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GREAT WHEELS OF FIRE A mother and daughter had a lucky escape after their car burst into flames in Penrith on Wednesday. Nathan Taylor reports on page 7. Photo: Melinda Jane

DEBATE LOOMS ON ISLAMIC SCHOOL Public forum to be held but Council keen to avoid scenes of the past ALENA HIGGINS

A public meeting to discuss a proposed Islamic school in Henry Street will be restricted

to local residents only as Penrith Council tries to avoid chaotic scenes of the past, where outsiders have caused major disruptions to discussions surrounding controversial development applications.

Councillors discussed the school’s development application briefly on Monday night, with the outspoken Marcus Cornish predicting it will be become a “huge issue” in Penrith. No date has been set for the public forum, but

written submissions in response to the development application have been extended after concerns were raised that the initial deadline was too tight. Read the full story on page 12

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Crameri sin binned as debate takes off • Mayor gives Kev a ‘time out’ after explosive comments • Councillors agree to hold forum on airport ALENA HIGGINS

ebate over Western Sydney Airport has flared again, with one of Penrith’s longest serving Councillors given a ‘time out’ this week after claiming Council was pulling the wool over residents’ eyes. During Monday night’s Council meeting, Councillor Kevin Crameri suggested Councillors and Council officers were being “treacherous” by “actively campaigning” for the airport when Council’s official stance was to oppose it unless a curfew was imposed and a north/south railway line committed to. When asked to withdraw his statement, the veteran Independent refused, prompting Mayor John Thain to send him to the sin bin for five minutes to reflect on his comments. He retracted his statement upon his return, but was still scathing, accusing Cr Thain of debating with him from the chair, which Cr Thain denied. When the mud had settled on Tuesday morning, the Mayor confirmed Council’s position had not shifted. He said it supported the airport with a curfew the same as Mascot Airport and

No 24 hour airport: Councillor Kevin Crameri with Andrea Grieve

would continue to negotiate with the State and Federal governments to “maximise the benefits and minimise the impacts”. “We have always said we would speak to the public when more information becomes clear about the airport,” he said. Cr Crameri, who has been calling on Council to follow Blacktown and Blue Mountains Councils’ lead and hold public forums, also accused Council of failing to publicise the negative aspects of the development, such as noise and air pollution and the “flawed” EIS. “We’ve been sold a lemon on this whole thing,” a frustrated Cr Crameri said, noting many promises such as the M9 and north/ south railway line have yet to materialise. The outspoken Councillor also contends a leaked document shows a railway line planned to be built under the airport, but it would only be for trains from the Leppington line, not from Penrith. The Mayor wasn’t the only Councillor he managed to get off side on Monday night, with Councillor Greg Davies taking issue with the assertion that the elected representatives in this region were essentially “puppets” and not interested in looking after Penrith. Councillors unanimously agreed to hold a public forum.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Council

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

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NBN’s flaws are evident Like many people living in Penrith, I’ve been on the National Broadband Network (NBN) at home for some time now. If you don’t have the NBN, you will eventually. It’s only a matter of time before the roll-out hits your place. The benefits outweigh the negatives, we’re all told. The NBN delivers faster, more reliable Internet. But does it? Sure, there can be some amazing speeds, but when it all turns sour, the theories about working permanently from home, teleconferencing around the world and streaming all of our television in the future take a major hit. I’m currently in the process of leaving my Internet Service Provider, Optus, after the NBN started dropping to ridiculously low speeds during the evening peak.

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83 Batt Street, Penrith

Merit, not token gestures They say all publicity is good publicity and while for the struggling Logie Awards that may be true, this week’s debate over there being just one woman nominated for the Gold Logie is one for the “oh please” basket. Has the obsession with equality based on quotas rather then merit really reached the humble back-slapping selfhyped Logies? The whole argument is dead within seconds as the Gold Logie nominees are decided by TV Week readers, not grumpy old white men sitting around a board room table, which I’m sure disappoints those determined to be offended about everything and anything. Personally, I’m outraged that not one bloke is nominated in the Best Actress category. What’s the world coming to?

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Index

“The promised beast of superfast Internet at times resembles a turtle, not a cheetah” Optus all but admitted that the speeds won’t get much better, either. My advice to everyone when it comes to the NBN is to shop around and do your research, and to ensure your expectations are not too high. The promised beast of superfast Internet at times resembles a turtle, not a cheetah. It’s unfortunate given the NBN’s expensive price tag and the advances in technology it promises, but often fails to deliver. A-League season is too long The A-League has made great strides in the last few years and the introduction of the Western Sydney Wanderers has given football a new lease on life in this part of the world. But the season simply drags on way too long and its impact disappears by the time April and May rolls around. The A-League goes for a whopping 27 rounds (not including the Finals), longer than the much more established NRL and AFL seasons. It picks up momentum through November, December and January as the sports news cycle is quieter, the weather is good and people are craving good quality sport to fill their weekends.

News..............................................1-22 Autism Awareness........23-34 Extra Time..........................35-46

The last couple of games the Wanderers have hosted at Spotless Stadium have attracted paltry crowds. The competition would be far better if it ran for 18 weeks from October with a Grand Final in late February, where the code can still dominate the headlines. Journalists do themselves proud The media cops a pretty tough time from the general public these days, some of it fair enough and understandable. But this week has been an excellent one for journalism and proof that the artform still has plenty of life. Linton Besser’s superb report on ABC’s ‘4 Corners’ on Monday night about abuse within the disability sector was raw, confronting and powerful. It was tough to watch, but Besser did a wonderful job on a story all of us should care about and demand action on. I was also impressed this week with the media’s coverage of Cyclone Debbie. Both Channel Seven and Channel Nine produced superb coverage, and while it was at saturation level, it never felt forced or exploitative. Across the TV networks as well as radio, print and online, the media as one did themselves proud. At its core it was a reminder that when people are leaving a likely disaster zone, journalists are among those going the other way and heading into it. The media is at its best when it is dealing with real issues that affect real people. Unfortunately, too often the mainstream broadcasters and publishers drift too far from this in the desperate search for ratings and attention, doing themselves a great disservice.

Business................................47-48 Entertainment ................49-60 Your Life.................................61-68

Trades & Services ...........71-73 Auto...................................................74 Sport ........................................75-80

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Journalists: Nathan Taylor | @natetaylor87 Kate Reid | @kate_reid6 Emily Newton | @emmerleener Alena Higgins | @alenazhiggins Photographers: Melinda Jane, Megan Dunn If you have a story suggestion or news tip, email news@westernweekender.com.au Sales Director: Chris Pennisi | chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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St Clair High still waiting for re-build

Lakes auction proves popular

Three years on from major fire, students are still stuck in demountables EMILY NEWTON

he recent announcement of the STEM school at Luddenham has not been welcome news for all locals, as St Clair High School impatiently waits for their school to be re-built after a fire three years ago. A source close to the school, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted the Weekender to express their anger after the Luddenham announcement by the State Government earlier this month. “I’m pissed off, and so are a lot of teachers,” the source said. “[Staff and students] are working in a swamp with mud and pond scum. “For three years teachers have been working out of demountables, and the library is a demountable. “This is not a dig at the other school, we just want our school to be built.” In a memo obtained by the Weekender, a NSW Teachers Federation representative encouraged staff to “stay angry”. “We were betrayed,” the memo said. “The Premier, the Minister for Education and our local member drove down the freeway past our school to go to Caroline Chrisholm Catholic School to announce a new Catholic STEM School in Luddenham.

The auction underway at Penrith Lakes

Demountables are still in place at St Clair High School “At the same time the Treasurer refused to free the funds (half of which is our insurance payout) to allow the school to be re-built.” St Clair High School Relieving Principal Sally Smithard said that while she understands the anger from locals, the delay has been beneficial to the school long term. “We talk about the disaster that was the fire, and nothing can take that away as I think people lost a bit of themselves,” Ms Smithard said. “But the opportunity it provides has been the school’s focus. What we’re getting is better than if the process had

just been replacement. It’s more about the future of the community.” The school has formed a partnership with Western Sydney University and will be the first school in Australia to serve as a teaching school, modelling the successful teaching hospital structure. “It will allow university students to develop the theory of teaching,” Ms Smithard said. While the delay has been difficult for students and teachers to come to terms with, Ms Smithard believes the opportunity it has created will better serve the community as the school will rise from the ashes better than ever.

Around $3 million worth of equipment was sold at an auction held at Penrith Lakes on Tuesday. Leading resource auctioneers Hassalls sold off more than 100 lots of ex-civil and earthmoving equipment from the famous Penrith site. Items up for auction ranged from heavy earthmoving equipment, including Caterpillar Dump Trucks and Bulldozers, to Toyota Hilux vehicles and civil support equipment. Around 100 people were on site at the auction, ranging from civil and earthmoving contractors to agricultural farmers and civil quarry operators, looking to take advantage of the opportunity to buy the equipment made available. “This sale is a rare opportunity for local farmers, businesses and tradespeople to pick up equipment fit for use at a fraction of the cost of new equipment,” said Hassalls Director of Financial Services and Insolvency, Leo Doromal. A clearance rate of 99 per cent was achieved on Tuesday with most buyers from western NSW.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Council

News

Twin Creeks to host major golf tournament for next three years

Turn your clocks back: Daylight Saving to end this weekend

ALENA HIGGINS

enrith Councillors have rubber stamped a three-year sponsorship with Golf NSW, which will see one of Australia’s most prestigious golfing tournaments teeing off in our own backyard. In what is seen as a major win for tourism in the region, Luddenham’s Twin Creeks Golf Club has secured the rights to host the NSW Golf Open Championship from 2017 to 2019. Councillors resolved at Monday night’s Council meeting to sponsor the event, despite concerns from one Councillor that the money could be better spent. Under the deal, Council is required to provide $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in-kind expenditure per annum over the three-year contract. However, not all contra will be delivered at no cost to Council, with an estimated $10,000 in other expenditure required per annum, taking the total ratepayerfunded outlay to $105,000.

Councillor Marcus Cornish questioned the move, saying he would not oppose the motion, but reminded his fellow Councillors that “we’re talking about ratepayers’ money here”. He suggested the money could be better spent on such things as roads and sidewalks and they shouldn’t be seen to be favouring one golf course over another. However, Councillor Ross Fowler said being critical of the spend was “very narrow minded”. He said the flow on effect of having leading golfers playing at Penrith, which would be televised to millions across the world, was significant. “It will put Penrith on the map and encourages people to invest in the city,” he said. The long-running event is tipped to attract 37 international players, 61 interstate players and more than 3,000 visitors to Penrith across four days, injecting about $327,000 into the local economy each year. Golf NSW said the partnership established Penrith as a “golfing hub”.

KPMG buys local accounting business KPMG Australia has acquired the business of Penrith-based accounting and tax practice, TRACE Chartered Accountants,

supporting the growth of the firm’s mid-market business, KPMG Enterprise. TRACE remains at its current location.

EMILY NEWTON

s the clocks turn back this weekend to mark the end of Daylight Saving, local firefighters are reminding residents to check their smoke alarms. While most electronic clocks will change automatically at the end of Daylight Saving this Sunday, April 2, all smoke alarms must be manually checked. Penrith Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer Cliff Van Eck said the time has come to replace your smoke alarm batteries or the alarms themselves. “A lot of the smoke alarms today have been in houses for 10 years,” he said. “They do have a use by date, like all electronics. I think the brigade’s focus and the most important thing in the home is the smoke alarm. “If they don’t work, then they are useless. Our focus this year is not just checking the battery, but the alarm itself.” For about $20 each, new smoke alarms come with a 10-year battery warranty, giving you peace of mind. “If anyone needs help or can’t put it up themselves or has any questions, they can contact the fire brigade and we will help them out,” Officer Van Eck said. In NSW, all dwellings must have at least one working smoke alarm per level. FRNSW recommends having smoke

Penrith Fire and Rescue NSW Station Officer Cliff Van Eck is encouraging residents to replace old smoke alarms. Photo: Melinda Jane alarms installed in all bedrooms and interconnected for maximum protection. Smoke alarms are also mandatory for all caravans, campervans, and other moveable dwellings where people sleep. Daylight Saving ends on Sunday, April 2 at 3am when the clocks are pushed back one hour, making it 2am. Manual clocks and watches should be wound back an hour before you go to bed on Saturday evening.

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Locals urged to get flu shot

Ferocious blaze destroys car in CBD Ex-cop helps save mum and child as they watch their car go up in flames

Have you had your flu shot yet? EMILY NEWTON

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Fire

t’s flu season again, and this year 2.2 million adults aged 18 to 64 in NSW are expected to have the flu shot. Local Pharmacist and owner of Penrith’s Priceline Pharmacy on High Street, Theo Theodorou, said that generally the whole adult population should get the flu shot. “The different types of strains of the flu that we’re vaccinating against are the serious strains of the flu,” he said. “While they’re not life threatening for most people, they can take one or two weeks for your immune system to fully recover from.” Despite beliefs from some people, Mr Theodorou said that getting the flu shot will not give you the flu. “We’re injecting people with a dead virus, so it’s not possible for it to reproduce itself, it just triggers the body into thinking it has an infection and it forms memory cells,” he said. This year’s flu shot is now available.

I Emergency crews clean up after a car was destroyed by fire outside Westfield Penrith on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane NATHAN TAYLOR

mother and her young child have escaped unharmed after their Toyota burst into flames in the Penrith CBD on Wednesday. At around 11am, retired police officer and Werrington Downs resident Bob Moran was leaving the Westfield Penrith

car park when he was waved down by the distressed driver of the Toyota. “She waved me over and I noticed there were flames coming out of the centre console,” Mr Moran told the Weekender. “I nearly had the fire out with a bottle of water but all of a sudden it just took off again and the car exploded into flames. There was black smoke everywhere.” Fortunately, the mother and child

escaped uninjured as they waited for NSW Fire & Rescue to arrive. “No one was hurt but the car was a complete write-off. Luckily we got the baby seat out and some other things,” Mr Moran said. “It took a while for the firies to put out the blaze – every time they put it out it would flare up again.” It’s understood the car wasn’t insured.

WW27130

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS SPICY PENRITH 1 APRIL | 6 - 8PM

CONTACT US ADMINISTRATION Penrith Ofﬁce Civic Centre, 601 High Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. St Marys Ofﬁce Queen Street Centre, 207–209 Queen Street. Opening Hours: 8.30am–4pm. Mon–Fri. Switchboard Open: 8.30am–5pm. Mon–Fri. P: 4732 7777 F: 4732 7958 Write to: PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751. E: council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

SERVICES Waste Hotline: Freecall 1800 734 735 Illegal Dumping: Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad). Grafﬁti Hotline: Freecall 1800 022 182

TENDERS

COUNCIL BRIEFS ● The Sydney Corporate Triathlon is on at the International Regatta Centre on 23 April.

beginner level, so everyone can get involved.

and show NSW our competitive spirit and why Penrith is the best place in the state.

High Street, Penrith. Pre-Tender Brieﬁng at 9.30am Monday, 10 April 2017. Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to

To ﬁnd out more about the Australian Corporate Triathlon at Penrith, visit corporatetriathlonseries.com.au/sydney/ ● Council is seeking four community representatives to join the newly formed Resilience Committee.

register and download tender documents free of charge. Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement. For queries please contact Laura Stott on 4732 8282 or

The committee will use their combined local knowledge to advise Council on opportunities to improve the resilience of Penrith City.

laura.stott@penrith.city All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the

Committee members will meet four times a year and work

documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 26 April 2017

alongside Council to ensure Penrith is ready to adapt, grow

(‘the Closing Date’). Tenders received after this date will not

and thrive amidst the ongoing and unexpected issues facing

be considered.

our modern regional City.

Plumbing Trade Services

Council Meetings

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ResilienceCommittee/

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

Penrith City Council Invites Tenders from suitably qualiﬁed and experienced contractors for the Triangle Park Upgrade,

We encourage local Penrith businesses to register a team

Applications close Monday 17 April 2017. Find out more at

8 May 2017 – 7pm (Policy Review Committee)

Triangle Park Upgrade Reference 16/17-14

The event is open to all businesses and the race is set at a

MEETING DATES 10 April 2017 – 7.30pm (Ordinary Meeting)

Get your tickets at thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600

Reference 16/17-04

● Penrith City students aged between 15 and 19 will have the

Penrith City Council is seeking Tenders for the reliable and cost

opportunity to travel to Penrith’s sister city Fujieda, Japan

effective provision of Plumbing Trade Services within the Penrith

and live with a Japanese family for three weeks in

Local Government Area.

September/October 2017. They will experience Japanese

Pre-Tender Brieﬁng at 9.30am Wednesday, 12 April 2017.

culture, learn about the Japanese way of life and share their

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/Our-Council/Tenders/ to

way of life with a Japanese student in return.

In conjunction with Penrith Council, the Penrith International

Alternatively a hard copy is available for a non-refundable fee

Friendship Committee has been successfully running this

of $75 (inc GST) by arrangement.

annual exchange program for 30 years.

For queries please contact Laura Stott on 4732 8282 or

Applicants must live and/or go to school in Penrith. Forms

procurement@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

can be mailed or downloaded from the webpage penrithcity.

All submissions should be lodged on the forms provided in

nsw.gov.au/Student-Exchange. Applications close 4pm

accordance with the lodgement instructions contained in the

Friday, 29 April 2017.

documents no later than 11am Wednesday, 26 April 2017

Approximate cost: $2,500 to participate in the exchange

(‘the Closing Date’). Tenders received after this date will not

program.

be considered.

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

visitpenrith.com.au WW27437

Erskine Park Planning Proposal Reclassiﬁcation and Rezoning of Public Land !N INDEPENDENT PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD REGARDING THE %RSKINE 0ARK 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL AND THE COMMUNITY IS INVITED TO ATTEND Where: %RSKINE 0ARK #OMMUNITY (ALL 0EPPERTREE $RIVE %RSKINE 0ARK When: &RIDAY !PRIL n PM Why is the Public Hearing being held? 3ECTION OF THE Local Government Act REQUIRES A PUBLIC HEARING IF PUBLIC LAND IS TO BE RECLASSIlED FROM @#OMMUNITY TO @/PERATIONAL 4HE %RSKINE 0ARK 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL SEEKS AMONG OTHER THINGS TO RECLASSIFY SEVEN #OUNCIL OWNED PUBLIC LAND SITES FROM THEIR CURRENT @#OMMUNITY CLASSIlCATION TO AN @/PERATIONAL CLASSIlCATION 4HE 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL WAS PUBLICLY EXHIBITED FOR COMMENT FROM &EBRUARY UNTIL -ARCH What happens at the Public Hearing? 4HE 0UBLIC (EARING IS INDEPENDENTLY CONDUCTED AND CHAIRED BY A NON #OUNCIL OFlCIAL 4HE HEARING PROVIDES THE COMMUNITY WITH THE OPTION OF FURTHER EXPLAINING TO AN INDEPENDENT PERSON ANY WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS THEY MADE ABOUT THE 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL DURING ITS EXHIBITION AND FOR OTHERS WHO MAY NOT HAVE MADE A SUBMISSION TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS ON THE 0ROPOSAL TO AN INDEPENDENT PERSON IN A PUBLIC GATHERING !NYONE MAY ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING BUT THOSE WISHING TO SPEAK ARE REQUESTED TO REGISTER WITH #OUNCIL AS DESCRIBED LATER IN THIS NOTICE Sites affected by the Planning Proposal s !SHWICK 2ESERVE n !SHWICK #IRCUIT 3T #LAIR ,OT $0 s #APELLA 3TREET 2ESERVE EASTERN PART NOT THE WHOLE PARK n ! #ANOPUS #LOSE %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 s #HAMELEON $RIVE EASTERN PART NOT THE WHOLE PARK n #HAMELEON $RIVE %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 s $ILGA #RESCENT 2ESERVE n ! $ILGA #RESCENT %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 s 0ACIlC AND 0HOENIX 2ESERVE NORTH EAST PART NOT THE WHOLE PARK n ! 0HOENIX #RESCENT %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 s 2EGULUS 2ESERVE n 3WALLOW $RIVE %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 s 3PICA 2ESERVE SOUTH EAST PART NOT THE WHOLE PARK n 3WALLOW $RIVE %RSKINE 0ARK ,OT $0 Objective of the Planning Proposal 4HE OBJECTIVE OF THE 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL IS TO IMPROVE THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO %RSKINE 0ARK RESIDENTS BY ENABLING THE SALE OF THOSE SITES WHICH MAY NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO MEET COMMUNITY NEED AND REINVESTING ALL THE PROCEEDS BACK INTO %RSKINE 0ARK 4O ACHIEVE THIS THE 0LANNING 0ROPOSAL SEEKS TO s #HANGE THE ZONING OF THE SITES FROM @2% 0UBLIC 2ECREATION TO @2 ,OW $ENSITY 2ESIDENTIAL THE SAME ZONING AS OTHER RESIDENTIAL LAND IN %RSKINE 0ARK TO PERMIT THEIR DEVELOPMENT FOR THOSE USES PERMITTED IN THAT ZONE s 2ECLASSIFY THE LAND FROM @#OMMUNITY TO @/PERATIONAL IN ORDER TO PERMIT IT TO BE SOLD IF #OUNCIL CHOOSES TO DO SO

s %STABLISH A MINIMUM LOT SIZE OF SQM AND HEIGHT CONTROLS OF M FOR THE SEVEN SITES n THE SAME CONTROLS WHICH APPLY TO OTHER RESIDENTIAL LAND IN %RSKINE 0ARK 4HE PROPOSED RECLASSIlCATION WILL ALSO REMOVE ALL 0UBLIC 2ESERVE TRUSTS REMOVE A FENCING RESTRICTION TRUST FOR !SHWICK #IRCUIT BUT RETAIN ALL EASEMENTS TO DRAIN WATER AND FOR UNDERGROUND MAINS AND ELECTRICITY AS WELL AS MAINTAINING A COVENANT REQUIRING CONSENT FOR ACCESS TO THE - -OTORWAY Addressing the Hearing )F YOU WISH TO ADDRESS THE HEARING PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM AVAILABLE ON #OUNCIL S WEBSITE OR FROM 0ENRITH #IVIC #ENTRE OR #OUNCIL S 1UEEN 3TREET #ENTRE 3T -ARYS #OMPLETED FORMS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED TO #OUNCIL BEFORE !PRIL 9OU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE A FORM TO ADDRESS THE HEARING BUT PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO DO )F YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE CONTACT #OUNCIL S #ITY 0LANNING 4EAM ON OR OR AT THE EMAIL ADDRESS cityplanningteam@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 4HE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY #OUNCIL s -ORSON 'ROUP 0TY ,TD $! 24 Barber Avenue, Penrith $EMOLITION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AND CONSTRUCTION OF STOREY RESIDENTIAL mAT BUILDING CONTAINING APARTMENTS AND BASEMENT CAR PARKING #ONTACT ,AUREN 6AN %TTEN ON #LOSING $ATE !PRIL s 5NIVERSAL 0ROPERTY 'ROUP 0TY ,TD $! 89b O’Connell Street, Caddens 3ECTION MODIlCATION TO AN APPROVED SUBDIVISION TO CHANGE EASEMENT WIDTH AND DOUBLE GARAGE DESIGN #ONTACT "ELINDA "ORG ON #LOSING $ATE !PRIL

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED 0URSUANT TO 3ECTION OF THE Environmental Planning & Assessment Act THE SCHEDULE BELOW LISTS APPLICATIONS RECENTLY DETERMINED BY 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL $ETAILS OF THESE DETERMINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FREE OF CHARGE DURING #OUNCIL S NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AT THE #IVIC #ENTRE (IGH 3TREET 0ENRITH

s 5RBAN ,INK 0TY ,TD

Lot 2102 DP 1184494 (No. 50) Lord Shefﬁeld Circuit, Penrith STOREY MIXED USE BUILDING CONTAINING GROUND mOOR COMMERCIAL TENANCIES X RESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS X AND LEVELS OF BASEMENT CAR PARKING s !LI (AMMOUD

Lot 250 DP 16937 and Lot 251 DP 16937 (No. 45) Canberra Street, Oxley Park #ONSTRUCTION OF X TOWN HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED LANDSCAPING AND DRAINAGE WORKS

NOMINATED INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL HAS RECEIVED A $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION IN RESPECT OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY 4HE CONSENT AUTHORITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION IS 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL s &ITZPATRICK )NVESTMENTS 0TY ,TD

Lot 2 DP 1215268, (Nos. 177–299) Lenore Drive, Erskine Park "ULK EARTHWORKS AND STORMWATER DRAINAGE WORKS 4HE PROPOSAL IS )NTEGRATED $EVELOPMENT UNDER 3ECTION OF THE Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 )N THIS REGARD THE APPLICANT IS SEEKING CONCURRENT APPROVAL FROM THE .37 $EPARTMENT OF 0RIMARY )NDUSTRIES n 7ATER UNDER 3ECTION OF THE Water Management Act 2000 4HE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION REFERRED TO IN THIS NOTICE AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE SUBJECT APPLICATION MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW AT ANY TIME DURING ORDINARY OFlCE HOURS IN THE PERIOD FROM -ARCH TO -AY !NY PERSON MAY DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD MAKE A SUBMISSION IN WRITING TO 0ENRITH #ITY #OUNCIL IN RELATION TO THE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION 7HERE A SUBMISSION IS MADE BY WAY OF AN OBJECTION THE GROUNDS OF OBJECTION ARE TO BE SPECIlED IN THE SUBMISSION 4HE SUBMISSION IS TO INCLUDE #OUNCIL S REFERENCE NUMBER $! #OUNCIL IS REQUIRED TO MAKE $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATIONS AND CERTAIN ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS PUBLICLY AVAILABLE UNDER THE Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 4HERE IS A PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF PUBLICLY DISCLOSING ALL SUBMISSIONS RELATING TO THIS $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATION UNLESS #OUNCIL DETERMINES THAT IT IS NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO DO SO

Approved Development Applications

&OR ANY QUERIES RELATING TO THE PROPOSAL PLEASE CONTACT +ATHRYN 3AUNDERS ON

s ,EGPRO 0TY ,IMITED $! Lot 2 DP 502333, Lot 6 DP 502333, Lot 1 DP 515678, Lot 11 DP 522660, Lot 12 DP 522660 Lot 101 DP 564332, Lot 755 DP 1180111 and Lot 51 DP 1189505 (Nos. 117–127) O’Connell Street, Caddens "OUNDARY ADJUSTMENT TO CREATE SUPER LOTS

Viewing of Development Applications

s ,EGPRO 0TY ,IMITED $! Lot 755 DP 1180111 and Lot 51 DP 1189505 (No. 207) Caddens Road, Caddens "OUNDARY ADJUSTMENT n CREATION OF LOTS AND RESIDUE LOTS

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

PUBLIC HEARING

4HE ABOVE DEVELOPMENT DETERMINATION S MAY BE INSPECTED BETWEEN AM AND PM -ONDAYS TO &RIDAYS EXCEPT 0UBLIC (OLIDAYS AT #OUNCIL S #IVIC #ENTRE (IGH 3TREET 0ENRITH /FlCERS OF #OUNCIL S $EVELOPMENT 3ERVICES $EPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH YOUR ENQUIRIES Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts $EVELOPMENT !PPLICATIONS ARE DISPLAYED AT THE 0ENRITH #IVIC #ENTRE "Y LAW REPORTABLE POLITICAL DONATIONS OR GIFTS MUST BE DISCLOSED BY ANYONE LODGING A PLANNING APPLICATION TO #OUNCIL #ALL OR VISIT penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

visitpenrith.com.au WW27438

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

PAGE TEN my Penrith

Turning back time

Famous local radio station 2KA announced on April 7, 1960 that it was moving to new studios in Katoomba. The state of the art studios were located on the first floor of the Rural Bank Building in Katoomba. John Emmott was announced as Studio Manager.

prize cupboard

G Gail Fuller Glenbrook OCCUPATION? Administration Officer at the Nepean Centre for Oral Health FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Trevi’s FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Café Lattetude FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Nepean Rowing Club WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The cosmopolitan atmosphere, the growth and diversity and the glimpse of the Blue Mountains in the distance LOOKING INTO YOUR CRYSTAL BALL, WHAT DO YOU SEE IN PENRITH’S FUTURE? A vibrant city to rival the Sydney CBD, and more growth in local employment to match the ever increasing population. IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING IN PENRITH, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A pedestrian mall between the old and new buildings of Penrith Plaza where people can have a choice of eateries in comfort, free of traffic hindrance. Also a restaurant strip overlooking the Nepean River, a highly underutilised area at the moment

et ready for an outdoor concert like no other when rock legend Jimmy Barnes takes over the picturesque Fernhill Estate on Sunday, May 7. Set in the Mulgoa Valley this beautiful natural amphitheatre will play host to rock royalty for a mega concert, which is set to rock western Sydney. Jimmy will be supported by fellow rocker Jon Stevens, best known as the frontman of Aussie band Noiseworks and also INXS. This is a unique concert experience that’s not to be missed, so grab your tickets now! For more information on the show, visit www. fernhillestate.net.au. The Weekender has two double passes to give away to see Jimmy Barnes perform live at Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa on Sunday, May 7. For your chance to win one, email the code word ‘BARNES’ to competitions@westernweekender. com.au with your name and contact details. Entries close Thursday, April 6. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions online at www. westernweekender.com.au or Western Weekender reception by phoning 4722 2998.

Congratulations to Weekender columnist Alex McKenzie who together with his wife Samantha are expecting their first child later this year. Alex runs Future Financial Services in Penrith.

The spat between two Penrith business owners in the restaurant world is getting very ugly and embarrassing. One of them is getting an awful reputation around town that will be tough to fix.

Dose of Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

Congratulations to Michael Ball Realty, which recently celebrated 10 years in business. Michael Ball first opened his agency on March 1, 2007 and it’s going as strong as ever. Congratulations to the entire team at MBR.

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

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

GRANNY FLATS DUPLEXES & NEW HOMES Choose a House you Like, Build the Home you Love

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Council

Public forum will be held to discuss Islamic school proposal ALENA HIGGINS

esidents will get to have their say on the proposed development of Penrith’s first Islamic School, with Council confirming it will host a public forum. Raising the matter during general business at Monday night’s Council meeting, Councillor Marcus Cornish said it was “imperative” that Council hold a community meeting to “stem any nastiness”. “This will be a huge issue,” he said. “The public should be brought into this.” Cr Cornish said it needed to happen sooner rather than later and at a time and place suitable to the general public. He also requested that the end-of-April deadline for written submissions be extended another month, noting the Easter break. The contentious development application (DA), which was submitted to Council on March 1, proposes a primary and secondary school at the former Penrith Public School site on Henry Street. Mayor John Thain said regardless of where and when the forum was held, one thing needed to be made “clear”: only residents of the Penrith Local Government Area would be allowed to attend.

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Concerned: Councillor Marcus Cornish He said this was important to avoid “repeated scenes” from two years ago, when warring parties faced off over the development of a mosque at Kemps Creek, which Penrith City Council ultimately approved. Executive Manager Environment and City Development, Wayne Mitchell, confirmed public consultation would take place, as was normal practice with DAs of public interest, and that his department had requested additional information required to fully determine the application. A Council spokesman confirmed the exhibition period has been extended until the end of May. A time for the public meeting has yet to be confirmed.

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‘Reluctant brotherhood’ shares funds They’re battling ill health themselves, but Prostate Cancer Support Group is all about helping others EMILY NEWTON

esidential aged care facilities in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District will feel an ease of pressure thanks to the generous support of a local charity. The Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group (NBMPCSG) donated a cheque worth over $4,000 to fund the vital purchase of two NIKI infusion pumps last week. “They’re not just for prostate cancer, but these are for people with any type of cancer who might need them,” President David Wilkinson said. The pumps are a means of delivering medication to somebody over a 24 hour period, and will help assist Nepean Hospital and local aged care facilities. Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Palmer will be using the pumps regularly and was blown away by the support of NBMPCSG. “This has been a wonderful opportunity, and it is very generous of them,” she said. “We really struggled in the past, we were taking from other resources, so to have our own to give to the aged care facilities will make a huge difference.” NBMPCSG was able to fund more than the hospital expected through community fundraisers and sponsors. “Rebecca said they really needed one, so I asked if they could do with two,” Mr Wilkinson smiled. Staff Specialist Dr Alan Oloffs said that the NIKI pumps mean the same level of pain management can be provided to

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Health

Dr Zujaj Quardi, Nurse Practitioner Rebecca Palmer, Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group President David Wilkinson and Dr Alan Oloffs. Photo: Megan Dunn people in aged care facilities, without residents having to go to hospital. “These will really provide benefit to the aged care facilities that don’t have them and allow us to get people home quicker,” he said.

“Without their help, patients would not be able to receive the same level of care.” Despite the praise for the NBMPCSG, Mr Wilkinson stayed incredibly humble, expressing that helping others is just what they do.

“We’re just a group of men with prostate cancer... we’re the reluctant brotherhood,” he said. The group meets every month and can be contacted on 1300 133 878 for more information.

Community

Kids forced to stay in motels: Desperate need for local foster carers EMILY NEWTON

ver the past 29 years, one Llandilo couple with hearts of gold, Mary and Fred Raams, have fostered 105 children. The pair’s extraordinary effort has massively contributed to the community during a time of desperate need for foster carers. “Fostering is our life, that’s the way we see it,” Ms Raams said. “It’s very rewarding, but it’s not easy. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it’s got its ups and downs. “We get a lot out of it, we’ve taken all aged kids in all different situations, but as long as we can keep doing it, we will keep doing it.” Currently, Fostering NSW suggests that 660 more carers are needed to meet demands. Penrith MP Stuart Ayres visited Wesley Dalmar Penrith last Friday to raise awareness for the local need of foster carers. “There are a number of children across our community that are in need,” Mr Ayres said. “One of the things that I have always

loved about the Penrith community is its strong sense of community spirit and willingness to help people out when they need it most. “Foster carers are incredible people doing incredible things. A little bit of love goes a very long way in a child’s life. “The ability to have a huge impact on that child’s life is something that I don’t even think we could begin to quantify.” Welsey Dalmar Operations Manager for the Sydney Region, Lyn Sherrin-Green, said they desperately need carers who can open their hearts and take on schoolaged students. “At the moment, a lot of these children are actually sitting in motels being supervised by staff around the clock, and Wesley would like to be part of taking those children out of motels and putting them into family homes,” she said. If you’re unsure whether you can commit to long term care, the Penrith region is always in need of respite carers to give long time carers like the Raams a break. For more information about becoming a foster carer, contact Fostering NSW on 1800 236 783 or visit www.fosteringnsw. com.au.

Gillian McIntyre, Stuart Ayres, Mary Raams and Lyn Sherrin-Green are calling for more foster carers in the Penrith area

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

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

Man who allegedly dragged officers pleads not guilty

A driver who allegedly dragged two undercover cops by car down a St Marys street to dodge apprehension has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Jared Rose, 20, faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday after being arrested following the incident earlier this year. The offence made national headlines on January 14 after Channel Seven broadcast mobile phone vision allegedly depicting the crime unfolding. He later handed himself in and was charged with ‘using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention’ and ‘driving while disqualified’. Rose, of Heckenberg, sat quietly in the dock as all his matters were mentioned. He is also facing several other charges, including matters of dishonesty and car stealing. It is understood Rose will apply for bail on March 31, ahead of his hearing which is set down for June 21.

Delay in trial date for teacher accused of indecent assaults

Matthew Brunel George Thomas, the former St Marys school teacher accused of indecently assaulting four of his students, will have to wait another two weeks to be given a trial date after the Crown indicated it required further time to finalise the charges against him. Questions were also raised as to the length of the expected trial, with concerns it could exceed the two-week limit for trials sitting at Penrith. If this is the case, it will likely be set down for trial at Parramatta District Court. Thomas, who appeared by video link at Penrith District Court last Friday, is facing multiple indecency charges against four female students, two aged 11 and one aged 12 and nine at the time of the alleged offences, said to have been committed between mid-2015 and mid-2016. Thomas’ lawyer, Tamryn Beveridge, strongly opposed the adjournment, saying the 50-year-old has been bail refused

since July 2016 and wanted the matter dealt with as quickly as possible. She requested Judge Mark Buscombe fix a hearing date and the Crown could finalise its indictment in the interim. However Judge Buscombe refused. The school where Thomas worked at is unable to be identified for legal reasons. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to be committed for trial next month.

Man facing sex charges says DPP went back on deal

A prosecution blunder has left the case of a young Penrith man facing multiple underage sex charges up in the air. Christopher Grover, 19, is charged with one count of ‘having sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16’, five counts of ‘aggravated sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16 in company’, one count of ‘procure child for unlawful sexual activity’ and one count each of ‘filming and observing a person in a private act without consent’. The Derby Street resident, who appeared before Penrith Local Court via video link last Friday, was due to be committed for sentence last Thursday. But his frustrated lawyer made it clear all bets were off following an error by the Crown prosecutor. “The DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) reneged on the deal, and after Mr Grover was prepared to play his hand,” he said. It is alleged Grover had sex with the victim, a 15-year-old girl, by himself and multiple times while in the company of a male co-accused. He is also accused of filming her in a private act on his mobile phone without her consent while she was in a retail change room. Grover’s lawyer indicated that unless the DPP went back to their agreement, it will be a committal for trial on the next occasion. Grover is due back in court on April 7.

Homeless man sent to jail after replica pistol discovered

A homeless man found with a replica pistol has been sentenced to 10 months behind bars. Expecting to meet someone armed, police swooped on Kenneth John Brindley with guns drawn on March 1 after being alerted to the firearm by a member of the public. Unbeknownst to them, the increased force wasn’t necessary, with the weapon turning out to be a metal replica starters gun, which the 29-yearold claimed he found two or three days earlier in a Salvos bin. Magistrate Georgia Knight accepted he wasn’t doing anything sinister with the weapon at the time – with the item being found under his tent – but pointed out replica pistols were frequently falling into the wrong hands and being used to commit crime. “People don’t know if it’s a genuine firearm and whether they’ll be shot or not… so inherently, it’s a very serious offence,” she said. She said it was too grave a crime to be dealt with by a Section 9 bond and only imprisonment could reflect the seriousness of the offence. Brindley, who pleaded guilty to ‘possess prohibited drug’, ‘possess unauthorised pistol’ and ‘resist arrest’, was on bail for serious indictable offences at the time of the crimes, Penrith Local Court heard. He has pleaded not guilty to one count of ‘assault occasioning actual bodily harm’ and is due to face court again on that charge on May 4. He is eligible for release on parole on August 31.

Teenager to spend at least three years without a licence

A magistrate has refused a request to allow an unlicenced driver another chance to get his learner’s permit, saying the court is not here to “save people” from their own inaction. Despite extensive and impassioned

submission by his lawyer, the 19-year-old walked away from court with a three-year suspension after he was busted driving unlicenced for a second time. A first offence under NSW laws sees no disqualification, but a second unlicenced offence carries a three-year ban. The court heard the man had been given a total of six adjournments since August 2016 in order for him to obtain his licence and avoid the lengthy ban. In an attempt to explain his client’s inaction, his lawyer argued the 19-yearold’s brain was still developing, saying sometimes people’s brains don’t completely develop until the age of 21 or even as late as 28. “We know a lot of people’s brains don’t work… ever,” came Magistrate Georgia Knight’s witty reply. She accepted it was difficult for someone who works full time to get to the RMS, but said he had been given “large latitude” to get his licence and had wasted every opportunity. He was convicted, fined $400 and disqualified for the automatic three-year period.

Good behaviour bond and fine for mail thief

Scott William Taylor has been hit with a $1,500 fine and a good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to fraud. Mr Taylor fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday after he was caught stealing mail from letterboxes. Magistrate Georgia Knight told Taylor it was “simply not fair” to help himself to other people’s property and take their money. She said stealing from letterboxes and taking identities was a very serious matter, which was becoming more and more common. She said she would give him a chance to address his offending behaviour, warning him he could go to jail if he failed. He was convicted, handed a two-year good behaviour bond and fined $1,500.

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Police Snapshot COMPILED BY EMILY NEWTON

St Marys: Police issue warning after spate of thefts

St Marys Police are urging motorists to make sure that they lock their vehicles when left unattended and remove any items of value or keep them out of sight. There have been a number of recent thefts from unattended motor vehicles over the past few weeks, particularly in the St Marys, St Clair and Werrington areas. Often, vehicles have had the registration plates taken off them. Property taken from vehicles also includes wallets containing cash and bank cards, electronic equipment such as mobile telephones and laptop computers, building equipment and tools. If you see any persons acting suspiciously in your local area or around vehicles please contact St Marys Police on 9677 7499.

St Clair: Teenager attacked with machete and robbed

An 18-year-old man has been attacked with a machete and robbed during the early hours of Saturday morning. The Erskine Park man was on Endeavour Avenue, St Clair with a group of friends at about 1am on Saturday, March 25. It is alleged that three males have approached the 18-year-old, one allegedly producing a machete and slashing at the teenager. A struggle has ensued and at some point during the struggle one of the males has grabbed the 18-year-old’s watch and taken it. A short time later the males have left and investigations into the incident are continuing. They are only described as Islander in appearance, all in their early 20s.

Emu Plains: Alleged fire bug returns to scene of the crime

CCTV footage has helped catch a man who allegedly started a fire at an Emu Plains shopping complex.

It is alleged that at 4.30am on Sunday, March 26, the 40-year-old man with no fixed place of address went around to the loading dock of the shops. He rummaged around the back before leaving, and a short time later a fire broke out in the same area. Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished by 10am. As police finished their examination of the scene around that time, officers noticed that the man had returned, recognising him from CCTV footage. The accused was identified, arrested and charged with bail refused.

Penrith: Paramedic attacked while grabbing a bite to eat

An ambulance officer in full uniform was eating at a public place on Henry Street, Penrith, when he was approached by another man. It is alleged that the male, a 42-year-old from Penrith, began arguing with the officer, 43-years-old, before he began pushing him. Police attended where they arrested the man who was charged with common assault. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, April 11.

Kingswood: Vehicle search uncovers illegal drugs

A substance that is believed to be methylamphetamine has been found in a number of small resealable plastic bags after a car was searched in Kingswood. At about 8.30pm on Sunday, March 26 police were patrolling Richmond Road, Kingswood. They have stopped a motor vehicle and spoken with the driver, a 46-year-old Seven Hills woman and the passenger, a 40-year-old West Pennant Hills man. The vehicle was searched where it is alleged that police located a handbag belonging to the driver with the illicit substances. Both have been charged.

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

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Balance, not politics Debate has been raging amongst politicians and commentators alike in recent weeks about Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975. The Government is trying to amend some wording in the Act that they say will raise the threshold for contravening the legislation and ensure that the lines between free-speech and hate-speech are not blurred to diminish the democratic right of Australians to express their views. Section 18C in its current form says that it is “unlawful for a person to do an act … that is reasonably likely … to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person … because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin…” Those arguing for the amendments say that the definition of such contravening behaviour, in particular the words “offend” and “insult”, is too broad and infringes on our right to express an opinion about different ethnicities and cultures in an increasingly multicultural society. Unsurprisingly the Opposition are painting the Government as savages, peddling the flawed rhetoric, “why does the Government want to legalise the humiliation of Australians?”, which unfortunately is just another political furphy that undermines the debate. The real issue that should be being discussed is how do we balance the rights of ordinary Australians to have an opinion and exercise free-speech, which has long underpinned much of our country’s democratic history, with the rights of people from all different ethnic and racial backgrounds to enjoy a society free of racism, ostracism and

vilification. One is not more important than the other, and both are critical to a functioning society, so we should be talking about balance, not politics. The writer takes the view that we are individually responsible for the manner in which we communicate our ideas, however controversial. If we choose to communicate in such a way that leaves us teetering on the edge of being guilty of contravening Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, then we accept that risk when we publish or communicate our views. This does not mean that we are guilty, just that we need to be willing to defend ourselves if we want to push the envelope and say things that are controversial. Why have any opinion in the first place if you are not willing to defend it if someone takes umbrage? What is arguably most challenging about this debate are the words “offend” and “insult”. These words are largely subjective and mean different things to different people, more so than more general terms like “humiliate”, “intimidate” or “vilify” which are more easily defined based on the generally universal morals much of society share. The problem with words like “offend” and “insult” is that their definitions come down to the individual and what offends or insults one person may well be seen as humorous or irrelevant to another. Here’s to hoping the debate doesn’t continue to descend into a left versus right battle to the death so the law can continue to evolve and not be hamstrung by political power plays.

Take charge and construct your own career. TEAM Training provides live, on-site training giving you the core skills, tickets and knowledge to job ready for a career in the civil construction industry. Be job ready. Be ambitious. Penrith information and sign on day Monday 10th April from 11:30am. Register now.

Call 1300 799 251 or visit teamtrainingnational.com.au WW27411

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

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Kids to give cancer a ‘SMAC’ Martial arts centre prepares to take on Penrith’s Relay For Life

The Northern Road Upgrade Glenmore Parkway to Jamison Road Site investigations and site setup from Tuesday, 4 April 2017 Roads and Maritime Services will be continuing site LQYHVWLJDWLRQV DQG ZLOO VWDUW VHWXS RI WKH PDLQ VLWH RIƓFH IRU construction of The Northern Road Upgrade between Glenmore Parkway, Glenmore Park and Jamison Road, South Penrith. This SURMHFW LV H[SHFWHG WR EH RSHQ WR WUDIƓF LQ Work includes: • Surveying • Utility investigations • Earthworks Ř ,QVWDOOLQJ WKH VLWH RIƓFH DQG IHQFLQJ

Local martial arts students are ready to give cancer a SMAC. Photo: Melinda Jane

We will be onsite between Tuesday 4 April and Friday 5 May 2017, weather permitting.

EMILY NEWTON

Work hours will be between 7am and 6pm on Tuesday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturday. We will notify the community if work needs to be done outside these standard working hours.

Our work may be noisy. Where possible mitigation will be used to reduce impacts. All work will be carried out in accordance with the project’s Environmental Protection License and relevant best practise guidelines.

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7KHUH ZLOO EH VRPH WHPSRUDU\ WUDIƓF FKDQJHV WR HQVXUH WKH ZRUN zone is safe. We thank you for your patience during this important work.

tudents at Shaolin Martial Arts Centres are ready to give cancer a ‘SMAC’ at Relay For Life next month. Over 30 people will be taking part in the first SMAC-a-thon as kids are setting personal goals while raising much-needed funds for the Cancer Council. Master Stuart Brooks said the support from the kids and their families has been fantastic. “We want the kids to take part to promote healthy marital arts and to show that all kids can do this,” he said. “While we’re doing that, we also want to raise money for important cancer research because

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For more information please contact our delivery partner Lendlease on 1800 870 665, tnr.community@lendlease.com or visit rms.nsw.gov.au/wsip.

cancer has touched our SMAC family in a lot of different ways.” So far, SMAC has raised $1,300 with the goal to hit $2,000. The club specialises in children’s programs that incorporate anti-bullying, concentration, focus and personal discipline. Mr Brooks said that the values of respect, discipline, honour and integrity taught at SMAC will be explored during the relay. “We teach working with other people, teamwork and various other things,” he said With a stand set up along the side of the Relay for Life track, SMAC is inviting everyone to stop by and learn something new. The Penrith Relay For Life will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Penrith Paceway.

ADDRESS:

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St Marys

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Proudly brought to you by:

Saturday 8th April, 10am - 2pm Coachmans Park Cnr Queen St and Charles Hackett Dr, St Marys Kids, come to St Marys with your parents and take part in the 2017 St Marys Easter Egg Hunt. Dress up in your favourite Easter costume or wear an Easter hat and register to participate. It is free to register and you will receive an Easter bag. There will be loads of free entertainment including face painting, jumping castle, animal farm and prizes to be won. Bring the family and enjoy your time in St Marys. PROGRAM: St Marys Easter Egg Hunt commences Brock Rodziewicz - singer Kodie Amos - singer Fairy Wishes Easter Show Red Hot and Country – Line Dancing demonstration 11:50AM Dance Industrie – dance performance 12:00PM Chloe DeChellis - singer 12:10PM Centre Stage – dance performance 10:00AM 10:10AM 10:30AM 11:00AM 11:30AM

Meet the Easter Bunny

12:30PM Fairy Wishes Easter Show 1:00PM Fancy dress parade – Kids be in the park with your Easter Hat for your chance to win a prize. 1:10PM Olivia Kezik - singer 1:20PM Hanna – keyboard performance 1:30PM Emily Anderson - singer 1:40PM Total Talent Academy – dance performance True and correct at the time of printing. Subject to change.

Kids, be in Coachmans Park at 1pm to participate in the Easter Hat and Costume Parade. There will be prizes to be won for the most creative outﬁts

Free Easter kids shows at 11am and 12.30pm

Thank you to the businesses and organisations within St Marys CBD for their support of this event: Adam Hughes from Harcourts Your Place Annastacias Hair Design Baldo’s Hair Care Centre Big G’s Pizza Catch Hair Design Cath’s Cakes Chimes City Country Pets

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Health

Make Healthy Normal: New signs aim to increase activity

Coreen Ave Veterinary Clinic and Western Sydney Cat Hospital Where every pet has the opportunity to be loved, cared for and recognised as a priority. Every pet entering the practice becomes an integral part of our family unit. Thankyou to our clients for entrusting us with the care of your pets. Unit 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave Penrith, NSW, 2750 0247 313 055

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The new Make Healthy Normal signs were unveiled this week. Photo: Melinda Jane EMILY NEWTON

igns encouraging more physical activity have been installed at playgrounds throughout Penrith. Penrith Council and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) have teamed up to encourage families to be active together at playgrounds through the ‘Make Healthy Normal’ campaign. Signs encouraging physical activity have been erected at local parks as part of the initiative. NBMLHD Health Promotion Officer

Kellie Ellis said the signs will encourage parents to get involved in more physical activities with their children. “The idea was to get some messages out for people that are using the public spaces, that it’s time to get active with their kids,” Ms Ellis said. Penrith Mayor John Thain said being unhealthy has become too normal. “It’s never too late to make a change, we need to change normal – we need to make healthy normal,” he said. The signs are located at playgrounds at Jamison Park, the River Walk at Tench Reserve and Regatta Park and also Barr and Bass Street Reserve in Colyton.

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Lending a helping hand for 25 years viduals. From buying beds and comfortable chairs to writing help booklets and being a shoulder to lean on through the “extremely harrowing” experience of having a sick child, the help of volunteers has been selfless. The charity has also supported the hospital and local families by providing cutting edge equipment. This includes three refrigerated cots, more lovingly called Angel Cots, costing $8,000 each that allow parents as much time as they need to say final farewells to babies who have grown their wings. “Not every outcome is successful when babies are born,” Ms Clarke said. “There are deaths, it’s just a fact of life. One of the proudest things we’ve done is help parents grieve.” Ms Clarke said there is always a need for this unique charity, and is grateful for the support of the local community over the last 25 years. “The Penrith community and the Blue Mountains community have been incredibly generous over the years,” Ms Clarke said. “I want to thank all the special parents who have given their time and love to this unique charity over the last 25 years and to the many, many local donors who have so generously fundraised.” To reach out to NNICUPS, visit www. facebook.com/NNICUPS.

EMILY NEWTON

or a quarter of a century, a unique support group has provided help to parents whose newborn babies are facing significant health challenges. The Nepean Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parent Support (NNICUPS) group is marking the milestone and looking back on all of its achievements. Founded in March 1992 by Julie Clarke, NNICUPS aims to help alleviate the anxiety and trauma of parents who have a baby being cared for in intensive care. What began as a group of eight mothers who wanted to help other parents through the journey of having their baby born too early or ill at birth, has evolved into an integral part of Nepean Hospital. “We give emotional support to parents in that we talk to them,” Ms Clarke said. “There is nothing like talking to someone who has been through a similar experience. “You think childbirth is an incredibly natural process, but it doesn’t always happen that way. “We’re there to help alleviate anxiety while their baby is in the unit and then support them while their baby is at home.” Over the years the charity has supported hundreds of families and countless indi-

Lyn Downe, Malinda Guerin and her baby Ella with Julie Clarke at the NICU. Photo: Melinda Jane

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Community

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Community

Business and sporting identities locked up, but you can save them!

Local man to walk Bridge to Bridge for 24 hours straight EMILY NEWTON

hen local Chris Barton first heard about the illness that bound eight-year-old Chloe Saxby to a wheelchair, he knew he had to help. Chloe, who lives in Wollongong with her family, is one of only seven people in Australia with Vanishing White Matter Disease, an extremely rare, degenerative and terminal illness. After working with her uncle five years ago, Mr Barton said hearing Chloe’s story was overwhelming. “I’ve also got a seven-year-old daughter, and that’s why it hits home for me so much because I thought it could easily be my daughter – it could really be anyone,” he said. “I got to know the family and thought I needed to do my part to raise awareness. “It’s one of those diseases no one has heard about.” Mr Barton is calling on the community to join him this Saturday for a lap around the 7km Bridge to Bridge walk at Nepean River, to raise funds for the disease. Mr Barton himself plans to do the iconic walk for 24 hours straight. “What I’d love is for people to come down on the day and walk a lap with me, and donate $20 to walk,” he said.

Yvonne Jones and Leann Dobbin inside the mock jail cells. Photo: Melinda Jane EMILY NEWTON

s part of National Youth Week, invited members of the community will be “doing time to stop youth crime” to raise funds for Penrith PCYC. Penrith PCYC Manager Leann Dobbin said the fundraiser involves posting bail for local business and sporting figures, who are in a mock jail. “To celebrate Youth Week this year, we’re holding our Time4Kids fundraiser,” Ms Dobbin said. “Jail time gets the whole community involved and allows us to have some fun

whilst raising money for our programs. Raising much-needed funds assists us in helping disadvantaged families in our community access activities at our centre and run free development programs for our youth such as self esteem and anger management programs.” The event, assisted by Vintage FM and the Penrith CBD Corporation, aims to raise $8000 to help fund community programs. The jail cells will be set up in Westfield Penrith outside Big W on Thursday, April 6 from 9am until 6.30pm as prisoners campaign to raise money for their bail. To get involved, call Ms Dobbin on 4732 1755 or make a donation on the day.

Chris Barton. Photo: Melinda Jane Expected to walk 124km over the 24 hours, Mr Barton is only giving himself one or two minutes at the end of each lap to head to the bathroom and grab food. Formerly a teacher at Springwood High School, he has found recent success in business that has allowed him to focus on the walk. Chloe and her family will make the trip to Penrith to attend the event which begins at 9am this Saturday, April 1.

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

Spicy Penrith Spicy Penrith is on again. This year, for the first time, it’s come to The Joan – right in the heart of our City. More than 100 performers will come together in a music and dance spectacular, showcasing the vibrant subcontinental cultures of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India. The concert will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Saturday, April 1. There will be a range of stalls on the Mondo before the concert, from 3pm to 5.45pm. The stalls offer a unique opportunity to explore the traditions of these amazing cultures, try some of their delicious foods, and learn about the valuable contributions these community groups make to our City. You’ll find everything from henna artists to fair trade products, as well as Indian Artefacts and Pink Sari, who promote breast cancer awareness for the subcontinent community. Spicy Penrith is a fun and fabulous

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family outing and is always a great success. This year we have more seats available than ever before, so you can bring the whole family to experience this unique and spectacular local talent. This year you will enjoy performances of a range of traditional dance styles, including Semi Classical Indian Dance, Bollywood Fusion, Tamil Peacock and Rain dance, to name a few. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $17 for children (under 16 years). Your ticket includes a meal voucher, so you can enjoy your choice of India or Nepal’s finest cuisine. Tickets can be bought from The Joan’s box office. They’re also available online at thejoan.com.au, over the phone on 4723 7600 and via email at boxoffice@ jspac.com.au. Have a great time at the event! See you in next week’s paper.

CR JOHN THAIN Mayor of Penrith

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: If you want to stay informed with what’s happening where you live, work and play, make sure you follow the Weekender on Twitter. You will find us @wwpenrith.

SPECIAL FEATURE Chance for us all to learn more

Autism Awareness Day: Local families facing very real struggle ost parents find it hard to imagine the struggle of caring for a child with autism, but local mum Katie Gilbert experiences it every day times three. With three sons under eight diagnosed, Ms Gilbert is using Autism Awareness Day to shine light on the needs of family members. “It’s hard to take care of yourself, we’re quite often forgotten about,” Ms Gilbert said. She recalls the moment her eldest son was first diagnosed with autism, and she was forced to reevaluate her world. “It was a bit of a shock, actually,” she said. “I hadn’t met anyone with autism myself, so all I knew about it was what I had seen on TV.”

After her younger sons were also diagnosed, Ms Gilbert dedicated her life to learning about the disorder. “Information is power, and I wanted to know as much as I could to not only help me come to terms with it, but to help support them in the best possible way,” she said. “I’m still learning about autism.” Despite an unwavering love for her children, Ms Gilbert said she “mourned” her sons as she struggled to find appropriate support networks early on. “We have so many hopes and dreams for our children, and even now I don’t know if they will ever be able to live out of home,” she said. “It sounds terrible, but all of my dreams for them came crashing down.” Often, the struggle of a child with

autism is overlooked as there is little understanding of it in the general community. On multiple occasions, Ms Gilbert has been harassed by strangers in public places. “When a child is having a meltdown, you get the condescending stare from strangers,” she said. “It makes you feel so uncomfortable.” While the biggest help for people with autism is early intervention, Ms Gilbert is encouraging family members to seek help for themselves. “Find someone who has lived through it who can explain it to you a little better and shine some light on it,” she said. Ms Gilbert praises the increasing recognition of autism in Penrith. – Emily Newton

Autism Awareness Day is being held on Sunday, April 2 to increase awareness in the community of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a developmental condition that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. People with ASD experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours. These difficulties are often accompanied by behavioural challenges and sensory issues. Autism does not discriminate – it touches all cultures and demographics. It is a lifelong developmental condition. It affects the way a person relates to his or her environment and their interactions with other people. The word ‘spectrum’ describes the diverse range of difficulties and their effect that people with ASD may experience. The figures are frightening – one in 68 children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder – which affects almost four times as many boys than girls. Currently, there are around 230,000 Australian people living with Autism. Consequently, early diagnosis followed up with early intervention services are vital in enhancing children’s lives and thus reaching their full potential. A flexible range of best practice early intervention services can help our children learn important life skills such as how to talk, read, write, draw, and valuable play skills for social interaction and lifelong independence. The Western Weekender today presents a special in-depth feature, profiling a range of service providers and assistance available to families dealing with an Autism diagnosis. Resources and help are also available via Autism Awareness Australia. Visit their website at www.autismawareness.com.au or call 1300 900 681.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

AUTISM AWARENESS

Aspect Capable Employment Service, offering person-centred employment training and support to job seekers on the autism spectrum. For more information contact Aspect’s Employment Coordinator Kate Halpin on (02) 8977-8382 or khalpin@aspect.org.au

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

SPECIAL FEATURE AUTISM AWARENESS

Building confidence and supporting strengths All Abilities Therapy & Support Services are NDIS registered providers of Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Psychology. We offer a range of individual sessions, group sessions & intensive school holiday programs. Ph: (02) 4731

3469

Suite 3003C (Borec House Level 3) 29-57 Station Street, Penrith NSW 2750

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SPONSORED CONTENT

veryone has their own unique abilities to be nurtured. The Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) offers a range of programs and services that support your individual strengths and build self confidence to achieve your best. AFFORD offers Allied Health Services which connect you with behavioural therapists, support from psychologists and other professional services so you receive the support you need. AFFORD also provides a range of support services for carers and families. Six years ago Rachel and her family joined AFFORD to help identify ways for Rachel to overcome anxiety and lack of confidence in her own abilities. Team Leaders at the AFFORD Penrith Lifestyle Centre took the time to get to know Rachel better; learn about her interests and develop a plan, specifically for Rachel, that outlined some of her personal goals and aspirations.

Today, Rachel is a vibrant, happy and confident young woman that takes part in many programs including music, dance, swimming and cooking. “Rachel has become a participant in her own life, rather than being someone just watching it,” comments the Senior Lifestyle Assistant at Penrith Lifestyle Centre. AFFORD is a registered charity and trusted provider of disability services to over 2,000 people every day across Greater Western Sydney. For more information about AFFORD, visit www. afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.

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Supporting your needs

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

SPONSORED CONTENT

AUTISM AWARENESS

SPECIAL FEATURE

Tamara Van Antwerpen from the Luke Priddis Foundation with the Marvelous Max books

Marvelous resource for teachers and students wareness and understanding comes from education and education starts in our schools. Marvelous Max, which started as a three minute animated video for Primary School kids, was proudly created in a joint effort between the Luke Priddis Foundation (LPF), Lil’ Melodies Director

Amy Gray and the animation experts at Blue Clay. The aim of the video was to create more awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Marvelous Max program is a free resource for all school across Australia, though it must be said that this program is now also being used in schools

throughout England, Canada, USA, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and the Ukraine. This year’s joint venture between Lil’ Melodies, Luke Priddis Foundation, Lions Club of Lugarno and Pack & Send Australia will see over 300 school libraries (and counting) receive two 24-page Marvelous Max books this April.

The Marvelous Max book is able to be used for all ages, stages 1-3. For local schools that participate in the ‘LPF Go Blue for Autism’ campaign, there is the opportunity to also receive the full 30-page Teachers Classroom Information, Resources and Student Activities Folder. This includes a Marvelous Max USB, facts, figures, strategies for teachers and students to implement in the classroom, along with lesson plans and class activities. Educating children about Autism Spectrum Disorder will help them better understand their classmates who are on the spectrum and the idiosyncrasies associated with the disorder. With increased understanding, the focus will shift away from characteristics that may make a classmate appear different and shift towards the positive aspects that make each individual a unique and important part of the school community. Leaving kids uninformed about Autism Spectrum Disorder can lead to misunderstanding which, in turn, can lead to bullying and a feeling of isolation for the children affected. Marvelous Max is designed to be presented to Primary School kids in Years 1-6. It is intended for all classes, not just those that have students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Register now or call the Luke Priddis Foundation Centre for Autism on 4736 2202 for more information. You can also head online and visit www. lukepriddisfoundation.com.

The LPF Centre for Autism facilitates a person-centered approach. The Foundation is proud to advocate for people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders and provides support and services to our community. The Luke Priddis Foundation is a Registered NDIS Provider. SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS

SERVICES

Lego Focus Group Duplo Club

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www.lpfcentreforautism.com Level 1, 496 High Street PENRITH, 2750

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Speech & Language Occupational Therapy

AUTISM AWARENESS

Who is NADO? We are all about community inclusion, individual achievement and family resilience. We pride ourselves on being a local organisation, with local knowledge and local connections. When people connect with NADO, new doors will open to work, friendship, sports, leisure and independence.

Our team can breathe life into your NDIS plan, enriching your goals with their ideas, passion and experience. We are passionate about helping each person we support to live life to the fullest.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP “Just like any other job seeker, people with ASD need assistance to establish their employment goals,” Mr Wren said. “A significant part of this process is learning about the available options.” NOVA staff listen to job seekers’ hopes for the future, help them establish clear and realistic goals and develop the skills to pursue those goals. Combined with post-placement support, NOVA is able to successfully find suitable positions in the community to match the goals of people with ASD. Visit www.novaemployment.com.au.

Accommodation * Respite * Supported Recreation * Supported Holidays * Sport and Leisure * Kids Programs * School Holiday Activities * Support Coordination * Plan Management * NDIS Supports

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o you want better health, more independence and an interesting social life? What about an improved selfconfidence and wellbeing? If you answered ‘yes’, then it’s time to get a job. But not just any job, one you enjoy that suits your skills, experience and abilities. You can do this through NOVA Employment, a specialist disability employment service that excels in finding and maintaining award-wage work for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through NOVA Employment, you are 20 per cent more likely to get a job than any other service provider in Sydney. Over 60 per cent of NOVA’s job seekers with ASD gain work in industries as various as warehousing, admin, hospitality, horticulture and maintenance. NOVA CEO, Martin Wren, says he’s sick of job seekers with ASD being pigeonholed into repetitive, menial roles because people assume that’s what they want.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE? TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!

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NADO now has two locations where we can ort C HELP you with your Support Coordination ur Supp with yo ELP you and NDIS Plan Implementation: NNeewwtoinon NADO Connect caƟ LLooca 66 Station Street, Penrith ………… Community Connections Building …………… Suite 105, 114-116 Henry Street, Penrith ………..........…………………………...…………………

Call NOW to discuss your individual support to suit your needs 1300 738 229 info@nado.org.au | www.nado.org.au

Find out more. p: 8830 0768 e: abilitylinks@uniting.org w: abilitylinksnsw.org.au

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SPECIAL FEATURE AUTISM AWARENESS ww w.p enr

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More than 30 years of helping children with Autism

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stablished in 1986, Nepean Speech and Language Services (NSLS) prides itself on being one of Penrith’s leading speech pathology practices in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Continuing education is deemed a necessity at NSLS. Amongst other Autism specific communication and social skills programs, all their therapists are trained in the world renowned Hanen ‘More Than Words’ program. This is a family-focused, social pragmatic intervention program which addresses the needs of both non-verbal and verbal children with ASD. This program teaches parents to learn about their child’s unique learning style, the importance of play, and the need to manipulate everyday routines in order to motivate the child to communicate effectively. Nepean Speech and Language Services

Domestic Violence Services Services for Migrant and Refugee Women Legal Advice Well-being Groups Information & Referral Service

4721 8749 Penrith Women’s Health Centre is a community organisation run by women for women and is funded by NSW Health WW27324

also provides outreach services to many schools in the Penrith area, including schools that have Autism Support Classes. Social skills groups are run through school holiday periods in order to provide true to life situations for children to practise their social skills in. NSLS are registered NDIS and DSS providers, and proudly provide services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from 12 months of age to adulthood, and across all levels of severity. Contact Nepean Speech and Language Services to access further information. For more information, visit www.nsls. com.au, call 4721 4766 or send an email to mail@nsls.com.au. You can also follow NSLS on social media via Facebook.

Cameron’s Story

Cameron was diagnosed with autism at a young age. He was non-verbal, sensory sensitive and extremely picky with his food. Cameron disliked wearing clothing, shoes and often absconded from home and preschool. Cameron was non-verbal throughout his primary school \HDUV 'XULQJ KLV KLJK VFKRRO \HDUV KH ȵRXULVKHG +H began wearing clothing for the entire day, his speech improved and his social skills increased which included social interaction with all students at school.

Thorndale Foundation provide a range of supports to enable participants to realise their individual capacities and aspirations. NDIS Registered Provider

Leisure, Living & Life Skills

Employment – Garden Maintenance, Production, Recycling

Residential Services

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) Vocational Training P: PO Box 122, St Marys NSW 1790 T: (02) 9912 7800

NDIS Support Coordination Group Support Individual Support

The time came for Cameron to complete high school which was another hurdle, and transition into employment. For Cameron to embrace this life change he was encouraged by his family to purchase his work clothing including a hi-vis vest…..he now had his uniform and was ready to commence employment. Cameron has settled into employment and enjoys working at Thorndale Industries. He is now able to travel independently to work using public transport as well as appropriately answer questions asked of him. “I highly recommend Thorndale as a workplace and commend them on their professionalism, compassion for their clients and helpfulness to families turning to them for assistance” said Tina-Maree (mum).

A: 47-49 Rance Road, Werrington NSW 2747

E: info@thorndale.com.au

W: www.thorndale.org.au

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Support as unique as your child.

Breaking through barriers

Specialising in disability and mental health services, Breakthru offers a variety of supports to help people find meaningful training and employment. They believe that with personalised service, customer choice and collaboration, customers can achieve their goals and aspirations. Breakthruâ€™s pursuit of excellence is evidenced by their unwavering commitment to personal planning and individualised support. Breakthru believes everyone deserves an experience and service that delivers true choice and puts you in control of your life. Visit yourchoice.breakthru. yomstar.com.

If you have a child with an ASD, we can provide support in many ways, including help for your child to develop their communication and language skills, take part in school and sport, participate in group activities, learn social skills and make friends and much more. WW27277

he right planning and compassion can go a long way when it comes to looking after your future. To achieve the best life possible, Breakthru is committed to helping create your future your way by providing customers with a range of services to bring their choices to life. A registered provider of the NDIS, their focus is breaking through barriers, and they are reinforcing this stance on Autism Awareness Day. Working with thousands of Australians over the past 20 years, Breakthru recognises that everyone has a story and is committed to improving the lives of people they support.

To find out more, call 1300 831 445 Tailored support for children with a disability or developmental delay.

www.sdn.org.au NDIS Registered Provider

Fitness4Autism An event jointly organised by The Luke Priddis Foundation & Little by Little Inc

Sunday 9 April JAMISON PARK, PENRITH

Join us for a run or walk and a picnic in the park. Free fitness activities, sausage sizzle, drinks, face painting and rides.

Registration

Entry

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IN ADVANCE IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED BY EMAILING EVENTS@LUKEPRIDDISFOUNDATION.COM OR AJCULLEN47@TPG.COM.AU CALL: 4736 2202

INDIVIDUALS $20 FAMILY OF 4 $50 FAMILY OF 5 $60 FAMILY OF 6 $70 GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

FROM 9.00AM 5KM RUN 10AM 5KM WALK 10.45AM

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Friday, March 31, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

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AUTISM AWARENESS

Endeavouring to raise awareness ith significant media attention on autism in the new NDIS world, there is a great opportunity to shine a light on what it means to be on the spectrum. Simon Wardale, Manager with Endeavour Foundation’s Specialist Behaviour Service, said that taking time to consider the experience of autism will benefit everyone. “Some people with autism struggle with new social situations and social skills. This can seem like a disinterest in social interaction but often that’s not the case,” he said. “People with autism can tend to struggle to pick up on subtle social cues, and

to understand how others are thinking or feeling which, as you might imagine, makes it very hard to work out how you are ‘supposed’ to respond.” He explains that this barrier to understanding creates anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed which can, in turn, lead to unwanted behaviour. “If Autism Awareness Day can achieve anything, it must be greater understanding and empathy,” Mr Wardale said. “While support and access to necessary services is crucial, there’s also a huge amount of work to be done in terms of how we, as a society, take steps to understand and be active in creating an inclusive, accepting environment.”

• Early Childhood Specialist Educators • Occupational Therapists • Psychologists

• Speech Pathologists • Physiotherapists • Family Support Worker

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Working with you to bring real possibilities to life through the NDIS. Make the most of your skills and interests – at home, at work and in the community. Contact us for a chat.

1800 112 112 hello@endeavour.com.au endeavour.com.au WW27373

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Who is Flintwood? Flintwood is a ﬂexible service that enhances the opportunities of people with disabilities to have a varied and fulﬁlling life within the community. A normal day may consist of? • • • •

Helping people achieve their dreams/goals and aspirations Support people in creating their own independence to participate in activities consistent with their likes and interests Accessing the community on a regular basis both in groups or individual support Supporting life skill development

Want to join our team? We currently have a positions available across the Northern beaches, Parramatta and the Western suburbs areas. Day Service usually runs 8am – 4pm Mon – Fri. This is negotiable depending on your personal commitments and availability. Group Homes – run 24/7 Mon – Sun offering a variety of shifts to suit your lifestyle

What we can offer you: • • • • • •

A work day that is never the same Activities around the Sydney metropolitan area The opportunity to display your unique talents and run activities Salary sacriﬁcing – the ability to earn extra tax free dollars and increase your take home pay A VIP membership that offers further discounts Professional development opportunities

About you: In addition to being a bright, innovative, supportive and enthusiastic person, you need: • A valid and current drivers licence • Currently hold, or willing to obtain a ﬁrst aid certiﬁcate and • Currently hold, or willing to obtain a Cert III Individual Support (Disability)

For more information, contact us on 02 9630 1777 or forward your resume to human.resources@ﬂintwood.org.au to show your interest. Apply now to join a rapidly growing and well respected Organisation with strong commitment to our employees, Participants and families. 32

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Flintwood is here to help lintwood Disability Services is an organisation focused on enhancing the lives and opportunities of adults living with disabilities. They are committed to working with individuals and their families to support the lifestyles and aspirations they choose as individuals. Flintwood is fully immersed in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the changes and opportunities it brings. They are working closely with families and individuals to ensure they can work best to help you achieve your dreams and aspirations. They have a good variety of programs and services to suit every individual.

Flintwood continually strives to employ skilled and motivated people to provide high level support. Employees receive ongoing training and support to ensure the highest quality of service is provided to their clients. Some employment options include: • Working in a group • Supporting individuals in the community or in their home • Flexible hours offered both weekdays and weekends • Casual and permanent employment If you are a family or individual and want more information on how Flintwood can support you, call 9630 1777 or email admin@flintwood.org.au.

It’s all about your family

Lifestart supports children and young people living with disability or delay aged 0-24 years, their families and carers through: • early intervention • school age years support • specialised therapy • inclusion in the community • family information and support • helping communities and services to build capacity

Tel: 9623 2100 • Email: nepean@lifestart.org.au 8-10 Carinya Ave St Marys • www.lifestart.org.au WW18292

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Speech pathology services for children and adults

Ph: 4721 4766 Our speech pathologists: • Specialise in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder • Are trained in Hanen ‘More than Words’ and ‘Talkability’ communication programs • We are registered NDIS providers

We also treat communication difficulties such as: • • • • • •

Articulation • Rehabilitation-post brain injury Developmental delay Dyspraxia • Reading, writing and spelling Expressive language • Receptive language Learning difficulties • Stuttering Are registered with Medicare and private health funds

Shop 1, ‘The Broadwalk Arcade’ 458 High Street, Penrith ph. (02) 4721 4766 www.nsls.com.au e. mail@nsls.com.au

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I am much happier about life with my NDIS plan. I have found a passion to help others.

Realise the power of the NDIS with world class solutions n an era when more and more of us are time poor and juggling priorities, a new partnership is giving NDIS participants greater freedom with choice and control over their plans. NSW residents can now access these world class solutions so everyone can realise the full potential of their NDIS plans. Not many people have heard of “self direction” or “plan management”, but together they liberate NDIS participants from the administration burden of managing their plan. Simply put, this takes the stress out of dealing with payments and paperwork while opening the door to “unbiased” providers. In an Australian first, Integra has joined with US-based Public Partnerships (PCG) to provide self-direction and plan management to NDIS participants. Integra is part of the APM group of companies, a human services specialist

HANNAH, HWNS customer EVERY DAY House with No Steps support people like you on their NDIS journey. Let’s work together on making your plan a reality. visit hwns.com.au email enquiries@hwns.com.au freecall 1300 LETS GO (538 746)

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with more than 20 years’ experience and delivering services to more than 900,000 people throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. PCG has helped more than 130,000 people in the US through plan management services. Integra’s unique offering to NDIS participants includes: • Ensuring high quality provider service agreements are in place • Locating providers best able to meet specific needs • Navigating the system, and teaching participants how to develop the skills to allow them to exercise true choice and control • Ensuring participants have full budget control Want to learn more? 1800 MYNDIS.

How will I manage MY new NDIS budget? We’re here to help you put your NDIS plan and supports into action. We will remove the confusion, coordinate your Supports for you, and give you the freedom to make decisions that perfectly suit both your needs and budget.

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storm chasers B R EA K I N G TH E A A M I PA R K H OO D OO

MASKED PANTHER > P34 | JAMIE SOWARD > P39 | CELEBRITY TIPSTERS > P44-45

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

GUS DUMPS SMH » Panthers coach Anthony Griffin wanted

his side to bunker down this week and focus on Saturday night’s game against Melbourne, eliminating as many distractions as possible. Griffin arranged for his squad’s two compulsory media sessions to be held on Saturday and Monday, getting them out of the way nice and early so he could ensure he had 100 per cent attention from his players in preparation for the game. The squad considers Saturday night’s game a crucial one – they are still burning over their loss to the Roosters a fortnight ago and are desperate to prove themselves against a top four side.

» In a huge blow to Fairfax, Phil Gould

will no longer be writing his popular columns for the Sun Herald or the Sydney Morning Herald. Gould (pictured) has signed an exclusive deal with Channel Nine that will expand on his current role as a commentator on their rugby league coverage. Gould’s columns will now appear on Nine’s digital offerings online. “I am absolutely thrilled with this new opportunity to expand my role with Channel Nine and interact with the real fans of rugby league through our various media platforms,” Gould said. “The extended service Channel Nine will be providing to lovers of rugby league is very exciting indeed. I feel honoured and grateful to be part of such a wonderful team here at Channel Nine.”

» Spotted: Injured forward James FisherHarris stopped in to Cook’s Castle on High Street for a bite of Indian food after watching last Friday’s game against Newcastle from the sidelines.

» Penrith officials were surprised at the

size of last Friday evening’s crowd at Pepper Stadium. Spooked by the 6pm timeslot, which most clubs strongly disagree with, officials would have been pleased with anything over 8,000 especially given the current pulling power of the opposition. To exceed the 10,000 mark was impressive – and even more telling is that it was a bigger crowd than the Western

Sydney Wanderers attracted against Melbourne City in a much more friendly timeslot on the same night.

Panthers boss Phil Gould has signed an exclsuive deal with Nine

» Meanwhile, the Panthers v Knights

game attracted 179,000 viewers on Fox League, making it the lowest watched game of the round. In fact, except for the opening round of the competition, the Friday 6pm game has been the lowest rating game of every weekend so far. The jury remains out but early signs are that the vast majority of fans, sponsors, journalists and clubs who opposed the new timeslot will be proven right. The ‘pub game’ theory never made sense and I’m yet to see any evidence that people are cramming into watering holes across Sydney in a desperate attempt to watch the 6pm clash.

» Just on the 6pm timeslot, it’s inter-

esting to note that the clubs receive no compensation from the NRL for hosting a game in the dreaded timeslot. That’s despite poor crowds resulting in lower gate receipts, fewer merchandise sales and lower than usual food and drink takings.

» The mysterious OAK Plus made a

sneaky appearance at Panthers training on Monday afternoon. OAK was filming a commercial for the new product, which is rumoured to be some sort of milk-focused energy drink. The Panthers have been wearing OAK Plus branding on their jerseys since the start of the season despite the product not yet being available to purchase.

» Rumours that the Western Force could be axed from the Super Rugby competition will almost certainly raise some interest at NRL headquarters. Perth is a logical expansion location for the NRL given the new TV timeslot it opens up every fortnight, which will be lucrative when the new TV deal is up for negotiation.

» If Penrith beat Melbourne on Saturday, it will be their 500th first grade win.

» Congratulations to Panthers winger

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who will become a father for the first time later this year. Dallin and his partner are expecting a baby in August.

» The Panthers are set to lose talented

youngster Zach Dockar-Clay to England. While Dockar-Clay has huge wraps on him, he’s struggling to find a path to first grade at Penrith and is rumoured to be on the verge of accepting a deal with Hull

KR. The 21-year-old captained the Junior Kiwis in 2015.

Panthers legend Royce Simmons may be 56-years-old, but you can’t fault his stamina. Last Friday Simmons was hard at it early in the morning at Panthers HQ, then was the guest speaker at a Men of League function, before hosting Captain’s Club events at the stadium. He was then spotted at the Leagues Club just after 11pm, controversially without a beer!

CC TYRES is a family-owned independent business established more than 60 years ago We supply many local businesses, Fleet companies, Government and Trade contracts. Selling all Tyre Brands, we supply and fit for Cars, Trucks, 4X4, Trailers, and Farm and Plant machinery. We stock all major brands of tyres and wheels. The latest equipment for larger wheel and run flat tyres. Using the latest equipment such as: Premium inflation systems for clean dry air & the newest CAMERA Alignment for the best possible result. WW26913

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MATCH PREVIEW

STORM WARNING PANTHERS V STORM | SATURDAY, APRIL 1 • 7.30PM | AAMI PARK | REFEREES: ASHLEY KLEIN & DAVE MUNRO | TV: FOX LEAGUE

PANTHERS 1

Matt Moylan (c)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 20

Dean Whare Waqa Blake Tyrone Peachey Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Te Maire Martin Nathan Cleary James Tamou Peter Wallace Reagan Campbell-Gillard Corey Harawira-Naera Issah Yeo Trent Merrin Peta Hiku 15 Leilani Latu Viliame Kikau Sitaleki Akauola Moses Leota 19 Tim Browne S Katoa 21 J Fisher-Harris

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 31, 2017

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STORM

James Tamou was in fine form against Newcastle last Friday. Photo: Melinda Jane

TROY DODDS @troydodds

f you believe that statistics and history define the likely result of a match, you’d be fearful of what awaits the Panthers against the undefeated Melbourne Storm this Saturday night. The Panthers have never won at AAMI Park in six attempts and have tasted victory in just seven of their 31 games against the Storm. Penrith lose to Melbourne more than they do any other club, with an all-time win percentage of just 22.6 per cent (the next closest being the Roosters at just under 38 per cent). But despite what the numbers show, there’s plenty of confidence surrounding the Panthers heading into this game, espe-

cially on the back of the performances of the respective teams last weekend. The Panthers were all over Newcastle from the opening minute, failing to surrender a point in the 40-0 trouncing at Pepper Stadium. The Storm, meanwhile, looked out of sorts before finally getting on top of the Tigers to win 22-14 in what was an uncharacteristic performance at Leichhardt Oval. In the last few days I’ve heard all the reasons why Penrith will apparently finally break their AAMI Park hoodoo. “Melbourne look like they are due for a loss” and “It’s our time to finally win down there” are the two leading conversation starters. Anthony Griffin will be having none of that. He knows that you don’t expect victory against Craig Bellamy’s men, you earn it. Winning on Saturday night is all about

producing a strong performance in both attack and defence, and making very few errors. It’s about not missing that tackle you missed against the Dragons, or dropping that ball you let get away against the Roosters. It’s about committing for the full 80 minutes and frustrating Melbourne to such a point that they have to exit their usual format and push passes they wouldn’t normally push. So, is this Penrith side ready? One moment against the Knights last weekend suggests it is. And it’s got nothing to do with the 40 points they scored, nor the way they simply kept coming at Newcastle’s line time and time again. For me, the moment that proved this Panthers side has what it takes to beat quality teams came in the 64th minute. Already up 34-0, when Nathan Ross exploded down the eastern edge of Pepper Stadium, you could have forgiven the

Billy Slater

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

Young Tonumaipea Will Chambers Cheyse Blair Josh Addo-Carr Ryley Jacks Cooper Cronk Jesse Bromwich Cameron Smith (c) Jordan McLean Felise Kaufusi Kenneath Bromwich Dale Finucane Christian Welch 15 T Glasby Nelson Asofa-Solomona Joe Stimson 18 Mark Nicholls T Kamikamica 20 J Hawkins

Panthers for not chasing hard. But from the shadows came a sprinting Te Maire Martin, running Ross down to save what would have been a certain try. Waqa Blake, James Tamou, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and a host of other Panthers were nearby too – the chase was ferocious and determined. It was a game-defining moment lost in the big scoreline, but I assure you, it mattered plenty. The spine-tingling performance of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and for that matter the entire Penrith pack proved that they are ready to take on the competition’s most feared heavyweights. Whatever the result this Saturday night, I have little doubt that the Panthers will be competitive. On the back of a lengthy preparation and confidence-building victory, it may just be time to walk away from AAMI Park as winners. Tip: Panthers by 4

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

CENTRE OF ATTENTION NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

here’s something about Melbourne that the Penrith Panthers just don’t like. They haven’t won in the Victorian capital in 12 years, and have only been victorious there twice since the Storm came into the competition way back in 1998. Electric Panthers centre Tyrone Peachey wasn’t aware of that unwanted stat when Extra Time caught up with him after training on Monday afternoon. “I didn’t know we hadn’t won there since 2005,” Peachey admitted. “I’m not too sure why we can’t win down there. Since I’ve been here we haven’t won there but we’ve always had a young team.” In fact, Penrith have only beaten the Storm seven times from 31 attempts – the

last victory a 12-10 thriller at Pepper Stadium back in 2013. The Panthers are taking this Saturday night’s clash at AAMI Park very seriously and believe there’s no better time than the present to be challenging the Storm. “We’re all looking pretty healthy and everyone is fired up for this game after last week’s win,” Peachey said. “Melbourne’s ‘big three’ are pretty good players, so we’ll be trying to stop them and, if we manage that, we’ll go a long way to winning.” Penrith will head into this weekend’s battle of the heavyweights full of confidence after embarrassing the hapless Newcastle Knights 40-0 last Friday. While Peachey admitted the win wasn’t as perfect as the scoreline suggested, he was proud of the side’s effort to hold the Knights scoreless. “We’re a defence orientated team and we try and work really hard for each other,” he said.

Tyrone Peachey was all smiles following Panthers training on Monday “We didn’t really have to work on our attack over the pre-season, we’ve got pretty good attack already, but we put a massive emphasis on working on our defence.” Peachey scored an excellent try in the win over Newcastle, his third for the season so far. The 25-year-old new dad said he’s growing more and more comfortable every week in the centres. “I wouldn’t say I’m completely confident just yet because I still get nervous and have butterflies when teams shift my way,” Peachey said.

“I’m really enjoying my time in the centres and I’m just trying to do a good job every week to try and keep my spot there.” If Penrith can knock off the unbeaten Storm this weekend, it will no doubt make up for a narrow defeat to the red-hot Roosters a fortnight ago – a loss that still stings. “It was difficult to take that loss to the Roosters, they are a good team and we only just lost that game,” Peachey said. “We are taking this game very seriously. I think it’s going to be a good game against a team who haven’t lost yet. “We’re going to go down there and try and rattle their cage and get the win.”

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Why AAMI Park is a graveyard for visiting teams

JAMIE SOWARD

here are not many tougher places to play rugby league than down in Melbourne. I never won down there in my whole career. When you play a game anywhere else in the competition, you know you are going to have some fans there. While the Panthers will have some supporters at AAMI Park on Saturday night, they’ll unfortunately get drowned out by the home crowd. Melbourne is a one-eyed town – there are no 50/50 neutral fans down there. Another reason why it is so tough to win in the Victorian capital is because of the experienced, champion opposition you are coming up against. You have to be smart with your game plan in Melbourne and last year when we lost there 24-6, I don’t think our game plan was suited to the conditions. When I played there last year and back in 2015, we were out of both of those games in the first 15-20 minutes, just for being off the pace and having a few errors. Melbourne are a team who are quite happy to lead by 10 points, strangle you out of a game, and then get more points

towards the end. Last year wasn’t a great experience for me down in Melbourne as it was my last ever NRL game, but it wasn’t a tennis match – I wasn’t out there by myself. In Round 2, 2014, when I first played down there with Penrith, we just lost on the buzzer but we had a very good game plan that night. The plan was to hang with them, don’t push any offloads, kick early and run hard – the Wests Tigers showed last Sunday that there might be a platform for that, to really go through them. The illusion Melbourne create is they want you to go around them, they want you to come up and in, but they also want to race you to the corner post. For the Panthers this week, they need to remember the game is still and always will be won up front. Penrith really stood up against the Knights and I thought whilst they have so much talent and skill in the team, the engine room last week showed why that should be their platform for the rest of the year, rather than relying on bits of brilliance from everyone else at certain times. You want to test yourself against the best

teams, and I think Penrith’s young guys will want to see how good they are. The Storm won’t be like they were last week, they will try and strangle Penrith

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 31, 2017

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out of the game and Cooper Cronk will kick early. The Panthers will want a big scalp on their résumé and I’m tipping them to finally break their hoodoo.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

BRING ED TO PENRITH EMILY NEWTON @emmerleener

e might live 2,729km from Pepper Stadium, but Papua New Guinea’s Ed Kolen is without a doubt one of Penrith’s biggest fans. If you’ve been on the many Penrith Panthers fan pages on Facebook, chances are you’re familiar with Mr Kolen’s passion and excitement for his team. A Panthers supporter since he was five-years-old, Mr Kolen has formed new friendships with fans in Australia through the shared love of the team. “I am so glad to have joined the Penrith Panthers fans Facebook groups,” Mr Kolen said. “To be honest, they are like a family to me.” Another Panthers fan, Steve Brewin, was so impressed by Mr Kolen, that he has started a crowdfunding campaign to bring him over to Penrith to watch a home game in the flesh. “He’s probably the most positive fan on

there, he’s always throwing his support behind the team regardless of win, lose or draw,” Mr Brewin said. “I got talking to him and realised that he lives in Papua New Guinea and he doesn’t have very much money. “The amount of passion he has for the Panthers, he was going into dangerous areas of PNG to find a television just to watch the games. “I felt like it would be a dream come true for him to get out and see a game.” Panthers fans are throwing their support behind Mr Kolen by raising money for his passport, flights, accommodation and one experience he will never, ever forget. When Mr Kolen first heard about the news, he was overwhelmed with excitement. “To me, it was great news and I was really excited about it. I even told my friends and family about it,” he said. “It would be a dream come true for me watching the game being played instead of watching it on TV.” A loyal fan of the Panthers after being inspired by his hero Mark Geyer, Mr Kolen is encouraging the team to play passionately this season.

Ed Kolen (right) with two of his friends who also support the Penrith Panthers in Papua New Guinea “Play with love, joy and pride for the people in Penrith and the fans around Australia and other parts of the world,” he said.

To help Mr Kolen finally see his beloved Panthers play at Pepper Stadium, visit www.gofundme.com/bring-ed-over-forpanthers-game.

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+/-

PTS

+34

2 Storm

+32

3 Dragons

100

+34

4 Cowboys

-11

5 Panthers

+40

6 Sea Eagles

+30

7 Sharks

+26

8 Broncos

9 Eels

CLUB

Roosters

10 Rabbitohs

-4

11 Raiders

12 Titans

112

-16

13 Bulldogs

-34

14 Warriors

-38

15 Knights

116

-42

16 W. Tigers

122

-66

Round 5

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, March 30 T 8.05pm ANZ Stadium

/ / / / / / / /

Friday, March 31 6.00pm Allianz Stadium

Friday, March 31 8.05pm 1300 Smiles Stadium Saturday, April 1 3pm Southern Cross Group Stadium Saturday, April 1 5.30pm GIO Stadium

Saturday, April 1 7.30pm AAMI Park

Sunday, April 2 2.00pm Mt Smart Stadium

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

Extra Time Issue Number 005 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday, April 2 4.00pm ANZ Stadium

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

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 31, 2017

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Tigers management are playing us for fools

steve hart

ugby league, the greatest game of all? Yes it is but it surely must be the craziest game of all as well. Four rounds in and we’ve already had one coach sacked and there could be more to follow. The ladder so far is nuts and the soap opera surrounding the game is like no other sport I know. As we often say, “rugby league is the gift that keeps on giving”. So let’s focus on Jason Taylor gone as Wests Tigers coach after just two losses. This is madness! Who saw that coming and was it the right call? I’m still confused on this one. I mean, don’t get me wrong I don’t think JT was the right coach for that club or group of young players. However, with the full backing of the Board and management he was allowed to make the huge call of moving on a club legend in Robbie Farah. A decision which caused enormous pain to many and even had some fans refusing to support their beloved Tigers as long as JT was coach. But then even the doubters became believers when in Round 1 the Tigers

produced a brilliant first up performance to beat the almighty Rabbitohs, and with their old mate and discard Robbie Farah in the losing side. Yep, everyone said JT looks like he might be on the right track. Two weeks later after two losses and we all know what happened to the super coach. Wests Tigers management then take us all for fools when they say their decision was performance based. Huh? Even blind Freddy can see that the so-called “big four” all being off contract and sharing the same manager must have something to do with this sudden axing of the previously well supported coach? Club chair Marina Go and CEO Justin Pascoe (pictured) look us all in the eye and say they needed to stop the slide. This is laughable. If every coach got sacked after two heavy losses, the coaching roundabout would be more like the high spinning Joy Wheel at Luna Park. Pull the other one guys! Let’s just call it how it is; player managers run the show these days and that’s just loony! Every game of every round of the 2017 Telstra Premiership is live on FOX League.

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SCOREBOARD

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

NRL PANTHERS 40 KNIGHTS 0

HOLDEN CUP TROY DODDS @troydodds

PANTHERS 40 KNIGHTS 16

his Sunday, April 2 marks 50 years to the day since the Penrith Panthers played their first game in top flight rugby league. After a successful campaign led by Merv Cartwright, the Panthers were admitted into the NSWRL competition for the 1967 season, along with Cronulla. As we all know, the Panthers would taste premiership success long before the Sharks, but the club’s two grand final wins must have felt a million years away back in April of ‘67. Penrith’s first game was a hard task – a Sunday afternoon match against Canterbury at the feared Belmore Oval. A crowd of 10,257 turned out to see Canterbury play the competition’s newest team. The historic Panthers

ISP NSW

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 31, 2017

BLAST FROM THE PAST

PANTHERS 32 WYONG ROOS 10

The Penrith Panthers team of 1967 team that day was: Bill Tonkin, Bob Landers, Ern Gillon, Wayne Peckham, Dave Applebee, Maurie Raper, Laurie Fagan, Tony Brown, Wal Crust, Bill McCall, Geoff Waldie, Ron Workman and Barry Harris. Laurie Fagan scored Penrith’s first ever try in first grade.

Penrith were in front 12-10 with 15 minutes to go but then, disaster struck. Barry Harris spotted an overlap, and quickly rushed the ball out to his teammates. Dogs Test centre Bob Hagan made a quick decision to defuse the situation with an intercept. He took the ball and ran away to score the match winner.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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tr ivia 1. What is the name of the Penrith Panthers cheersquad? 2. How many times has Penrith scored more than 40 points this season? 3. Which player made his NRL debut for Penrith last weekend? 4. Who is playing fullback for Melbourne this weekend? 5. How many games has Peta Hiku played so far this season?

ANSWERS: 1. Pantherettes 2. Once 3. Corey HarawiraNaera 4. Billy Slater 5. Three

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 31, 2017

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ife Learning Co. is a diverse community of seekers and teachers who use both fun and creative learning experiences to positively impact hearts, minds and bodies to create sustainable change. The organisation focuses on ‘all of life’ learning, including formal and informal experiences that span personal, professional and organisational development. For women, Life Learning Co. runs programs that build self-esteem, confidence and career success – delivered in western Sydney, plus weekends in Kangaroo Valley and full weeks in Ubud, Bali. Life Learning Co. also offers communication, team building and leadership development for men and women, and uses 360 ‘neuro-leader’ assessments and a sophisticated experiential simulation to create brain friendly cultures and sustainable organisational change. For Director, Lisa Gorman, Life Learning Co. has created an opportunity to combine her love of

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

BUSINESS H How to choose a business partner

Google’s free ticket to first page search results

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ave you ever thought how awesome it would be to start up a business with your best friend? Or to go into partnership with your spouse? While these arrangements can work well, it is very important to analyse those relationships thoroughly before embarking on any business relationship. Here are some things to consider: Can you communicate well? You need to ensure that you can talk openly and honestly with your potential partner. Any communication issues that exist outside the business relationship will be massively magnified when you are working side by side. When (not if!) issues arise, you will both need the ability to have frank conversations without egos being bruised. Do your values clash? You may have different personal values to your potential business partner, and for many of those values, this may not be an issue. But it is important to ascertain core values from the outset, as those values

will influence your actions and decisions. If your business partner has a value that is in complete opposition to yours, you both need to decide if that will be a deal breaker. Do your goals align? If your partner’s goal is to work part time and create some extra ‘pocket money’, while your goal is to create a company that will eventually be listed on the stock exchange, you may want to have a re-think. Although your goals may not be as extremely different as this example, it is still imperative that you have identical (or very similar) goals for your business venture. Your goals should (and will) determine the direction you take and the decisions you make. If those goals are not the same for both of you, it will make your ability to progress very difficult, if not impossible. Do your skill sets and personalities complement one another? Try to choose a business partner who can balance your weaknesses, and vice versa.

oogle My Business is a free and easy online marketing tool that allows businesses to list their details online through Google, to appear in search results and Google Maps. When searching for a business name, or a business type and location, businesses can appear on the first page of results on the right hand side of the page. They will also appear correctly in Google Maps, allowing customers to search based on location, and to find the addresses and directions of businesses. The best news is, Google My Business is absolutely free to use, with absolutely no catch or hidden advertising fees. Google My Business showcases contact details, photos, trading hours and virtual tours, plus maps, with specific directions. If you operate a home based business, you can still use Google My Business without a physical address listed. To register for Google My Business, all you need to do is type it into Google and sign in with an active Gmail account. Complete your business details to register your business. Google will then send you

a postcard with your nominated address with a unique verification code to verify your listing. Your customers also have the opportunity to review your business on Google which will appear on your profile. This allows potential customers to see the quality of your business easily, similar to Facebook Reviews. Insights allow users to see where their customers come from and how they’re interacting with your business. You can track the number of clicks on your phone number, website visits, see the number of views and see how many people click to get directions to your business. The Insights also give you an insight into how your business ranks compared to other businesses like yours, so you can ensure your listing is as effective as possible. Keep an eye on your Insight information to help with your overall marketing plan including Facebook and Instagram advertising. You can also link your Google My Business account to your Google AdWords and Google Analytics account to manage all Google promotions in the one spot.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

Rhonda keeps rockin’

W KATE REID

hen it comes to lon gevity in the entert a i n m e n t business you can never overemphasise the importance of adaptability. It’s this quality that Australian icon Rhonda Burchmore credits with her success. Though she’s a regular on both the local and international theatre scene – having appeared in productions of ‘Hot Shoe Shuffle’, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ and ‘Guys & Dolls’ – the woman with the big, bold voice has spent her career making opportunities happen. “People say ‘how do you remain in the industry so long’ and I mean it is a passion, but it’s also about finding new projects to do,” she said. “Sometimes there’s years where you’re not right for any of the big shows. So I go off and create my own projects.” This drive to create has led to Rhonda’s latest show ‘Abba-solutely Fabulous!’, which is presented by Todd McKenney and stars Rhonda’s friend and fellow entertainer Lara Mulcahy. The show, which will premiere at Rooty

Hill RSL this May, coincides with the 40th anniversary of ABBA’s first tour to Australia, and sees Lara and Rhonda sharing the stage once again after starring in the hit production ‘Mamma Mia!’ in the early 2000s. Speaking to Rhonda about the show you can hear that ABBA-obsessed teenager just dying to get out. “I was desperately in love with the group and used to watch them on ‘Countdown’,” she explained. “I really wanted to be Frida and my sister wanted to be Agnetha.” It’s a love that many millions of fans around the globe can relate to. “I was in Africa two weeks ago doing a little show over there and you do all your songs but as soon as you put on ‘Dancing Queen’ or ‘Waterloo’ everyone’s up dancing,” she laughed. “I just think there is something really special and feel-good about ABBA.” While the lure of performing the music of one of the greatest pop groups of all time is strong, Rhonda is just as excited to once again share the stage with Lara. “Over those two and a half years together Lara and I became best friends and we’ve remained best friends, which is really lovely,” she said. “It’s a really lovely chemistry that you don’t always find, and I think that will come out musically. “I just hope they can get us off stage because we love it so much.

OF THE WEEK

“The people at the club will be going ‘come on, it’s time to go home girls!’” she laughed. Rhonda Burchmore and Lara Mulcahy will be bringing their show ‘Abbasolutely Fabulous’ to the Rooty Hill RSL

on Friday, May 5 at 8pm. Tickets are $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au or call 9677 4916. For more information about Rhonda Burchmore, visit www. rhondaburchmore.com.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Paying tribute to one of rock ‘n’ roll’s true icons KATE REID

his year internationallyrenowned performer Dean Bourne celebrates 20 years paying tribute to the music and life of Roy Orbison. Over the last two decades, Dean Bourne has made a name for himself as one of the world’s best Roy Orbison tribute stars. Come April Dean will be back at the Evan Theatre with his brand new show ‘Roy Orbison Reborn’. This ultimate two-hour Roy Orbison experience will feature all of the music icon’s greatest hits, along with a special celebration of the music of the BritishAmerican supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.

Roy played in the band alongside iconic stars Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty on hits including ‘End of the Line’ and ‘Handle With Care’. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate along with Dean in this tribute to one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll music legends of all time. ‘Roy Orbison Reborn’ will be on at the Evan Theatre in Penrith on Saturday, April 8 at 8pm. Tickets are $59. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.penrith.panthers.com.au or call 4720 5555.

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Billed by the Sydney Morning Herald as one of the hottest 20 theatre tickets of 2017!

Feeling naughty? KATE REID

illions of people around the globe have sat and watched as naked men create genital

origami. Now it’s western Sydney’s turn with the hit show ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ making its way to the Blue Mountains Theatre in Springwood this April. Audiences will be in stitches as two men, wearing nothing but shoes, turn their downstairs bits into a range of shapes that will be projected onto a huge video screen for all to enjoy. The show will feature the most popu-

lar impersonations including the Loch Ness Monster, the Eiffel Tower, the Pelican and the iconic Hamburger, plus plenty of new installations. This is the latest incarnation of the show, which has been playing to packed out audiences in Las Vegas. Grab your friends and don’t miss out on this naughty night of laughs. ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ will be on at the Blue Mountains Theatre on Wednesday, April 19 at 8pm. This is an 18+ event, which contains full frontal nudity. Tickets are $44.90-$49.90. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.bluemountainstheatreandhub. com.au or call 4723 5050.

30 MARCH – 8 APRIL

BLACK BIRDS Devised, directed and performed by Ayeesha Ash and Emele Ugavule

A performance about home, belonging and most importantly,

BOOKINGS

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Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street Penrith

thejoan.com.au | 4723 7600 WW27121

Produced by The Q

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TICKETS

Standard $35 / Concession $30

OUR PARTNER IN CREATIVITY

PEN RIT H’S BIG GES T

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

bridalbliss

Get ready to play along with Sam at St Marys

2017

KATE REID

am Moran’s back and he’s ready to play. The former Yellow Wiggle and six-time ARIA Award winner is bringing his NickJr show ‘Play Along With Sam’ to St Marys Band Club on Tuesday, April 11. Kids will have the chance to dance and sing along to all their favourites from the series in this one hour live production. ‘Play Along With Sam’ has been running for four seasons, and has earned multiple Logie nominations, ARIA and Astra awards. The show has also spawned companion albums that have debuted at the top of the Australian Children’s iTunes charts. Along with Sam’s involvement in children’s entertainment, the talented entertainer has also released an album of love songs called ‘The Colour of Love’,

and has performed on stage in productions of ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’. ‘Play Along with Sam’ will be on at St Marys Band Club on Tuesday, April 11 at 11am. Tickets are $20, with children under two free on the lap of a paying adult. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stmarysbandclub.com.au or call 9623 1211.

MARKETING COORDINATOR PENRITH PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS FULL-TIME 12 MONTH CONTRACT (Maternity Leave Cover) LGA Level 7 Penrith Location Here’s a great local opportunity to advance your career in arts management and marketing. Penrith Performing & Visual Arts comprises two of Western Sydney’s leading cultural institutions, the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and Penrith Regional Gallery and The Lewers Bequest. We are currently seeking a motivated and enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for arts marketing to join our team as our full-time Marketing Coordinator. This position underpins the day-to-day marketing activities across the visual and performing arts in an organisation with exciting growth potential at the heart of the burgeoning Western Sydney region. The Marketing Coordinator will work across a range of activities including publicity, promotion, distribution, communication, social media, content development, advertising, design, writing, editing, website updates, customer relationship management, general administration, database management and reporting. If you love the arts and thrive on a fast-paced and dynamic work program then this is the job for you. You will need top-notch organisational skills, a solid grounding in marketing principles and the ability to work across multiple campaigns with competing deadlines whilst maintaining a good sense of humour and a commitment to creativity.

WW27444

After the incredible success of our previous “Spring Bride” magazine, The Western Sydney Publishing Group is now running an “Annual Bride” magazine distributed mid-2017. Book early! Artwork deadline mid-May 2017. Distribution ready for mid-June, 2017.

Call Linda on 4761 3225 or email linda.miller@westernweekender.com.au

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Position Description and more information: http://thejoan.com.au/?p=396 Closing Tuesday 18 April

Annual Bridal Magazine A4 Full Gloss

Friday, March 31, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

what's on AND where HEADING OUT Friday, March 31 Deanâ€™s Karaoke with Freddie â€“ Penrith Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4721 2060 Acoustic Soloist â€“ Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Social Darts â€“ St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Maryâ€™s DJ â€“ Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 8 Ball Aitken and Simply Bushed â€“ Rooty Hill RSL $25, 8pm 9677 4916 Havana Brown â€“ Rooty Hill RSL $30, 9pm 9677 4916 Legally Blond JR â€“ The Joan $23-$27, 8pm 4723 7600 Soundproofed â€“ St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Monkey Wrench Foo Fighters Show â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Lennox Lust â€“ Penrith Gaels Club Free entry, 8pm 4722 8180 Burlesque Idol Evan Theatre â€“ 4720 5555 Friday, Mar 31, 8.00pm, $30

Saturday, April 1

Catherine Britt and Amber Lawrence Rooty Hill RSL â€“ 9677 4916 Friday, Apr 7, 8.00pm, $15-$30

Spicy Penrith â€“ The Joan $17-$25, 6pm 4723 7600 Black Birds â€“ The Joan $30-$35, 2pm and 7.30pm 4723 7600 Geoff Power â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Maryâ€™s Karaoke â€“ Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 Live Entertainment â€“ Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375 Karaoke â€“ Jamison Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4721 5764 Brian Lorenz â€“ Rooty Hill RSL $35, 8pm 9677 4916 House of Fun Comedy Night â€“ Rooty Hill RSL Members â€“ Free, Visitors â€“ $20, 8pm 9677 4916 Lisa Crouch and Dig This â€“ St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Jellybean Jam â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 The Frocks â€“ The Henry Sports Club Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 2119 Dracula Riverside Theatre Parramatta â€“ 8839 3399 Saturday, Apr 1, 8.00pm, $28-$52

Sunday, April 2 Georgia White â€“ Jamison Hotel Free entry, 1pm 4721 5764 Vintage 4 â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Dracula â€“ Riverside Theatre Parramatta $28-$52, 5pm 8839 3399 Karaoke â€“ St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211

Sunday, April 9 The Shuffle Boys â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Messiah in the Mountains â€“ Blue Mountains Theatre $12-$28, 2pm 4723 5050 Pro Wrestling â€“ Rooty Hill RSL $15, 2pm 9677 4916 Karaoke â€“St Marys Band Club Free entry, 6pm 9623 1211 Todd McKenney sings Peter Allen Rooty Hill RSL â€“ 9677 4916 Saturday, Apr 8, 8.00pm, $55

Friday, April 7 Deanâ€™s Karaoke with Freddie â€“ Penrith Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 4721 2060 Acoustic Soloist â€“ Red Cow Free entry, 4.30pm 4721 5666 Social Darts â€“ St Marys Band Club $3, 7pm 9623 1211 Maryâ€™s DJ â€“ Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 Krazy Kat â€“ St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 Endless Summer Beach Party â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Cyclone Rose â€“ Colonial Hotel Free entry, 8.30pm 9623 1384 K.P â€“ Oriental Hotel, Springwood Free entry, 8.30pm 4751 4488

Saturday, April 8 Mulgoa Road Jazz Band â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 2pm 4728 5200 Maryâ€™s Karaoke â€“ Australian Arms Hotel Free entry, 9pm 4731 3881 Live Entertainment â€“ Club Paceway Free entry, 6.30pm 4721 2375

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Karaoke â€“ Jamison Hotel Free entry, 8pm 4721 5764 Roy Orbison Reborn â€“ Evan Theatre $59, 8pm 4720 5555 Toxic Dolls â€“ St Marys Leagues Free entry, 9pm 9677 7777 The Grove Collective â€“ Penrith RSL Free entry, 9pm 4728 5200 Peace Train â€“ Blue Mountains Theatre $50-$55, 8pm 4723 5050

O D UST

Bonsai Plant Show April 8 and 9 Glenbrook Community Hall Jordan Springs & Surrounds Women’s Community Group JS-WCG@outlook.com Penrith Showground Markets Every Wednesday 8.30am Penrith Paceway • 4721 0509 Emu Craft Market Second Saturday of the month • Nepean High School

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Lung Support Group Second Wednesday of each month • 4733 8926 30-plus Singles Group Meets Friday nights at Penrith RSL • 0418 254 229 Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at Nepean Hospital • 1300 133 878 GenYQ Business Networking Six meetings per year www.genyq.com.au

Spice up your life in Penrith Things are heating up this weekend with Spicy Penrith happening at The Joan on Saturday, April 1. More than 100 performers will join together to celebrate the cultures of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka in this spectacular event featuring food, dance and music. Spicy Penrith will kick off from 6pm, so grab the family and spend a fun-filled evening immersed in these vibrant cultures. Get your tickets from The Joan box office or call 4723 7600.

Baby Bootie Club For local young mums Tuesdays • 0417 498 918

OR I N E S FOR

S D I K R FO

Emu Plains Lions Club New members always needed • 4735 5120

Penrith Men’s Shed New members welcome Wednesdays • 0439 646 942 Penrith Rotary Club New members welcome Wednesdays • 0407 077 143

Learn to ﬂy through the air

Airing of the Quilts

Fly through the air with the greatest of ease with trapeze classes at Circus Arts Sydney at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Next Saturday (April 8) the Caring Hearts Quilters will hold their 9th Airing of the Quilts at The Arms of Australia Inn Museum.

Queen of Hearts Domestic violence support 1300 856 737

LEURA FIRST SUNDAY MARKETS Sunday 2nd April 2017 • 9am-2pm In the grounds of Leura Public School just off the GWH, Leura

Easter Fun with Easter Egg Hunt & a visit from the Easter Bunny

Gre* approx. 11.30am weather permitting ily! vered at da m a Live f y out for all the Co door t M Gr & Ou usic

eat Food Stalls

Up to 80 Stalls

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Enquiries: Di 0432 021 863 leura-markets@hotmail.com

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FOR SESSION TIMES AND DATES TO GO

HOYTS.COM.AU *Terms and conditions apply. Excludes school holiday periods. Please visit hoyts.com.au for details.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

creative A U

Custom design, production, printing and digital solutions I

sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au 4722 2998

crossword ACROSS

88. Well-organised

1. Restore to health 4. Deposit, down ... 8. Drip 11. Now Democratic Republic of the Congo 13. Early Peruvians 15. Bullets 17. Flower necklace 18. Advantage 20. Male title 21. Establish (3,2) 24. Hawk’s claw 27. Hymn, ... Maria 28. Started 30. Not once 31. Nairobi is there 33. Avoided decision 34. 10-year period 35. Long narrative 36. Paradise 39. Climbed 42. Humped beast 44. Celestial body 45. Snouts 46. Daubs 48. Cross-examine 49. Strode impatiently 50. Exercise clubs 52. Precious stone 54. Spiders’ traps 55. Peanut (sauce) 56. Sincerely 57. Run rapidly 60. Dog restraint 62. Frozen drop 65. Restaurant/bar 67. Nursery rhyme, Simple ... 69. Predatory bird 70. Vietnamese capital 72. Spreading tree 73. Tapering fruit 75. Snake, puﬀ ... 77. A ... in your bonnet 79. Tranquillity 81. Belonging to that 82. Remove errors from 84. Fumes 85. Rubber wheels 86. Washstand jug 87. Eventful trip

DOWN 1. Escaping air noise 2. Blue shade 3. Fall (behind) 4. Nuisance 5. Squealed 6. Departed 7. Plough (soil) 8. Nevada city, ... Vegas 9. University composition 10. Flying toy 12. Matter 14. Beaten with rod 16. Sept/Oct zodiac sign 19. Dodge 22. Make beloved 23. Unequal 25. Rinks 26. Approved 29. Horrible 32. Named before marriage 35. Worked hard 37. CDs, compact ... 38. Provoked 40. Sedates 41. Idiotic 42. Surrendered (land) 43. Coat collar part 44. Exhales wearily 47. Hanging Gardens of ... 51. Salt/water mix 52. Prison warder 53. Taxed 54. Squirm in agony 58. Aircraft gangway 59. ... & her 61. Foreigner 63. Manages 64. Eﬀ ortlessly 65. Explosions 66. Less common 68. Visual representation 71. Too fat 72. Fencing sword 74. Additionally 76. Customs fee 78. Prepare (newspaper) 80. Motor vehicle 83. Blokes

Last week’s solution

Sudoku brought to you by Emerson’s Envirocare 1800 600 760 www.emersonenvirocaresydney.com

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

Last week’s Wheel Words solution

Alto, Into, Iota, Lino, Lion, Loan, Loin, Loon, Loot, Nova, Olio, Onto, Oval, Toil, Tool, Vino, Viol, Volt, Aioli, Aloin, Talon, Tonal, Viola, Vital, Vital, Volta, Lotion, Violin, Volant, Ovation, Volition. 9-letter word: VIOLATION

Nathan

Taylor TV NEWS

OFFSPRING LATE 2017 CHANNEL TEN

Ê ‘The Big Bang Theory’ has officially been renewed for two more seasons, making it a whopping 12 seasons in total. It’s quite unbelievable to think that this show will run longer than a number of major US sitcoms in the past including ‘Seinfeld’, ‘Friends’, ‘Frasier’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Ê Former ‘The X Factor’ judge James Blunt will perform at the upcoming Logie Awards. Recent ‘I’m a Celebrity’ winner Casey Donovan is also expected to be performing. The Logies air on April 23. Ê With the new series of ‘Prison Break’ about to premiere in the US on April 4, many Aussies, including myself, have been wondering when the show will finally air here. Unfortunately, Channel Ten (who have the rights to the series) have no current plans, with the network keen to see how the series performs in the US first. I must say this is a stupid move by Ten, considering how awful their ratings have been already this year – if anything a huge show like ‘Prison Break’ could give them the boost they need. Ê ‘Grand Designs Australia’ returns next month kicking off with a one hour special, ‘Kevin McCloud’s Top 10 Grand Designs Australia’. The special is filmed in historic Homewood House in Sur-

rey, England, with host Peter Maddison sitting down with Kevin McCloud, a cup of tea and an old fashioned slide show to reminisce about highlights from the past six seasons. The new season of ‘Grand Designs Australia’ will then begin the following week on Thursday, April 27.

Ê After the success of the Aussie series, LifeStyle will air episodes of ‘Gogglebox UK’ from Wednesday, April 12 at 7.30pm.

Ê Channel Ten has failed at giving this show a fair run, but good news for fans of ‘Blue Bloods’ with the police drama renewed for an eighth season.

Ê This year’s Gold Logie nominees are Jessica Marais, Grant Denyer, Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, Rodger Corser and Samuel Johnson.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Ê Filming has begun on the seventh season of ‘Offspring’, Channel Ten has announced. Returning for another round of lovable Proudman family chaos, Asher Keddie and Kat Stewart reprise their roles as sisters Nina and Billie Proudman. The new season of ‘Offspring’ is expected to air mid to late this year.

Ê Classic 1960s cartoon ‘Wacky Races’ has been rebooted, and will air on Boomerang this August.

ln times of crisis, you can give Please donate now salvos.org.au | 13 SALVOS WW25188

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Friday, March 31, 2017 ÂŤ the western weekender

GAME Mass Effect: Andromeda

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

OUT NOW WON T UO

DVD Moana

Rated PG Set sail on an adventure across the sea in the Disney hit ‘Moana’. Natural-born navigator Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) is chosen to seek out a precious artefact that could help save her people. Leaving behind her Polynesian tribe, and her village chief father, she sets out on the daring mission where she meets the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). The pair find themselves in the middle of an action-packed voyage that sees them

face impossible odds and encounter fiery creatures. Along with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, ‘Moana’ features some familiar voices including ‘Flight of the Conchords’ star Jemaine Clement and Hawaiian-born singer and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. The film has gained rave reviews and was nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at this year’s Oscars.

CINEMA

Rated MA PS4, Xbox One and PC

The Lego Batman Movie

Take a trip to the Andromeda galaxy in the latest release of the hugely successful ‘Mass Effect’ franchise. ‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ takes gamers on a journey to the Andromeda galaxy, where a battle is being waged in a bid to find a new home for humans to populate. Gamers will take on the role of either Sara or Scott Ryder, military recruits on the human Pathfinder team. The story takes players into the next chapter of humanity’s story, where each choice throughout the game will determine our survival.

In 2014 ‘The Lego Movie’ captured our hearts and became an unexpected comedy hit. Now the worldwide phenomenon is back on the big screen with the release of ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. This time around Lego Batman (Will Arnett) takes centre stage in his very own action adventure. Changes are happening in Gotham, and though Batman – aka Bruce Wayne – desperately wants to save his beloved city from The Joker (Zach Galifianakis), he realises that he may not be able to tackle the job alone. With the help of his sidekick Robin (Michael Cera) and his butler Alfred

Rated PG

(Ralph Fiennes), Batman puts aside his lone vigilante guise and learns that sometimes it’s OK to lighten up. ‘The Lego Movie’ earned rave reviews from critics and so far it looks like ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ will follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. This animated Batman spoof has been described by movie review site Rotten Tomatoes as “another round of dizzyingly funny – and beautifully animated – family-friendly mayhem”. Check it out! ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ is now screening at Hoyts Penrith. For more information, including session times, visit www.hoyts.com.au.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Social Scene

Penrith Panthers legend Royce Simmons was the guest speaker at the function

Wayne Willmington from Vintage FM with Brad Waugh from Panthers on the Prowl

Michael Todd from OnePointHealth with Daniel McKinnon from Complete Law

Ben Ross, Amanda Wyllie, Lucy Richards and Wayne Willmington

Former Panthers player Shane Elford with Terry Hansen from St Marys Professionals

Panthers fans enjoyed a few drinks and a bite to eat before the big NRL clash

Troy Kennedy listening to the Men of League function intently

Above:

The Men of League Foundation held a special event at Hogsbreath in Penrith prior to last Friday’s NRL game. Photos: Megan Dunn

Below:

Penrith Bowling Club held its Sponsors Shield event last Friday morning. Photos: Megan Dunn

Good bowl: Brent Jones from Reimer Winter Williamson

Jessica Morley with Shanaka DeSilva from Synergy

Troy Kennedy shows off his lawn bowls skills on the green

Proud sponsors: Nathan Todd and Darren Latty from PRDnationwide Penrith

Michael Todd from OnePointHealth, Daniel Latty from PRD and Troy Dodds

Leona Triggs from Vintage FM with Julie Cullen from Penrith Bowling Club

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Anthony Walker from BOQ Penrith sizes up his next shot

life

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

LEO

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Expect some dizzying highs and dismal lows this week! Thursday is potentially the best day, as Mars trines Pluto, which increases your personal magnetism and ability to manifest. But if you don’t use your personal power in positive ways, then it could all come crashing down on the weekend when you’ll feel stymied at every turn. Patience and tact are the keys to extricating yourself from frustrating situations with your reputation intact.

TAURUS

Prepare for an exasperating week when Saturn and Pluto trim your fiery wings; curb your creativity; and stymie your natural Leo ebullience. And your love life could take a hit too! So what’s the celestial message amidst all of this frustration? The planets are teaching you to be less stubborn and much more patient. Your motto is from writer Maya Angelou: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude”.

VIRGO

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

A romantic or platonic relationship may be strained as Saturn, Pluto and retrograde Venus regurgitate an unpleasant or unresolved issue from the past. The worst way to handle it? With a stubborn attitude and an unforgiving heart. The best way to handle it? With an abundance of patience and grace! Be inspired by writer Maya Angelou: “It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive.”

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

If you’re searching for smart ways to make money, don’t over-capitalise or attempt to re-invent the wheel. Tried and tested methods will work best at the moment. And be extra careful what you say to a stressed loved one, especially on the weekend. Criticism will definitely not be appreciated – no matter how ‘constructive’ it is. Make sure you think before you speak, and choose your words wisely.

GEMINI

LIBRA

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Joanne Madeline Moore Weekly posts at www.bohoastro.com twitter @JoMadelineMoore Copyright Joanne Madeline Moore 2017

Avoid being too brisk and brusque with loved ones this week, as your business side goes into overdrive. Family and friends respect your multi-tasking skills, but they can also be overwhelmed by them. So pace yourself. When it comes to a problem involving a work colleague, an acquaintance or a joint financial arrangement, there’s much more going on beneath the surface than you currently realise.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

SAGITTARIUS

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Oh my goodness, what a wonky week for partnerships of the romantic and platonic kind! With Venus retrograde AND squaring retro Saturn, relationships will definitely not run smoothly. The weekend is the most sensitive time so try to communicate clearly and calmly with those around you. Attached Librans – circumstances will create some distance between you and your partner. Singles – a promising date could turn out to be a dud.

SCORPIO

The planets push your insecurity button this week, which will activate your protective Crab claws. But you’ll find the more defensive you are, the more exhausted you’ll feel and the more difficult the week will be. So strive to get the balance right between maintaining the status quo, and changing the aspects of your life that aren’t functioning so well.

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Get ready for a week of extremes Scorpio! Thursday should be a terrific day as Pluto (your ruler) trines Mars, which boosts your energy, enthusiasm, motivation and mojo. But frustration levels then rise, culminating in a weekend when you could end up in a power struggle with a colleague. Or a relationship with a child, teenager, lover or friend could take a decidedly frosty turn.

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Sagittarians prefer life to be fun and games, with minimum effort and elbow grease involved. And sometimes your fiery spontaneity and versatile virtuosity are all that’s required. But not this week! Saturn stirs up your home zone as a family member causes problems or a domestic issue demands to be fixed. So you’ll just have to step up to the plate and accept your responsibilities (with a great big smile).

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

your

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week Saturn goes retrograde, and then squares retro Venus. Which equals double trouble in the love department! So prepare for plenty of relationship hassles or old issues from the past to return. Perhaps a partnership problem re-surfaces or an-ex-lover suddenly reappears. The more bossy you are on Saturday and Sunday, the more difficult the weekend will be.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Many people will feel particularly oversensitive and over-reactive this week. So it would be best to keep idiosyncratic ideas and controversial comments to yourself. And avoid getting drawn into petty arguments and pointless debates. Money matters also look complicated, as Venus reverses through your cash zone. So hold off making important business decisions and momentous financial moves until a more suitable time.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Venus is now reversing through your sign until mid-April, so you’ll find that a personal project or a close relationship may suddenly stall – or go backwards! Don’t waste too much time worrying, or expend too much energy trying to fix it. Instead, use the week productively as you review, revise, re-evaluate and re-percolate. With a view to completely rebooting the situation after April 15.

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EASTER SPECIAL

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Friday, March 1, 2017 « the western weekender

your

food

Simple ways to reduce your consumption of meat If you’re trying to have less meat in your diet, it doesn’t have to be a painful journey full of boring vegetables...

Kate Reid Nutritionist kate.reid@ westernweekender.com.au @kate_reid6

While there’s no chance of vegetarians and vegans taking over the world anytime soon, there does seem to be a growing interest in reducing our meat consumption. With the rise of terms like ‘flexitarian’ many people are looking for healthy and delicious ways to find a balance between meat-heavy and meat-free eating. If you’re ready to include more plantbased meals into your diet here are some things to keep in mind. Start small While drastic changes may work for some, for most of us change is easiest to adapt to when it’s gradual. A great way is by cutting down on the quantity of meat you eat with each meal. Another option is to change to meat free Mondays, which is a great way to cut down on your weekly meat intake while giving you the chance to test out new recipes. Don’t forget the protein When we think protein we often think of meat and dairy, but there are many plant-based sources of protein.

Try including legumes – such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans – into your diet, along with nuts and nut butters, seeds, soy-based products like tofu and tempeh, quinoa and grain-based products such as wholegrain breads. Try the ‘meaty’ options No one is going to love all vegetables – not even a raw vegan. There are always going to be some plant foods that are more appealing than others. When making the switch try to include ‘meaty’ vegetables like mushrooms – which are often referred to as the meat of the vegetable world due to its texture – or eggplant, which is delicious when grilled on the BBQ or made into parmigiana.

Modify your favourite meals It can seem tricky to forgo meat because it tends to be the star of our meals, with vegetables and salad playing a supporting role. But cutting down on meat doesn’t mean you have to give up your favourite meals. It’s really just a matter of making a few simple swaps. Find pizza drool-worthy? Then ditch the meat lovers and opt for a mix of meat and vegetable toppings. Have a soft spot for burritos? Try black beans instead of beef/chicken. Love a big bowl of spaghetti bolognaise? Swap half your mince for lentils. Why not give it a try?

WINE LIST

Surprising year

Serving variations of the classic Philadelphia Cheesesteak. We also offer a unique range of loaded Factory Fries, American soft drinks, American confectionary, milkshakes, coffee and tea. Head to our website, www.thecheesesteakfactory.com.au for our full menu or check out our Facebook page. For enquiries and phone orders: 4701 6211 Shop 4, 297 Great Western Highway Lawson. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00am-8:00pm Sunday: 9:00am-4:00pm

Factory Hotdog

Chorizo Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

WE TAKE THE FINEST SCOTCH FILLET STEAK, GRILL UNTIL TENDER, LAY IT ON A FRESHLY BAKED BREAD ROLL, FILL WITH TOPPINGS OF YOUR CHOICE AND FINISH WITH OUR SIGNATURE AMERICAN CHEESE SAUCE

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The Mexican

he growing season for vintage 2016 in NSW’s Central Ranges that local maker Logan Wines summed up as “unpredictably kind”, gave ve the company both the biggest harvest in its 20 year history, istory, and its earliest. After starting, in the words of owner and winemaker, maker, Peter Logan “scarily hot and dry”, the 2016 season n soon gave way to much needed rain and mild temperatures, atures, which all proved that even cold climate wine can benefit from a good dose of vitamin D and a wash-down with a healthy amount of water. “As a result we squeezed in our biggest harvest ever in the shortest number of days,” said Peter. And he’s particularly happy with the season’ss 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, a variety that loves sunshine, but ut with too much heat can ripen without developing flavour, avour, and also lose the all-important acid that it needs. “But this one’s proved absolutely true to variety, y, with complexity and round but fresh drinkability,” Peter er said. With prominent grapefruit and guava flavourss on a core of lime and minerality, it’s a delightful match h with pork four-quarter chops and apple sauce; well-priced iced at $23. One to note: Wolf Blass Grey Label wines have a wellearned reputation for being rich and powerful, yet et with a wonderful approachability from their time in bottle before release. A 2014 Grey Label McLaren Vale Shiraz (pictured)) that’s now available is just one such of these wines. At $45 this one makes for a really rewarding pairing with slow-roasted lamb shanks under a star-anise se and plum marinade.

DAVID ELLIS

look

Looking good this season without breaking the bank If your bank balance is looking bad, your style doesn’t have to suffer...

Alyce Madden Westfield Penrith Follow me on Instagram @styled.by.alyce

With trends coming in and out of fashion and our favourite stores stocked ready with the latest gear, how do we pick and choose wisely for the right purchases to spend on? We want to save our wallets but help our wardrobes! When you are working with a budget the best tip is to invest in quality classic pieces that you can re-work every day into the mix – sometimes you don’t even have to invest that much! A great way to look expensive is to work a classy blazer jacket, they are a must have and will instantly elevate your look and add class. French fashion house Balmain have pioneered the iconic sophisticated double breasted blazer complete with embossed shiny gold buttons. If spending thousands of dollars on one fashion item isn’t your thing look out for similar styles in store now instead! At Westfield Penrith in Forever New is the Libby Blazer, the perfect tailored blazer made to emphasise your waist, comes complete with notch lapels and structured shoulders, wear back with a plain white silk cami and blue denim skinny jeans.

Another trick to save you plenty of money but still make sure you’re impeccably polished is to select key costume jewellery pieces. Usually never exceeding $25 with this amount you can definitely find a great stand out necklace or pair of earrings. Look out for weighty metals instead of the flimsy overly shiny versions. Stores like Lovisa are currently stocking real semi precious stone jewellery, pick up a rose quarts ring set – the stone of unconditional love, or what about a purple amethyst pendant? Adding crystal jewellery elements to your look adds elegance and charm. Another piece that’s a must to look out for and invest in this season are tie neck blouses. The brand Metalicus found at Myer have a great range out now. Check it out at Westfield Penrith. Steer clear of fussy prints and streamline by sticking to bold jewel colours for a chic look. The Cruz Neck Tie Sleeveless Top comes in a rich teal green featuring a v-neck and standout tie neck detail, loose fitting and sleeveless you can pair this top with tailored black pants. Happy shopping! And remember, having a small bank balance doesn’t mean you can’t look good! Got a question you’d like Alyce to answer? Tweet us @wwpenrith.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

your

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Friday, March 1, 2017 « the western weekender

your

Now or later? The pros and cons of desexing your pets

pets

When should we be desexing our furry friends, and what are the possible ramifications?

Nicole McMillan Practice owner of Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic and the Western Sydney Cat Hospital

Most people associate desexing with prevention of pregnancy. While this is important, there are many more benefits that far outweigh any risks. Desexing is recommended for all pet animals even if kept alone. Australia has relatively high desexing rates but we still have issues with unwanted litters, overpopulation and unwanted animals being left with shelters and pounds. Dogs and cats will reach sexual maturity from about six months of age, ferrets from four to eight months and rabbits from four to 10 months. Females can have multiple litters in a year especially cats and rabbits who breed rapidly. Generally, the recommended age for desexing is just before or at sexual maturity. The desexing procedure for female animals is an ovariohysterectomy, surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. This prevents pregnancy and the animal cycling (also termed being in heat or being in season). The desexing procedure for males is castration where the testes are surgically removed. This prevents testosterone and sperm production.

(increased shyness and reduced socialisation), small body size and narrow urethra predisposing to urinary blockage. However, no link has been found for these issues and early desexing. Animals rehomed with rescue organisations are generally desexed at an earlier age before rehoming to prevent unwanted breeding. Some people prefer to desex animals once they are fully grown. There is no recorded behavioural benefit for letting your female have a season or have a litter before desexing. Behavioural benefits for desexing will be more effective if done earlier in life.

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When a female cycles a large amount of oestrogen is produced and causes a range of physical and behavioural signs. In dogs the vulva becomes swollen and a clear to bloody discharge is produced for three weeks. Female cats will show no physical signs but their behaviour changes dramatically. They will become overtly affectionate and will vocalise constantly. They will continue to cycle until they become pregnant. This behaviour can be very frustrating. So what are the negative effects of desexing? The most notable is weight gain. Reducing estrogen and testosterone can cause weight gain but this is easily controlled with diet change to reduce calorie intake. The risks of other diseases after animals are desexed have been widely studied. It appears for cancers the risks are unrelated to desexing and more important factors are environmental exposure and genetics. In dogs contributing factors for the development of hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament rupture are multifactorial. They include body condition (being overweight), body size and genetics. There is an increased risk if dogs are desexed before puberty and the bones are still growing. There has been reports of early desexing in cats causing issues with behaviour

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health

Choosing the right shoe ahead of the new netball season Netball is a great sport for all ages, but your feet certainly take a battering. Having the right shoe can make a huge difference to how your feet feel...

Amy Meekings Podiatrist OnePoint Health 4732 5188 onepointhealth.com.au

What are the types of Netball shoes? Ever wondered why there were so many different options? That is because of the different features available that suit a different foot. If one shoe were to have all the features available, it would be as heavy as a work boot. It is important to know what you need, and which shoe offers those features. Asics Netburner – Offers both adequate support and cushioning through the gel pockets. Features a higher heel pitch for those prone to Achilles tendon loading. Asics Academy – An entry level neutral shoe option. Has a highly durable outsole desirable for those who exhibit a lot of changes in direction. Asics Netburner Professional – Designed inspired by a standard running shoe, it is often lighter whilst still having similar support features with rear and fore foot gel cushioning. Great for netballers who cover larger areas on the court. Also, features a bunion accommodation window. Asics Netburner Ballistic – a great option for individuals with ankle instability due to the deep heel cup reinforcing lateral stability and arch support. Determining which shoe is suited for your foot and requirements can be a challenge, your podiatrist can assess you and help you make the best decision for the upcoming season.

Netball season is fast approaching and irrelevant to the level of netball you play, shoes can either hinder or enhance performance and the right shoe can reduce your risk of injuries. Netball v Traditional Runners Netball is a high impact sport that often requires short sharp bursts of agile movements. Whilst running shoes are soft and cushioned, they lack the ability to control side to side movement and pose a risk of lower limb injuries as they best work for forwards-backwards motion. The thick rubber sole found on runners reduces the ability to change direction quickly and is not as durable and the sole found on netball shoes that is designed to withstand high levels of abrasion. The outsole of Netball shoes is wrapped and securely attached with stitching on the front of the shoe to reduce drag which favours multidirectional movements. This compares to a running shoe that would tear away from the upper and wear down rapidly.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

your

Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

your

money

Plan your finances around what’s important to you When it comes to planning for the future, it’s crucial that you don’t forget to live your life in the present...

Alex McKenzie Principal Financial Planner Future Financial Services futurefinancialservices.com.au

PCC 183 STAFFY FEMALE 9 MONTHS $360.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 1.4.17 FOUND IN ST MARYS

After coming into the shelter as a stray this girl is looking for a loving new home. She is very underweight with all her bones being visible and will need a home that can get her onto some good quality food and give her the love and care she deserves. She’s a happy go lucky 9 month old pup, come and meet her anytime!

Financial planning involves the balancing of a number of priorities, making trade-offs and compromises, much like life. Often in order to gain something, we have to give something. The art of financial planning is finding the appropriate mid-point for the individual by identifying what is most important to them. When it comes to investing money, there is the risk/reward trade off. In simple terms growth assets such as shares and property have far more potential for growth than defensive assets such as cash and bonds. However growth assets are also far more volatile and offer much less certainty in regards to returns. Each individual will be comfortable with a different level of risk, and has a different requirement for growth; we need to find the right balance. Arguably the biggest balancing act we face in financial planning is weighing up meeting goals for our current lifestyle versus preparing for the future. Achieving long term goals such as buying a house or having a comfortable retirement usually

come as a result of making compromises to ongoing lifestyle or foregoing short term goals. Unfortunately many people don’t adequately prepare for the future and are unable to achieve their long term goals. This may be a conscious choice to live for the now, and allocate their income and assets to having a wonderfully rich life and they are prepared to live more frugally in the future. This is a perfectly reasonable trade off. Others just don’t consider the future and may be a little wasteful in the now. This can be problematic. Others do the opposite, and are ultraconcerned about setting up their future. These people are very diligent in ensuring that they are putting money away for their long term goals and wealth creation. This is wise, however there is always a risk of over committing, it is becoming more common for people to acquire far more wealth than they will need in retirement. This itself is not a problem, however if they have foregone lifestyle in order to achieve this wealth this is potentially a problem. Again the key is balance. There are so many more of these trade-offs. In retirement we compare the Centrelink friendly guaranteed income of the Life Long annuity against the flexibility and liquidity of the allocated pension. We compare the tax advantages of superannuation against the loss of access

THSC 44 CATTLE DOG FEMALE 15YRS $360.00 AVAILABLE 4.4.17 KENNEL 26 FOUND IN BOX HILL

This poor old love was found wandering in Box Hill and has ended up at the shelter. She is 15 years old and volunteers have nicknamed her nana, she is a sweet old girl with so much love to give a family in her final years. If you would like to give this old lady a home please contact the shelter.

to those funds until we retire or meet a condition of release. We choose between repaying our mortgage or investing our surplus funds. All of these options are valid and have their own advantages and disadvantages. The key to a successful financial plan is making sure that you select strategies that prioritise what is most important to you.

PCC 182 FEMALE 6 MONTHS $360 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 1.4.17 FOUND IN ST MARYS KENNEL 56

Sadly this girl has ended up at the shelter at just 6 months of age, her owner isn’t coming so she needs a new loving home. Are you looking for an instant kitten family to join your home? With a happy and outgoing These two beautiful kittens came into the shelter last week from personality this girl will make Penrith and are now looking for their Forever Home. They can someone a very happy, she is be adopted on their own, they aren’t picky, if you have room for sweet and friendly and has he a sweet friendly, happy kitten then come and meet these two! whole life ahead of her. If you are looking for a nice young dog to add to your family please come and meet her. We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

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PCC 184 BULL ARAB MALE 2 YEARS $360.00 AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 1.4.17 FOUND IN KINGSWOOD

What a handsome guy, he always has a smile on his face. When we had him out for a run all he wanted to do was sit with us and chat, he is a really nice dog that would be a great companion for most homes. He is only young at 2 so has a whole life of love and friendship to offer his new owner.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

facebook.com/FriendsHCAS twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW26190

Put your faith in hope and learn more this Easter period

religion

None of us know what’s around the corner, but if you have faith and hope, you know that everything will work out in the end... We all know how fragile, how uncertain life can be. A routine doctor’s appointment results in terrible news. The business you work for closes down and suddenly you’re out of a job. An apparently innocent mistake while driving and you collide with the car in front of you. The outcome is serious injury to yourself, your passengers and the passengers in the other car. Life can be like that. Unpredictable. Uncertain. Things that happen creating shock waves which continue to bring change to every part of your life. 2000 years ago there was also another event that changed the world. We remember this event at Easter. On the first Good Friday almost 2000 years ago Jesus, a man who made extraordinary claims about himself, was put to death, executed on a cross. We may have never heard any more about this man Jesus, except for what happened three days later – Jesus didn’t stay dead! The facts are that three days later Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to many,

Rev John Lavender www.glenmorepark anglican.com.au and on Facebook

many people giving convincing proofs that he had defeated death: that death could not hold him down! Jesus was alive! The Bible tells us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was THE day, THE event that changed the world! One of Jesus’ disciples, Peter wrote in the Bible: “Because of God’s great mercy, he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

your

from death. This fills us with a living hope.” How different this is to so much of what happens to us today! On the one hand there is fear and uncertainty, but on the other, new life and hope! This Easter, why not find out more about this living hope in Jesus? See you in next week’s paper.

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

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both you can enjoy yearround flowers: japonicas bloom winter to spring while sasanquas flower late summer to winter. Camellias happily grow in shade or full sun and don’t attract pests and diseases. You can trim your camellia to keep its shape but it’ll be just as happy without pruning. Camellias will tolerate most soils but do appreciate a slightly acidic soil with a bit of compost or aged manure dug in before planting. If you’d like to grow your camellia in a pot, fill it with a slightly acidic potting mix. Once established, camellias are drought tolerant, but a deep drink of water while buds are forming and flowers are blooming will go a long way. As for feeding, when new growth pops up, a plant food like Miracle-Gro will ensure your camellias look their best.

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the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

AUTO

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

TOYOTA

Yaris gets an exciting new look

oyota has adopted new styling and improved safety for a revised Yaris range that is set to add further impetus to the success of Toyota’s small hatchback. Advanced safety features are available across the range – a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert and automatic high beam. These technologies are standard on the top-of-the-range ZR and a $650 option on the Ascent and mid-range SX variants. The car’s new exterior styling, with significant changes to the front and rear, presents a more active and dynamic look while also communicating a more refined direction. The interior has also been freshened with modern gloss black ornamentation. Despite the styling improvements, the starting RRP for the range remains at $15,290 for the Ascent and an unchanged $17,330 for the SX with the option of automatic transmission steady at $1,530. The new auto-only ZR price of $22,470 reflects the added safety equipment. Toyota’s Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Tony Cramb, said the more stylish Yaris adds to its appeal as an affordable, economical and fun-to-drive car with a spacious interior. “In addition, Yaris now offers advanced safety systems that can help prevent an accident happening,” he said.

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Boost for local rugby union club p.78

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

Sport

RISE OF THE EMUS

Matt’s not shy on the track Glenmore Park’s Matt Shylan is gearing up for racing in Goulburn this weekend NATHAN TAYLOR

lenmore Park local Matt Shylan has been living and breathing race cars ever since he was a little kid. Now, all grown up, he has taken his passion for motor racing to the next level. The 31-year-old currently competes in the NSW Production Touring Car Championship, a series combining the production car categories of Street Sedans and Saloon Cars. Despite only competing in the Championship for a short amount of time, Shylan is no stranger to life on the track.

“I’ve been around race cars my whole life and have been competing in various other competitions for a very long time,” Shylan told the Weekender. “My uncle used to race Group A Touring Cars and was the Australian Formula Ford Champion in 1987. “While my Dad used to do a lot of race driver training, so I guess it was just natural that I was going to get involved as well.” With motor racing undoubtedly in his blood, Shylan couldn’t wait to race cars himself. In 2013, he joined the NSW Production Touring Car Championship, which

is billed as the perfect place for up and coming drivers to develop race craft. After spending the recent off-season tinkering with his Honda Integra, Shylan will finally hit the Wakefield Park track in Goulburn this weekend for Round 1 of the 2017 season. Shylan said the best part about racing is the incredible people he meets along the way.” “You certainly make a lot of good friends and the competition side of it is always exhilarating,” he said. “Being on the track with 40 other cars around you is a pretty cool feeling.” The NSW Production Touring Car Cham-

pionship features amateur drivers as well as big budget professionals. The category is based around standard road cars with very limited modifications to the engine and gear box. Drivers compete in various sprint rounds and endurance races on circuits around NSW and interstate. “I get a lot of help from family and friends, and my sponsors help me out as well,” said Shylan, who is always looking for more corporate support. “We’ve been very successful over the years, including finishing fourth overall in 2014. We hope the 2017 season is no different.”

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

DANCING

FOOTBALL

Talented teens set to dance up a storm at prestigious event

Christmas comes early as Santa delivers three more for WSW

NATHAN TAYLOR

wo students from the Penrith Gaels Maher School of Irish Dance travelled to Dublin this week to represent Australia at the World Irish Dancing Championships. 15-year-old Rachel Vella from Orchard Hills and 13-year-old Erin Stinten from Oxley Park departed Australia on Wednesday bound for Ireland where they’ll compete against 2000 fellow Irish dancers from around the world. The pair qualified for the prestigious international competition after ‘wowing’ the judges at the recent State and National Championships. Speaking with the Weekender, Rachel said her and Erin have been training non-stop to prepare for the competition. “We train four days a week, so all we can do is go over and do our best,” she said. “Outside of our dancing days, we spend a lot of time working on our fitness at the gym.” Graceful, rhythmical and full of vibrant energy, Irish dance has mesmerised audiences for many years. Rachel has been performing Irish dance since she was six while Erin has been dancing since the tender age of four. “My older sister, Emily, used to watch

Irish dancers Rachel Vella and Erin Stinten will compete at the World Championships. Photo: Megan Dunn ‘The Wiggles’ and one of the episodes featured Irish dancers,” she said. “My sister was inspired to be an Irish dancer and, when she started doing it, I wanted to be like her.” Rachel said she took an interest in Irish dancing after seeing two girls in Kindergarten perform it for ‘News’. “I’m fully Maltese and have no Irish in me, but I found it really interesting,” she said. The World Championships get underway next month.

Western Sydney players celebrate after Brendon Santalab scores again

NATHAN TAYLOR

week after becoming Western Sydney’s most prolific goal scorer, Brendon Santalab added three more goals to his growing tally last Friday night at Spotless Stadium. Despite Melbourne City taking an early lead through a heavily deflected goal, it was a Santalab hat-trick – his first as a Wanderer – that propelled the home side

to a victory that firmly cements them in the top six. For the second straight week, Wanderers coach Tony Popovic praised the 34-yearold for another sensational performance. “It doesn’t end with him does it? He just keep performing, keeps delivering,” Popovic said. The 3-1 victory was the first time all season that the Wanderers had won back to back games. The Wanderers will travel to Newcastle this Saturday to battle the Jets.

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Young basketballers get the chance to learn shooting skills from an NBA mastermind NATHAN TAYLOR

ocal teenage basketballers have the opportunity to improve their shooting skills courtesy of a special clinic run by experienced NBA shooting coach Dave Love. The Penrith Basketball Association and Basketball NSW have announced they are teaming up with Love to offer shooting clinics for young basketball players on Tuesday, April 18. Love is currently in his third year as the shooting coach for the Orlando Magic and has previously worked with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Love has worked with several NBA players during his career including Magic stars Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton as well as Spurs centre Dewayne Dedmon, Cavs big Tristan Thompson and New York’s Louis Amundson. The upcoming clinic will see players learn what each part of their body should be doing but also why they should be doing it. They will learn how positive power affects their shot as well as some drills that Love does with NBA players to develop solid mechanics. The clinics are designed for male and

NBA shooting coach Dave Love (left) will be in Penrith this April female basketball players aged from U12 to U18. The Dave Love Shooting Clinic will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.

The U12-U14 will run from 9am to 12pm while the U16-U18 clinic will run from 1pm to 4pm. Spaces are strictly limited. To register, visit www.penrithbasketball.net.

Halse unsure of what future holds Story continues from » p. 80 “Penrith does mean a lot to me. It’s a great club to play for with plenty of good people involved. I’ve made a lot of good memories and friends over the years.” One of Halse’s greatest memories as a Cat happened just last month when, after five years as captain, he finally won an elusive First Grade title. Halse said winning the First Grade Limited Overs Grand Final in thrilling fashion will be a moment he’ll never forget. “That’s certainly right up there – not only to win a premiership but in the manner of how we won it,” he said. “That day was very special. It was good to achieve that with a good bunch of mates.” While Halse will cherish that premiership forever, he does have one regret. “I would’ve liked to have won the main competition – the Belvidere Cup – but it’s bloody hard to win,” he said. “It hasn’t been through a lack of trying though, we made the finals quite a few years in a row but couldn’t quite get over the line.” Halse said while he hasn’t given away cricket completely, he will take the next summer off to contemplate what he’ll do next. “I’ll just enjoy a few years off and let the kids grow up a bit first,” he said.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

BASKETBALL

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Friday, March 31, 2017 « the western weekender

Rugby Union Huxley begins big mission of turning battling Emus around NATHAN TAYLOR

he Penrith Emus have certainly been through their fair share of coaches in the last three years but none of them quite have the back story that current mentor Julian Huxley boasts. After overcoming a brain tumour in 2010, the 37-year-old former Wallabies fullback will now use his experiences in life to hopefully inspire and turn around the fortunes of the struggling rugby union side. The Emus haven’t won a Shute Shield game in their last 37 attempts but that hasn’t stopped Huxley from instilling commitment and resolve into his side. A few months ago, when he first joined the club, Huxley sat the playing group down to share his story. He talked about his health battle – that should’ve ended his career – and he spoke about finding a purpose in life. “When you find your purpose you can be very strong. So that night the boys sat around and determined what sort of club they wanted to build,” Huxley recalled to the Weekender. Huxley knows the Emus won’t win every match this upcoming Shute Shield

season – heck even one win will be an improvement on the last two years – but he wants them to give it their all no matter what challenge lies ahead. “If we’re not stone cold resolute in having a crack and trying to win every single match then we shouldn’t kit up in the first place,” Huxley said. “No one is naïve to think we’re going to win every game we go out and play, but life and rugby is about giving your all and seeing where the cards fall.” In March 2008, the ACT Brumbies announced Huxley had been diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering a seizure during a match against Queensland the previous week. Huxley stopped playing immediately to undergo surgery and various treatments, and was told he may never play again. In March 2010, Huxley gained medical clearance to resume his career and subsequently signed with then new Super Rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels. Huxley said the game of rugby has given him more than a career – and that’s why he’s more than prepared for a role as big as the one at the Emus. “I’ve been a passionate rugby man my whole life and all the lessons I’ve learned through rugby were the ones that got me through my brain tumour,” he said.

Former Wallaby and new Penrith Emus coach Julian Huxley. Photo: Megan Dunn “I actually really enjoy tough situations. I’m not afraid of a challenge because you learn so much about yourself and about your trade when you take on a job like Penrith. “I’ve learned so much more at Penrith already than I would have at any other club.” Last Friday the Emus received a muchneeded boost on the eve of the rugby season, with Penrith State MP Stuart Ayres joining Huxley and Emus Director Ellen Smallacombe to announce $5000 in NSW Government funding for the club. Huxley said funding has been provided to purchase training equipment for

Penrith’s representative teams, which will make a huge difference. “The kids that play football at this club are given every opportunity to showcase their skill and take the next step towards playing professional football,” he said. “We welcome this grant, which will be used to upgrade our current equipment that is well past its use by date,” Smallacombe added. The Emus will battle Huxley’s former club Gordon at Nepean Rugby Park in the opening round of the Shute Shield season this Saturday afternoon. We’ve heard it all before, but this time it may just be different for the Emus.

Around the grounds CRICKET: 17-year-old Penrith cricketer Ryan Hackney has been selected in the Australian U19’s squad for a six match series against Sri Lanka in Tasmania. The series, which begins on April 8, will involve one three-day match as well as five one-day matches. All matches will be streamed live on the Cricket Australia website. BASKETBALL: Penrith have won back to back games, defeating the Inner West Bulls 98-81 in Round 4 of the Division 1 Youth League Men’s competition. Jayden Gibbeson led the way for the Panthers with 25 points. Penrith will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Sutherland Sharks next weekend. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Division 1 Youth League Women’s team went down to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 75-60 last weekend. Binta Salawu top scored for Penrith with 16 points. Penrith will hope to return to form when they take on the Bankstown Bruins next weekend.

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AFL: The GWS Giants have been hammered in the opening round of the new AFL season, losing to Adelaide 147-91. The Giants went into the 2017 season as one of the favourites for the flag but were given a lesson in believing their own hype last Sunday at the hands of the Crows. GWS will look to bounce back this Saturday when they take on the Gold Coast Suns at Spotless Stadium.

NETBALL: Minus their captain Kim Green, Giants Netball have lost their first game of the season, going down to the Melbourne Vixens 59-51. There was nothing between the two pace setters until the final quarter when the Vixens found an extra gear. This Saturday night the Giants will battle Penrith’s Paige Hadley and the NSW Swifts at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre. RUGBY LEAGUE: The Londonderry Greys Junior Rugby League Club currently field a range of teams from U6’s through to A-Grade. They are currently on the hunt for more players to join the growing club, especially in the U7’s division. With the junior rugby league season right around the corner, you better get in quick to secure a place! For more information, call 0431 242 308. RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 7 of the NSWRL Junior Representative season wrapped up last weekend with mixed results for Penrith’s SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams. In the SG Ball competition, Penrith defeated Newcastle 26-18 while in the Harold Matthews competition, Penrith were belted by the Knights 46-6. This Saturday Penrith will take on the Cronulla Sharks in both grades. If you have a score, story or event to submit to Around The Grounds, email it to Nathan.Taylor@ westernweekender.com.au.

A MESSAGE FROM GEORGE RABIE George and Cathey Rabie would like to thank the Penrith community for its support over the last 40 years. We’re sad to see our store close, but looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. We have been in the business world for over 40 years, having begun the electrical retail business on September 29, 1974.

the western weekender » Friday, March 31, 2017

When I moved into this store here, I recall the emptiness. I remember this shell that we made and developed into a real store that was buzzing and vibrant. Now we are dismantling it and breaking it down, it does make you sad. Penrith has been great to us. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.

Little & Rabie

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Sport

the western weekender // www.westernweekender.com.au

Friday, March 31, 2017

Captain calls it quits NATHAN TAYLOR

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nspirational Penrith Cricket Club captain Matthew Halse has announced his retirement after 23 seasons in the game. The first grade skipper – who put his heart and soul into the club for more than two decades – made the announcement following Penrith’s exit from this year’s NSW Premier Cricket finals series. Speaking with the Weekender, the 36-yearold said the time was right to hang up the gloves and pads. “While I’m physically still OK, I’m not getting younger and the team is in a really good place,” Halse said. “Plus commitments outside of cricket like work and family are starting to take over, so it was a pretty easy decision in the end.” With over 5000 club runs and over 200 first grade wickets, Halse will go down as one of Penrith’s best all-round cricketers. Halse said the Penrith Cricket Club means the absolute world to him. “My Dad played there when I was younger, so I literally grew up at the club,” he said.

Story continues on » p. 77

Penrith Cricket Club first grade captain Matthew Halse has retired. Photo: Michael Gibson

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