, and I said to my father, ‘I’d love to one day follow in their footsteps’.”

Now, he’s bringing this dream to life, with

his newest show, ‘Mark Vincent Performing Songs From The 3 Tenors’. For Vincent, being able to do the show feels like a dream come true.

“To be doing this show, for me, is very exciting, because in my mind, it’s one tick in the box of doing what I love, and making one of my dreams come true, and following in their footsteps of their beautiful repertoire of music,” he said.

Not only will Vincent be putting on a show to entertain, he’s aiming to inspire, by introducing songs that are over 100-years-old to a younger audience.

“I’m trying to aspire this to the younger generation, my generation of course,” he said.

“For me, that’s really important, because these are songs that we don’t hear enough of on the radio, so for me to do this show, in a way keeps their legacy alive, and keeps their music alive.”

This show is Vincent’s first on the tour, and his first ever in Penrith, and he can’t wait to take the stage at The Joan.

“To be doing this at The Joan Sutherland Theatre for me, is a huge honour, and it’s a lovely venue,” he said.

“So many people have been asking me, ‘Mark, when are you coming to Penrith?’, so finally that chance has come about, this is great.”

Vincent also revealed that after the Australian leg of the show, it’s slated to head worldwide, with Penrith getting the first look.

“I’m 29-years-old, and it’s always been my dream to take a show internationally,” he said.

“It’s very exciting.”

‘Mark Vincent Performing Songs From The 3 Tenors’ will be on at The Joan on Friday, February 17 at 2pm. Tickets are $79. To book, visit thejoan.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

THINGS TO DO

Imogen Clark to play at Record Fair

This Saturday take a trip to Wentworthville Community Centre for Western Sydney Record Fair, on from 10am to 3pm. Western Sydney Record Fair is a free event, focused on bringing music fans closer to what they love – great music. There are 21 sellers, so there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. From 11am, singer Imogen Clark will perform a short acoustic set.

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.

Penrith Markets

Wednesdays. Penrith Showground.

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce Regular events.

For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Sunset Station Singers

Mondays 7pm, St Marys RSL. Rhonda 0408 218 965. The Sunset Station Singers entertain residents mainly in nursing homes. The song list is over 130 songs, ranging from their old time favourites to more current songs.

Free weekly Tai Chi classes

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

Art comes to life at Penrith Regional Gallery

Three artists across diverse practices, genres and communities will be bringing Penrith Regional Gallery to life this Saturday. Activations include an AI 3D printed workshop facilitated by Andrew Yip, an artist in-conversation with artists and activist Maddison Gibbs and Leanne Tobin, and a special one-off performance by Bronwyn Bailey-Charteris.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Penrith Rotary Club

Mondays 6.30pm. 0416 157 668.

New members welcome. The Rotary Club generally meets at Penrith Bowling Club.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546. For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit the Lions on Facebook.

Penrith Nasho’s Monthly Meeting

February 19 2023 at 10.30am.

Penrith RSL Club. New members welcome.

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0402 699 611.

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 10am at the Rowers Club, Bruce Neale Drive. New members welcome.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

JP Service

Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm. 7/458-470 High Street, Penrith.

JP Service

Victor Glanville – 0416 157 668.

Nepean Food Services

Spend Valentine’s Day on the Belle

Make your Valentine’s Day extra special this year by treating your special someone to an evening cruise on board the Nepean Belle. Get ready to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner to the backdrop of the beautiful Nepean Gorge. Cruisers can also opt to upgrade to an exclusive table for two. Bookings are essential. Visit nepeanbelle.com.au for more information.

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group

Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.

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. A great place to discover the local history of Penrith

SUPPORT GROUPS

Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays 6pm. 1300 222 222.

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.

Nepean Puffers & Wheezers 1800 654 301.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.

Prostate Cancer Support Group

Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Emu Sports Club, Leonay. Commencing at 6.30pm. David Wilkinson 1300 13 38 78.

Crisis Sexual Assault Service 24/7 support available for any sexual assault that has occurred in the last seven days. 4734 2000.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

MASTER OF MUSIC

Arenowned multi-instrumentalist and master of the oud, Joseph Tawadros AM is nothing short of incredible.

Off the back of yet another ARIA win, being awarded Best World Music Album for his latest album ‘History Has a Heartbeat’ with William Barton, Joseph is taking his quartet on the road, and they’re making a stop in the Blue Mountains.

Known to challenge traditional music forms and push boundaries in meter and melody, The Joseph Tawadros Quartet

features distinguished Sydney musicians who are leaders in their respective fields, promising to bring an exciting performance dynamic to the stage.

A composer himself, Joseph’s original works take inspiration from his own Egyptian heritage, blending aspects of the Arabic modal system with elements of western classical, jazz, world, folk, metal and bluegrass sounds.

Joseph Tawadros Quartet will be on at Blue Mountains Theatre on Saturday, February 18 at 8pm. Tickets are $49. For more information or to book, visit bluemountainstheatre.com.au. or call 02 4723 5050.

THE JERSEY GUYS ARE READY TO ROCK

Inspired by the lives of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons members, Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi, the jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ has grown to see stages all around the world. Now, some of the cast members have created a show of their own, and are bringing it to Penrith this month.

The Jersey Guys are the UK’s original, premier tribute to the Jersey Boys and the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Given their experience in the hit stage show, there’s no one better to ace the slick moves

and tight four-part harmonies of the original group, creating an undeniably spectacular show that is bound to have audiences up on their feet and begging for more.

Their amazing 90-minute performance includes all the biggest and best hits from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, including ‘December 1963 (Oh What a Night!)’, ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Let’s Hang On’, ‘My Eyes Adored You’, ‘Beggin’’, ‘Grease’, ‘Can’t Take My Eye Off You’, ‘Working My Way Back to You’, ‘My Girl’ and more!

The Jersey Guys will be on at the EVAN Theatre on Friday, February 24 from 8pm. Tickets are $53.65. For more information or to book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

CASSIDY PEARCE

CASSIDY PEARCE

1 hour, 52 minutes

Just in time for Valentine’s Day comes the third instalment of the blockbuster ‘Magic Mike’ film franchise, the musical comedy ‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’. Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) takes to the stage again after a lengthy hiatus, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida.

For what he hopes will be one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite (Hayek Pinault) who lures him with an offer he can’t refuse, and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, once Mike discovers what she truly has in mind, will he – and the roster of hot new dancers he’ll have to whip into shape –be able to pull it off?

1 hour, 24 minutes

In ‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey’, the days of adventures and merriment have come to an end, as Christopher Robin, now a young man, has left Winnie-The-Pooh and Piglet to fend for themselves.

As time passes, feeling angry and abandoned, the two become feral.

After getting a taste for blood, Winnie-The-Pooh and Piglet set off to find a new source of food.

It’s not long before their bloody rampage begins.

‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey’ is only showing from Thursday, February 16 to Sunday, February 19, with a special Horror Night screening on Tuesday, February 14 at Hoyts Penrith.

Ê The very popular Dr Chris Brown is leaving Channel 10 in July after signing a new deal with Channel Seven. Brown will link up with Seven following his commitments with ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’. The former Bondi Vet has been heavily featured on 10 in recent years, but it’s unclear exactly what his role with Seven will be when he joins mid-year.

Ê One of the best shows on TV has been renewed for a second season. Foxtel’s ‘The Last Of Us’, which is breaking all sorts of records both here and overseas, will return for a second season (likely) next year. The series, based on the super popular PlayStation game, takes place 20 years after modern civilisation has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the US and depend on each other for survival. New episodes air Mondays on FOX Showcase and Binge.

Ê After a whopping 21 years on television, long-running US talk show ‘Dr Phil’ will wrap up for good in the coming months. Dr Phil got his start on ‘Oprah’ before getting his own show in 2002. ‘Dr Phil’ currently airs weekdays on Channel 10.

Ê Following the departure of Mike Whitney and then most recently Matt Shirvington, ‘Sunrise’ weather presenter Sam Mac has officially been named the new host of ‘Sydney Weekender’. Celebrating its 30th season in 2023, the lifestyle series explores NSW showcased by 12 reporters. It airs at 5.30pm on Sundays on Channel Seven.

Ê Casting is now underway on Channel Nine’s upcoming ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars’, which features the hugely popular UK chef and Australian businesswoman Janine Allis from ‘Shark Tank’ fame. Based on a UK series, the pair will be on the hunt for new food and drink businesses. Both will back the winner with a large cash injection to take their business to the next level. For more

SUCCESSION, FOX SHOWCASE

information and to apply, visit https://bit. ly/3DyvczQ.

Ê A number of hit animations have been renewed by Fox in the US. ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and ‘Family Guy’ have all been renewed for two more seasons.

Ê US sci-fi fantasy series ‘La Brea’ has been renewed for a third season in the US. The series, which is filmed in Australia, is available to watch on 9Now.

Ê Season four of popular drama ‘Succession’ will premiere on FOX Showcase and Binge on Monday, March 27 at 8.30pm.

Ê New musical-drama series ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ will drop on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, March 3. Based on the best-selling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the six-part drama charts the rise and precipitous fall of a fictional ’70s rock band. The series stars Lisa Marie Presley’s daughter Riley Keough as

Taylor

MARCH 27 8.30PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

DAISY JONES & THE SIX, PRIME VIDEO

TV Guide: February 10–16

Get Macca’s®

Full Custom Garage (PG) 5:45 Movie: “The Amazing SpiderMan 2” (M v) (’14) Stars: Andrew Garfield 8:30 Movie: “Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl” (M) (’03) Stars: Jack Davenport

3:10 America’s Got Talent (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Smallfoot” (PG)

(’18) Stars: Channing Tatum

7:00 Movie: “A Dog’s

(PG) (’95)

3:00 Movie: “They Who Dare” (G) (’54) Stars: Dirk Bogarde 5:30

Movie: “Vera Cruz” (PG) (’54)

Stars: Burt Lancaster 7:30

Movie: “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (M l,v) (’14) 9:35

Movie: “Thomas Crown Affair” (M) (’99) Stars: Pierce Brosnan

2:30 TBA 4:00 Movie: “Smallfoot” (PG) (’18)

Stars: Channing Tatum 6:00 My Name Is Earl (PG) 6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Law & Order (M)

“Space Jam” (G) (’96) Stars: Bill Murray 7:30

Movie: “Ad Astra” (M) (’19) Stars Brad Pitt 10:00 TBA 12:00 Filthy House SOS (PG)

1:15 Movie: “Angels One Five” (G) (’54)

Stars: John Gregson

3:15 Movie: “The Alamo” (PG) (’60) Stars: John Wayne 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Life In Colour (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Magnum Force” (MA15+) (’73)

Our Yorkshire Farm

Farmhouse Facelift

16 February

5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Father Brown (M) 8:30 Murdoch Mysteries (M) 9:30 Kavanagh Q.C. (M) 11:15 Murdoch Mysteries (PG)

6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Enemy Of The State” (M l,v) (’15) Stars: Will Smith 11:15 Movie: “Frantic” (M d,l,v) (’88)

6:30 The Simpsons (PG) 7:30 Family Guy (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The 5th Wave” (M l,v) (’16) Stars: Chloe Grace Moretz 10:50 Scandal (M)

6:40 Arctic Secrets 7:30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 8:30 True Colours (M l,v) 9:30

Movie: “Welcome To Woop Woop” (MA15+) (’97)

4:30 MacGyver (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 6:30

Football: Matildas v Czech Republic *Live* 9:40 NCIS: New Orleans (PG) 10:35 Seal Team (M)

6:30 SBS World News 7:35 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes 8:30 American Presidency With Bill Clinton (M)

3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG)

6:00 House Hunters International 7:00 House Hunters USA 7:30 House Hunters International 8:30 Island Of Bryan

www.str8ts.com

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Sudoku brought to you by ReMax Lifestyle Marketing

No.

ACROSS 1. Honey liquor 4. Pencil-mark removers 8. 2.2046 pounds 11. Jungle creeper 13. Discipline 15. Jabbed with leg 17. ... in good time 18. Spank 20. Aural organ 21. Toes the line 24. Head monk 27. Social blunder, faux 28. Anecdote 30. Spooky 31. Deeds 33. Refill gun 34. Inhibit 35. London’s ... Park 36. Ornamental ribbon 39. Peacefully 42. Curls (hair) 44. Turned up 45. Linked 46. Timber cutters 48. Witless 49. Childhood ambition 50. Peer 52. Amphitheatre centre 54. Request 55. Shouts 56. Likes 57. Intense (colour) 60. Furniture wood 62. Pet rodent, ... pig 65. Carefree 67. Rude 69. Supply (uniforms) 70. Air traffic monitor 72. Leaf beverage 73. Qualifying rounds 75. Black/white shades 77. Parties 79. As a result 81. Trouble 82. Gibe 84. Seoul is there, South 85. Shoplift 86. Figure (out) 87. Spend extravagantly 88. On the summit of DOWN 1. Microphone 2. Warn 3. Casting mould 4. Assuage 5. Humbled 6. Choux treat, chocolate ... 7. Sharp twinge 8. Actress, ... Basinger 9. Ill-suited 10. Sturdy trees 12. Love 14. Showy flower 16. Beastly 19. Display cabinets 22. Journalist’s credit (24) 23. Twelve-monthly 25. Tooted 26. Family crest, coat ... (2,4) 29. Pizza herb 32. Media promotions 35. Helicopter’s landing place 37. Bewildered (2,3) 38. Grassy knoll 40. Manicure board material 41. Thine 42. Short pasta tubes 43. Sorrowfully 44. Give birth (of cow) 47. Seized violently 51. Conceive (plan) 52. Although 53. Branched horn 54. Verse 58. Compere 59. Golfing body (1,1,1) 61. Pinafore 63. Theatre attendant 64. Assault 65. Army trumpeter 66. More ..., less speed 68. Grades 71. Fully-grown 72. Consequently 74. Woe! 76. Diff erent 78. Stage 80. Caesar salad lettuce 83. Battery size (1,1,1) the western weekender » 46 Friday, February 10, 2023

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org

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.

ANTELOPE ANTENNA ANTIQUE

BRILLIANT CANTEEN

CHANT CONSTANT CURRANT DEFIANT DESCANT DISMANTLE

ELEPHANT ENCHANT

GIANT

INSTANT PANTHER PANTS

PREGNANT

RADIANT RELIANT TENANT

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about Batman in our special trivia quiz this week.

1. Batman first debuted in the 27th issue of iconic comic book series Detective Comics in what year?

2. What is Batman’s secret identity?

3. Who played Batman in the iconic TV series that premiered on ABC in the United States in 1966?

4. What award did the 1989

‘Batman’ film win at the Academy Awards?

5. What film concluded the Christopher Nolan series of movies?

6. What year was the character of Robin first introduced?

7. What was Alfred the butler’s original family name?

8. What Batman villain is a jewel thief?

ANSWERS

1. 1939

2. Bruce Wayne

3. Adam West

4. Best Art Direction

5. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’

6. 1940

7. Beagle

8. Catwoman

TEST YOUR BRAIN

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 see how ‘straights’ are formed.

Hexwords Country Corner

The

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.

OPCEIDDTASEYO

Country Grammy winners

The Grammy Awards were held earlier this week and of course there were big winners in the country categories.

Willie Nelson won Best Country Solo Performance, while ‘Til You Can’t’ took home Country Song of the Year.

Nelson also took home the Country Album category for ‘A Beautiful Time’, while Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde (pictured) took home Country Duo / Group Performance for ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’.

Get your Cowboy Boots on Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde have released a new duet, ‘Cowboy Boots’. Stream it now on all the usual services.

Ballerini on ‘Storytellers’

Kelsea Ballerini will be the next featured artist on ‘CMT Storytellers’, which CMT on Foxtel has been airing in Australia.

The episode featuring Ballerini is due to air in America on February 16, but no Australian airdate is confirmed at this stage. Based on CMT’s previous routine with such specials, it should land in a few weeks.

‘CMT Storytellers: Kelsea Ballerini’ will spotlight the singer’s openness and relatability, her songwriting chops and the inspiration behind some of her favourite songs and biggest hits. A preview performance from the special is available to view now on CMT’s YouTube channel and social pages.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Don’t take your partner – or potential partner – for granted! If you do, then your neglected lover may go looking for attention elsewhere. (“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone. It has to be made like bread, remade all the time, made new.” Ursula Le Guin). So plan something uniquely special this Valentine’s Day. Single Aquarius – it doesn’t matter what a potential partner looks like, or how much money they make. You need a romantic mate who is also a friend.

Attached Fish – you’re feeling extra romantic as you lavish attention (and money) on your partner, wear your heart on your sleeve or play out a secret fantasy with your lover. Single Pisces – don’t base your self-esteem on whether you have a partner. You possess a multitude of talents, and a compassionate nature. Finding your soul mate is just the extra icing on an already spectacular cake! As the Sun shifts into Pisces (on the weekend) it’s your time to shine.

This week romance is in the air, but the energy is behind the scenes suggesting a private, magical Valentine’s Day. (“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” Carolyn Gold Heilbrun.) Single Rams – subtle signs and unexpected synchronicities could lead you to your true love, so keep your intuition well-tuned. When it comes to work, a long-term goal or a group project requires plenty of hard graft to get it off the ground.

Have you got a pile of projects that you’ve started but are unfinished? This week the Sun and Saturn boost motivation and concentration, so you can bring a project to a conclusion. Don’t waste the opportunity! With Venus and Neptune hooking up in your hopes and wishes zone, you’re set for an amorous Valentine’s Day. Romantic music, stylish surroundings and gourmet food are calling. Singles – sparks could fly with a sexy Scorpion or a passionate Piscean.

Gregarious Geminis love to chat, so this Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to tell loved ones how much you really care. Inspiration for the week is from birthday great, avant-garde artist Yoko Ono (born on February 18, 1933), “The regret of my life is that I have not said ‘I love you’ often enough.” Saturday’s Mercury/Jupiter connection is fabulous for communication, education, travel, commerce, business, philosophical discussions and future planning.

Coupled Crabs – find a dream you and your partner can share together. Then put time, effort and hard work into making that dream come true. (“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but of looking outward together in the same direction” Antoine St Exupery). Singles – with romance planet Venus in your travel zone, love is likely with someone from another country or culture. Alternatively, you could meet them while one of you is on holiday.

When it comes to romance, marriage and close friendships, Saturn is constantly reminding you about your current duties and responsibilities. But this week, make sure you have plenty of fun. Your quote for Valentine’s Day is from writer George Sand, “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” Saturday favours partnerships, communication, education, travel and international connections, as you initiate projects with passion and enthusiasm.

Whether you’re attached, searching for your soul mate, or happily single, Valentine’s Day is an appropriate time to reflect on the fact that love really does make the world go around. And love is definitely the glue that binds us all together. Saturday’s Mercury/Jupiter link highlights your natural ability to think of a fabulous idea, do the research that’s required, and then act on it. When you walk your talk (with Virgo versatility) you’re unstoppable!

At the moment, with taskmaster Saturn moving slowly through your romance zone, love is a very serious business. So your quote for Valentine’s Day is from writer William Barclay, “Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice.” Single Librans – it’s time to give flirtatious, superficial suitors the flick. Instead, look for a lover who has real character, depth and substance. A philosopher (with a romantic soul) who can last the distance.

When it comes to finding (and maintaining) love, resist the urge to be overly controlling. Attached Scorpio – avoid the temptation to be bossy at home. Give your spouse more space. Singles – stop looking for love in all the obvious places. Write a wish-list of the important qualities you desire in a dream partner. Then sit back and wait for the magic to happen. As actress Loretta Young observed, “Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.”

With dynamic Mars travelling through your partnership zone, prepare for a bold and beautiful Valentine’s Day. Coupled Sagittarians – why not initiate a special romantic rendezvous with your partner? Singles – in order to find true love, you need to be brave and step out of your comfort zone. So your motto is from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

Focus your attention on your lover, as you give them the right royal romantic treatment this Valentine’s Day. Singles … love and work are linked. However, when it comes to money, are you feeling less than abundant? The Sun/Saturn conjunction encourages you to work towards a financial goal with passion and persistence. Be inspired by birthday great Michael Jordan, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO - JOANNE MADELINE MOORE

Why should you see a Podatrist?

What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatry is a branch of medicine that is dedicated to the study, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle, and leg. When you have a toothache, the person to go to is a dentist. When you have foot pain, the person to go to is a podiatrist!

What can Podiatrists treat?

Podiatrists can help with a variety of issues relating to the feet. Here are the top types of treatments that we provide for our patients:

• Diabetes foot care

Diabetes foot care is an integral part of our treatment as uncontrolled sugar levels can cause major damage to the lower limb and feet. By coming to the podiatrist, we are able to regularly check the blood flow and nerve status of your feet in order to keep in a normal state. This prevents diabetic foot complications that can lead to wound development, amputations and even loss of life.

• General Podiatry care

Just as you would attend a dentist for a clean, we do general nail/skin care in order to keep your feet in a good and healthy condition. This can include nail cutting, callous removal (debridement)

and applications of topical agents and creams depending on the conditions present. Advice and management plans are also discussed to improve and maintain overall foot health. Oftentimes, this can lead to a better quality of life. Included in this is ingrown nail care and removal, in which depending on the severity, we can perform nail surgery with local anaesthetic.

• Biomechanical assessment

A biomechanical assessment is a comprehensive appointment that looks through the biomechanics of the lower limb and foot musculoskeletal areas. We can treat issues like heel pain, big toe joint pain, bunions and many more.

How do I see a Podiatrist?

A referral is not needed to see a podiatrist, however you can obtain an EPC referral from your general practitioner if eligible.

Podiatry at OnePoint Health

OnePoint Health provides high-quality foot and ankle care to our local community. Over the years we have developed and refined our clinical knowledge that ensures that our patients always receive the most up-to-date methods of prevention, screening, assessing, and treatment of the foot and ankle. We have locations in Penrith, Ryde, Silverdale and the Blue Mountains.

WITH DAVID NORRIS • NORTEC IT • 9894 9514

Smart way to improve your home

For years, during the summer, I would look at the weather forecast on my phone before going to work and decide whether or not to turn on the solar for my swimming pool. If the prediction was wrong, I would have either the expense of running the solar for no benefit or miss out on the opportunity to heat the pool.

The solution turned out to be using a couple of smart plugs. Smart plugs enable you to control and monitor your home appliances and electronics using smartphones or voice assistants. So now I can be at work and remotely switch on and off the solar in my swimming pool using either the app on my phone or Amazon Alexa (Google Home also works). Other benefits make them an essential part of a smart home setup.

Convenient control: As well as allowing you to remotely turn on/off your appliances, you can set schedules such as turning the solar on at 11am and off at 3pm daily

Energy savings: Using smart plugs can monitor your energy consumption and reduce your energy bills by scheduling your appliances to turn off when not in use and setting specific times for them to turn on. You can determine which of your devices is the highest energy user.

Improved safety: Smart plugs can also enhance the safety of your home. For example, you could have a smart plug on an iron, coffee machine or heater. So when you are in the car and have that feeling you left the iron on, you need only look at the smart plug app and turn it off if necessary.

Voice control: Most Smart plugs are compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It allows you to control your home appliances and electronics using voice commands, making it even more convenient and hands-free.

Smart plugs can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as lights and thermostats. This allows you to create automated routines and scenes that can be triggered by specific events or at particular times. For example, you can set your lights to turn off automatically when you leave the house, or turn them on when you return.

My next stage is to set up automation using If This Then That (IFTTT) so that the solar comes on automatically based on temperature. The brand I’m using for my automation is TP-Link. Call me if you want more information on smart plug automation or to purchase some smart plugs.

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.

As I sat on the edge of the jetty hypnotised by the combination of sunshine, mammoth mountain peaks and the deep blue glassy waters of the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, it would have been easy to completely drift into a complete state of bliss. Luckily for me I was snapped out of it by the horn of my approaching ride and my focus was now directed towards the iconic splendour of the TSS Earnslaw cutting its way through the glistening waters of the lake.

Words:

and the real world connected. Transporting sheep, cattle, supplies and yes even passengers over many years. Even if you have no interest in history, I trust you will be impressed by this 50-metre maritime marvel of yesteryear.

As we cruised across the lake you could not help but be overawed by the surrounding alpine scenic brilliance that surrounded you. The enormity makes you feel a little insignificant actually.

New Zealand is without doubt one of the most beautiful countries on the planet!

I was exploring the half day trip across the lake to the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm. As she steamed closer towards the dock the sight was not only an impressive one, but also thought provoking. I wondered about her previous lives prior to her being saved from being scuttled by the current owners in 1968.

Once onboard it was like stepping back in time and the Lady of the Lake’s past was revealed. Built in 1912, the same year as Titanic (gladly that’s where the comparisons end), The Earnslaw was an essential part of keeping isolated farming communities of the lake

Pulling into Walter Peak unexpectedly became another wow moment as the grandeur of the Colonel’s Homestead was exposed in all its glory and I was excited to jump ship and inspect it more intently. That was partly due to the fact I knew a little about its past and wanted to know more and I had skipped breakfast to indulge in what my local Queenstown mates had told me was one of the most amazing gourmet BBQ lunches in existence, so I may have been a little over-zealous about plundering it. Before I could get my choppers around that number we were entertained with a little farming knowledge and a sheep shearing demonstration. Being an Aussie with a general knowledge of farm life this was rather interesting in a way, especially the differences with high country farming. What I found more intriguing was watching the reactions of the visitors from distant shores. They were totally fascinated, which in turn made for some intense people watching from me. You habitually forget what may be something ordinary to you might be almost alien to someone else.

Seeing those reactions can often be priceless.

With the aroma of the BBQ enticing me like Homer Simpson to a donut, I took a leisurely stroll (I ran) through the gardens up to the main homestead for the lunch bell had rung.

Finally, there it was in all its glory. The holy grail of lunches. Everything I had heard about this scrumptious feast was true and it was finally right there in front of me for all my senses to entangle with. First to catch my eye was the Antipasto selection with all your favourites, freshly baked breads and rolls that definitely looked tempting, but I had other plans for filling my belly. When we are dealing with such an expansive array of this nature, I say bread is unnecessary gut luggage!!

More than five tempting salads choices and multiple veggie options, and yes, they would get a little look

in. The star of the show was now in full sight when I was lured to the Brazilian styled BBQ, which was blazing with local Cadrona Lamb, Canterbury Pork and Southland Beef and Zamora local snags, all being cooked to perfection. My biggest problem now was where to start and most importantly not to peak too early. Remember folks you can always return for seconds and you must leave a little space for dessert, just trust me on that fact.

I am not going to take you through my dining routine as it will only have you salivating and resulting in massive food envy, just use your imaginations okay?

What I will make special mention of however is a few of the standouts that I am sure you will want to get your mouths around. The pork with its perfectly procured crackling. The Southland beef, also cooked to my personal taste, medium rare and as tender and warm as a cuddle from your grandma. Just leave room for desserts, because they are off the scale!

New Zealand is calling you and I cannot wait to return to host my small group, Ultimate Luxury Top of The South Island Adventure, and I would love you to join me. Email me at scott@thetravellingguy.com for more details if you’d like to take part.

“NEW ZEALAND IS WITHOUT DOUBT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES ON THE PLANET”

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

Toyota charging ahead

Leading manufacturer outlines plans for the future, including EV investment

Toyota Australia has revealed plans to launch at least three EVs in three years, starting with the bZ4X SUV late this year.

The company said electrified vehicles –including hybrid-electric and other technologies – would account for more than half its sales in 2025.

Last year, customers bought a record 72,815 Toyota hybrid-electric vehicles, representing 31.5 per cent of the 231,050 new Toyota vehicles delivered to customers.

Toyota has further underlined its commitment to EVs by unveiling a $20 million investment by dealers in charging facilities that will support the sale and service of customer EVs. Installation of the first stage of the dealership charging network, involving 232 sites, is underway and will be completed well ahead of the arrival of the bZ4X.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the latest announcements demonstrated the company’s determination to be part of the solution in combating climate change.

Hanley said Toyota Australia would progressively introduce additional EVs as well as other electrified vehicles to continue provid-

ing customers with practical and affordable ways to reduce emissions – even before they can buy a zero-emissions vehicle.

“Toyota is committed to bringing electric vehicles to Australia,” he said.

“We know they will play an ever-increasing role in helping us – and our customers – get to net-zero carbon emissions.

“We also know it will take many years for the significant challenges facing EVs to be overcome, including battery-material shortages, less-than-adequate charging infrastructure and the ability to meet diverse customer requirements such as towing.

“That’s why it’s just too early – and too risky for the environment and for our customers – to

put all our eggs in the electric-vehicle basket. Toyota will therefore maintain our strategy of deploying as many technologies as possible –battery EVs where they are most appropriate and other electrified powertrains where that makes the best use of scarce battery cells.”

Hanley said that, by 2030, Toyota globally planned to release 30 new EVs and lift EV sales to 3.5 million a year, investing $87 billion in the shift to zero-carbon vehicles over that period.

He said Toyota would continue to evaluate EVs for the Australian market as they are made available, including one based on the bZ Compact SUV Concept revealed in November.

“During the same timeframe for Australia, we are committed to offering an electrified version of every model in our range, excluding performance cars,” Hanley said.

“Whether the technology is battery-electric, hybrid, fuel-cell, or some yet-to-be-discovered technology, Toyota is committed to making every effort to offer better mobility solutions for the people of Australia and the world.”

Hanley said the move by dealers to invest in charging was recognition that facilities – and not just vehicles – had to continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of customers.

An initial investment of at least $5 million was planned to reach around $20 million as dealers installed more chargers and expanded coverage to further sites as demand grows.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X.

SPORT

INSIDE THE PANTHERS SEASON LAUNCH

Panthers face first hit-out

New Panthers recruit Zac Hosking has revealed a Zoom meeting with coach Ivan Cleary following just his second match in the NRL late last year was enough to convince him to join the back-to-back Premiers on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old backrower made his first grade debut with the Broncos in Round 17 before going on to play three more games with the Red Hill-based club to finish the season. Hosking enjoyed some breakout performances during his four NRL matches with Brisbane, which prompted Penrith – in the middle of their title defence – to set up a meeting over Zoom.

“A call was set up after my first two games with the Broncos. After my second game, there was a fair bit of interest and Panthers were the frontrunners. They set up a Zoom call straight away with Ivan and Matty Cameron and I was pretty flattered to have a chat with them and receive an offer,” Hosking told the Weekender

“Penrith had just won the comp the year before and they didn’t look like getting beat at that time either last year, so to be able to be recognised and wanted by them was pretty cool.”

Hosking hinted that he received interest from other NRL clubs but said joining the Premiers would be far better for his career moving forward, even if he had to take a slight ‘haircut’ on his new deal.

“Penrith stuck out above the rest, just being

in the position that they are at the moment, where you’d be happy to take a little bit less on your contract to go to a club like this,” he said. Standing at nearly two metres tall and weighing in at 97kg, Hosking said he can’t wait to run out in Panthers’ colours for the first time this Saturday evening.

Penrith will take on the Eels in a Battle of the West trial at BlueBet Stadium, with Hosking eager to press his claim for a regular spot in the 17.

“Now that I’ve had a taste of NRL it keeps the hunger there,” he said.

“It’ll be nice to break into the 17 here. There’s a lot of healthy competition, which is making everyone train better and spend a bit more time on the field after training.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to try and get

into the side and a few good performances in the trials will certainly help me.”

While Hosking got his NRL debut in Brisbane, it was at the Knights where he started his playing career. The Central Newcastle Butcher Boys junior was named the NSW Cup Player of the Year in back-to-back years.

Hosking believes joining the 2021 and 2022 Premiers will do wonders for his career, playing alongside some of the game’s best players.

“I think playing at the top level, you’ll naturally grow as a player by versing the better players… and also playing with the better players,” he said.

“Being able to run off guys like Cleary and Luai and Mitch Kenny, they’ll put me into holes and space and probably make me look better than I actually am.”

The Masked Panther. See page 63.

New Panthers recruit Zac Hosking will be one to watch at the club this season.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Thunder strikes new era

WBBL side secures sought-after top coach to lead it through exciting next phase

Africa as the Tactical Performance coach for the domestic T20 team, Paarl Royals.

The Sydney Thunder haven’t wasted any time replacing Trevor Griffin, signing one of cricket’s most sought-after coaches, former Australia representative Lisa Keightley, to guide the club’s talent rich Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) squad for the next three years.

Keightley, who appeared in nine Tests, 82 One Day Internationals and one T20 match, is considered a great of NSW and Australian cricket.

As a member of the NSW Breakers, Keightley’s 91 matches yielded 3081 runs at 37.12. Her achievements in the WNCL also include coaching the Breakers to two WNCL titles; scoring three centuries; 21 half centuries and capturing 10 wickets at 27.6.

Since her retirement from cricket in 2005, Keightley’s accomplishments as a head coach for numerous prestigious teams has enhanced her standing in the sport.

Besides creating history as the first woman to coach Australia’s national team, and then England, she’s also coached NSW, Western Australia, guided the Perth Scorchers to two WBBL Final appearances, and led England’s Women’s Academy.

The former right-handed batter – who is remembered for being the first woman to score a century at Lord’s – is currently in South

Keightley described her appointment with the Thunder as an exciting challenge.

“I know Sydney Thunder has a good history, and it has won two titles,” she said.

“There’s also a good group of players who have enjoyed success.

“When I say it’s a challenge, it’s in the sense of the team having a couple of seasons where they’d want to be. I’ll be making sure we’re competitive and winning games of cricket.

“Thunder has a core of players who have played for a number of years and have enjoyed success. I’m hoping it won’t take too much.”

Head of Thunder Andrew Gilchrist said he was confident Keightley would usher in a new era for the club.

“Lisa Keightley is one of world cricket’s most respected coaches, and we are thrilled to have her as our head coach,” he said.

“She has proven herself at every level of the game, and her work in recent years to help turn England into a powerhouse through her efforts with that country’s national team and also, it’s Women’s Academy, inspires everyone at Thunder to believe she can have the same impact here.

“Lisa has made it clear she wants to work with Thunder’s players throughout the season, and that can only be beneficial for the squad regardless of whether they are raw rookies or experienced campaigners.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Lisa Keightley is the newest head coach of the Sydney Thunder WBBL team.

Stadium news welcomed

Current indoor sports facility thrilled with government’s move to build new venue

After years of advocacy, local sporting organisations are still pinching themselves following last week’s surprise announcement from the State Government and Penrith City Council to build a $106.7 million indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows.

A whopping 10 multi-sport courts, including one show court, will be constructed at the empty paddock along Putland Street in the coming years, thanks to funding from the Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

No longer will local sporting groups have to fight tooth and nail for limited indoor court space, with the new facility set to be large enough to cater for a range of indoor sports.

One man who is thrilled to see the new indoor arena get up is the General Manager of the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre (PVRC), Luke Hepburn.

The passionate local currently has six courts at his popular facility in Cambridge Park and often has to turn people and sporting groups away due to lack of court availability.

Hepburn said he’d been pushing for something like this for 20 years and even had plans drawn up to expand the current PVRC site.

“We were blown away to hear the good news as we’ve been advocating for this since 2003,” he told the Weekender

“Indoor sports in the area haven’t been able to grow because we just don’t have the availability.

“We were just so happy for everybody because we know there’s lots of people who aren’t playing indoor sports right now or are on waiting lists, so it’s just a great result.”

Hepburn said while he would still like to expand the number of courts at his centre in the future, he is fully supportive of the new facility as it means Penrith locals will now

Around The Grounds

CRICKET: Penrith have quite a fight on their hands against Sutherland in Round 12 of the Belvidere Cup. Playing in a Two-Day match at Glenn McGrath Oval, Sutherland won the toss and elected to bat. The home side were on fire from the outset, with opening batsmen Sam Konstas and Andrew Deitz both scoring centuries. At stumps Sutherland were 6/280. Penrith’s bowlers struggled with Liam Doddrell, Ryan Gibson and Luke Hodges all taking two wickets apiece. Play will resume this Saturday.

CRICKET: Penrith have easily accounted for Parramatta in Round 15 of the Women’s First Grade competition. Playing in a One Day match at Howell Oval, Penrith won the toss and elected to bowl. Parramatta got off to a slow start before their mid-order batters picked things up. After 50 overs they were 9/172. When Penrith hit the crease later that day, they reached Parramatta’s target with 12 overs to spare and five wickets in hand. Star Phoebe Litchfield smashed 95 in the victory. Penrith will play Manly Warringah this Sunday at Manly Oval.

BASEBALL: Greater Western have lost both games against the Macarthur Orioles in Round 13 of the BNSW State League competition. On Wednesday, the Orioles prevailed 9-3, while last Sunday they won 7-2. The last-placed Greater Western will take on the Manly Eagles in Round 14.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have moved up to second on the A-League ladder following their 1-0 win over Western United last Sunday at CommBank Stadium. In front of 7,849 at CommBank Stadium, the Wanderers were in control from start to finish with Yeni Ngbakoto scoring the only goal of the match in the

28th minute. The Wanderers will look to secure back-to-back wins when they take on arch-rivals Sydney FC this Saturday night in Parramatta.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Penrith have had a mixed start to the 2023 junior representative season. In the Harold Matthews Cup, they fought hard but ultimately went down to the Illawarra Steelers 34-26. It was good news in the SG Ball Cup, with the Panthers prevailing 16-14. Both teams will play the Newcastle Knights in Windsor in Round 2.

ATHLETICS: Congratulations to eightgirl-old Sierra Lang, who won Gold in the Girls U9 High Jump in the Region 3 Track & Field Championships in Dubbo last weekend. The Glenmore Park resident finished on top of the podium after leaping 1.01m. She now moves on to the State Championships, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park next month. It was a big weekend for Sierra, who also secured Bronze in the Girls U9 Discus with a throw of 11.67m.

have access to an incredible 16 indoor courts in the area.

“The city has ended up with more courts, so this was our preferred option,” he said.

“While we still have aspirations to fix up our current centre, I think this is a far better outcome than what we could have had by just upgrading Cambridge Park – we’ve ended up with more courts, in a sense.”

One sporting organisation who can’t wait to get their hands on the new space is the Penrith

District Netball Association, who have also been pushing for more indoor courts for several years. Speaking with the Weekender, President Joy Gillett said Penrith Netball, along with other local sporting organisations, were involved in the planning process.

“We were involved with the idea from the beginning. To my knowledge, there were a couple of ideas floating around but this was the one that was preferred by Council and the State Government,” she said.

“Hopefully there will be plenty of room for all the other sports who had been striving to get more courts. We’re hoping to get regular court use over there and it’ll make life a lot easier for netball.”

With netball one of the most popular sports in the Penrith area, Gillett said having access to an indoor facility will be of huge benefit to local netballers and their aspirations.

“To have a newer, brighter venue would be wonderful. Our biggest use of it would be for training of our top teams. They don’t play outdoors, so they need to train indoors as well as play,” Gillett said.

“At the moment, we go cap in hand to anywhere we can get a court. We use school courts – whatever we can get – and that’s not totally wonderful.

“To be able to keep our players training and playing locally, we’ll be able to showcase more of what we do if we have the audience capacity to bring in people to watch.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Artist’s impression of the new indoor multi-sports arena to be built in Claremont Meadows.

panther rumblings

PANTHERS LAUNCH NEW SEASON

! Inside the Panthers Season Launch: The Penrith Panthers officially launched the 2023 season on Tuesday night with an event at the EVAN Theatre. The entire squad, minus James Fisher-Harris and Tyrone Peachey who were on All Stars duties, attended the event hosted by club legend and Director, Greg Alexander. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary outlined the challenging nature of a shortened pre-season, while the annual player partner draw was also held. Not surprisingly, there was plenty of confidence in the room after back-to-back titles.

! New video released: Penrith’s pre-season hype video has become one of the most anticipated parts of the new footy year, and this year’s effort certainly didn’t disappoint. It was poignant that some previously departed players were shown, with the voiceover declaring: “Where would you be without us?”. There was also a nod to the criticism Penrith has attracted from some parts of the rugby league media in recent times. It’s well worth a look. Check it out on YouTube or the Panthers website.

! Merv on the move: This year’s Merv Cartwright Medal will be one of the first events held at the new Western Sydney Conference Centre, located at the front of the Panthers Leagues Club. The facility will be opened in the second half of the year and the club has already pencilled in the end of season presentation night for a spot.

! Spotted: Fox League’s Andrew Voss and Lara Pitt in Penrith interviewing a host of players for their popular show, ‘The Fan’, which will return for another season this year.

! Spotted: A spectacular Mark Geyer and Nathan Cleary mural adoring the walls of the new Philliez restaurant at the Penrith Homemaker Centre.

! Big trip to see world’s best: While the crowd at next Saturday’s World Club Challenge will heavily favour Penrith, there will still be a splash of St Helens supporters in the crowd. Dedicated Saints fan Dave Howarth is leading a team of about 25 fans to Penrith for next Saturday night’s showdown. In addition to Dave’s group, it’s believed around 100 other St Helens fans – a combination of ex-pats and other organised tours – will also be in attendance. I’m hearing a pre-game meet-up has been organised at Panthers with non-playing members of the St Helens squad to attend.

! Cleary’s new deal: Penrith co-captain Nathan Cleary is set to expand his media career in 2023, after signing a five-year deal with

Channel Nine. It’s part of Cleary’s growing commitments outside of footy, which also include various investments including in the Drink West brewery. While appearances will be somewhat limited on Nine due to his playing commitments, it’ll give the free-to-air broadcaster direct access to the halfback at key moments during the season, and he’ll appear on where possible.

! Pre-season betting available: Sportsbet has confirmed that it’ll be framing markets on all NRL pre-season trials, including Penrith’s game against Parramatta this Saturday and next weekend’s World Club Challenge. Traditionally most betting agencies haven’t opened markets on the trials because of how uncertain things are. Sportsbet tells me that’ll be different this year, but the markets will be somewhat limited, with less options than normal NRL games. Markets will also only go up about a day before kick-off.

New housemates: New Penrith recruit Zak Hosking has moved in with Mitch Kenny at Emu Plains. We’re not sure who’s got the main cooking duties.

Royce’s Big Walk returns: Penrith legend Royce Simmons is hitting the road again for Royce’s Big Walk, with plans to walk more than 300 kilometres from Dubbo to Bathurst, and is seeking new sponsors to help him raise much-needed funds for dementia research. Kicking off on Tuesday, April 18, Simmons will be joined by an array of high-profile walking companions

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during his challenging 12-day journey across Central West NSW. The walk will conclude at Carrington Park in Bathurst on Saturday, April 29, as the Panthers and Wests Tigers NRL sides do battle for the Royce Simmons Cup. For more information on Royce’s Big Walk and the sponsorship opportunities available, visit roycesbigwalk.com.au.

! Phone company dials in: The Panthers have announced mobile communications leader Motorola has extended its commitment with the club for the 2023 season as the official smartphone partner. Panthers was the first NRL club to team up with the global telecommunications company in 2022, joining a stable of iconic sporting teams such as NBA franchises Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers. “After a successful first year we are excited to renew our partnership with Motorola for the 2023 season,” said Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron Through the partnership Motorola will engage with members and fans both across the club’s digital channels and in-person at BlueBet Stadium, with a number of exciting initiatives and giveaways planned for 2023.

Ivan Cleary and Greg Alexander at the 2023 Season Launch.

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Thunder secures new coach – see page 61

Penrith ready for a Super Monday

Penrith may be 12,500km from the location of this year’s Super Bowl in Phoenix, but that won’t stop us from celebrating the biggest event on the Ameri can sporting calendar.

Restaurants, pubs and clubs all over town will switch over their television sets to the Super Bowl this Monday, February 13 as foot ball fans come together to cheer on this year’s opponents Philadelphia and Kansas City. The Eagles will be aiming to win their first Super Bowl title since the 2017 season, while slight outsiders the Chiefs will contest their third NFL Championship game since 2019.

The NFL’s popularity continues to soar in Australia and locations in Penrith and surrounding suburbs will be cashing in on that very hype next week.

For the first time since opening last year, the Log Cabin will be holding a Super Bowl party right beside the beautiful Nepean River. Fans can watch America’s biggest sporting event live and loud with $30 Bud Buckets and an American style snack menu available all day. The Loggy will be open from 9.30am, so fans can watch all the pre-game action on multiple big screens around the venue.

At the other end of the Nepean at The East Bank, Goji Cocktail Bar & Restaurant will not only be showing the big game live on their large television screen, but they’ll also be serving delicious Super Bowl cocktails as well as handing out free coffee and bacon + egg burgers from 10am-11am.

If you’re in the Penrith CBD, the Red Cow Hotel is one of the best places to celebrate Super Bowl LVII. Not only will the team be showing the game in their beer garden, but they’ll also be serving $30 Bud Buckets, $1.50 Southern Fried wings, loaded hotdogs and fries as well as free popcorn to fans.

Across town in South Penrith, the Pioneer Tavern is once again getting in on the Super Bowl spirit this year. The famous ‘watering hole’ will be showing all the action live with $15 lunch specials, $5.50 Tooheys New schooners, and $40 JD & Cola Buckets. Bookings recommended!

Over in Victoria Street, Werrington, the Colonial Hotel are putting on quite a spread this year with Philly cheesesteaks, Kansas City hotdogs, loaded waffle fries and 50c crispy chicken wings, while the Super Bowl tradition will continue at The Lucky Australian Hotel in North St Marys with $5 Budweiser’s throughout the game and $15 food specials all day long.

Plenty of people will also be hosting Super Bowl parties at home or at work on Monday.

NATHAN TAYLOR

The team at the Log Cabin are preparing for the Super Bowl on Monday.

Photo: Melinda Jane.