Western Weekender September 18 2020

weekender the western Friday, September 18, 2020 • FREE

www.westernweekender.com.au

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

KILLED IN BED Partner charged after axe attack SEE PAGE 3

MAYOR KAREN McKeown poised for city’s top job SEE PAGE 5

INSIDE Penrith’s leading coverage of the mighty Panthers

MIRACLE BABIES Huge rise in locals turning to IVF SEE PAGE 20

END OF THE LINE Neil Gagen’s wife grew up in the home they now share at Orchard Hills. It’s where they planned to spend the rest of their lives, but last Friday, progress came knocking.

Nicola Barton reports on page 7

HISTORY MAKERS Project to archive pandemic response SEE PAGE 24

ADVERTISEMENT

Please call WW41597

4732 4600

8/37 York Rd, Jamisontown

gjgardner.com.au

WW41279

Open Thurs - Sun 10am - 5pm

2

WW42054

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

St Marys woman charged with murder after allegedly attacking partner with axe NICOLA BARTON

A

woman is facing murder charges after she allegedly bludgeoned her partner of 10 years to death in St Marys on Sunday.

Police allege 34-year-old Naea Moli used an axe to inflict “severe head wounds” on 35- year- old Geo Sione whilst he was lying in bed inside their Sydney Street townhouse.

Following his death, CCTV footage has revealed Ms Moli had a cigarette outside the townhouse block before getting into a taxi and heading to St Marys Police Station where she turned herself in.

Nepean Crime Manager Detective Inspector Jason Pietruszka described Ms Moli’s demeanour as “calm” as she detailed the incident to police.

Following extensive questioning, officers from Nepean Police Area Command attended the home about 12.30pm on Sunday where they were confronted with the horrific scene.

A crime scene was established and examined by forensic officers with detectives launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ms Moli was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.

Police remained at the scene of the murder on Monday. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Detective Inspector Pietruszka said the incident was disturbing for the investigators involved.

“The scene was horrific, it’s the only way it can be described and it’s obviously quite horrendous to walk into,” he said.

“It’s something you don’t get used to but you have a job to do.

“It shows what can happen at its worst regarding domestic violence.

“We will continue to work with victims of domestic violence as best we can and encourage them to work with agencies and police.”

Detective Inspector Pietruszka confirmed that the pair had a history with

“Spending more time with the one I love.”

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Killed while lying in bed

Geo Sione was killed while in bed. the police. It is understood an AVO application was in the process of being taken out against Ms Moli.

She fronted Penrith Local Court on Monday where she was refused bail.

Police continue to investigate the motive behind her actions, and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle in a friendly, supportive community. Final stage of one and two-bedroom apartments from $259,000* with open-plan layouts and modern finishes.

Pet-friendly village next to shops, restaurants and train station.

Residential aged care onsite.

Call 1300 111 278 to book a private appointment.

Rooty Hill Village anglicare.org.au/rootyhill

ANG A AN NG G60 606 6 06 66

*Price based on 50% deferred management fee option (conditions apply)

WW41505

3

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

the western weekender PO BOX 7105 South Penrith NSW 2750 P (02) 4722 2998 • F (02) 4731 6255 www.westernweekender.com.au www.facebook.com/westernweekender www.twitter.com/wwpenrith westernweekender Issue 1469

There’s many ways to get your paper each week – including via email!

Visit westernweekender.com.au/getapaper to find out more.

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

Administration: Jennifer Zuleni, Megan Dunn

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

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

Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

@troydodds

Time to let Sydney shine again T he NSW Government this week announced its plan to “make Sydney glow” by revamping the 24- hour economy and “unlocking the city’s cultural and economic potential.”

How nice of the State Government to fix a problem created by... the State Government.

Sydney’s newfound 24- hour economy will be built in the wake of the disastrous economic impacts of COVID- 19, but we all know the city was dead long before the pandemic.

It largely stems back to 2014, when controversial lockout laws were introduced by then Premier Barry O’Farrell in the wake of concerns over alcoholfuelled violence and the tragic deaths of Daniel Christie and Thomas Kelly.

O’Farrell was facing enormous pressure to act on constant reports of violence and given the 2015 State Election was looming, it’s no surprise he did.

But as often happens with government, they couldn’t see the wood for the trees.

The end result was that Sydney regulated itself out of favour with late night revellers and all but shut down after dark.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, Sydney became the city that tucked itself into bed shortly after the sun went down.

The consequences of the lockout laws were immense.

While the stats around alcohol- fuelled incidents looked good on paper, the reality was people were staying away from the city entirely rather than coming in and behaving differently. Rather than deal with ‘last drinks’ being called well before the intended end of their night, people turned to house parties or suburbs not impacted by the lockout laws.

Index

“Sydney became an international city suffocated by good intentions”

Sydney itself, and its once party haven of Kings Cross, was an afterthought for most planning a night out.

Restaurants and bars that were an important part of Sydney’s cultural history disappeared.

It became impossible to get even a cup of coffee after seeing a show somewhere, given businesses couldn’t justify staying open into the night.

Sydney become an international city suffocated by good intentions.

The problems became evident early, and as O’Farrell himself admitted in 2016, life and society had “moved on” quickly, and the laws themselves perhaps needed to move with it.

“It was the right response at the time,” he affirmed in an interview.

It was almost five years ago that serious change to lockout laws was being pushed and while there’s been tweaks and changes along the way, this week’s

News.............................................1-26 Extra Time...........................27-42 Entertainment..................43-54

announcement by the State Government essentially declared this little chapter of Sydney’s nightlife closed for good.

It’s time for fresh air to be breathed into the city, and recovery from the pandemic gives Sydney the ideal time to achieve it.

“Sydneysiders deserve a global city that’s thriving 24- hours a day, and the world wants a 24-hour Sydney,” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this week.

The right words are being spoken, but the delivery is critical.

After all, habits have changed. A thriving Sydney after dark is not like a tap you can just turn on and off. It’s not necessarily a ‘build it and they will come’ scenario.

It’ll need plenty of thought, groundwork and one hell of a marketing campaign to drive people back into the CBD. The concept of Sydney returning to its former glory, or finding a new glory, will be spearheaded by a new 24- hour Economy Coordinator General who will be responsible for bringing the strategy to life.

That’s important, as is liaising with real people. Come out to Penrith and ask locals why they no longer go into the city.

Talk to the businesses that closed about how regulations strangled them. Don’t just rely on spreadsheets and thought bubbles created on a whiteboard.

If something good can come out of COVID-19, it may well be the realisation that the shackles had been on this city for way too long.

The lockout laws had an impact across the city, well beyond the problem locations they were trying to fix. It’s time for Sydney to open again.

Weekender Living........55-58 Business........................................59 Business Directory......60-62

Sport........................................63-68

VISION P aint in g an d D e c o r at in g

0404 459 600

Licence No. 151503C ABN: 54 518 520 984

Penrith based, family owned company dedicated to providing quality painting services

www.visionpainting.com.au

WW40014

4

WW39837

>>» Domestic andCommercial Commercial TextureCoatings Coatings Domestic and »>> Exterior Exterior Texture >>» Decorative Finishes >> Heritage & Federation Work Decorative Finishes » Heritage and Federation Work >> Roof Restorations >> All General Painting » Roof Restorations » All General Painting A new coat of paint can add value and rejuvenate the appearance A new of paint can add value and rejuvenate the appearance of your home. of yourcoat home.

It therefore makes sense to invest in maintaining your It therefore makes sense to invest in maintaining your most valuable asset. most valuable asset.

Karen McKeown set to take top job, but confusion reigns over Deputy Mayor ALENA HIGGINS

P

enrith’s next Mayor will be known later this month with all signs pointing to Labor Councillor Karen McKeown.

The Weekender can reveal Cr McKeown, the sitting Deputy Mayor, will be putting up her hand for the top job at this month’s Mayoral Election, after winning the Labor Party vote to determine a candidate on Monday night. “I’m always grateful for the support I get from within the party so it’s fabulous to have that backing behind you,� Cr McKeown said on Tuesday.

However Cr McKeown, who beat out fellow front - runner Councillor Greg Davies, stressed it wasn’t a done deal yet. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens on the 28th, you never know until you count the hands,� she said.

Independent Councillors Marcus Cornish and Kevin Crameri indicated late last month that they would run for Deputy Mayor and Mayor respectively, but a Liberal candidate for the Deputy Mayor position remains uncertain.

Councillor McKeown’s chances of becoming Mayor are almost certain, however, thanks to an understanding

Councillor Karen McKeown is tipped to be Penrith’s next Mayor. Photo: Megan Dunn.

between the major parties which sees them take turns at holding the leadership positions, much to the frustration of the three Independents. “What has been happening for quite a significant number of years now, is that when we have a Liberal Mayor, we have a Labor Deputy Mayor and vice versa,� Cr McKeown said. “We wont be putting forward a Deputy Mayor candidate, I believe the Liberal Party may be.�

However, when the Weekender canvassed the topic with the five Liberal Councillors, most indicated a definite ‘no’, while incumbent Mayor Ross Fowler was non- committal and Councillor Brian Cartwright said “highly unlikely�.

The Mayoral Election, scheduled to take place during Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday, September 28, is expected to happen via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

COVID-19 has also interrupted the terms of office, after local government elections – which were due to take place last Saturday – were postponed to September 2021 earlier this year. Penrith’s new Mayor will only occupy the seat for 12 months, a departure from the normal two-year term, while the Deputy Mayor will maintain the usual 12-month cycle.

the western weekender Âť Friday, September 18, 2020

Next Mayor to be decided

9,6,7 21( 2) $8675$/,$¡6 0267 63(&7$&8/$5 635,1* *$5'(16

35 & ĹŤ , (ĹŤ *,#(!ĹŤ -.#0 &ĹŤ ÄƒÄ‡ĹŤ *. ' ,ĹŤ.)ĹŤÄƒÄ†ĹŤ .) , 7KH DQQXDO 0D\Ă€HOG *DUGHQ 6SULQJ )HVWLYDO LV XSRQ XV RQFH DJDLQ

WE CREATE BEAUTIFUL FAREWELLS

0D\Ă&#x20AC;HOG¡V IXOO KHFWDUH SULYDWH JDUGHQ HVWDWH ZLOO EH RSHQ IRU YLVLWRUV IURP 6HSWHPEHU WR 2FWREHU LQFOXGLQJ VFKRRO KROLGD\V <RX ZLOO QRW RQO\ JHW WR VHH WKH DPD]LQJ 6SULQJ FRORXUV DV WKH JDUGHQ FRPHV DOLYH DIWHU LWV :LQWHU VOXPEHU EXW YLVLWRUV ZLOO DOVR HQMR\ 0D\Ă&#x20AC;HOG¡V IDPRXV ER[ KHGJH PD]H DQG RWKHU VSHFWDFXODU JDUGHQ IHDWXUHV

Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading family owned funeral directors

4735 6900

gracefunerals.com.au

PENRITH | BLUE MOUNTAINS | WESTERN SYDNEY

9LVLW PD\Ă&#x20AC;HOGJDUGHQ FRP DX IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ WW41951

WW41145

<RX FDQ DOVR EULQJ D SLFQLF OXQFK RU GLQH DW 0D\Ă&#x20AC;HOG¡V UHQRZQHG JDUGHQ FDIp ERRNLQJV HVVHQWLDO

5

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Station locations locked in Full steam ahead for metro as stops at Orchard Hills and St Marys are finalised NICOLA BARTON

T

he exact locations of the new Western Sydney Airport metro stations were announced on Sunday, following much anticipation from the community.

The 23km driverless railway will feature six stations at Orchard Hills, Luddenham and St Marys, as well as at the airport business park, terminal and western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Orchard Hills station is set to be located to the east of Kent Road and north of Lansdowne Road and St Marys is set to be built underneath the existing station.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian met with Minister for Transport Andrew Constance, Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres and Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh at the Western Sydney Airport site on Sunday to announce the locations.

Ms Berejiklian said the Sydney Metro will create jobs when they are needed most.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will support 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices and inject billions of dollars into the NSW and Australian economies,” she said.

“Where we are standing today will

An artist’s impression of the new metro station and community at Orchard Hills. become a major new transport interchange, right in the heart of the future central business district for the Western Parkland City.”

Construction on the $11 billion project will commence later this year and is

projected to be completed in line with the airport’s opening in 2026.

NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the tender process has also started to deliver 10km of twin metro railway tunnels.

“The new railway will link residential areas with jobs hubs, and connect travellers from the new airport with the rest of Sydney’s public transport network,” he said.

Related story: See page 7

Woman coughed in doctor’s face after being denied test ALENA HIGGINS

A

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

• Cost effective • Professional • Fast turnarounds • Male and female voices available

6

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

WW42101

Do you need a professional voiceover, radio commercial, on hold message or any other form of audio recorded?

Jordan Springs woman who coughed in a doctor’s face after he denied her a Coronavirus test has fronted court.

Jaad Hazell, also known as Jaad Choice, faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday and was convicted of ‘common assault’ and handed a 12-month good behaviour bond.

The court heard Hazell and her daughter attended the Nepean Hospital Emergency Department on March 9 with flu-like symptoms after travelling home from the Gold Coast, which her lawyer submitted was a known hot spot.

But when their treating doctor informed the 38- year- old that she appeared to have a mild viral infection and did not meet the criteria for a COVID19- related illness, Hazell became angry and aggressive towards him.

While Dr Kevin Jang, an intern at the hospital, was in very close proximity and explaining what medical treatment would be needed for her symptoms, Hazell removed the mask she wore to the hospital and coughed directly in his face.

She then declared: “Now everyone’s got what I f**king got. How do you know I don’t have the Cornonavirus if you don’t test anyone?” agreed facts reveal.

At the time, the eligibility criteria for tests included people who had recently returned from overseas or who had

direct contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.

Dr Jang and other healthcare workers were not wearing masks during the interaction, and Dr Jang was unable to maintain a safe 1.5m distance, court documents show.

He was subsequently required to complete incident reports that took him away from his duties to treat other patients within the hospital.

On April 3, Hazell was arrested at her home and conveyed to Penrith Police Station where she participated in an electronically- recorded interview and denied coughing in Dr Jang’s face.

Last Thursday, her lawyer submitted Hazell, an asthma sufferer who worked with vulnerable people, was considered a high- risk patient and thought it was important to get the test at the time.

She said the mother- of- three was “certainly remorseful for her actions” and noted there had been no further offending since.

Magistrate Brian van Zuylen was appalled.

“It’s quite disgusting, really,” he said of her reaction when her demands for a test weren’t met.

“You should have more respect for medical staff. Fortunately for Dr Jang, no consequences came out of it.”

She was handed a 12- month Conditional Release Order, which is used to deal with first time and less serious offences.

Lifetime of memories to make way for new airport metro line as acquisition looms NICOLA BARTON

W

hen the knock at the door came last Friday afternoon, Orchard Hills resident Neil Gagen had a sinking feeling that progress had come calling.

Mr Gagen’s house is one of 19 that will be acquired as part of construction of the new metro line to the airport, with station locations now locked in.

Mr Gagen has lived in his home with his wife for about 30 years, raising two children.

“We knew something was going on but didn’t really know what but then we got the knock on the door to say they would be taking this land,” he told the Weekender this week.

“This home has been in my wife’s family for over 52 years, she grew up here.”

Now the Gagen family will be forced to pack up a lifetime of memories and move early next year.

“We are both shocked, we aren’t against progress but like anyone it’s different when it’s your own place,” he said.

The Orchard Hills station will be located to the east of Kent Road and north of Lansdowne Road.

The station would have one entrance on Kent Road with provision for a second entrance east of the station.

Mr Gagen hopes residents who are being forced to give up their homes are properly compensated.

“The people across the road will make serious money, I’m sure they’ll subdivide for development so I just hope we get a similar price but I doubt that will be the case,” he said.

A Sydney Metro project document states the station will “service a future commercial and mixed- use precinct at Orchard Hills”.

Artist impressions of the design depict high rise dwellings erected in close proximity to the station.

Mr Gagen said this will ruin the “rural feel” of Orchard Hills.

“I don’t know any train station surrounded by five acre blocks, that doesn’t make sense to me,” he said.

Mr Gagen has been advised the government will assist residents with legal expenses and valuations.

They will be given six months to argue their case and three months after that until they have to vacate.

Minister for Transport Andrew Constance thanked homeowners for their understanding.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Day progress came calling

Neil Gagen outside his home at Orchard Hills. Photo: Megan Dunn.

SPLIT SYSTEMS REVERSE CYCLE INVERTERS FULLY INSTALLED: Prices below refer to the MSZ-AP model

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

4735 6411

Email | Lmas@tpg.com.au Showroom | 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains www.Lmac.com.au

5 YEAR WARRANTY ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST Based on a back to back install, single storey.

AU16525 Lic. No. 127921C

WW40276

HEATING AND COOLING SPECIALISTS

2.5kW...........$1,790 3.5kW...........$1,980 5.0kW...........$2,410 7.0kW...........$2,790 8.0kW...........$3,240

7

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

PENRITH

NEWS

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY BRANCH Download the free Penrith City Library app

CONTACT US

penrith.city/library

ADMINISTRATION 3HQULWK 2IÀFH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW

&RXQFLO·V 3HQULWK RIÀFH &LYLF &HQWUH KDV UHRSHQHG WR WKH SXEOLF IRU OLPLWHG VHUYLFHV $OO VHUYLFHV UHPDLQ RQOLQH DW SHQULWK FLW\ &RQWDFW &HQWUH 2SHQ DP² SP 0RQ²)UL 3 ) :ULWH WR 32 %R[ 3HQULWK 16: ( FRXQFLO#SHQULWK FLW\

SERVICES :DVWH 6HUYLFHV ,OOHJDO 'XPSLQJ &RQWDFW WKH (3$ KRWOLQH RQ DQG DVN IRU WKH 5,' 6TXDG 5HJLRQDO ,OOHJDO 'XPSLQJ 6TXDG

*UDIÀWL +RWOLQH )UHHFDOO

MEETING DATES &RXQFLO 0HHWLQJ

6HSWHPEHU ² SP 2QOLQH YLD SHQULWK FLW\ 2UGLQDU\ 0HHWLQJ

penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

PUBLIC NOTICES

COUNCIL BRIEFS ● $UH \RX WHDFKLQJ D \RXQJ DGXOW WR GULYH" 5HJLVWHU IRU RXU +HOSLQJ /HDUQHU 'ULYHUV EHFRPH 6DIH 'ULYHUV :RUNVKRS RQ :HGQHVGD\ 6HSWHPEHU DW ² SP RQ =RRP DQG UHFHLYH IUHH SUDFWLFDO DGYLFH IURP 7UDQVSRUW IRU 16: 7KH ZRUNVKRS LV JUHDW IRU DQ\RQH ZKR LV RU ZLOO EH VXSHUYLVLQJ D \RXQJ DGXOW ZKHQ GULYLQJ WR REWDLQ WKHLU /HDUQHUV /LFHQVH ,W ZLOO FRYHU WRSLFV OLNH KRZ WR VXSHUYLVH OHDUQHU GULYHUV DQG FRPSOHWH WKH /HDUQHU GULYHU ORJERRN DQG WKH LPSRUWDQW UROH \RX SOD\ LQ VXSSRUWLQJ WKH SHUVRQ ZKLOH WKH\ OHDUQ KRZ WR GULYH

Under Section 38B Roads Act 1993 ,Q SXUVXDQFH RI WKH SURYLVLRQV RI WKH Roads Act 1993 QRWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO SURSRVHV WR FORVH WKH FRXQFLO SXEOLF URDG OLVWHG LQ 6FKHGXOH Schedule 1: 3DUWLDO 5RDG &ORVXUH RI 6RSHU 3ODFH 3HQULWK /RFDWLRQ RI SRUWLRQ PDUNHG LQ WKH PDS EHORZ LQ EROG

<RX·OO KDYH WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR DVN DQ\ TXHVWLRQV \RX PD\ KDYH DQG UHFHLYH DGYLFH IURP D 5RDG 6DIHW\ H[SHUW (PDLO wendy.read@penrith.city WR UHJLVWHU )RU PRUH GHWDLOV YLVLW penrith.city/events ● ,W·V LPSRUWDQW WR EH ÁRRG UHDG\ &RXQFLO LV SUHSDULQJ D ÁRRG VWXG\ IRU WKH &UDQHEURRN FDWFKPHQW ZKLFK LQFOXGHV WKH VXEXUEV RI &UDQHEURRN DQG 1RUWK 3HQULWK <RXU IHHGEDFN DQG H[SHULHQFH DUH LQYDOXDEOH WR XV SOHDVH YLVLW yoursaypenrith.com.au/CranebrookFS WR FRPSOHWH WKH VXUYH\ E\ )ULGD\ 2FWREHU ● &RXQFLO LV LQYLWLQJ WKH FRPPXQLW\ WR VKDUH WKHLU YLHZV LGHDV DQG WKRXJKWV DERXW 3HQULWK·V IXWXUH WR LQIRUP WKH GHYHORSPHQW DQG GHOLYHU\ RI WKH RUJDQLVDWLRQ·V \HDU &RPPXQLW\ 6WUDWHJLF 3ODQ $ VHULHV RI RQOLQH IRFXV JURXSV ZLOO EH KHOG LQ 6HSWHPEHU DQG 2FWREHU WR FRQWLQXH WKH FRQYHUVDWLRQV VWDUWHG ZLWK WKH FRPPXQLW\ GXULQJ HQJDJHPHQW DFWLYLWLHV IRU WKH &63 HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU DQG WR DGGUHVV WKH IHHGEDFN SURYLGHG E\ UHVLGHQWV GXULQJ WKH FRQVXOWDWLRQ SHULRG 7KH IRFXV JURXSV DUH RSHQ WR DOO UHVLGHQWV DJHG DQG GLVFXVVLRQV ZLOO FRYHU D UDQJH RI LPSRUWDQW WRSLFV LQFOXGLQJ VDIH DQG HIÀFLHQW URDGV DIIRUGDEOH KRXVLQJ DFFHVV WR VHUYLFHV ORFDO MREV DQG WKH HQYLURQPHQW )LQG RXW GDWHV DQG WLPHV IRU WKH IRFXV JURXSV DQG UHJLVWHU WR WDNH SDUW DW yoursaypenrith.com.au/mycity

8

Proposed Road Closing

8SRQ FORVXUH RI WKH SRUWLRQ RI URDG FRXQFLO LQWHQGV WR FKDQJH WKH FODVVLÀFDWLRQ RI WKLV ODQG WR ¶2SHUDWLRQDO· DQG ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH FODVVLÀHG DV URDG UHVHUYH $OO LQWHUHVWHG SHUVRQV DUH KHUHE\ LQYLWHG WR PDNH VXEPLVVLRQV FRQFHUQLQJ WKH SURSRVDO WR WKH *HQHUDO 0DQDJHU 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO 32 %R[ 3HQULWK 16: ZLWKLQ WZHQW\ HLJKW GD\V RI WKH GDWH RI WKLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW 3OHDVH QRWH WKDW XQGHU WKH SURYLVLRQV RI WKH Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 VXFK VXEPLVVLRQV PD\ EH UHIHUUHG WR WKLUG SDUWLHV IRU FRQVLGHUDWLRQ 2QFH WKH VXEPLVVLRQ SHULRG LV FRPSOHWHG 3HQULWK &LW\ &RXQFLO ZLOO FRQVLGHU DOO GXO\ PDGH VXEPLVVLRQV EHIRUH GHFLGLQJ ZKHWKHU WR FRQWLQXH ZLWK WKH URDG FORVXUH SURSRVDO Council Ref: (&0 Enquiries: /DXUD *UD\ RQ

facebook.com/penrith.city.council

instagram.com/penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city

twitter.com/penrithcouncil

youtube.com/penrithcitycouncil

visitpenrith.com.au

WW42070

6W 0DU\V 2IÀFH 4XHHQ 6WUHHW &HQWUH ² 4XHHQ 6WUHHW

Planning Agreement for 33â&#x20AC;&#x201C;43 Phillip Street, St Marys Penrith City Council is publicly notifying a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and The Trust Company (Australia) Limited. The VPA relates to the planning proposal for 33â&#x20AC;&#x201C;43 Phillip Street, St Marys, known as Station Plaza. Council at its meeting of 23 March 2020 endorsed the planning proposal, subject to the VPA being signed.

The VPA sets out mechanisms for the timing and delivery of certain infrastructure attributable to the planning proposal including affordable housing, WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F LQIUDVWUXFWXUH ZRUNV SXEOLF RSHQ VSDFH DQG embellishment and money contributions towards the upgrade of Bennett Park.

A copy of the VPA and explanatory note can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au 7KH QRWLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ SHULRG LV IURP 7KXUVGD\ 3 September 2020 to Thursday, 1 October 2020.

Council is happy to hear your views on this matter. )RU IXUWKHU HQTXLULHV SOHDVH FRQWDFW &RXQFLO¡V &LW\ Planning Team on 4732 8196 or email cityplanning@penrith.city

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be ďŹ&#x201A;ood ready â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cranebrook Flood Study Penrith City Council has engaged Lyall and Associates, an independent consultant specialising LQ Ă RRG VWXGLHV WR SUHSDUH WKH VWXG\ RQ RXU EHKDOI The study will help us improve our understanding of Ă RRG EHKDYLRXU WKH VSHHG DQG GHSWK RI Ă RRG ZDWHU and to identify problem areas.

The study area includes the suburbs of Cranebrook and North Penrith.

How to Have Your Say: If you live in the areas mentioned, your local knowledge and personal experience will help us LGHQWLI\ Ă RRGLQJ ÂśWURXEOH VSRWV¡ DQG DLG LQ WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI D FRPSXWHU Ă RRG PRGHO We are interested in documenting past experiences RI Ă RRGLQJ DW \RXU SURSHUW\ RU LQ \RXU QHLJKERUKRRG and encourage you to complete our survey and VHQG XV DQ\ SLFWXUHV RI SUHYLRXV Ă RRGLQJ Complete our survey and visit yoursaypenrith.com.au/CranebrookFS Consultation period: Monday, 21 September 2020â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, 9 October 2020.

Notice of Public Meeting Penrith Local Planning Panel The Penrith Local Planning Panel will meet to determine the following: â&#x20AC;˘ DA20/0423 682 Castlereagh Road, Agnes Banks Alterations and additions to an existing dwelling and change of use to a community facility with associated car parking and on-site waste water management system When: Wednesday, 23 September 2020 commencing at 4pm Public Meeting Details: Online Meeting To enable access into the online meeting please contact the Development Services Department on 4732 7637 or email localpanel@penrith.city by 4pm on Tuesday, 22 September 2020. A meeting invitation with log in details will be provided upon UHTXHVW 3OHDVH DOVR FRQĂ&#x20AC;UP LI \RX ZLVK WR UHJLVWHU to speak.

Any person joining the online meeting are informed that the meeting will be audio recorded, and a copy of that recording will be made publicly available following the meeting.

Relevant documents will be available on Penrith &RXQFLO¡V ZHEVLWH penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ Local-Planning-Panel/

PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS Planning Proposal to Reclassify 7 Sites at The Driftway and Reynolds Road, Londonderry Penrith City Council is publicly exhibiting a Planning Proposal to amend the Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010) to reclassify seven sites owned E\ +DZNHVEXU\ &LW\ &RXQFLO IURP Âś&RPPXQLW\¡ WR Âś2SHUDWLRQDO¡ /DQG DW 7KH 'ULIWZD\ DQG 5H\QROGV 5RDG Londonderry. The Planning Proposal also seeks to restrict development on these sites for the purposes of UHQRYDWHG QHZ RU LQWHQVLĂ&#x20AC;HG UHVLGHQWLDO DFFRPPRGDWLRQ whilst a Waste or Resource Management Facility is located north of the land in Hawkesbury Local Government Area. This is in order to maintain a buffer between residential dwellings.

The land subject to this Planning Proposal includes: â&#x20AC;˘ Site 1: 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 Reynolds Road, Londonderry (Lot 1 DP 25981) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 2: 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 24 Sec D DP 25020) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 3: 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 22 Sec D DP 25020) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 4: 26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;32 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 21 Sec D DP 25020) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 5: 34â&#x20AC;&#x201C;40 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 20 Sec D DP 25020) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 6: 42â&#x20AC;&#x201C;48 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 19 Sec D DP 25020) â&#x20AC;˘ Site 7: 50â&#x20AC;&#x201C;56 The Driftway, Londonderry (Lot 18 Sec D DP 25020) The Planning Proposal is on public exhibition from Thursday, 3 September 2020 to Thursday, 1 October 2020. The exhibition material can be accessed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au and the NSW Planning Portal. $IWHU WKH H[KLELWLRQ KDV Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG &RXQFLO ZLOO KROG D public hearing for this planning proposal. The results of the public exhibition and public hearing will be reported to Council for its consideration in the coming months.

You are invited to review and comment on the proposed changes to the planning controls by making a written submission before 4pm Thursday, 1 October 2020.

For further enquiries, please call Madison Foster, &RXQFLO¡V 3ODQQHU RQ RU HPDLO cityplanning@penrith.city

Draft Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy

â&#x20AC;˘ Enable developers to directly provide urban infrastructure as part of their developments where this is in the public interest and the infrastructure GHOLYHUHG DFKLHYHV D QHW FRPPXQLW\ EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W DQG â&#x20AC;˘ :RUN ZLWK GHYHORSHUV WR FUHDWH Ă H[LEOH DQG innovative solutions to achieve infrastructure DQG SXEOLF EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV IRU WKH FRPPXQLW\ The Draft Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy is on public exhibition from Thursday, 3 September 2020 to Thursday, 1 October 2020. The Policy can be viewed online at yoursaypenrith.com.au You are invited to review and provide comment on the draft policy by making a written submission before 4pm on Thursday, 1 October 2020.

For further enquiries, please contact Natalie Stanowski, Principal Planner City Planning on 4732 7403 or email cityplanning@penrith.city

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS The following Development Applications have been received by Council: â&#x20AC;˘ -RVHSK 5DĂ D

'$

Shops 13 & 13A, Erskine Park Shopping Centre, 180â&#x20AC;&#x201C;190 Swallow Drive, Erskine Park Fitout and use of premises as 35 place childcare centre including related building alterations and additions Contact: Sufyan Nguyen on 4732 8568 Closing Date: 5 October 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ Australian Arms Pty Ltd

DA20/0523

351 & 359 High Street and 18 Lawson Street, Penrith Internal alterations to Australian Arms Hotel and construction of 7-storey hotel including ground Ă RRU UHVWDXUDQW Ă&#x20AC;UVW Ă RRU IXQFWLRQ FHQWUH 115 hotel rooms and 2 levels of basement car parking and related demolition and public domain works Contact: Sandra Fagan on 4732 7992 Closing Date: 5 October 2020

DEVELOPMENT MODIFICATION APPLICATION â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial & Industrial Property Pty Ltd

DA16/1029.01

78 Templar Road, Erskine Park

Penrith City Council seeks feedback in relation to the draft Penrith Developer Infrastructure Agreements Policy.

6HFWLRQ $ PRGLĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ WR DSSURYHG warehouse for internal storage of potentially hazardous dangerous goods

7KLV SROLF\ GHWDLOV &RXQFLO¡V SURSRVHG SURFHVVHV and requirements for the negotiation, execution and implementation of infrastructure agreements, including Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPA) and Works in Kind Agreements (WIKA).

Contact: Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391

Council has prepared the draft Policy in order to: â&#x20AC;˘ Provide a consistent and streamlined process for entering into agreements; â&#x20AC;˘ Have clear probity standards for agreements; â&#x20AC;˘ 3URYLGH WKH FRPPXQLW\ ZLWK FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQFH LQ WKH agreement process and the delivery of infrastructure by parties other than Council; â&#x20AC;˘ Assist in facilitating the timing of infrastructure delivery to meet the needs of our growing community;

the western weekender Âť Friday, September 18, 2020

Public Notices (cont.)

Closing Date: 5 October 2020 Viewing of Development Applications The above development application/s may be viewed RQ &RXQFLO¡V '$ 7UDFNHU YLD penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ DATracker Alternatively, the applications can be YLHZHG GXULQJ &RXQFLO¡V QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH +LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLO¡V 'HYHORSPHQW 6HUYLFHV 'HSDUWPHQW ZLOO EH able to assist with your enquiries.

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

penrith.city WW42071

9

A positive COVID-19 test at Newmarch House nursing home in Caddens reflects a previous infection and poses no risk to the community, staff or other residents.

The nursing home had implemented its infection control procedures and commenced consultation with NSW Health after the positive test was returned

earlier this week, months after the outbreak at the nursing home concluded.

NSW Health has confirmed the Newmarch House resident was experiencing symptoms but that their illness is not a fresh case of COVID-19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not uncommon for patients who have recovered from past infection to

DEVELOPMENT CONSENT/S DETERMINED

The Development Application referred to in this notice

Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning

DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG

and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists

from 21 September to 5 October 2020.

applications recently determined by the Penrith Local Planning Panel.

Approved Development Applications â&#x20AC;˘ ArkExpress Design Pty Ltd

DA19/0655

application may be inspected at the locations listed below

submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLO¡V UHIHUHQFH QXPEHU '$

parking, earthworks, landscaping and stormwater drainage works and strata title subdivision x 18 lots â&#x20AC;˘ Urbanity Care Pty Ltd

DA20/0070

For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391. â&#x20AC;˘ Autopak Nominees Pty Ltd

DA20/0512

Lot 102 DP 793456 (No. 21) Harris Street,

Lot 150 DP 703879 (No. 5) Peppertree Drive,

North St Marys

Erskine Park

Land remediation works and construction of a

Construction of childcare centre for 68 children aged

warehouse and production building

0â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 years including related car parking, stormwater drainage works and landscaping â&#x20AC;˘ Fitzpatrick Investments Pty Ltd

The proposal is an Integrated Development.

The application seeks approval from the NSW

DA19/0817

Lot 3 DP 1253870 (Nos. 68â&#x20AC;&#x201C;124) Lockwood Road, Erskine Park &RQVWUXFWLRQ RI DQ DUWLĂ&#x20AC;FLDO ZDWHU ERG\ GHWHQWLRQ EDVLQ

(QYLURQPHQW 3URWHFWLRQ $XWKRULW\ (3$

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected at the locations listed below

and civil and earth works

Refused Development Application â&#x20AC;˘ Signature Properties No. 5 Pty Ltd

DA20/0435

Lot 34 DP 215146 (No. 26) Hargrave Street, Kingswood Construction of a 2-storey boarding house containing 12 boarding rooms for a maximum of 19 lodgers and

DW DQ\ WLPH GXULQJ RUGLQDU\ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH KRXUV LQ WKH SHULRG from 21 September 2020 to 21 October 2020.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council, in relation to the Development Application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection

at grade car parking for 3 cars, 3 motorcycles and

DUH WR EH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ WKH VXEPLVVLRQ 7KH VXEPLVVLRQ LV

3 bicycles

WR LQFOXGH &RXQFLO¡V UHIHUHQFH QXPEHU '$ For any queries relating to the proposal, please contact

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTS

Kathryn Sprang on 4732 7834.

Viewing of Development Applications

Penrith City Council has received Development

The above development application/s may be viewed on

Applications in respect of the subject properties. The

&RXQFLO¡V '$ 7UDFNHU YLD penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/

consent authority for the Development Applications is

DATracker Alternatively, the applications can be viewed

Penrith City Council.

GXULQJ &RXQFLO¡V QRUPDO EXVLQHVV KRXUV DW WKH &LYLF &HQWUH

â&#x20AC;˘ Lazar Phranso Holdings Pty Ltd

Small plants line the shared pathway on the new-look Northern Road.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a

DP 1120114 (No. 123) Lenore Drive, Erskine Park cafĂŠ, associated basement and ground level car

DA20/0546

Lot 125 DP 32140 (Nos. 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;38) Mt Vernon Road, Mount Vernon Torrens title subdivision x 2 lots

Tree plan for road upgrade

and supporting documentation accompanying the subject

Lot 1 DP 1071114, Lot 55 DP 1170183 & Lot 24 Industrial development including 17 industrial units and

+LJK 6WUHHW 3HQULWK 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV RI &RXQFLO¡V 'HYHORSPHQW Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The

By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be

application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW

disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to

Rural Fire Service.

Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

penrith.city

10

have a positive result,â&#x20AC;? a NSW Health spokesperson said.

The current symptom, unrelated to Coronavirus, is being treated.

19 residents died at Newmarch House earlier this year during the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in NSW, with dozens of other residents and staff infected.

WW42069

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

Fears of fresh COVID-19 outbreak at nursing home unfounded

Transport for NSW has assured locals that trees felled during the Northern Road upgrade will be replaced, but motorists and pedestrians will likely have to wait years for decent canopy coverage.

Despite Penrith being named the hottest place on Earth twice in recent years, shrubs and plants make up the bulk of the promised landscaping along the new verges and wide median strip between Glenmore Parkway, Glenmore Park and the M4.

But a quick dash up the Mountain reveals a different tale, with trees of varying sizes lining median strips and nature strips of seemingly lesser widths, shielding visitors from the piercing summer heat.

A Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokeswoman said it is committed to replacing trees that have been removed or that are reaching the end of their lifetime on road upgrade projects where possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On The Northern Road upgrade between Glenmore Parkway and Jamison Road, more than 1,100 trees ranging in various sizes from 400mm to 2.5 metres tall will be planted,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is slightly more than the estimated 900 trees which will be removed as part of the upgrade.â&#x20AC;?

She said trees will be added along the shared path verge, but implied these would only be saplings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Within the median strip between Glenmore Parkway and the M4 Motorway, vegetation including low shrub plants and ground cover edge plants have been planted,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trees will also be added along the shared path verge, which will provide shade and relief from the heat for pedestrians and cyclists, when mature. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition, for every tree that is removed between the Littlefields Road and Glenmore Parkway section of the upgrade, TfNSW will plant two trees.â&#x20AC;?

However, the spokeswoman did not confirm why shade- producing trees were not planted in the median strip, or if budgetary constraints or root damage fears were the reason.

Once complete, the upgrade between Glenmore Parkway and Jamison Road, South Penrith will include four lanes in each direction, double the original footprint, as well as a mammoth newlook M4 Interchange featuring eight, multi-lane ramps.

The entire Northern Road project is due to be completed in 2022, weather permitting. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alena Higgins

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT AT PANTHERS

ELTON

OUT OF THE CLOSET SAT 26 SEP

FRI 27 NOV

SAT 31 OCT

THE FLEETWOOD MAC SHOW FRI 18 DEC

2020 SHOW SPECIAL TICKETS ONLY $17.10

WW39321

PANTHERS.COM.AU | 1300 PANTHERS @PANTHERSPENRITHLEAGUESCLUB

11

A

n engaging and visually captivating book, Mia Counts To Ten On The Farm follows a dog named Mia on her journey at the farm as she learns to count to 10.

Follow her journey as you go in this light-hearted and fun story.

“I wrote this book for my son Daniel who has been my inspiration,” said author Jacqueline Stevens.

“I sat down one day thinking ‘what is a book he would enjoy reading’. That’s when the idea came to write a book which featured his puppy Mia as the main character and having her go on journeys that children do and can relate to, as well as making it a fun, light-hearted and an educational read.”

Jacqueline Stevens, born in Newcastle in 1988, found her

prize cupboard

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

PAGE TWELVE

An announcement will be made soon about bigger crowds at upcoming sporting events, such as the NRL Grand Final. It’ll be a good reward for NSW for keeping cases low and testing high.

my Penrith

passion for writing children’s stories after the birth of her son, Daniel. With him as her inspiration and target audience, Jacqueline thrives on writing short, fiction children’s books that are educational, light- hearted and captivating. With her unique style, she brings the books to life.

The book is out now.

The Weekender has four copies of the book to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Mia’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details.

Entries close Thursday, September 24 and all winners will be notified by email. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/20/05506.

Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or from Weekender reception.

lucky paceway winners Members of the Penrith Paceway have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and The Western Weekender. Club members can pick up a free specially numbered bumper sticker from the Paceway, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Paceway to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize.

Look out for new winners on this page every single week!

This week’s lucky winners are: 0011, 0422, 0343.

Dose of Dorin

Haley Walsh

Glenmore Park

12

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN PENRITH? Manee Manee Thai.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A COFFEE IN PENRITH? Mr Watkins.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A DRINK IN PENRITH? Penrith RSL. FIRST PLACE YOU WOULD TAKE A VISITOR TO PENRITH? A walk along the Nepean River.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PENRITH? The close proximity to the Blue Mountains.

WHAT IS PENRITH’S BEST KEPT SECRET? A community of passionate local authors, such as myself, who love writing books.

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

wwpenrith

westernweekender

Residents say proposed site compound puts kids at risk due to increased traffic ALENA HIGGINS

C

oncerned Jamisontown residents are calling on the State Government to change the location of a site compound proposed for a popular park.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) recently informed local residents that the Council reserve at 2A Clyburn Avenue had been identified as a site compound for the Mulgoa Road widening between Jeanette Street to Blaikie Road.

Natalie Sibbald strongly objects to the plan and says a better location would be on vacant land in the industrial area near Blaikie Road.

“This is a residential area and the park is utilised by lots of families in the area,” she said.

“Lots of school children get on and off the bus nearby and increased traffic from construction vehicles is putting these kids at risk.”

The site will be used to store equipment, machinery and stockpile material and as a potential site shed required to undertake the construction work, a TfNSW letter provided to residents states.

A TfNSW spokeswoman said the reserve was the most suitable site for the gas main

relocation work to be carried out as part of the Mulgoa Road upgrade, due to its close

proximity to the proposed work site on Warragamba Crescent.

Saturday 19th September, 2020 11:00am - 2:00pm

MOUNTAINVIEW RETREAT RETIREMENT VILLAGE Come and join Helen Fitzpatrick for a cuppa, biscuits and a tour of the village.

And why not inspect some 2 bedroom units currently available for sale while you’re there!

WW42078

O

N E P

Y A D

Concerned Jamisontown families want the location of a site compound reconsidered.

“The site compound, which will cover around one quarter of the existing Council reserve, will have minimal impact on the community and no impact on the play equipment,” she said.

“Appropriate fencing and security, as well as entry and exit points that minimise disruption to traffic and the local community will be put in place for the safety of everyone.

“This site compound is one of three planned for this stretch of the Mulgoa Road upgrade so will only need to be leased for eight to 12 months.”

A Penrith Council spokesman said Council will lease the land to TfNSW. “Penrith City Council prefers to negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes where public land has been earmarked for temporary use during infrastructure projects rather than have that land compulsory acquired, which TfNSW can do,” the spokesman said.

“The initial lease term will be for 12 months where Council will receive rental of the space at market value under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms) Compensation Act 1991.”

The other site compounds for the project will be located on 29 Harwood Circuit, Glenmore Park, and 111 Mulgoa Road, Regentville.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Parents raise safety worry

Please register prior to Saturday Helen on 0414 362 955 or helen.fitzpatrick@raywhite.com 13

14

WW42049

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

WW42050

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

15

From The Courts: Your Complete Legal Wrap COMPILED BY ALENA HIGGINS. OUR COURT REPORTING IS SPONSORED BY LOCAL LAW FIRM COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING.

Home detention for man caught drink driving again

A man who racked up his 10th drink driving charge has dodged full-time custody, being confined to home detention instead.

Alan Broadhurst appeared before Penrith Local Court last Thursday and was shown mercy due to his long list of serious health conditions.

The court heard Broadhurst was pulled over on The Northern Road, Cranebrook and blew 0.211, but blamed faulty equipment for the high reading and claimed his speech was slurred due to not having his false teeth in.

Magistrate Brian van Zulyen was scathing, telling him “you’re a positive menace on the road”.

“There is a need to protect the community from you,” he said.

However, Magistrate van Zuylen was persuaded to allow him to serve his 14-month jail sentence by way of home detention.

Broadhurst must not leave his house except for medical reasons or to visit ill family members.

He was also fined $1,500, barred from driving for nine months and ordered to install an alcohol interlock device to his car for 24 months upon completion of his driving ban.

Man failed to get help for sick, elderly dog in his care

A man has been slapped with more than $1,000 worth of fines after failing to provide veterinary treatment for his elderly dog.

Adam Anthony Coyle fronted Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with five counts of ‘being in charge of an animal and failing to provide veterinary treatment’.

The court heard RSPCA officers attended Coyle’s property after receiving reports about a skinny dog.

Upon arrival, officers found a tancoloured Staffy with lumps all over her

16

body and discharge in her eyes. Coyle told Magistrate Brian van Zuylen he had underestimated the 17-year-old dog’s condition.

“I didn’t think the dog was that sick because she was that old,” he said.

But Magistrate van Zuylen, who had the benefit of seeing photographs of the dog which were tendered by the RSPCA on sentence, said the dog looked “very emaciated” and in “terrible condition”.

“It was appalling the way you treated the dog,” he said.

“You failed completely,” he added, in reference to his responsibility to care for the dog.

The court heard the dog scored 5/5 on the poor condition scale, had urinary tract and bladder issues, mammary masses, chronic skin disease, hair loss, and a bleeding wound on the tip of its tail.

He was fined $1,300, banned from owning an animal for three years and ordered to pay RSPCA compensation.

Man warned full-time jail is next if offending continues

A 42-year-old Kingswood man who used codes and aliases on social media to communicate with his ex in contravention of an AVO has been told he’s “essentially at the end of the road”.

Adam Ross Stanton faced Penrith Local Court last Friday via video link and pleaded guilty to six fresh breaches, which Magistrate Bree Chisholm pointed out were committed despite being on bail and subject to good behaviour bonds for earlier contraventions.

His lawyer conceded the threshold for a jail sentence had been crossed when all 10 breaches were taken together.

“The only question is how it is served,” he said.

He submitted the contraventions were “low level” contact breaches and absent of any violence, but conceded the repeated nature made it difficult for Her Honour to assess the objective seriousness.

The prosecution raised the totality

of the offending and the “seemingly calculated nature” of the breaches, which included using codes and aliases.

“There was a calculated effort to circumvent the orders of the court,” the prosecutor said.

Magistrate Chisholm was critical, telling Stanton he failed to prevent his offending from “spiralling out of control” since the AVO preventing contact was first put in place in October last year.

“You’re sitting in a jail cell right now... where your repeated breaches of court orders over a number of months have placed you in your predicament,” she scolded.

However, she was persuaded, given there was no violence, to allow him to serve his 18-month jail sentence in the community by way of an Intensive Correction Order (ICO).

But she warned there was no other option than full-time jail if he breached the ICO. “I’m going to place your destiny in your hands,” she said.

“This is essentially the end of the road – do you understand?”

She also directed he contribute to the community in a “positive fashion”, ordering he undertake 200 hours of community service work.

He was also ordered to pay $2,197 in compensation for damage to a laptop and phone.

Man escapes conviction after being caught with drugs twice

A man has escaped a criminal conviction despite being found with cannabis twice in as many months.

The 23-year-old man faced Penrith Local Court last Thursday and was handed two, 12-month Conditional Release Orders without conviction after pleading guilty to two counts of ‘possess prohibited drug’.

His lawyer said the man described his drug use as “sporadic and behind him” and had no intention of consuming drugs

into the future. The court heard the firsttime offender was busted with 4.28g of cannabis on May 21.

Less than two months later, he was pulled over for a random breath test where police located another 13.5g.

Magistrate Brian van Zuylen told the Cranebrook resident all the evidence says it is bad for your health.

“Particularly your mental health,” he said.

Man re-sentenced after breaching AVO rules

A 50-year-old who breached his AVO, which triggered breaches of other good behaviour bonds in the process, has been re-sentenced to heftier penalties.

Penrith Local Court heard the man went to his ex-wife’s house to finalise family law proceedings in an “unplanned and uninvited” attendance in contravention of an AVO. When he arrived, he drove up alongside the victim in her vehicle and began to abuse her for 10 minutes about their upcoming property settlement.

The court heard the man tried to open her car door, with the woman sounding the horn to alert neighbours.

Magistrate Brian van Zuylen noted the offender was already on Conditional Release Orders (CROs) for common assault of the woman and also for high-range drink driving.

“If you can’t keep your temper discussing it, don’t speak to her,” Magistrate van Zuylen said.

His CROs were revoked and he was disqualified for six months and fined $400 for the drink driving matter, while he was re-sentenced to a 12-month Community Correction Order (CCO) for the assault matter.

He was also handed a 12-month CCO for the breach AVO matter.

More court news: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and visit www. westernweekender.com.au.

WW39709

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

L AW a n d O R D E R

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

LegalMatters

Police Snapshot COMPILED BY NICOLA BARTON

A driver has been charged after two pedestrians were seriously injured in a crash at Werrington County last Friday.

Just after 7pm, emergency services were called to Ovens Drive, after two pedestrians were hit by a Mazda hatchback.

The pedestrians, a 51-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, were found suffering fractures and head injuries.

The couple were treated by paramedics and taken to Westmead Hospital where they remain in a serious but stable condition.

The Mazda driver, a 35-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with two counts of ‘dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous’, ‘negligent driving (occasions grievous bodily harm)’, and ‘not keep left of dividing line’.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, October 8.

His licence was also suspended.

Kingswood: Alleged drug dealer caught in the act

An accused meth dealer is facing a number of charges after he was caught in the act in Kingswood last week.

About 2.30pm on Friday, September 11, officers were patrolling on Wainwright Lane, Kingswood, when they stopped and spoke with a 44-year-old man.

During a search of the man, officers located and seized 19 satchels of methylamphetamine, a knife and $395 cash.

The man was taken to Penrith Police Station, where he was charged with ‘possess prohibited drug’, ‘supply prohibited drug’, ‘deal with proceeds of crime’, ‘goods in custody suspected of being stolen’ and ‘possession of a knife in a public place’.

He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday,

with Daniel McKinnon

September 12, where he was granted conditional bail to appear at Penrith Local Court on Thursday, October 8.

Attendees of illegal gatherings will now face $1000 fines

New changes to the COVID-19 Public Health Order will see all attendees of private gatherings that exceed 20 people slapped with $1000 fines.

The changes come as the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer.

Previously, only the organiser of a gathering was liable to receive a fine if the number of people at a private premises breached the Public Health Order, now every person in attendance will be held individually responsible for the breach.

The changes aim to ensure the safety of the community ahead of an expected increase in gatherings associated with Christmas and end-of-year festivities.

Operation Coronavirus Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said that as with the previous restrictions, these amendments have been made with community safety in mind.

“NSW Police will continue to work with the community to ensure compliance to all restrictions under the Public Health Order,” he said.

“While the vast majority of people within NSW are doing their part, we will continue to target those who don’t.”

Werrington: Police forced to terminate high speed chase

Police were forced to terminate a dangerous pursuit with a driver who failed to stop when directed in Werrington last Friday.

About 10.15am officers on the Great Western Highway attempted to pull over a vehicle, which in response sped off ahead. A pursuit was initiated with police tailing the vehicle but eventually had to stop due to safety concerns.

Officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command utilised PolAir to help hunt down the driver.

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

Super lesson for us all A Will is a document that dictates what happens to a person’s Estate when they die.

A person’s Estate is made up of any assets they own in their sole name at the date of their death.

Generally speaking, jointly owned property passes to the surviving coowner and does not form part of the deceased person’s Estate.

Some exemptions to this rule include circumstances where real estate is owned as “tenants in common”. Where real estate is owned by more than one person as tenants in common, each person holds a distinct share in the property that can be gifted to another person under their Will.

Joint owners of real estate tend to be husband and wife and in most circumstances own the property as “joint tenants”, which means that upon the death of the first co-owner, the surviving coowner takes the property as their own irrespective of what is in the deceased co-owner’s Will.

One of the more confusing elements of understanding how a deceased person’s Estate is administered is superannuation.

People are often unaware that superannuation benefits do not form part of their Estate, because at the time of death the assets thereof are held by a trustee to be distributed in accordance with the Trust Deed that governs how the super fund operates, or a written direction made outside the deceased persons’ Will before they died.

Superannuation only forms part of the deceased person’s Estate if they collect their super at retirement and take it out

of the superannuation environment, for example by way of a lump sum.

Usually, super passes to a deceased person’s spouse if they have one. If they die leaving no spouse, then quite often super will be distributed to the deceased person’s children.

Importantly, no tax is payable on a superannuation distribution as a result of a deceased person’s death, provided the recipient is a tax dependent.

If superannuation benefits are distributed to a non-tax dependent, for example adult independent children, then tax will be payable on said superannuation payment.

This is because the rationale behind concessionally taxed superannuation is that a person pays less tax in return for using their own money to fund their retirement as opposed to relying on a government pension.

The law says that if a person dies before they are able to use their superannuation for this purpose, and a person receives the superannuation benefits for their own benefit, then tax should be paid on this money as if it were never in the concessionally taxed superannuation environment.

It is important when drafting your Will to remember that it will not necessarily determine what happens to your super.

In New South Wales however, Section 63 subsection 5 of the Succession Act 2006 indicates that in some circumstances a person can make an application to the Supreme Court to have superannuation monies designated as ‘notional Estate’ of the deceased. This means the super is essentially dragged back into the Estate.

WW42093

Werrington County: Charges after pedestrians hurt in crash

STOP LEAKING SHOWERS & BALCONIES without removing the tiles.

Greater West

Leaking shower & balcony repairs

Waterproofing

Tiling & retiling

Grout replacement

Call 0407 725 376

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

for a free in-home quote or visit megasealed.com.au

17

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Station not so convenient Despite its massive upgrade, a retail presence remains missing at Penrith Station NICOLA BARTON

A

new Development Application (DA) for a convenience store at Kingswood Station has re- highlighted the missing piece in Penrith Station’s upgrade.

The Kingswood DA proposes an existing commercial space, located above the railway station, is fitted out as a convenience store.

Here, commuters will be able to grab a snack, coffee, drink, ice cream or packet of cigarettes on the go.

But the question is, whatever happened to Penrith’s convenience store?

Local commuters will remember the friendly service and variety of goods at the Food Express that once stood at Penrith Railway Station, prior to the upgrades.

It was a mainstay of the station, with locals picking up a paper or grabbing a coffee on the way to work. But it never returned when the station was upgraded.

Artists impressions of the design plans show two retail kiosk spaces but for whatever reason, these never came to fruition when the project was completed in 2017.

A Review of Environmental Factors document published by Transport for NSW in 2015 states under section 3.1.1 ‘Design

The old Food Express store at Penrith. features; station structures, building works and services provision’, the two existing retail shops on Platform 3 were to be demolished and “replaced by two new retail kiosks on [the] pedestrian footbridge, subject to separate planning approval”.

As it stands, there are a handful of vending machines on the pedestrian bridge and platforms.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said a convenience store could be on the cards in the future.

“As part of this upgrade, provision was made for retail kiosks on the new pedes-

The new Penrith Station concourse does not have any retail presence. trian concourse, although construction of the kiosks would be subject to a separate approval process,” the spokesperson said.

“Investigations are currently underway into leasing options at Penrith Station.”

Retail spaces within stations are

managed by Sydney Trains and their property service provider JLL. While the Penrith Station upgrade was welcomed by commuters, it was also controversial – with its steep staircase unpopular with many regular users.

Ruby loses her locks to raise money for cancer care centre

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

After: Ruby cut her hair to raise money for Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

Before: Ruby prepares for the big cut.

Do you need a professional voiceover, radio commercial, on hold message or any other form of audio recorded?

• Cost effective • Professional • Fast turnarounds • Male and female voices available

18

www.happyhourmedia.com.au

WW42097

EMILY FESZCZUK

A

fter growing her hair for over a year, 11- year- old Ruby Wiffen’s hard work came to a head last Thursday.

The Emu Plains Public School student cut her hair, raising nearly $6000 for the Nepean Cancer Care Centre.

Ruby’s father Antony Wiffen said she was determined to give back despite COVID-19 causing obstacles.

“Penrith Cricket Club have a charity T20 match where people cut their hair off to raise money, which Ruby wanted

to do, but then with COVID it was called off,” he said.

“She still wanted to push through, so she organised a fundraiser at her school and my brother- in- law is a founder of Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk, so she did it there to have a crowd.”

Mr Wiffen said he is so proud of his daughter supporting a cause close to their family’s heart.

“We lost my dad a few years ago which I think made her want to donate to the cancer clinic, but she also wanted to help kids going through treatment so donated her hair to Wigs for Kids,” he said.

“I am very proud of her, the initiative she has shown in wanting to give back is amazing and she has such a big heart.”

Labor says State Government must do more to protect most vulnerable residents NICOLA BARTON

L

Labor leader Jodi McKay, Julie Collins and Joy Impiombato from Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services, Prue Car and Karen McKeown.

“But the Government refuses to talk about economic recovery for women.

“We desperately need a strategy to deal with this looming crisis in New South Wales.”

Since the pandemic, DV West has assisted

1,169 women between April-August. This is a 47 per cent increase in comparison to the 793 clients they assisted in the same period in 2019.

The number of women assisted through its Outreach Services has also surged by 97

Proudly servicing the people

of Penrith since 1974!

ALL INSURANCE & PRIVATE WORK

ALL WORK GUARANTEED YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO US!

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRUSTED REPAIRER TODAY

02 4731 4587 42 Cox Avenue, Kingswood

www.mervshipp.com.au facebook.com/mervshipp

info@mervshipp.com.au ABN 75 130 584 673 | Licence No 45519

WW42082

abor and women’s advocacy groups are calling for more to be done to protect Penrith’s most vulnerable, with a growing number of women aged 55 and over experiencing homelessness.

This demographic of women was already the fastest growing group of homeless people prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Now, with Australia in recession and mass job losses across the country, there are growing concerns that this will only make stability more out of reach for these women.

State Opposition Leader Jodi McKay along with Londonderry MP Prue Car and Deputy Mayor Karen McKeown attended a range of local support services including DV West last week to call for urgent State Government support.

Ms McKay said gender inequity issues will mean women bear the brunt of the recession.

“We have a shortage of affordable housing, an ageing population, and a lack of affordable and accessible childcare, a growing gender pay gap, shrinking opportunities and insecure work for women,” she said.

per cent compared to the same period last year.

Ms Car said with some of the highest rates of homelessness in New South Wales, Penrith needs more support to prevent this from continuing.

“Organisations like Wentworth Community Housing and DV West, that we visited, are doing an incredible job but the reality is they need more Government support to tackle this problem,” she said.

The Federal Government launched a grant program last month to support victims of domestic violence during the pandemic.

The $9 million program offers one-off grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to eligible services.

This followed a $21 million investment in frontline domestic violence support services delivered by the Federal and State Governments in May. Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the investment was a timely response, which would ensure more women and children will be able to access vital support.

However, Ms Mckay said more needs to be done about the underlying gender inequalities in the workforce in order for these women to be given more opportunities to get back on their feet.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Women hit hard by crisis

19

Families turn to IVF in record numbers: How medicine is helping create families

Glenmore Park couple Ashlea and Thomas Coupland conceived their eightweek- old son Colby with the support of Monash IVF Clinic in Penrith.

“We tried for four years with no luck, then two years ago I had a miscarriage so we got referred to Monash in May last year to do some investigations as my sister had gone there,” Ms Coupland said.

“On our first round I got a positive pregnancy test that ended in a chemical pregnancy, but the next round was successful and ended with us getting Colby.”

Ms Coupland believes rates of people using IVF will further increase as more awareness is spread.

“There is sort of a taboo around it as if you are not having a natural birth but I have been a big advocate for it with my friends who are struggling because I felt I didn’t know anyone except my sister, but it is more common than you think,” she said.

“The more people that speak up about it means more people do it and the clinic’s technology and research is always improving, so more families ultimately benefit from it.”

It is estimated that in the last 40 years, more than eight million babies have been born through IVF globally, a significant contribution to the population.

EMILY FESZCZUK

A

new report by UNSW medical researchers has shed light on an increase of babies being born in Australia through IVF. Monash IVF Fertility Specialist, Dr Jinny Foo, said that UNSW’s Assisted Reproductive Technology in Australia and New Zealand 2018 report shows IVF is becoming more popular as people need help to start a family.

“The latest report shows that almost one in 20 babies in Australia are now born through IVF, which remarkably is the equivalent of at least one child in every classroom,” Dr Foo said.

“Starting a family isn’t always easy and for some it may take a little help. In fact, around one in six people will have difficulties conceiving.”

Based on the most recent data available, there were 84,064 initiated IVF cycles in 2018, which was a 2.2 per cent increase from the previous year.

There were 14,355 babies born through IVF treatment performed in Australia in 2018, but the proportion of twins and triplets born following IVF treatment was 3.2 per cent – a record low in Australia and New Zealand’s 40-year IVF history.

Glenmore Park’s Ashlea Coupland with son Colby. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Not listed in Western Property?

WW42099

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

More miracles than ever

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

Price hike for exercise class doesn’t seem fair

Increase your sales with the help of the #1 distributed paper

Contact Daniel Vella today on daniel.vella@westernweekender.com.au • 4722 2998

20

WW41847

online art and creative writing

Sandra 0402 050 901 Paula 0430 295 022

I am now 65 and for quite some years I’ve attended an exercise class for older people at Ripples St Marys. Other commitments prevent me from attending more than one 45-minute session per week, so taking out one of their memberships is not worth it in my situation. So I’ve always paid the casual price per session. Today I discover that their price has more than doubled, from $9 to $18.50 per session, and I was told that this was to “encourage” people to take out memberships. I get that businesses want to recoup losses from COVID-19 restrictions and I know that in the long run, we’ll all have to pay for COVID, but this level of price hike is nothing short of outrageous! Even a concession yearly membership works out at $14 per session for me – still more than a 50 per cent increase. I imagine that similar price increases have occurred at Penrith Ripples and I think your readers should be aware of this. I’ve told Ripples that I’ll therefore no longer attend these classes, but I will miss the companionship of the other attendees. A regular daily walk instead is free!

ANGELA SMITH, ST MARYS

Panthers captain Tamou headed to Tigers Sad we can’t keep Jimmy (Masked Panther, Weekender September 11) but

with the youth in the next couple of years we need to manage the salary cap.

LLEWELLYN HEARN, VIA FACEBOOK

Print rules the roost As I read and hear about paywalls, threats to remove news from social media websites and the bullying that occurs on Twitter and Facebook, I begin to realise how grateful I am that most of my news still comes from print media. The print edition of The Daily Telegraph lands on my doorstep each day and I feel grateful I’m seeing the stories without uneducated comments and after it’s been through the three re-writes the digital, often incorrect versions, go through due to the silly quest of being ‘first’ rather than accurate.

And then I have the Weekender each Friday for all my local news – a wonderful take on everything happening where I choose to live. Print is grand – I wonder if the proposed news bans and ongoing paywalls will eventually make people realise that.

TONY SWAN, VIA EMAIL

Foodie heaven? Not a chance I disagree with the view that Penrith is becoming a delight for foodies (Editor’s Desk, Weekender September 11). The variety in Penrith is poor, and you only have to venture to other suburbs to see that. We need to do better.

BETH HANDLEY, VIA EMAIL

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

For more information, see our public notices section.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

No air con? New advice may help NICOLA BARTON

P

enrith is notorious for its sweltering summers but not all residents are fortunate enough to have access to air conditioning.

According to a study by the University of Sydney, the prolonged heat exposure public housing tenants experience over summer has a detrimental impact on their physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

Recently, Wentworth Community Housing received a $30,000 grant from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to help develop a range of resources that will provide tenants with coping strategies for the sweltering summer ahead.

These multimedia resources are set to provide personal strategies as to how a person can cool their body; such as choosing certain types of clothing to wear, drinking room temperature water, or using a small fan.

It will also include information about the best ways to cool an environment based on the type of property. Whilst there’s no magic bullet to fix the complex issues of heatwaves in social housing, it begs

the question; is the government doing enough?

A spokesperson from Wentworth Community Housing said whilst the program may seem trivial at glance, it is the tenants living with disabilities or those whose first language is not English, who will benefit from it the most.

The spokesperson said without the funding to provide cooling such as fans, air conditioning or insulation repairs to old homes, they must do what they can to help tenants help themselves.

A Department of Planning, Industry and Environment spokesperson said they were happy to provide the funding to help tenants to prepare for summer.

“The Wentworth Community Housing project aims to deliver strong outcomes for their clients including conducting a pilot test combining suitable resources to get the best results for residents, even down to the simplest of suggestions to help manage hot weather,” the spokesperson said.

Wentworth CEO, Stephen McIntyre, said Wentworth is also working on two other climate change resilience projects with Western Sydney University and Infrastructure NSW to find solutions to alleviate the impact of extreme heat.

For some, air conditioning is a luxury they don’t have access to.

Kids learn about flood risk SES rolls out new education program as officials keep an eye on water supply NICOLA BARTON

W

ith Warragamba Dam sitting at near capacity, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is launching a new flood risk education program to be rolled out in schools across Penrith.

Just recently more than 70 primary teachers and pre - service teachers attended a webinar, hosted by Western Sydney University, about the new Water in the Valley program.

This program aims to help educate primary students about flood risk by using the example of flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.

Both the primary and secondary resources have been developed through a partnership between the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), Western Sydney University and Infrastructure NSW. “It aims to build resilience across our floodplain communities and helps educate and prepare young people for floods and other natural disasters,” NSW State Emergency Service Commissioner, Carlene York said.

Commissioner York said the new educational package will encourage primary school students to “have meaningful conversations about floods with their teachers, parents, family and friends”.

Warragamba Dam is currently close to capacity. Photo: Megan Dunn.

“Given the Bureau of Meteorology’s recent forecasts for wetter conditions, full dams and a greater risk of flooding, these resources are relevant now more than ever,” she said.

WaterNSW is continuing to make controlled releases from Warragamba Dam. In line with operational guidelines, WaterNSW has discharged more than 102 gigalitres of water from Warragamba since the initial spill event that occurred during August.

Water storage is currently sitting about 0.5 metres below full supply level.

WaterNSW staff are closely monitoring the dam and catchment and are working with the Bureau of Meteorology to watch for future rainfall.

As Warragamba is the primary water supply for the Greater Sydney region and not a flood mitigation dam, its primary objective is to capture and store the maximum volume of water for Greater Sydney.

A WaterNSW spokesperson said if they are to release more water prior to a forecast rain event, if the rain event doesn’t eventuate, it risks the water not being replaced.

This breaches key operational objectives of the dam and so these small, controlled releases are for the purpose of providing water security for the region.

For more information on preparing for floods, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ hawkesbury-nepean-floods.

21

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

Sleepout closer to home Annual fundraiser to go ahead with a twist; locals encouraged to get involved EMILY FESZCZUK

T

he third annual western Sydney Vinnies Community Sleepout will let locals raise funds to help fight homelessness right from their own homes.

Residents will take part in a virtual event on Friday, October 23 to raise awareness and money for Vinnies services that assist disadvantaged people in the area.

In the past year, Vinnies supported more than 2,500 people in its Nepean Regional Council, which includes the Penrith area.

Local businessman and Founder of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, Bernie Fehon, said he will once again be taking part to show solidarity for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took part in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event at Western Sydney University but this year you can sleep in your backyard, car or couch while Deb Knight will MC a live stream that will pull everyone together,â&#x20AC;? he told the Weekender. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being at home is a great opportunity for families to get involved and while sleeping outside is not designed to teach you everything about homelessness, it is uncomfortable and will make you think of those who are forced to experience that on an ongoing basis.â&#x20AC;?

Bernie Fehon preparing for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vinnies Community Sleepout.

With Vinnies providing close to $607,000 to people in the Nepean area in the past year to help with energy bills, clothing, household items, food vouchers and accommodation, there is no better time to help those doing it tough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Homelessness and poverty is an ongoing problem but with COVID- 19 and the loss of jobs and reduced income that has come with it, we need to look after each other more than ever,â&#x20AC;? Mr Fehon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vinnies was founded more than 180 years ago, so it is a great organisation with dedicated staff and volunteers that deliver amazing work to help combat this issue.â&#x20AC;?

Last year close to 300 people took part in NSW Vinnies Community Sleepouts in Deniliquin, Maitland, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga and western Sydney, raising close to $160,000 to support Vinnies work in local communities.

Mr Fehon said he thinks that figure can be surpassed in 2020 if everyone gets involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year was fantastic but I think it is possible to raise more than that and the more people that take part will ensure an incredible outcome,â&#x20AC;? he said.

People can register to take part in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event and donate to the cause by visiting, www.fundraise.vinniesnsw.org. au/joinnow.

Monster Pink Raffle over

$4,000

of Electrical, Vouchers, Luxury Gift Packs & much, much more!

R A F F L E

5)634 45 0$5

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 5.30 PM DRAWN FROM 7.00 PM

All proceeds from ticket sales g directly y to will go

5IF 4QJSJU PG UIF $PNNVOJUZ WW42100

22

8 Tindale St, Penrith, NSW / 4728 5200 www.penrithrsl.com.au info@penrithrsl.com.au

#penrithrsl

The local businesses thriving thanks to strong family connections and passion EMILY FESZCZUK

T

The family team at Avli: Kerry, Stella, Sophia and Dane. Photo: Emily Feszczuk.

Robert, Helen and Douglas Ely. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Steve and Tony Rositano.

Photo: Melinda Sanders.

Douglas Ely said that growing up in a family business is a real advantage.

“Over the years our whole family, including my three brothers, have worked together but my father and mother, Robert and Helen, are still involved, and I am the General Manager, so we are fortunate to get to celebrate our successes together,” he said.

“The bond of family in a business is such a positive, it makes decision making stronger as there is a united focus and family will go over and above to do whatever needs to be done to get the results required.”

Steve Rositano has been working with his brother Tony at Rositano Kitchens and Joinery in Penrith, which has been

around for 20 years. He said they do well to overcome any challenges and consider their whole staff as family.

“The only challenge is to have a work home balance which we do well to never discuss work while we are at a family gathering or dinner,” Mr Rositano said.

“Working with my brother has made our business stronger.”

WW42068

BLZ_LP1832

here is a saying that you shouldn’t mix family and business yet around 70 per cent of businesses in Australia are family-run.

Plenty of local businesses will be celebrating National Family Business Day next Wednesday, September 23 with their relationships a key to their success.

Avli Restaurant in Cranebrook has been serving delicious Greek food since 2017.

Sophia Griggs said the family are passionate about helping fulfil her father’s dream of 30 years.

“My father and mother, Kiriakos (Kerry) and Stella Tsaparopoulos, along with myself and my husband, Dane, run it and my brother, Nass, will also help out if needed,” she said.

“We are all very opinionated but have the best interest of the business at heart as we are all fully invested, so we make sure to hear everyone’s side then process over good food and some ouzo – we are Greek of course.”

York Jewellers in Westfield, run by the Ely family, has been creating beautiful jewellery for over 45 years.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Keeping it all in the family

23

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Detailing pandemic life Special project to archive local residents’ experiences during COVID-19 isolation EMILY FESZCZUK

Y

outh and community organisation Fusion Western Sydney are inviting people to share their experiences during COVID- 19 through their project ‘Postcards from Home’.

Running until early October, anyone in the Penrith LGA can write or draw something about the pandemic on a postcard, which will then form a digital archive about community life during isolation.

Project Designer and former St Marys Senior High School student, Kathleen Travers, said she is excited to be a part of it.

“Fusion got in touch with me as they were putting forward an idea for the Magnetic Places Grant on a way to connect the community at this time,” Ms Travers said.

“I was feeling the social distance from others as I began to freelance full- time, so I was excited to be part of this creative idea.”

Ms Travers said people of any age can pick up a postcard from the Fusion Café, or from Penrith, St Marys or St Clair libraries to be involved.

“Whether you live in western Sydney or work or travel through, you can fill one out to describe an experience, something you

learnt or something you have observed during Coronavirus,” she said.

“I think the novelty of the postcard brings a physicality to how we are communicating over distance and also gives a different value to what is written down rather than being on a scrap of paper.”

With the postcards being digitally archived online and the physical copies being displayed at Fusion Café and then given to the St Marys Historical Society, Ms Travers said it will create a strong record of the pandemic.

“It is hard to know how it will affect the world, so this is a step to help people process it through reflections and also create an accurate memory of what it looked like for individuals in western Sydney,” she said.

“I hope this archive becomes a platform to honour our community’s experience through this time, whatever it may be and be available for future generations.”

For more information, visit www.fusionwesternsydney. org.au or to request a postcard in the mail, call 8805 5900.

Postcards from Home Project Designer Kathleen Travers. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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

New library app

We enjoy working with the Penrith Panthers through our Physiotherapy and Podiatry services.

24

WW42098

Proud to be Penrith Panthers' preferred Allied Healthcare provider

P: 4732 5188 | onepointhealth.com.au | 510 - 536 High St, Penrith

Penrith City Library has been a fantastic resource for the community as they repositioned their services to accommodate the COVID lockdown period.

What we saw was innovation in the delivery of their services and I am excited as they continue to roll out new products and services via the introduction of an app.

The new library app, “Penrith City Library”, is free to download on all iOS and Android devices.

The app is a great tool for the library and members to connect, especially during COVID-19 where many of the library’s face-to-face events, activities and classes have moved online with services operating in a limited capacity.

I would like to commend the library staff for the amount of work they have put into the app to ensure that it provides members with everything they could want at the touch of a button.

Members now have the ability to

access the library from the comforts of their home or from the work office while they’re on the go.

Members can book tickets for upcoming library events such as author events and workshops (which are online), view the library’s numerous resources and databases and access the Penrith Local History blog which hosts many recognisable photographs used in the library’s Flashback Friday social media.

With the functionality to link family member accounts under the one app and providing students study assistance with an online study tutor, the app is incredibly easy to use.

I would highly recommend downloading the app so you can get exploring today.

For more information, visit “Library Branches” at penrith.city/library.

CR ROSS FOWLER OAM Mayor of Penrith

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

NO DEPOSIT

60

DUCTED PACKAGE 1

Conditions apply. See store or website for details. Interest free offer only available on 'VKJUTV ducted TZTUFNT - no split systems.

DUCTED PACKAGE 2 12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTER NEW

MODE

L

12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTER NEW

MODE

L

$

MONTHS INTEREST FREE#

Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x2026;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

$

Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

DUCTED PACKAGE 5

DUCTED PACKAGE 6

14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER

20kW 3 PHASE

$

$

Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020; LY FUL LLED A T INS

Ä Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

DUCTED PACKAGE 3

DUCTED PACKAGE 4

12.5kW DUCTED SYSTEM WITH 14kW HEATING BO N BAC U S

E C O T K LIT OU

WALL C H

14kW COOLING & 16kW HEATING INVERTER BO N BAC U S

E C O T K LIT OU

WALL C H

$

$

CO NT

Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

ROL

CO NT

Ä&#x160;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

the western weekender Âť Friday, September 18, 2020

DUCTED PACKAGES FULLY INSTALLED ALL WITH 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY

ROL

LY 5 YEARS FUL LLED A PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY! T INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

DAIKIN

UP TO 17 METRE REACH

LY FUL LLED A T S IN

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM 7.1kW COOLING, 8kW HEATING

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

$

Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2026;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x2020;

$

Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x160;Ä&#x160;

LY FUL LLED A T INS

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1HP 3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM

"

LY FUL LLED A T INS

3HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM

"

LY FUL LLED A T INS

$

2495 5 YEARS

1HP

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

$

2295 5 YEARS

PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

MULTIHEAD PACKAGE & #" "! & ! & $ # " $ %

LY FUL LLED A T INS

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

$

3295

LY FUL LLED A T INS 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY!

1.5HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM "

$

1695

1HP INVERTER REVERSE CYCLE SPLIT SYSTEM "

$

1349

2HP REVERSE CYCLE "

$

1495

22/12 Abbott Road Seven Hills NSW 2147

www.globalrez.com.au WE SELL ALL THE MAJOR BRANDS. COMMERCIAL QUOTES ARE WELCOMED.

ph: 9371 1611 ph: 1300 781 855 Email: sales@globalrez.com.au

* Terms and Conditions apply. All prices are based on Single Story Homes and Back to Back installation on split systems or extra charges apply.

Finance is subject to approval check with store for conditions and charges. Ducted Air conditioning pricing is based on single storey homes only or extra charges apply. Licence number 215189c.

WW41644 WW40401

25

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

New program gives young musicians chance to shine EMILY FESZCZUK

P

:H YH JRW \RX FRYHUHG

",& 5)& )"44-& 065 0' .&"- 5*.&4 #: )"7*/( 5)& )"3% 803, %0/& '03 :06Ăž & 1307*%& " 8*%& 3"/(& 0' /653*5*0/"--: #"-"/$&%Ă˝ 5"45: .&"-4 5)"5 $"5&3 50 41&$*'*$ %*&5"3: /&&%4Ă˝ $6-563"13&'&3&/$&4 "/% 1&340/"- 5"45&4Ăž

DGPLQ#QHSHDQIRRGVHUYLFHV RUJ DX

)LQG XV RQ )DFHERRN

WW41928

&RQYHQLHQFH GHOLYHUHG ULJKW WR \RXU GRRUVWHS a &29,' 6DIH 'HOLYHU\ a

enrith Conservatorium is inviting all musicians aged 18 to 26 to apply for a new music mentorship and performance program. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Street Notesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; aims to redefine the relevance of classical music in our community.

Penrith Performing and Visual Arts CEO, Hania Radvan, said there are eight spots available for emerging artists. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is open to all instrumentalists, singers, composers, songwriters, music tech creators and performers of classical music or those with contemporary crossover-fusion,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From late October to early November, they will work with mentors, project peers and the artistic director. They will develop a performance, while receiving feedback, guidance and support.â&#x20AC;?

After completing successful workshop sessions, Ms Radvan said the mentees will then perform their works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The laneways, arcades and back streets of the Penrith CBD and St Marys will become landscapes for a series of pop- up classical musical performances, creating a live music experience that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be replicated in the Concert Hall,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project participants will also receive a $500 stipend, so an ABN is required for

2019 Penrith Conservatorium Scholarship recipient Alannah Sullivan. payment and the creative journey will be documented on film with it being screened on The Joanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-house AV wall and online through websites and social channels.â&#x20AC;?

Submissions close Friday, September 25. Visit www.penrithconservatorium. com.au/opportunities/street-notes.

Glenmore Park McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Now Open 24/7

26

WW42102

Josh Mansour.

Photo: NRL Images.

MASKED PANTHER Panthers make tough call on Merv Cartwright Medal

PAGE 30

WOMEN IN LEAGUE Api Koroisauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words from the heart ahead of special round of rugby league

PAGE 31

NEW POSTER Kurt Capewell gets gloss treatment

PAGES 34-35

FACE IN THE CROWD Did our cameras spot you last weekend? Your chance to win movie tickets!

PAGE 36

ONE STEP CLOSER PANTHERS CAN CLAIM MINOR PREMIERSHIP AGAINST COWBOYS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 29

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

Just

70

$

Discover

the best of Sydney with an Entertainment Membership

20% of the proceeds from each Entertainment Membership sold will go towards our Western Weekender local charities.

BUY YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY FROM: WWW.ENTBOOK.COM.AU/948Q083

Enjoy thousands of offers for everything you love to do 2-for-1 offers, special rates and up to 50% off on activities, dining, shopping, travel and leisure.

25% off up to $35

28

25% off up to $25

2 for 1

2 for 1

2 for 1

25% off up to $40

$9.50 e-Vouchers

WW42103

the final word

v Jarome Luai celebrates a try last weekend.

Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith make their first trip to QLD Country Bank Stadium on Friday night to take on a North Queensland side that is counting down the days until the NRL bubble pops and their season is over.

These two sides find themselves at very different ends of the NRL ladder but it doesn’t make the road trip to Townsville any less tough for the table- topping Panthers.

In fact this will be Penrith’s most difficult road trip of the COVID era, with previous visits to the Gold Coast and Brisbane a little logistically simpler than the four hour flight to Townsville, plus bus travel to the airport, all in time for a 6pm twilight kick-off on Friday.

The Cowboys have been far from terrible this past fortnight – securing an impressive 23- 22 Golden Point win over the Dragons and putting on a respectable

FOX LEAGUE KAYO TRIPLE M

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

match preview

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | 6.00PM | QLD COUNTRY BANK STADIUM | REFEREE: MATT CECCHIN show against heavyweights Melbourne at Sunshine Coast Stadium last Sunday.

But with so much more to play for, Penrith should be winning this one.

In fact, if Ivan Cleary’s side was at risk of lacking any motivation going into this game, it’s surely been renewed by the fact that victory here will secure the club’s third minor premiership – an incredible feat for this group of players, regardless of what happens in October.

Nobody can deny that Penrith should have put more points on the Eels last Friday night. With 64 per cent of possession and a mountain of chances close to the line, the 20-2 scoreline flattered their western Sydney rivals.

But what Ivan Cleary would surely be happy with was the way his side remained patient when things didn’t go their way for much of the first half. He’d be disappointed with the error count, but pleased

with the way his young troops kept their head high and didn’t let Parramatta into the game.

The Cowboys will take some confidence out of their performance against the Storm and out of Penrith’s first half – knowing that their opposition is vulnerable if things don’t quite go to plan. Unlike the Eels, they would need to find a way to get past Penrith’s stoic defence, but with some exciting backline prospects, it can’t be denied that the home side boasts a number of try-scoring threats.

Coach Cleary has opted to rest James Tamou, Zane Tetevano and Api Koroisau for the game as he works to manage the workload of his squad ahead of the Finals.

But even with those three men missing, Penrith still field a formidable side with a forward back that should, all things considered, run right over the top of the Cowboys in Townsville.

PANTHERS

Even Penrith’s bench remains strong, boosted by the return of Jack Hetherington who is likely to let loose back in Panthers colours and could cause plenty of headaches.

For the Cowboys to be any chance of matching Penrith’s pack, the inclusion of Jason Taumalolo is critical. He’s been named on an extended bench and is rated some chance of coming into the team.

Josh Hannay’s side has lost Josh McGuire and John Asiata to suspension.

Cowboys fans would have some hope of a stunning upset here, and final home games for sides out of the eight always pose a danger for visiting teams.

But I think Penrith will be too professional to let this one slip, especially with those pesky Victorians still breathing down their necks at the top of the ladder.

The Panthers should be too good.

Tip: Panthers by 18.

COWBOYS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Valentine Holmes

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Kyle Feldt

11 Gavin Cooper

3 Brent Naden

12 Liam Martin

3 Murray Taulagi

12 Mitchell Dunn

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Esan Marsters

13 Francis Molo

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

14 Daejarn Asi

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Scott Drinkwater

15 Emry Pere

7 Nathan Cleary

16 Kurt Capewell

7 Jake Clifford

16 Tom Gilbert

10 Jordan McLean (c)

8 Moses Leota

17 Jack Hetherington

8 Corey Jensen

17 Ben Condon

9 Mitch Kenny

18 Dean Whare 19 Billy Burns

9 Reuben Cotter

18 Jason Taumalolo 19 Jake Granville

29

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

PRESO NIGHT CALLED OFF Panther Rumblings and I mentioned a few weeks ago that the 2020 Finals shirt would be on sale at last week’s game against the Eels. It was great to see so many people buying the shirt, which commemorates a terrific season. The shirt is also available from the Panthers Shop or website, but get in quick as stock is limited.

A supporter with the shirt on Friday night.

!!

Panthers training on Monday.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

!!

I hinted last week that a decision about this year’s Merv Cartwright Medal was imminent and the Panthers have now confirmed that the lavish event has been postponed. Corporate partners were informed last Friday that uncertainty surrounding the NRL ‘bubble’ and government restrictions meant it was not possible to proceed with the end- of-year celebration. It’s a shame given the stellar season Penrith has had but hopefully the club will find another way to honour the achievements of the players.

!!

For the first time in what seems like an eternity, cameras were allowed back at Panthers training this week. Photographers and camera operators stayed well within social distancing regulations as they captured what appeared to be a very confident and buoyant training session.

!!

There was some talk this week that the Panthers wanted to have the Minor Premiership trophy presented at Panthers Stadium in week one of the Finals. That’s true, but I’m told a more likely scenario is that the J.J. Giltinan Shield will be presented at ANZ Stadium next weekend. Tickets will be made available to Panthers members for the game against the Bulldogs with on-sale details coming soon. There’s concerns presenting the shield at Penrith may be too much of a distraction.

!!

James Tamou has agreed to terms with the Wests Tigers, with the joint venture club poised to announce his signature at any moment. The 31- year- old accepts Penrith needed to focus on youth.

!!

Penrith’s game against Parramatta last Friday night was watched by more

than 300,000 people on Fox League, making it Penrith’s highest rated Fox game of the season. The 311,614 average was also 30 per cent up on Penrith’s 2020 season average on Fox League and 15 per cent up on the Friday night timeslot average.

An average audience of 569,791 tuned in on Channel Nine, five per cent up on Penrith’s free-to-air season average.

!!

Spotted: Panthers legend Steve Carter back in Penrith last week. He was grabbing a bite to eat at Murray’s Sandwiches and also attended the Battle of the West.

!!

Spotted: 1991 Grand Final hero Royce Simmons still being stopped for photos at the Leagues Club almost 30 years after his premiership triumph.

!!

You hear all about fashion first here in

This weekend is Women in League Round. This year’s special round carries the theme ‘from strength to strength’, paying tribute to the growing movement of females making an invaluable contribution to the betterment of the game overall.

!!

Stephen Crichton is being considered as a bolter for Brad Fittler’s NSW side for the Origin series this year. If the lanky centre has a strong Finals series, don’t be surprised if he’s named for the series opener at Adelaide Oval on November 4.

!!

Nobody wants to get too far ahead of themselves but I can reveal club officials have spoken about the likely chaos at Panthers Leagues Club if Penrith was to make the Grand Final in the COVID-19 era. Various plans are being considered for welcoming the team back should they go on to win the title. Everything is on the table – including possibly making the use of Panthers Stadium itself.

!!

Despite extending their winning run to 13, the Panthers have lost premiership favourtism with the TAB. The Roosters are now the clear favourites at $2.90, with Penrith second at $3.75.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

30

::

API’S THANKS TO WOMEN IN LEAGUE NATHAN TAYLOR

W

omen in League Round has always been an important fixture on the rugby league calendar, but this year the role of women in our game has been more vital than ever.

With NRL players trapped in club ‘bubbles’ to keep them COVID-safe during the season, players’ wives and girlfriends have had to get accustomed to a unique lifestyle as well.

Panthers hooker Api Koroisau would love to take his wife Amy and his two kids for a bite to eat at a local café, but he can’t due to the strict NRL biosecurity guidelines in place.

Speaking with Extra Time, the 27- yearold was in awe of his wife, who has really kept the Koroisau household ticking along during what has been a bizarre season.

“I can’t thank my wife enough to be honest, it’s been a crazy year with COVID,” he said.

“We’ve already got two hard kids to deal with. One’s chilled but the other one is like me – doesn’t stop and is really cheeky. I honestly don’t know how she does it.

“My wife went shopping a couple of days ago and I stayed home with the kids and I

Api Koroisau having a rest beside his baby daughter Kalesi. Photo: Instagram. dare say I won’t be doing that again any time soon – it’s harder than playing a footy game, I’m not even kidding.”

In 2017, Koroisau and his wife Amy held a traditional Fijian wedding ceremony at

his village in Saunaka, Nadi. At the time, they were already parents to eight-monthold Miliana. Last year, before Koroisau joined the Panthers, the couple welcomed a second child into the world, Kalesi.

Koroisau praised the women in his life for all the sacrifices they’ve made.

“I don’t know how they do it, they are real special creatures and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

“My mum as well, she’s been really supportive and has been right behind me growing up.

“Mum, Amy – I love you, thank you.”

Meanwhile, Koroisau will be rested for tonight’s game against North Queensland in Townsville after suffering a big head knock during last week’s win over Parramatta.

Despite not returning to the game, the former Manly dummy half said he passed all his concussion tests the following day and wanted to thank Eels forward Ryan Matterson for helping him stay on his feet when he couldn’t stand.

“Yeah that was awesome, I watched the footage back and I even wrote a little comment on Facebook just thanking him,” Koroisau said.

“These things (head knocks) have pretty bad long- term effects and, if they’re not looked after properly, you can end up pretty bad.

“It was nice of him to look out for me especially when you’re in that kind of environment where everything’s a competition.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

feature

PART TIME DELIVERY DRIVER/ WAREHOUSE ASSISTANT Sunline Shutters is a wholesale supplier that imports plantation shutters and various blinds. We pride ourselves on our quality products and customer service.

This is a hands-on role responsible for driving a truck, van or other vehicle over established routes to deliver goods to customers; assisting the warehouse team on request with assembly of orders and general warehouse duties as instructed.

We are looking for a motivated, positive mindset individual who is looking to grow within their role and as a team member.

WW42104

Please forward all resumes to sales@sunlineshutters.com.au

WW42057

The key responsibilities include: • Load and unload truck, van or other vehicle with goods • Complete deliveries by driving truck or van to and from customers • Pick and deliver sample parts and orders • Assist in the warehouse as instructed with adhoc duties • Ensure WHS policy and procedures are adhered to, communicating openly with team • Ensure behaviour is consistent with our values and lead by example at all times • Assist with other duties as needed and directed • Reliability / punctuality • Must have current driver’s licence • Must have clean driving history

31

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

32

feature

PANTHERS IGNORE THE DOUBTERS NATHAN TAYLOR

Y

ou can give your opinions about Penrith’s premiership - winning chances heading into next month’s Finals – the players aren’t listening.

Despite the Panthers losing just one game all year and notching up a mindboggling 13 wins in a row, experts and former players around the game still believe that the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters are favourites to win this year’s Telstra Premiership.

In his column for Wide World of Sports this week, former Sharks captain turned commentator Paul Gallen said: “It’s between the Roosters and Storm for the premiership. The Panthers are growing on me, but I can’t go past the teams that have already been there and done it”.

Speaking on 2GB on Tuesday, Gallen’s stablemate at Nine, Brad Fittler, unsurprisingly tipped the Roosters to hold up the Provan Summons trophy on October

25 when asked by host Mark Levy who he’d have his ‘hard-earned’ on right now.

To put it bluntly, you won’t find too many notable people within the game with the guts to ride with the ‘men in black’.

On Monday, Extra Time asked Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards for his thoughts on certain media personalities not backing the competition-leading Panthers.

“That’s alright, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. We’re just going to go out and do our best each week. We’ll just let our performances do the talking, we’re not worried about external opinions,” he said.

“It’s fair enough saying Melbourne and the Roosters are front runners, they’ve been there before and have all the experience, but we just have to go out and play footy each week and hopefully the results take care of themselves.”

Penrith have already beaten the Roosters and Storm this season, and will no doubt have to face at least one of them again before Grand Final Day rolls around.

While it’s been six months since they

Red-hot Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is full of confidence. Photo: Megan Dunn. faced the Roosters and three months since they battled the Storm, the Panthers are very confident they’d get the job done if they have to play either side at some stage next month.

“You’ve got to have confidence, you’re not going to go into a game thinking you’re going to lose – you’ve got to back yourself against any opponent you face,” Edwards said.

“You definitely respect any team in the NRL because, if you don’t respect your opponent, you’re going to get beaten.

“They are two quality sides (Storm and Roosters) that we’re probably going to have to face down the track if we’re going to win this comp.”

Time will tell whether the safe pick was the right pick, but punters shouldn’t count out this very special side just yet.

WW42094

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

33

WW40043

panthers poster

34

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender â&#x20AC;˘ extra time

Kurt Capewell

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

WW42009

35

CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Panthers

18 16

1

1

0

463

226

2

Storm

18

15

0

3

0

462

224 +238 30

3

Roosters

18

13

0

5

0

510

244 +266 26

4

Eels

18

13

0

5

0

338

252

+86

5

Raiders

18

12

0

6

0

381

275

+106 24

6

Rabbitohs

18

11

0

7

0

445

318

+127 22

7

Knights

18 10

1

7

0

373

320

+53

21

8

Sharks

18 10

0

8

0

434

408

+26

20

9

W. Tigers

18

0

11

0

394

427

-33

14

7

+/-

PTS

+237 33

26

10 Sea Eagles

18

7

0

11

0

323

427

-104

14

11

18

7

0

11

0

289

404

-115

14

12 Titans

18

7

0

11

0

268

433

-165

14

13 Dragons

18

6

0

12

0

330

388

-58

12

Warriors

14 Cowboys

18

4

0

14

0

324

472

-148

8

15 Broncos

18

3

0

15

0

240

566

-326

6

16 Bulldogs

18

2

0

16

0

256

446

-190

4

4732 6007

ROUND 19 V

Thursday, September 17 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

V

Friday, September 18 6.00pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Friday, September 18 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, September 19 3.00pm Lottoland

V

Saturday, September 19 5.30pm Sunshine Coast Stadium

V

S Saturday, September 19 7.35pm SCG

V

Sunday, September 20 2.00pm GIO Stadium

V

Sunday, September 20 4.05pm McDonald Jones Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU YOU? U? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2020-024

WE’RE LIKE THE BUNKER OF TAX ADVICE ONLY WE GET IT RIGHT EVERY TIME. 36

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Matt Russell, Clinton Maynard SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS

02 4708 3088

info@ carterstaxadvisory.com.au www.carterstaxadvisory.com.au

WW41603

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

matt russell Y

es the top eight has been decided but don’t try to tell me Round 19 will be anything but must- watch this weekend. Here’s my best efforts at Fox League publicist.

Of the eight games this week, seven involve Finals-bound teams.

The other involves a possible Tom Trbojevic return for Manly against a Gold Coast team that has just won three-in-a-row for the first time since 2017 and boasts names like Brimson and Fotuaika as possible State of Origin debutants.

So what are we looking for in the other games?

I can hear Wayne Bennett every time we mention Souths: “As long as we don’t beat ourselves”. Souths’ attack has been brilliant but can they reduce the errors and produce the discipline to be successful in the Finals? They play Canterbury, who get yet another chance to confine Brisbane to last if they win.

Friday night starts with North Queensland hosting Penrith, in a game that should seal the Minor Premiership for the Panthers. Yes, the ladder leaders are resting James Tamou and Api Koroisau.

That means Kurt Capewell and Jack Hetherington make the team. Talk about depth, and that’s without mentioning reserves Staines, Whare, Burton, Burns.

My goodness!

After that, Parramatta host embattled

Big Jack Hetherington returns for Penrith on Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.

Brisbane. The Eels are under more pressure than any Finals team because they’ve scored only six tries in a month (and four of them came in one game)! Do they play themselves back into attacking form against the Broncos having beaten them 58-0 and 34-6 in their last two meetings?

Manly v Gold Coast gets us going on Super Saturday before Melbourne’s best three hookers share the field on the Sunshine Coast – Cam Smith, Harry Grant and possibly Brandon Smith. If captain Cam delivers another three try assists, his playing future could be decided there and then.

On Saturday night, it’s the only all top eight clash. Even without a resting James Tedesco, do the Roosters score another big SCG total to celebrate Mitch Aubusson becoming the most capped Rooster ever?

Does Shaun Johnson extend his lead on top of the try assists column as Cronulla spring an upset?

On Sunday, we wonder whether Canberra can stay in the race for a top four finish and which Warrior finishes under Josh Papalii’s front grill.

Then the most heavily beaten Finals side from last weekend gets Kalyn Ponga back as Newcastle chase redemption on Old Boys’ weekend against St George Illawarra.

Who cares that the top eight is done.

Sounds like good TV to me!

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

Brought to you by

No dead rubbers in sight as weekend of footy looks mouth-watering

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.®

We ground the Eels’ teeth down successfully.

PLAYING MORE OF THE MUSIC YOU GREW UP WITH!

It’s in the bag boys.

www.vintagefm.com.au

Well done!

We are looking for people who have been impacted by the current Covid emergency and have either lost hours or lost their job completely to start their own business.

WW41947

– Phil

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE YOUR OWN BOSS AND WORK FROM HOME?

Always happy to chat Phil Haley 0412 355 020

PUT OUR WINNING TEAM TO WORK WW39865

mebgreenlifestyle.com.au Litsa Meleti 0466 9 969 164

Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618

Paul Tanner 0410 587 553

Victor Borg 0439 755 081

Kassandra Richards 0405 329 851

Alana Neville 0497 848 414

Manish Malik 0421 124 494

37

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

Little-known players have become big stars in 2020

clinton maynard T

he Dally Ms should’ve been awarded by now but because of the COVID delays, it’s not too late to create a new award, Most Improved Player.

Think back to when you were in primary school, there was always a most improved award, sure it was shared around the class, but kids were still over the moon to win it, the NRL needs one too!

The Most Improved Award can’t go to a rookie and this year the Rookie of the Year Award is an open and shut case anyway.

Tiger Harry Grant will win that in a canter.

The award also shouldn’t go to one of the big stars of the game, they are expected to play well to earn their big dollars. It’s fair to say Nathan Cleary is one of the most improved players, he’s realising his potential but everyone’s expecting the number 7 to be one of the best players in the game.

So I’ll nominate a group of players who’ve come out of nowhere.

Leading the comp, there are plenty of Penrith players who could wear the most improved badge, but none more than Liam Martin. Outside of Panthers fans, who’d heard of Martin before this year?

Penrith’s had a rampaging pack of forwards for a few years and with Viliame Kikau attracting so much attention, it’s hard for others to be noticed.

Martin is a hit man of the Panthers pack but with five tries this season has

also come up with crucial four- pointers, including one against the Eels last week.

It’s amazing to think the departure of one of the greatest halfbacks of a generation, Cooper Cronk, has hardly derailed the Melbourne Storm in recent seasons. Now much of that has got to do with the fact Cameron Smith is chief playmaker from dummy half, however Jahrome Hughes has proven himself a very good player this season. At the start of 2019 he was probably more of a fullback, but moving to halfback he displaced Brodie Croft and now this season he has become an integral part of the Storm side.

David Nofoaluma has been a good player for the Wests Tigers for a few years, however this season he is one of the most improved in the game. He leads the try scorers tally with 17 and has come into calculation for an Origin debut. However the true mark of a winger is when you are the best player in your team and along with Harry Grant, he is the best performing Tiger this year.

Siosifa Talakai was unheard of at the start of the year, he wasn’t even in Cronulla’s top 30 squad. He played for Souths back in 2016 and then basically gave up the game before having a run with Newtown last season. Given the opportunity to trial with the Sharks in the off season he was one of the standouts and demanded a

Liam Martin about to grab the ball and score against the Eels. Photo: Megan Dunn. contract after the COVID break. He’s become a menace to oppositions in attack and defence and while primarily a backrower, he has played well in the centres

when called upon. Easily one of the most improved players in the NRL. Any of those players would be a worthy recipient of this new award!

weekender the western

Would you like a free digital health check for your business?

PAGE SPEED LOADING

YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE

ANY BACKLINKS YOU MAY NEED TO CLEAN UP

? ?

?

??

A ‘WHERE TO FROM HERE’ STRATEGY

Contact us today on sales@westernweekender.com.au 38

WW42116

Please contact our team to book a consultation.

lang on league

with Peter Lang

P

enrith Panthers great John Cartwright and sacked Broncos coach Anthony Seibold are just two suggestions I’d like to make as possible replacements for Bulldogs-bound Panthers assistant coach Trent Barrett.

A few weeks ago The Daily Telegraph reported that former Raiders and Dragons hooker Simon Woolford was linked to the job.

Now while the current Super League Huddesfield coach is one name being bandied about, I can’t see why a Penrith legend, who once guided a Gold Coast Titans side to two Finals appearances in 2009-10, can’t also be considered.

Not only that but the man nicknamed “Hoss” has also had several successful stints as an assistant coach with the Roosters, Cowboys and now Sea Eagles.

We could also think out of the box and throw Anthony Seibold a coaching lifeline. While Seibold’s stint in the top job at the Broncos was an unmitigated disaster, he was an outstanding assistant at the Melbourne Storm and he did guide South Sydney to a Preliminary Final in his one year as Rabbitohs head coach in 2018.

In my opinion both men are highly experienced and have plenty to offer.

One thing is certain however, and that’s whoever gets the job will have some big footy boots to fill as Barrett’s contributions to Penrith’s success this year have

In a game where there was a lot at stake and the collisions were brutal, it was refreshing to see a true act of sportsmanship. Take a bow Ryan Matterson – you deserve the applause.

What game I’m looking forward to...

Panthers v Cowboys. A win over North Queensland will hand Penrith their first minor premiership since 2003.

My tips for the week...

Rabbitohs, Panthers, Eels, Manly, Storm, Roosters, Raiders, Knights.

John Cartwright should be in the mix for Penrith’s vacant assistant coach role. been nothing short of outstanding.

What caught my eye last week...

The wonderful sportsmanship shown by

Eels backrower Ryan Matterson when he helped a clearly concussed Api Koroisau stay on his feet until a trainer could come and tend to the Panthers hooker.

The final word...

A well- known onfield sledger, it was great to see referee Grant Atkins send Josh McGuire to the sin bin for dissent early in the match against the Storm last Sunday.

I’ve heard some terrible stories about some of the things McGuire has said and done on and off the field over the years and while I don’t condone the numerous death threats he received on social media last year, I thought he may have finally cleaned up his act after he sought help from the club last season.

His wife also came to his defence telling the media about her husband’s fragile mental health following all the online abuse he copped.

Hmmm... maybe a leopard really can’t change their spots after all.

Keen Air Solutions

!

The venues for this year’s State of Origin series have been confirmed. Adelaide Oval will host the series opener on Wednesday, November 4 while ANZ Stadium gets game II the following Wednesday. The third game will be played at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, November 18. “I’m really looking forward to playing in Adelaide for Game One as it’s such a historic venue and then we get the opportunity to play in front of our home fans in Sydney which is something that our players love to do,” Blues coach Brad Fittler said.

Lic. No. AU43786

For all your air conditioning needs • Install • Service • Maintenance

!

Meantime, this year’s Women’s State of Origin match will be played as a stand alone fixture at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday, November 13.

CALL US TODAY FOR OUR SPRING SPECIALS

!

The NRL will resist the temptation to trial any new rules in games over the next two weeks that have no impact on the Finals. The top eight is already decided meaning a number of dead rubber games are scheduled in the final fortnight of the regular season. But NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said this week that games would go ahead as usual, with no special rules to be road tested.

!

The NRL remains hopeful of crowd sizes increasing for the Finals and Grand Final. Discussions between League Central and government representatives continue.

!

The Canberra Raiders have announced that star forward Josh Papalii

WW41626

extra minutes

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

Brought to you by…

Who will replace Barrett as assistant coach next season?

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler. has extended his current deal with the club for a further three seasons. Papalii, 28, is already on contract until the end of 2022 but has agreed to an extension until the end of 2024 with a further option for 2025. “I love this club and I love Canberra,” Papalii said.

!

North Queensland forward Gavin Cooper has confirmed this will be his last season in the NRL. Cooper has played more than 300 first grade games, including 245 for the Cowboys.

FREE QUOTE

Ph: 8002 1822

39

207

207

205

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

HARVEY NORMAN BEDDING 0401 505 140

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

CARTERS TAX ADVISORY 4708 3088

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Broncos Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT 4732 2195

weekender

40

KEIRAN MCGARITY

TROY DODDS

the western

205

203

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL PENRITH 0417 228 504

CHARBEL GEAGEA

JK WILLIAMS 4725 3400

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

DANIEL GALEA

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

HANS BOR

HARVEY NORMAN FURNITURE 4737 5154

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

CATHOLIC CEMETARIES 9826 2273

JEFF LEMON

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

TERRY HANSEN

207

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

GAI HAWTHORN

207

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

MICHAEL ASHTON

209

GRACE FUNERALS 4735 6900

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

DARREN LATTY

211

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

RICHARD EMERSON

223

TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING 1300 318 444

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

203

203

201

201

201

201

201

199

199

KELLY PARTNERS 4721 7433

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

ADENBROOK HOMES GREATER SYDNEY AND WOLLONGONG 1300 086 272

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

KHP CIVIL 0488 342 555

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

ST MARYS PROFESSIONALS 02 9673 4422

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

CC TYRES 4731 4822

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

PRD PENRITH 0414 620 532

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

EMERSON’S ENVIROCARE 0419 972 399

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Warriors Dragons

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

VISION PAINTING & DECORATING 0404 459 600

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION 4722 5556

weekender the western

NATHAN TAYLOR

LEE BANISTER ASHA DOOLEY KIM RILEY VICTOR GLANVILLE

BEN CARTER

NASH PILLAI

LEIGH HARTOG

CARMEN TAN

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

celebrity tipsters

197

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

195

193

193

193

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

KEN HALE PLUMBING 0414 446 596

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Cowboys Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

GARTON GROUP MCDONALD’S 4721 2992

FOWLER AND CO 4722 3066

IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS 4776 1118

DONNA HILDON

THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE 0401 560 116

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

AARON TYERS

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

MARK STEVENSON

KPMG 9455 9144

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

ALEX MCKENZIE

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

LUKE HALLETT

HERTZ 4731 6344

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0410 338 040

COREY PHILLIPS

195

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

KANE TOWNS

195

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

LUKE BELOTTI

195

Tigers Sharks Warriors Dragons

GIZZELLE POWELL

195

ELECTRA CABLES 0439 021 368

Bulldogs Panthers Broncos Titans

PETER ANDERSON

DOUGLAS ELY SCOTT MOORE LEE WATERHOUSE TEENA EDWARDS PETER TRACEY NICK RIGAS KEN HALE IAN GARTON ROSS FOWLER KEITH WILSON

197

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

189

185

183

183

177

177

177

173

173

169

SUPREMACY FUNERALS 4721 2020

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

AT PRINT 4731 5055

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Sharks Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

HARVEY NORMAN FURNITURE 0419 244 759

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

LEISURE POOLS 1300 SPLASH

Bulldogs Panthers Broncos Titans

Tigers Sharks Warriors Dragons

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Sea Eagles

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

Bulldogs Panthers Broncos Titans

Tigers Sharks Warriors Dragons

Bulldogs Panthers Broncos Titans

Tigers Sharks Warriors Dragons

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

BELL PARTNERS 9249 7600

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES 4704 8585

TOWNS CRANES 0487 272 819

MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL 0402 896 906

REMAX 0428 934 618

HARVEY NORMAN BEDDING 0401 505 140

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

197

YORK JEWELLERS 4721 0780

Rabbitohs Panthers Eels Titans

41

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Social media management without the stress Your social media profiles managed from just $160 per week

FACEBOOK MANAGEMENT

O THER PLATFORMS

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

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

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

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

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

42

WW42106

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT PENRITH’S BIGGEST AND BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

From her home to yours cclaimed Bris bane artist Katie Noonan misses live music and is taking matters into her own hands.

The singer songwriter will be returning to the stage virtually via a live streamed concert event each month.

Fresh from her stint on the hit TV show ‘The Masked Singer’, Katie said she knew she wanted to get back in front of her fans.

“Sally the Sloth was adorable, and the show is just good family friendly fun, so I loved doing it even though I had to do two weeks hotel quarantine which was pretty intense,” Katie told the Weekender.

“I realised I desperately missed making music for other people but that we have a slow and long recovery before we get back to full theatres, so I needed another plan.”

Enlisting the help of her musician husband Zac Hurren, the former George lead singer set out to create a high-quality concert experience.

“My amazing husband Zac has built a studio and learnt to be an acoustic technician, so we can put on quality multi camera shows with great audio not just like a Zoom call,” she said.

“I am so excited to have a different concert each month that will have a range of themes featuring my husband, my sons, my brother, some of my friends and other great acts that I admire.”

With the inaugural event on Friday, September 25, Katie said it will centre around powerful female performers.

“I have shows planned for the next year but the first ‘Songs That Made Me’ will have all women guests like Sahara Beck, Andrea Kirwin, Sarah King and 11- yearold Layla Barnett, who I mentor at my music school,” she said.

“It will be the songs that are about us as women, mothers and artists but also the songs we wish we had written which should be beautiful.”

To be involved, the 43- year- old said people can subscribe to her Patreon to get the special perks and support her project.

“If you become a patron for around $25 a month you get things like a new song each month, vocal workshops, tickets to gigs plus meet and greets when they start again, plus access to the concerts which is the highlight,” she said.

“Every month at the end of the working week, you can jump on your couch in your ‘jimmy jams’ with a bottle of wine with your fur baby and watch live a special show made with love from my home right into your home.”

The shows begin on Friday, September 25 at 8pm. Subscribe at www.patreon. com/katienoonan.

SUNDAY A SELECTION OF

15 Meals for $15!

AVAILABLE FOR DINNER WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY From 5.30pm - 8.30pm Members $15, Visitors $20

RAFFLES

STARTS

SUNDAY

WW42096

A EMILY FESZCZUK

27

SEPT

Tickets on sale from 5pm | Drawn from 6pm Receive a voucher for $5 worth of raffle tickets when you make a food or beverage purchase on Saturdays (all day) and Sundays (until 5pm) One voucher per day per person. Members Only

$400 WORTH OF MEAT TRAYS TO BE WON! 13 Park Road, Wallacia NSW 2745 | Ph 02 4773 8417 | www.wallaciacountryclub.com.au

43

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

FR EE

WW42107

pair of baby shoes for all orders $ over 75!

44

bespokebaby.com.au | 1300 332 229 wwfreebie@bespokebaby.com.au

Penrith Museum of Fire Open daily 9.30am-4.30pm 4731 3000 • 1 Museum Drive Nepean Potters Society Third Tuesday of the month 9630 6364

O D UST

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce • Regular events penrithchamber.org.au

M

Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm Coffee Club Nepean River

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

WHAT'S ON AND WHERE

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays at 6pm 1300 222 222 Gamblers Anonymous Mondays at 7.30pm 0433 018 484 Dementia Carers Support Group • Fortnightly meetings 4751 3033 Penrith Carer Support Group First Thursday of the month Headspace • 8880 8160 Aussie Night Markets return to Penrith The Aussie Night Markets are back, are COVID-Safe and have a new location next to Mercure Penrith in the Panthers Penrith Complex. Bring the whole family for an open-air feast with over 20 international food stalls and trucks. Don’t forget to get your sugar fix at the dedicated dessert section, then stroll through the boutique and retail stores. With kids rides and music till late, everyone can enjoy! It’s held every third Sunday of the month, with the next on September 20 from 5pm-9pm. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/aussienightmarkets.

Penrith Women’s Health Centre • Monday to Friday 4721 8749 Suicide Prevention and Support Network 0402 627 696

S D I K FOR

Prostate Cancer Support Monthly meetings at St Stephen’s • 1300 133 878

S R O I N FOR SE

Classic fun for kids of all ages

Jazz at The Joan

Skate the day away at an old favourite, Penrith Skatel in Emu Plains.

Tickets start at $10. Call 4735 6699 to book.

Enjoy a night of jazz at The Joan with the Waldo Fabian Sextet on Friday, September 25 at 7.30pm. Tickets from $35. Call 4723 7611.

JP Service in Penrith Tuesday and Thursday 7/458-470 High St • 9am-5pm JP Service in St Marys Wednesdays at St Marys Village • 9623 7700

WW38935

45

WW42109

46

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

creative

E V I F Y A D I R F E TH

A U

S T

R

A

L

I

A

Bringing DESIGNS to Life IN HOUSE graphic design team

EXCLUSIVE partnerships with some of Australia’s leading print providers

Tailored high quality and PROFESSIONAL output

DELICIOUS WINGS ARE WAITING FOR YOU The classic chicken wing has been a staple snack for many years. Whether you like spicy or sweet, there are lots of places in Penrith serving up plates of finger licking good chicken!

In our Friday Five series this week, we name the best, so you don’t have to ‘wing’ it…

5. Wings Out West (Station Street, Penrith) The new kid on the block, Wings Out West has just opened replacing Jagerhaus German Restaurant in Penrith.

For $20, you get 10 wings with a side of chips and a free dipping sauce. Choose from the original salt and pepper battered wings or get basted with smokey BBQ, honey soy or spicy buffalo sauce.

Brought to you by the guys behind Drink West beer, this place is sure to be a hit hangout, especially on game days as it is right around the corner from Panthers Stadium.

4. Wing Street (Various Locations) While you might not have ever thought Pizza Hut would be the place to get wings, its Penrith, Cambridge Gardens and St Marys stores stock a delicious range from the Wing Street chain.

Choose from eight sauces, three wing types and three sizes with six, 12 or 24 packs available, which are best enjoyed at home.

Controversial but our top choice is the spicy boneless wings, with breaded tender chicken breast meat coated in a creamy honey sauce with sweet notes and a kick of mustard.

They’re to die for!

3. Big Daddy’s Burger Bar (Henry Street, Penrith) Big Daddy’s is known for its burgers, as stated in the name, but this retro- style diner features all-American eats.

The buttermilk crumbed wings are lightly tossed in a mild seasoning spice, so it is not too thick but still has lots of flavour.

10 pieces for $22 is a little pricey but the hot and naked wings smothered in red hot peri-peri sauce won’t disappoint.

2. Downtown Brooklyn (High Street, Penrith) Another American themed joint, Downtown Brooklyn’s fried chicken wings are worth flying in to try.

Served with ranch dipping sauce, they keep it simple with the choice of BBQ, buffalo, chipotle and honey mustard bastes.

Bring some friends to soak up the atmosphere while sharing 10 wings for $14, 15 for $18 or 20 pieces for $22.

1. The Bavarian (High Street, Penrith) The Bavarian might be German themed, but they love wings and they do them well.

Offering the classic and boneless variety, they have also made sure that non-meat eaters don’t have to miss out with a cauliflower version.

With seven signature sauces, you can choose from mild Texas BBQ all the way up to the hottest called ‘afterburner’.

10 pieces for $14 is pretty good value but if you have a big group grab 20 or 50.

If you are up for a challenge 100 wings will set you back $99, but make sure to wash it down with a stein of cold beer.

FAST turn around times

CUSTOM design, production, printing and digital solutions

Over a CENTURY of combined design experience

Why choose Creative Publishing Australia

• We are effective and affordable

• Utilising the most effective software solutions

• Domestic and international reach

• Build brand awareness

• Big and small jobs

• Constant and consistent project support and communication

Our Work & Clients

• Bowls NSW Magazine • Bridal Magazine • It’s all here in Penrith

• International Rowing Guide • TAFE NSW • Road Tech Marine

WW30943

Call our sales team today on 4722 2998 Alternatively, email us at: sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au

WW42120

47

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

MUSIC

Out of the closet and live on stage!

THE WALDO FABIAN SEXTET FRI 25 SEP 7.30PM

EMILY FESZCZUK

I

f you are craving a night out, then we have the perfect entertainment for you. ‘Elton – Out of the Closet’ is the world’s best and most authentic re-creation of superstar Elton John and his classic ‘70s band.

The show stars the incomparable Jason Paris, who is one of the world’s most exciting Elton John impersonators.

Take a trip back in time as he re-creates Elton’s golden mid- 1970s period, when he was young, outrageous, full of energy, and not to mention the hottest rock star on the planet.

Forget about the outside world for a while with a night of jazz fusion featuring internationally recognised musician Waldo Fabian, leading his sizzling sextet.

TICKETS | Std $40 | Conc. $35 | Buy 3 music shows from our Live & Unlocked Season (The Waldo Fabian Sextet, Curtains and Visions of Nar) and save!

BOOK NOW | thejoan.com.au 4723 7600 | 597 High St Penrith

While visually focused on the thrilling ‘70s, the show includes all the big hits from 1970 to 1994 that you know and love.

More than just a band playing songs, this show is over two hours of entertainment in a spectacular that brings the voice, the flamboyant costumes, the characters, the back stories, the iconic instruments and Elton himself out of the closet.

‘Elton – Out of the Closet’ will be on at the EVAN Theatre on Saturday, September 26 at 7pm. Tickets are $22.20. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1300 PANTHERS or visit penrith.panthers.com.au.

WW41874

Save

28%

*

Book your spring getaway Spring is a great time to grab the family and take a well deserved break at Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park. And right now you can save up to 28%* on cabins, caravan and campsites. With flexible refund and cancellation terms, what are you waiting for? Offer ends September 30.

1800 008 845 Search NRMA Parks Sydney Lakeside

48

*T&Cs apply, subject to availability. Valid for sale until 3pm AEST 30/09/2020 and travel until 18/12/2020.

Visit nrmaparksandresorts.com.au for full terms. National Roads and Motorists’ Association Limited ABN 77 000 010 506 is a separate and independent company from Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 trading as NRMA Insurance.

WW42001

Fans of ‘Survivor’ will be excited to learn that two international editions – ‘Survivor: NZ’ and ‘Survivor: South Africa’ – are currently streaming for free on 10 Play.

Ê

TV NEWS

Ê ‘The Walking Dead’ will end after its upcoming 11th season. The final season of 24 episodes will air across two years, be-

OCTOBER 5 THE WALKING DEAD, AMAZON PRIME

OCTOBER 2

EMILY IN PARIS, NETFLIX

ginning in late 2021. Fortunately for fans, the universe will live on through several spin-offs. One such spin-off, ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’, expands the universe of ‘The Walking Dead’, delving into a new mythology and story that follows the first generation raised in a surviving civilization of the post-apocalyptic world.

It premieres on Amazon Prime Video on Monday, October 5.

Ê New Darren Star series ‘Emily in Paris’ will drop on Netflix on Friday, October 2.

The 10-episode romantic comedy, from the creator of ‘Sex and the City’, stars Lily Collins as Emily. An ambitious 20-something marketing executive from Chicago, Emily unexpectedly lands her dream job in Paris when her company acquires a French luxury marketing company – and she is tasked with revamping their social

media strategy. Emily’s new life in Paris is filled with intoxicating adventures and surprising challenges as she juggles winning over her work colleagues, making friends and navigating new romances.

Ê After 14 years and 20 seasons, one of the world’s most successful reality shows is ending. ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ has confirmed a final season will air in early 2021. While not for everyone (and what show is?), ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ has been huge all over the world and generated a multimedia empire complete with clothing lines, cosmetics companies and apps. Season 19 premieres today on the E! channel. Ê Season 15 of ‘The Real Housewives of Orange County’ will premiere on Thursday, October 8 at 1.30pm on FOX Arena.

WW42111

Nathan Taylor

Ê While some Christmas Carols events are getting cancelled around the country, including in Penrith, I can confirm that Christmas tradition ‘Carols by Candlelight’ will go ahead on Christmas Eve. Despite the event being broadcast from Melbourne, Channel Nine is confident it will still proceed albeit with some changes due to COVID. Hopefully ‘Carols in the Domain’, the Channel Seven equivalent based in Sydney, will air also.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Ê Popular UK series ‘Doc Martin’ will officially wrap at the end of next year.

It’s been revealed Martin Clunes will officially hang up his stethoscope when the 10th season and final season goes to air in late 2021. ‘Doc Martin’ currently airs on the ABC and 7TWO.

49

Friday, September 18, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

WIN A FULL PAGE AD FOR $1!

T S G x e 0 0 6 , 1 $ t a d Value Visit

westernweekender.com.au/fp/ to enter.

This competition will close on the last work day of the month at 4pm and the winner will be notified via phone and email. The judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision is final.

50

WW42108

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

At the movies...

Not so excellent, dude BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC + 1 hour, 32 minutes EMILY FESZCZUK

viewers like myself it just felt dated, especially the dialogue with “dude” in every sentence.

I know its predecessors achieved cult classic status with the same formula but with so much time in between movies, writers Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon should have modernised as the characters have aged. Instead it is stuck in a time warp with schticks we have seen before that are lame.

The introduction of their daughters Billie (Bridgette Lundy- Paine) and Thea (Samara Weaving) added some entertainment, but even their overacting was cringy at times.

Overall, this is one flick that would have been better left in the past!

What was set to be the most excellent finale in the franchise, ‘Bill and Ted Face the Music’ didn’t strike the right chord with me.

29 years after their last adventure, the stakes are higher than ever for time traveller rockers Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves).

They must fight for their band along with their marriages and write a new song that will bring harmony in the universe to save life as we know it.

For people who grew up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s or fans of that time period, the nostalgia it brings will probably invoke warm memories of your childhood but for younger

See this movie at...

PENRITH

www.hoyts.com.au

Gift-tember is coming Receive a bonus $20 Westfield Gift Card when you spend $200 or more at participating retailers*

MO TO S

THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

*Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.

PENRITH

WW41949

westfield.com.au/penrith

51

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Want to own this spot?

weekender the western

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by thewesternweekender.com.au | 4722 2998

Contact us today!

4722 2998

1

Crossword ACROSS 1. Honey liquor 4. Pencil-mark removers 8. 2.2046 pounds 11. Jungle creeper 13. Discipline 15. Jabbed with leg 17. ... in good time 18. Spank 20. Aural organ 21. Toes the line 24. Head monk 27. Social blunder, faux...

28. Anecdote 30. Spooky 31. Deeds 33. Refill gun 34. Inhibit 35. London’s ... Park 36. Ornamental ribbon 39. Peacefully 42. Curls (hair) 44. Turned up 45. Linked 46. Timber cutters 48. Witless 49. Childhood ambition 50. Peer 52. Amphitheatre centre 54. Request 55. Shouts 56. Likes 57. Intense (colour) 60. Furniture wood 62. Pet rodent, ... pig 65. Carefree 67. Rude 69. Supply (uniforms) 70. Air traffic monitor 72. Leaf beverage 73. Qualifying rounds 75. Black/white shades 77. Parties 79. As a result 81. Trouble 82. Gibe 84. Seoul is there, South ...

85. Shoplift 86. Figure (out) 87. Spend extravagantly 88. On the summit of

DOWN 1. Microphone 2. Warn 3. Casting mould 4. Assuage 5. Humbled 6. Choux treat, chocolate ...

7. Sharp twinge 8. Actress, ... Basinger 9. Ill-suited 10. Sturdy trees 12. Love 14. Showy flower 16. Beastly 19. Display cabinets 22. Journalist’s credit (24) 23. Twelve-monthly 25. Tooted 26. Family crest, coat ...

(2,4) 29. Pizza herb 32. Media promotions 35. Helicopter’s landing place 37. Bewildered (2,3) 38. Grassy knoll 40. Manicure board material 41. Thine 42. Short pasta tubes 43. Sorrowfully 44. Give birth (of cow) 47. Seized violently 51. Conceive (plan) 52. Although 53. Branched horn 54. Verse 58. Compere 59. Golfing body (1,1,1) 61. Pinafore 63. Theatre attendant 64. Assault 65. Army trumpeter 66. More ..., less speed 68. Grades 71. Fully-grown 72. Consequently 74. Woe! 76. Different 78. Stage 80. Caesar salad lettuce 83. Battery size (1,1,1)

Last week’s solution

2

3

11

15

4

5

6

7

12

8

13

16

21

28

22

23

29

18

24

25

27

31

33

32

34

35

36

39

40

41

44

42

45

38

46

47

49

50

51

52

53

55

58

67

54

56

59

62

60

63

64

68

73

79

65

70

74

80

75

71

76

81

84

61

66

69

72

86

37

43

48

57

19

26

30

10

14

17

20

9

77

82

78

83

85

87

Sudoku brought to you by The Western Weekender

88

weekender the western

thewesternweekender.com.au 4722 2998

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

Last week’s Sudoku solution

52

thewesternweekender.com.au | 4722 2998

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

Crossword and Word Search brought to you by

weekender the western

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

Theme: CAR WORDS CAR PARK CARAMEL CARBON CARDBOARD CARDIGAN CARETAKER CARGO CARNATION CARNIVAL CAROL CAROUSEL CARPENTER CARRIAGE CART CHILDCARE CREDIT CARD MACARONI SCARCE VICAR Last week’s Word Search solution

Test your knowledge about the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in this week’s special trivia quiz!

1. Which Australian television network broadcasted the Sydney 2000 Olympics?

2. How many countries won a medal at the Games?

3. Which nation topped the medal count at the Games?

4. How many Gold medals did

host nation Australia win at the 2000 Olympics?

5. Where were the canoeing / slalom events held?

6. Which singer performed ‘My Island Home’ at the closing ceremony, held on October 1, 2000?

ANSWERS 1. Channel 7 2. 80 3. United States 4. 16 5. Penrith Whitewater Stadium 6. Christine Anu

Trivia Quiz

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD

OPEN 7 DAYS MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

WW42006

$$$$ buyers of all Ferrous SYDNEY - 9748 0611 PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH FAX - 4721 7658 and Non-Ferrous Metals (Off Castlereagh Road) 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE

53

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Str8ts & Wheel Words brought to you by Creative Publishing Australia

creative A U

S

T

R

A

L

sales@creativepublishingaustralia.com.au | 4722 2998

I

A

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

A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, e.g. [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

You can find more help and strategies at www.str8ts.com along with more puzzles, Apple apps and books.

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

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

20 Very Good

25+ Excellent

Last Week’s Solution

Country Corner 54

ACM Awards go ahead The ACM Awards were held in Nashville this week, with the event going ahead without an audience for the first time.

Organisers took advantage of the unique situation, with the event spread across three iconic venues – the Opry, the Ryman and the Bluebird Cafe.

The awards were being handed out as the Weekender went to print, but an early winner was Thomas Rhett (pictured), who took home Video of the Year.

Slim & I opens at Hoyts Slim Dusty fans won’t want to miss this. The new documentary ‘Slim & I’ has opened at Hoyts Penrith.

The film is an elegant and intimate portrait of Slim Dusty and his wife, Joy McKean and their musical legacy that to this day continues to entertain and inspire.

Missy Higgins, Keith Urban, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar Daley, Darren Hanlon and many others appear in the two hour movie.

PENRITH’S MOST RESPECTED LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

HOROSCOPES VIRGO BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOHO ASTRO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

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

AQUARIUS

PISCES

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Be careful when talking and driving, as Mars reverses through your conversation and transport zone. Otherwise you could find yourself smack bang in the middle of an argument or accident. So slow down!

There is much inner peace to be found via activities like prayer, meditation, contemplation, yoga or tai chi as you calm down and listen to the wise guidance from within.

Mars continues reversing through your self-esteem and money zone. Plus Pluto, Mercury and Saturn throw a spanner into a close relationship or financial venture, so it feels like it’s going backwards. It will take oodles of self-belief, positive selftalk, financial discipline, patience and persistence to get things back on track. On the weekend there’ll be an opportunity to patch up a work problem.

ARIES MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Your ruler Mars is retrograde (until November 14) so motivation will be low and impatience high. And the more you try to assert your authority and independence with others, the more stressful and frustrating things will be. Just remember, you can’t be the boss all of the time. Calm down and recalibrate Rams! If you are more consultative, then the week will run more smoothly.

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

This week the celestial message is patience. Busy Bulls have been very active but with Mars reversing through your solitude zone, you’ll find rest, relaxation and reflection are just what the doctor ordered. If you look to the future with a positive attitude, then fabulous opportunities will manifest but you must be extra patient. The weekend is a wonderful time to write down your goals.

With Mercury (your ruling planet) at odds with Pluto, Saturn and retrograde Mars, delays and disruptions will unsettle your usually genial Gemini demeanour.

You’ll find circumstances are constantly evolving, so keep your schedule flexible and your mind open to sudden changes. It is a suitable time to do research or revise written work (rather than take a trip or launch a brand new project).

It’s not an ideal time to kick-start a promotion, initiate a work project, launch a product or look for a new job. If you do, then expect plenty of annoying delays and frustrations. On the weekend, Venus and the North Node stimulate your money zone. So, the more creatively and generously you share financial ideas and collaborate with others, the more successful you’ll be in the future.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

With reactive Mars reversing through your relationship zone, tread gingerly with a sulky partner, an unreliable lover, a grumpy house mate or a frustrated family member. You’ll find the more patient and diplomatic you are, the less stressful the week will be. And don’t let other people deter your ambitions or derail your dreams! As Christopher Reeve said “Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Don’t sell out.”

Mars is reversing through your job zone, so it will be difficult to get the ducks all lined up at work. If you are patient and persistent (which are Scorpio strengths) then you’ll make slow but steady progress. Being extra cooperative with colleagues, clients and customers will also lead to long-term rewards. But avoid getting drawn into a power struggle in your local community.

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

WEEKENDER LIVING

Sagittarians usually love to rush! But with Mars retrograde your need for speed is curtailed and everything seems to move at a snail’s pace. Your limited patience will wear thin with pedantic people, frustrating family members and confusing communication. You prefer a spontaneous approach but you’ll find some sort of solid daily routine will help you tackle projects in a sustainable way.

Expect a very frustrating week Virgo!

Mars is reversing through your shared finances zone, so it’s not a good time to lend cash, borrow money or initiate a financial partnership. Instead, be patient and wait until after November 14, when Mars turns direct. On Wednesday (when Saturn squares Mercury) energy levels will be low and you could also feel pessimistic about a current project.

LEO JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

This week your communication, motivation and inspiration are muted. Which will tend to squash your Leo ebullience and Cat creativity. But don’t let difficulties and delays deter you from following your dreams! As Christopher Reeve said: “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable”.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

With Mars in retro mode, plus Saturn also hindering progress, you may feel as if you’re going nowhere. The stars are testing your stamina and persistence, so don’t give up. You need to tap into your bountiful reserves of inner strength as you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and set a positive new course. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said: “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat”.

Having a Party? Sporting Event?

What ever the occasion, we are here to help!

Rates $180 for full day | $150 for 4 hours | $20 extra for overnight

info@littlerascalsjumpingcastles.com.au | 0401 719 182

55

ONE POINT HEALTH

MATTHEW JEFFREY • PHYSIO

Management and treatment strategies for common pain Research guidelines recommend that a gradual increase in physical activity without excessively provoking knee pain will promote a positive outcome in reducing pain and improving functional performance.

Exercise Exercise therapy is known to be the best treatment option for individuals experiencing patellofemoral pain.

It is important to incorporate a combination of targeted hip and knee exercises within the management program.

Maximising strength in the lower limbs is thought to minimise the risk of developing kneecap pain. In the early stages of treatment, specific hip exercises are often preferred to avoid aggravating knee pain.

Throughout the recovery process it is important adjustments are made regarding training routines to ensure appropriate load management.

Taping Taping can also be helpful in improving patella tracking (moving) on the femoral epicondyles and assist in alleviating knee pain.

Patellofemoral taping effectiveness is determined by assessing a functional task, such as a squat, pre and post taping. During this assessment the individual’s symptoms of pain will be monitored. For the best outcome taping and exercise should be used in conjunction.

Manual therapy Mobilisation of the knee (patellofemoral and tibiofemoral joint) is performed by a physiotherapist to improve pain and func-

tion among individuals with patellofemoral pain. This treatment approach is also often combined with exercise to facilitate recovery.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is complex and multifactorial. Therefore, it is important to have your knee pain assessed by a physiotherapist to determine the contributing factors.

If you’d like to be assessed, contact us at One Point Health.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

358 Jamison Road, Penrith Ph: 4721 3871 | www.arnalltrophies.com.au | arnall_trophies@bigpond.com •

WW42115

•

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

56

Trophies | Plaques | Shields | Honour Boards | Glassware and more

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

P

atellofemoral pain syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe pain behind or around the patella (kneecap).

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common complaint that has an estimated prevalence of 29 per cent in adolescents and 24 per cent in the general population.

Females are twice as likely to develop and experience patellofemoral pain than males.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome may arise with activities such as star climbing, squatting and running.

According to current research, some interventions are effective in isolation and others should be used in combination.

The following discusses the management strategies utilised for patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Education and advice Patient education and advice is essential for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome to inform them that their pain is not due to tissue damage/injury and can be managed effectively with physiotherapy.

•

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

HEALTHY LIVING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES

ALEX MCKENZIE â&#x20AC;˘ FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Your finances are likely to take a battering during and after a divorce

I

think most of us are aware that there are definitely negative financial consequences associated with divorce.

However, the full ramifications are perhaps more extreme than many would have expected, especially for marriages with children.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), divorced parents aged 45- 64 have 25 per cent less assets compared to their married counterparts.

A divorced mother has 68 per cent less super than a married mother, whilst a divorced father has 60 per cent less super than a married father.

It is clear that divorce severely impacts our wealth and is likely to hinder our lifestyle both during our working life and in retirement. Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to dealing with the negative financial impacts of divorce, but there are a few traps that can be avoided.

It is a common error in the separation period for both parties involved in a divorce to neglect their finances. This can be both deliberate and unintentional. At times, either party can be reluctant to take

care of certain financial obligations feeling that the other party (or at least both parties) are responsible. Also, some things are just overlooked as they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem important at the time.

If you are going through a separation, as hard as it can be at the time, endeavour to work together to stay on top of your finances as best you can. It is likely to benefit both parties in the long-term.

Again in the easier said than done department, the more amicable the assets are split, the less it will cost in legal fees to accomplish. Keeping the direct costs of divorce to a minimum will again help both parties in the long-term.

Once the divorce is finalised and you are starting to rebuild, your financial circumstances are likely to bear little resemblance to your pre-divorce position.

You will now be on a single income; you will have a different set of expenses and most likely vastly different goals.

It is advised if you experience a divorce that you completely restructure your financial plan and start working towards a secure future as soon as possible.

WW42114

the western weekender Âť Friday, September 18, 2020

MONEY MATTERS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

57

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

PET HEALTH

SWIM SAFETY

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

GREENCROSS COREEN AVENUE

NEPEAN AQUATIC CENTRE & EVA BORY’S SWIM SCHOOL

DR ERIN SHORT • VET

J ULIE SHELDR AKE • 4730 89 00

The dangerous sweetener that could Catching up cause major problems for your dog on those lost

T

here are many types of artificial sweeteners becoming more commonly used in human foods. The most concerning is Xylitol.

Xylitol is found in chewing gum, sweets, toothpaste and sugar substitutes for baking.

In humans, it is very slowly absorbed but in dogs it is absorbed rapidly and induces insulin production.

This causes dangerously low blood sugar levels. This can cause seizures, coma and death.

It also causes liver damage which can lead to clotting issues and death.

Vomiting is often the first sign of ingestion with other signs including lethargy, diarrhoea and collapse.

How much causes toxicity?

The amount that can cause toxicity is very low. It is hard to determine the amount of Xylitol in some foods as its concentration may not be provided. It has been estimated that as little as one piece of gum in a small dog can cause toxicity.

What should I do if my dog has ingested Xylitol?

Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Treatment is more successful the earlier it is started.

To determine if a toxic amount has been ingested it is important to know the concentration in the product and the weight of the dog.

Decontamination may be indicated if ingestion is recent.

There is no antidote to Xylitol so supportive therapy is required. Dogs can still die despite treatment, the prognosis is poor if seizures, coma or liver failure is seen.

How do I know if my dog has ingested Xylitol?

There is no test for Xylitol but low blood glucose is the main finding on blood tests.

How can we prevent toxicity?

The best means is for Xylitol containing products to not be present in pet owning households.

As with most things prevention is far better than cure.

If you have any questions regarding Xylitol or other potential toxins, call Greencross Vets Coreen Ave on 4731 3055.

swim lessons

W

hilst our students progress well with the consistent approach of a half hour Learn To Swim lesson once a week, this was not possible for three months of this year due to COVID. To make matters worse, some students have missed even more time in the pool as parents comply with recommendations to keep children home if displaying any flu-like symptoms – which children invariably do from time to time! So, how can we make up for lost time and make our children safer heading into summer?

Firstly, be sure to use the make up lessons you are entitled to. Make up lessons can be taken seven days a week at either centre up to the end of the following month and can be extended further if needed – just contact us to discuss.

Multiple lessons per week are a great way to fast track your child’s swimming skills and make up for time missed in the water. The time a child actually spends

in the water each week directly impacts on the time it will take for the child to learn to swim, with more frequent repetition of skills often achieving learning outcomes more quickly. I can personally attest to the results – my six-year-old has been participating in two lessons per week since we reopened, and is progressing more quickly than ever before.

Multiple lessons are also very affordable, with second weekly lessons only $10 each, and further sibling discounts available. Plus, multiple lessons per week are great for increasing and maintaining fitness whilst developing important swim safety skills.

Another option this school holidays is our Intensive Program at NAC, Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2, offering five swimming lessons for $50 – a perfect opportunity for your child to catch up and/or progress more quickly.

Email contact@nepeanswim.com.au to register your interest, or give us a call!

Coreen Avenue

Puppy Preschool & NEW

4-week block with small class sizes

The classes are currently smaller in numbers, socially distanced and also take into consideration your puppy’s age, size and breed.

58

WW41562

With COVID restrictions beginning to lift, we are excited the school is back in session for our puppies and adolescent dogs.

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

We enjoy working with the Penrith Panthers through our Physiotherapy and Podiatry services.

P: 4732 5188 | onepointhealth.com.au | 510 - 536 High St, Penrith

WW42118

Proud to be Penrith Panthers' preferred Allied Healthcare provider

Adolescent classes available

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

BUSINESS How to get the most out of LinkedIn Groups Katina Beveridge // Digital Business Solutions Advisor Western Sydney Business Centre | 4721 5011 | reception@wsbusiness.com.au

L

inkedIn has proven to be the biggest and most popular social media platform for professionals, but are you making the most out of it? LinkedIn Groups is one of the marketing tools in this platform that allows users to engage with like-minded professionals and make genuine connections.

Why should you join LinkedIn Groups?

Users join groups for various reasons.

Some are just passive readers who are happy to watch conversations and benefit from tips shared in the group while others are more proactive in starting discussions. You can freely ask questions, offer answers, or share things that might be interesting for the other members of the group.

So before you try joining any of the LinkedIn Groups, you have to set a clear objective for what you want to achieve in joining. Here are some of the objectives most users have when using LinkedIn Groups: • Increasing brand awareness.

• Introducing the company’s articles, services and culture.

• Networking with potential clients, customers or industry peers.

• Recruiting talents.

You can have more than one objective, as long as it is defined and works in alignment with your other goals.

How to find the best LinkedIn Groups Once you have defined your objective and have outlined your strategy, the next steps is to find which groups are perfect for your needs.

There are two ways to find the best LinkedIn Groups for you: Discover This feature can be accessed by clicking the Work Grid found on the top-right corner of your LinkedIn homepage then launching Groups. Click on the Discover tab and LinkedIn will show you a list of relevant groups that it thinks might fit your interests.

Keyword search Another effective method is searching via specific keywords. You can use keywords that are related to your industry, interests, or job titles. You will get more useful results if you use targeted keywords.

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

SHOW YOU

WW42117

WHY..

WHAT..

HOW..

Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business

WW42105

Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments Small Business Workshops & Training Offices across Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Mobile Advisors Available to visit you at your home or business

02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U 59

4733 2525

WW41199

Specialists in home entertainment systems

Jason 0417 221 822 â&#x20AC;¢ Mark 0417 223 288

Digital TV installs, upgrades & repairs TV, Pay TV, Phone & Data outlets Insurance & repair work Home Theatre installations LCD/Plasma/Speaker wall mounting EFTPOS/Credit cards accepted CCTV Surveillance Systems installation

1300 781 119 or 0419 990 004

www.jandlkitchens.com | info@jandlkitchens.com Awnings

Automotive

Grout replacement Damage tile replacement Leaking showers

PLANTATION SHUTTERS . CARPORTS AND PATIO AWNINGS . SCREEN AND GLASS ENCLOSURES

MOBILE: 0403011058, PHONE: 4732 6595, EMAIL: dave@davehi.com, FACEBOOK, Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Improvements

p Home Service Dro

WW41131

CALL DAVE AND SAVE

Lic No 20505

Lic. No. 283580C

WW41697

St Clair Concreting

All concreting needs, driveways, patios, crossovers, paths, coloursealing, stenciling.

Bobcat work & tipper available.

Lic. No. R66076

QUALITY CARPORTS, PATIO AWNINGS, SCREEN & GLASS ENCLOSURES ROOMS Best Price, Design, Guarantee 42yrs Experience â&#x20AC;¢ Free Quotes Magwal ContracÆ&#x;ng Call Mario 0415 601 033 WW41319

WWW.CHRISLAWLERBUILDING.COM.AU ABNÂ 568Â 649Â 24654

D & J Concrete Resurfacing & Landscaping We specialise in concrete resurfacing & landscaping such as spray-on paving, colour sealing, concrete resealing, concrete grinding, non-slip coating, pressure cleaning, concrete garden edging, roof restoration, returfing.

Call Darren on 0403 374 216

or Email: djconcreteresurfacing@gmail.com

WW39030

Concrete Rendering

AUSTRALIA BEST CEMENT RENDERING

DECKS â&#x20AC;¢Â RENOVATIONS â&#x20AC;¢Â BATHROOMS â&#x20AC;¢Â CARPENTRY

0405Â 107Â 506

Ph: Charlie 0404 331 164 ABN: 18342307434

Building Contractors

Call Peter Dunn 4735 5055 or 0416 035 645 www.patioman.com.au

Specialising in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; granny flat slabs, foundations & retaining walls.

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE

P A T I O S

LIC.219005c

Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks

ALL TYPES OF CONCRETE & EXCAVATION

NO JOB TOO SMALL Free quotes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30 years experience

È&#x2C6; Colorbond Carports & Awnings È&#x2C6; Sunrooms & Glass Enclosures È&#x2C6; Timber Decks & Pergolas

PATIOMAN

Concrete Contractors

0412 683 700

AWNINGS t CARPORTS t DECKS

Lic No. 829 19C

Call 4722 2998 Now!

Available 7 days NO OBLIGATION

FREE QUOTES 0416 765 565

Advertise your business here!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not as expensive as you think!

FREE QUOTES

Call Allen: 0400 123 454

WW41210

Do you want to reach over 49,324 homes in the Penrith area each week?

WW40129

A TEAM TILE REGROUTING SOLUTIONS

Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Improvements

AUTO CENTRE

Ph: 9421 0811 or 9421 0816

Awnings

ALSO KNOWN AS PENRIT H CIT AWNING Y S

â&#x2DC;&#x17D; 4721 2500

Old Vehicles â&#x20AC;¢ Unwanted Vehicles Unloved Vehicles â&#x20AC;¢ Damaged Vehicles Unregistered Vehicles Just a pain in the *!@#$ Vehicles We want your car!

Let us give you cash for your car and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll pick it up for FREE!

7JTJU PVS TIPXSPPN BU +BDL 8JMMJBNT %SJWF 1FOSJUI ] .POEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN 4BUVSEBZ BN QN

FREE QUOTES ~ CALL

47 49 49 14

WE BUY CARS FOR CA$H!

t 0GýDF 'JU PVUT t 4VQQMZ BOE JOTUBMM t 4VQQMZ POMZ o þBU QBDL PS QSF CVJMU UP PSEFS t 8F PSHBOJTF BMM USBEFT

TRADING OVER 20 YEARS | OVER 40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE

www.penrithtvantennaservice.com.au

Pink & Blue Slips Logbook Service Full Servicing All Work Guaranteed Warranty Safe

0412 576 913

A-Car Recycling

WW41843

WW42075

t $VTUPN NBEF JO PVS 1FOSJUI GBDUPSZ t ,JUDIFOT -BVOESJFT t 0VUEPPS BMGSFTDP BSFBT

â&#x20AC;¢ TV Antennas â&#x20AC;¢ Upgrades & Repairs â&#x20AC;¢ TV & Data Points â&#x20AC;¢ TV Mounting â&#x20AC;¢ WIFI & NBN â&#x20AC;¢ Pensioner Discounts â&#x20AC;¢ 4G Antennas â&#x20AC;¢ Mobile Phone Boosters

FULL MECHANICAL WORKSHOP REGO CHECKS LPG & SERVICE

Call

4732 4566

PENRITH TV ANTENNA SERVICE

ORTRANTO P/L

TOP DOLLARS PAID SAME DAY PICK UP 59-69 Tattersall Rd, Blacktown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Open 7 days

CALL NOW for a FREE measure & quote

WW41825

& SE SECU CURI CU RITY RI TY TY

â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Glenmore Park Lic No. 44995C Over 30 years experience

WW41671

Antennas-Communication

WW41208

â&#x20AC;¢ Fast Clean Service â&#x20AC;¢ Big Or Small Jobs â&#x20AC;¢ Interior & Exterior â&#x20AC;¢ Fully Insured â&#x20AC;¢ Reliable Service â&#x20AC;¢ All Work Done Personally â&#x20AC;¢ Decorative Finishes â&#x20AC;¢ Competitive Prices â&#x20AC;¢ Wallpapering

WW39699

WW39259

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

FREE QUOTES preferredair@outlook.com

WW41672

Sales, Service Maintenance & Installation

Call John on 0406 121 226

CASH FOR CARS

www.mjpainting.com.au

WW41842

For all your air conditioning needs

Car Removal

FREE QUOTES

WW41953

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

Specialising in: â&#x153;¸ Cement Render â&#x153;¸ Granosite â&#x153;¸ Plaster Lic. 295962C

â&#x153;¸ Borders â&#x153;¸ Swimming pool â&#x153;¸ Texture â&#x153;¸ Polystyrene

WW41552

Air Conditioning

Contact Terry on 0435 353 355 All Areas E: ausbestrendering@gmail.com Free Quotes

Western Weekender

WW41204

http://westernweekender.com.au/directory/

Gardening

IMPROVE YOUR SMILE WITH US

PENRITH LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

Seniors/ S Pensioners P Discount D

$

For your convenience

P Phone and a Data D

We accept!

EXPERIENCED GARDENER FREE QUOTES ~ COMPETITIVE PRICES

$

50off

Michael on 0420 767 706

/E7 2E4 CY RG N

EM ICE SERV

WW41837

Best Prices B & All Work Guaranteed G

PH: 4778 1959

Pe e nrith Ele Penrith Electricians Call Us Today... For our

yes we can SERVICING PENRITH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

4744 2732

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

We NEVER

Close Lic. %$(#(#5

John Newham

FREE QUOTES PROMPT, RELIABLE SERVICE WW41212

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more...

Contact Joe on 0404 043 333 or info@treekings.com.au www.treeking.com.au

All garden and lawn services provided including:

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE! g All Pricin t Up-Fron

• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Stump Grinding • Land Clearing • Mulching • Wood Chopping • Emergency Work

Penrith Valley Garden Care

WW40077

Electricians

RHS

Landscaping, Trimming, Weeding, Turfing, Treelopping, Stump grinding, Paving, Retaining walls, Yard dressing.

Mention this ad and get Lic Number 273594c

A All Electrical E Work W WW41613 WW34127

9 Over 30 years experience 9 Children, teen and adult treatment 9 No referral needed 9 Flexible payment options 9 Friendly and competent staff Call now for an appointment Penrith: 4721 8212 Springwood: 4751 6711 www.omearaorthodontics.com.au

WW40827

Dr Anthony J. O’Meara BDS, MDSc, FICD

A1 AARDVARK BUDGET GARDEN SERVICE

Mobile 0414 833 356 Phone/Fax 9833 3563 Licence No. 95571C | ABN 70 510 279 284

* * * * *

Mowing and edging Bindi and weed eradication Lawn fertilisation Watering system installation General cleanup

* * * * *

Tree pruning Hedge trimming Gutter cleaning Bushfire hazard reduction Removal of all clippings

Call Steve on 4735 3142 or

0416 116 602

WW39957

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED Reach your customers through the power of your local newspaper.

Local people make up to 90% of your customers.

Classified advertising is the most cost effective way to reach them. Like to know more...

Call 4722 2998 ... Be Wise ... Advertise!

“Specialists in Landscape Gardening & Design”

ROWLANDS HORTICULTURAL SERVICES Your Garden Problems Answered & Solved 30 years industry experience Peter Consulting Horticultural AIH Rowlands Landscape Design 0419 993 866 Project Management Suppliers of quality plants & landscape products

WW41762

O’Meara Orthodontics

Gardening

Member - Australian Institute of Horticulture & Horticulturist/Team Member

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE CALL NOW

4722 2998

TO GET YOUR SUPER DEALS

Glass Merchants & Glaziers

ALUMINIUM & GLASS We do Shower screens Mirror wardrobes Security doors & grills Aluminium windows Sliding doors & flyscreens

Call us on

9833 9006

WW41207

Electrical Contractors

WW41305

Dental

Plumbers

Plumbers

Lic Number 273594c

EM ICE SERV

We accept!

WW41200

/7CY 2E4 RGEN

For your convenience

WW41987

WANTED TO BUY

OLD HIGH SCHOOL MATHS TEXT BOOKS – 1960-1993 email: georgetdp@hotmail.com

davis_zora@yahoo.com ABN: 99 606 121 126

PENRITH PLUMBER Taps & Toilets

Lawn Mowing Services

Greg 0475 574 122 Will respond to ALL messages

WW41910

LAWNS MOWED

Licensed Gasfitter

Blocked Drains

24/7 Emergency services $0 Call out fee Plumbers you can trust Ontime & Reliable plumbers Same Day Service CALL NOW

1.)

2.)

3.)

Penrith P enrith Pl Plumbers

Call Us To Today... For our

FAST, FRIE FRIENDLY SERVICE! g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Pest Control

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

SERVICING PENRITH AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

4748 9019

Email: envirocare1@bigpond.com

w w w. S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

TOTAL SATISFACTION GUARANTEED WE CARE FOR YOUR ENVIRONMENT WW41313

Plasterers-Plasterboard Fixers

Plasterer

Lic. %$(#(#5

Water & Gas Service Repair Blocked Drains Hot Water Heaters Backflow & TMV Testing Full Plumbing Maintenance

CALL GREG NOW ON: 0400 873 805

WW41929

George Larin - Licence #R71555 No Job too big or small Renovation specialist

Close

Lic No. 4715C NEPEAN MAINTENANCE PLUMBING 9 9 9 9 9

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

The proposed installation will involve the following: • Removal of x3 existing panel antennas, each 2.5m in length, at a centreline elevation (CL) of 12.8m. Then install x3 new panel antennas, each 2.68m in length, at a CL of 12.8m.

• Install x3 new panel antennas, each 800mm in length, at a CL of 12.8m to be mounted on the proposed turret.

• Ancillary works such as the installation of a new mount (pole and turret), at a total length of 4.7m above the structure, removal of 6 existing radio boxes and replaced by 6 new junction boxes and new commscope unit boxes. Plus, associated works to take place within the shelter to support the proposal.

The proposed installation is deemed to be Exempt (Non-DA) pursuant to the Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy 2007 based on the description above. Consent from council is not required in this instance.

Further information including an EME Report can be obtained from – Wireless Consultation on behalf of Telstra on Mobile: 0436 011 966, at Telstra.enquiries@wirelessconsultation.com.au and at Site Ref: www.rfnsa.com.au/2750016 The proposed installation will be in compliance with the ACMA EMR regulatory arrangements. Public notification is being undertaken in accordance with Section 7 of the Communications Alliance Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code C564:2018.

We invite you to make a submission. Written submissions can be sent to: Telstra.enquiries@wirelessconsultation.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 5, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia by 5pm on Friday, 2 October 2020.

WESTERN WEEKENDER LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A Computer Expert

We NEVER

WW41209

PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

4.)

5.)

yes we can

0424 135 877

Site Address: M4, opposite Alston Street, JAMISONTOWN NSW 2750 Site Ref: 2750016

Lic # 267530C 10% PENSIONERS DISCOUNT

We accept!

Ph 1800 600 760

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT JAMISONTOWN

Burst Pipes

9188 1542 / 0488 801 044

For your convenience

4722 2998

PUBLIC NOTICES

Lic. No: 291676C

WW40982

Call Tony 0419 696 745 After Hrs: 4731 6052 Email: avallinonelandscaping@hotmail.com

Call

SELLING SOMETHING?

WW41604

0416 510 151

Put a Splash of Colour in your ad

WW42052

WW40395

• General Plumbing • Drainage • Gas • CCTV Inspections • Jet Blasting Call Davis Zora on

Free Quotes, 7 Days a Week • Rockeries • Turfing • Retaining Walls • Concreting • Paving • Colorbond Fencing • Yard Cleaning

PH: 9724 1609 or 4733 6035 MOB: 0418 294 998 WW41202

PH: 4778 1955

Landscape Contractors & Designers

A&V All In One Landscaping

50off

WW40076

WW40161

ABN 34933562535 | Lic no 354402C

All home repairs and maintenance No job too big or small PENRITH Call Peter 0410 737 321 LOCAL

$

Specialising in Domestic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Rubbish Removers

Mention this ad and get

Seniors/ S Pensioners P Discount D B Blocked Drains and D Pipes P

HANDY FOX

Lic No: 229122C

DAVE’S REFRIGERATION

WW40828

Best Prices B & All Work Guaranteed G

WW40801

Handyman

• Hot Water Issues • Storm Water Solutions

Call Andrew 0431 954 035

A All Plumbing P Work W

$

• Blocked Drains • Bathroom Renovations • Plumbing Maintenance

WW41528

Andrew Downer Plumber Drainer Gas Fitter

PENRITH LOCAL PLUMBER • ROLLED ON SITE • NO JOINS • NO LEAKS • LEAFGUARD • ALL TYPES OF GUTTERING INSTALLED • METAL ROOFING • ROOF RESTORATION

Refrigeration

• 45 Years Experience • Microsoft Certified System Engineer • Onsite Friendly Service • Internet/Virus/Repairs • Supply New & Used Computers • Computer Teaching

Servicing all of Sydney

0422 576 061

Letters submitted for publication are done so on the condition that The Western Weekender may edit them, without affecting the overall message or intent of the letter. The Western Weekender reserves the right to publish letters in other publications.

WW42072

Guttering & Spouting

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED Reach your customers through the power of your local newspaper. Local people make up to 90% of your customers. Classified advertising is the most cost effective way to reach them. Like to know more . . .

Call 4722 2998 – Be Wise . . . Advertise!

COPYRIGHT Content in this publication belongs to Western Sydney Publishing Group, publishers of The Western Weekender, or its licensors, advertisers or affiliates. All content in this publication is protected by Australian and international copyright laws.

ETHICAL AND ACCURATE CONTENT The Western Weekender operates under a code covering both ethics and accuracy. If you believe either have been compromised in relation to editorial or advertising content that appears in this publication, you should initially contact the Managing Editor.

WW639

Our Olympic memories 20 years on p.65

Teen star sticks with Thunder NATHAN TAYLOR

F

Kate Peterson has signed a new deal with the Sydney Thunder.

resh off being selected as a Basil Sellers Scholar for 2020, Penrith Cricket Club’s Kate Peterson has signed a new two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder.

The 17-year-old inked her first Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) contract with the Thunder back in September 2019 and became the second graduate of the Thunder WBBL Academy after fellow local Hannah Darlington.

A swing bowler, who quite often opens the attack, Peterson has produced strong performances at underage level as well as for Penrith in the NSW Women’s Premier Cricket competition.

Like Thunder teens Phoebe Litchfield and Darlington, Peterson is a product of the strong Cricket NSW pathway.

Representing NSW Metropolitan at the 2019/20 Female Under 18 National Championships, Peterson claimed 13 wickets at the impressive average of 13.4.

Peterson said she’s looking forward to continuing to develop her game with the goal of making her WBBL debut this season.

“I loved my first season with the Thunder and I’m really excited for the next two seasons ahead,” she said.

“Playing with the likes of Rene Farrell

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

SPORT

SYDNEY 2000

and obviously with Rachael Haynes as captain, I just feel like I learnt so much and really developed as a player.

“It’d be a dream come true to break into the team and get the chance to debut this season.”

Thunder coach Trevor Griffin believes Peterson will form an important part of the future of the club.

“Kate’s desire and commitment to improve really stood out and I know she’s worked incredibly hard on her game over the winter,” he said.

“For somebody so young, she can execute a yorker well and she’s a real competitor in the field. She’s a really exciting prospect for the future.

“We’ve got a few changes in personnel this year and that’s going to give a number of players a chance to stake their claim and I have no doubt that Kate will be pushing to make her debut for the Thunder.”

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia confirmed last week that the full 59- game WBBL season will be hosted in Sydney from October 25.

Cricket Australia is working in partnership with the NSW Government to ensure the competition proceeds in line with government regulations and COVID safety guidelines.

The Weekender understands Howell Oval in Penrith is a chance to host some WBBL games for the first time since 2017.

WW42119

63

Celebrating season’s best Duke and Nevin the big winners as Wanderers Medal goes virtual for first time NATHAN TAYLOR

O

utgoing Western Sydney captain Mitchell Duke has collected a swag of awards at this year’s Wanderers Medal.

Streamed online for the first time, the Wanderers handed out nine awards with Duke – who will take his talents to Saudi Arabia next season – winning three of them.

The 29- year- old striker was named the A-League team’s winner of the Wanderers Medal for Player of the Year, as well as the Members’ Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner.

“Very proud to have won the Player of the Year, Members’ Player of the Year and Golden Boot award for the season with Western Sydney Wanderers,” Duke told his 16,000 followers on Instagram.

“Going to miss this club but I look forward to seeing them succeed in the future.”

Fresh from re- signing with Western Sydney last week, defender Courtney Nevin was voted by her fellow peers as the winner of the Wanderers Medal for

Courtney Nevin was named W-League Player of the Year.

W- League Player of the Year, capping off what has been an incredible two seasons for the Young Matilda.

W- League Golden Boot winner Kristen Hamilton was named the Members’ Player of the Year, wrapping up a memorable first season for the American.

Mitchell Duke was named A-League Player of the Year.

Young gun Mohamed Al- Taay was named Y-League Player of the Year, while Luke David was named Powerchair Player of the Year.

Nepean Football Association General Manager Linda Cerone was awarded the Wandercrew Volunteer of the Year award.

“It’s always nice to be acknowledged for your work, especially when it’s performed in a voluntary capacity,” Cerone said.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas congratulated the winners after what was a very disruptive season due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.

WW42113

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

64

SOCCER

Olympics left huge legacy 20 years on from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;best everâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Games, we reflect on Penrithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in Sydney 2000 NATHAN TAYLOR

I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to believe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been 20 years since Sydney hosted the best Olympic Games ever.

Your writer was in Year 8 in 2000, attending McCarthy Catholic College in Emu Plains, when the greatest show on Earth came to town.

I remember school students in NSW getting a whopping three weeks of holidays to celebrate what would likely be a once in a lifetime experience.

While being a teenager during the Olympics was fun, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but imagine what it would have been like to be an adult during this crazy time. Firstly, I reckon I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve attended way more Olympic events than I did and secondly, the partying around Sydney over those few weeks in September would have been next level.

Penrith â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a lot different in many ways back then â&#x20AC;&#x201C; played a huge role during Sydney 2000. The city hosted several Olympic events including

the rowing and canoe sprint at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, while the newly built Penrith Whitewater Stadium was home to the canoe and kayak slalom disciplines.

Hundreds of athletes from all over the world converged on Penrith to compete for Olympic gold. In fact, I can vividly remember seeing athletes, coaches and team officials wearing their countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colours at various places around town, including the Plaza.

It may come as a surprise, but I only attended one event at Sydney 2000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the rowing.

As many would remember it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just expensive but incredibly difficult to get to tickets to the Games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially to the major sports like swimming, gymnastics and athletics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so Mum and I had to settle for tickets to the rowing heats on Day 4.

I remember lining up 12 months in advance at a pop-up ticket booth in Darling Harbour to get our hands on tickets. Oh, and in case Gen Z were wondering, tickets were purchased in person back in those days!

Anyway, back to 13- year- old me attending the Olympics.

The day was Monday, September 18, and I recall arriving at Jamison Park in the morning to catch a shuttle bus over to the Regatta Centre.

When we alighted at our destination, the place was jampacked with spectators from all over the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it appears we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones taking advantage of the cheap seats!

Mum and I sat in a little portable grandstand, probably at the halfway mark of the course, as the rowers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one by one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whizzed past in a blink of an eye. Fortunately for us, live commentary of each event could be heard over the PA system, giving spectators a play- by- play of what was happening further downstream.

A hot dog, a bottle of Coke and full day of rowing events later, Mum and I boarded the bus back to Jamison Park and our short but sweet Olympic experience was complete.

What are your memories of Sydney 2000? Jump on social media and share your memories and photos with the hashtag #MySydney2000.

the western weekender Âť Friday, September 18, 2020

OLYMPICS

The rowing was held in Penrith. Photo: Penrith Library.

The Whitewater Stadium in 2000. Photo: Penrith Library.

Monster Pink Raffle over

$4,000

of Electrical, Vouchers, Luxury Gift Packs & much, much more!

R A F F L E

5)634 45 0$5

TICKETS ON SALE FROM 5.30 PM DRAWN FROM 7.00 PM

All proceeds from ticket sales g directly y to will go

5IF 4QJSJU PG UIF $PNNVOJUZ 8 Tindale St, Penrith, NSW / 4728 5200 www.penrithrsl.com.au info@penrithrsl.com.au

#penrithrsl WW42112

65

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

Rams one win away from Grand Final Story continued from » p. 68 “Balmain have improved a bit from the first round judging by their results, so we’ll have to play pretty well,” he said.

“I’m tipping the Tigers will field a bit of a different side compared to the first round but if we play our game I’m confident we can beat anybody. It’s just about lining it up on the day.”

Fortunately for the Rams, they’ll be heading into the all- important clash a picture of health. Despite the challenges of a COVID- affected shortened season, Kirk said the lads are primed and ready for a big game.

“They are all looking OK, we’re very excited by the opportunity,” he said.

“They’ve been very resilient this season; COVID has been difficult with all the accompanying conditions that go with that, but we’re excited about Sunday and looking forward to it.

“The boys have worked hard, so we’re keen to get out there and play some Finals footy.”

The Penrith Rams take on the Balmain Tigers this Sunday, September 20 at 2.50pm.

Minor premiers Macquarie University will take on Southern Power in the weekend’s other Grand Final qualifier.

NETBALL

Partnership grows Digital Realty proud to support region’s emerging netballers NATHAN TAYLOR

W

estern Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) has announced Digital Realty has extended its support of the Academy’s successful Netball Program for three more years.

The Netball Program was given a significant boost in 2019 when Digital Realty – a leading global provider of data centre, colocation and interconnection solutions with a strong data centre footprint at Erskine Park Business Centre – came on board as a Program Partner.

Focusing on athlete technical, educational and personal development platforms, the Academy’s program has been highly successful in identifying and developing some of the state’s – and Australia’s – best young netballers including Australian Diamond representatives Kim Ravaillion and Paige Hadley.

Aside from their technical and educational development, the girls will also be participating in the highly competitive ClubsNSW Academy Games in April 2021 and Netball NSW’s Academy Challenge in September 2021.

Digital Realty has extended its partnership with the WSAS. Digital Realty’s Director of Data Centre Operations in Australia, Rod Glover, expressed his support for the region’s talented young netballers.

“We are fully committed to both business and community development within the regions in which we operate,” he said.

“We are very proud of providing our support for the WSAS Netball Program to further the development of these young

Discover

the best of Sydney

athletes as future sporting and community leaders.”

WSAS CEO Martin Bullock said the new deal with Digital Realty will go a long way in developing future sporting stars.

“Digital Realty is a strong supporter of our regional community and in particular our aspiring young athletes, and their commitment for another three years is providing fantastic support for our future champions,” he said.

Just

70

$

with an Entertainment Membership

Enjoy thousands of offers for everything you love to do 2-for-1 offers, special rates and up to 50% off on activities, dining, shopping, travel vel and leisure leisure.

25% off up to $25

2 for 1

2 for 1

2 for 1

25% off up to $40

$9.50 e-Vouchers

20% OF THE PROCEEDS FROM EACH ENTERTAINMENT MEMBERSHIP SOLD WILL GO TOWARDS OUR WESTERN

66

WEEKENDER LOCAL CHARITIES. BUY YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY FROM: WWW.ENTBOOK.COM.AU/948Q083

WW42110

25% off up to $35

the western weekender » Friday, September 18, 2020

BASKETBALL

Panthers rue missed chances as focus shifts to next season NATHAN TAYLOR

P

enrith won’t get the chance to defend their Youth League title this weekend after they missed the playoffs by the skin of their teeth.

Just a month ago, the Panthers were in the box seat to return to the post-season and attempt to win back to back championships, however a disastrous stretch of games against the league’s top three sides in recent weeks put an end to that dream.

After winning five of their first six games, Penrith lost the next three straight before returning to the winner’s circle in Round 9 against Illawarra and in Round 10 via a forfeit. In the end, last year’s Waratah 1 Youth Men Champions missed out on playing Finals basketball by just one win.

Speaking with the Weekender, a disappointed Penrith coach Jarrod Moore said those three losses against Blacktown, Central Coast and Hills were the nail in the coffin.

“When we played those three teams, they were all prepared for us,” he said.

“Central Coast and Hills just absolutely shot the lights out. Hills landed 14 threepointers against us and Central Coast probably made just as many.

“We were really unlucky in those games and they were the two games where we were blown off the court.”

Moore said injuries to some key players as well as a change in the Finals format made it even tougher for his side to advance to this year’s playoffs.

“It’s usually a top six Finals format but due to the competition being modified and the season shortened because of the pandemic, it was revised to a top four,” he said.

“We also got very unlucky with injuries.

Kevin Achampong, one of our athletic guys coming off the bench, had a calf strain that put him out for a bit while Lachlan Charlton was still on the path to recovery and we were waiting for him to get back to his best.”

Despite the ups and downs of his first season in charge of the side, Moore is hoping to take the coaching reins again in 2021.

“I loved my experience and I learned a lot as coach,” he admitted.

“I’m really interested in taking that group again next year and I’ll try and do a much better job in getting the best out of them. Unfortunately, this year was the ‘year of the mess’ and yesterday’s pain is tomorrow’s gain.”

Central Coast, Hills, Blacktown and Sydney will all battle it out this weekend at Sutherland Basketball Stadium for the 2020 title.

Moore believes minor premiers the Central Coast Crusaders will be crowned Champions on Sunday.

“It will be very close, but my money is on Central Coast to win it all,” he said.

“They just look really good and their best players are pumping on all cylinders.

“Hills Hornets could give them a run for their money but the Blacktown Storm and the Sydney Comets are definitely the dark horses as they can produce on any given day.”

As for Penrith, it’s all about 2021. Penrith Panthers guard Sam Pares. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Around the grounds

AFL: A year after making their first Grand Final, the GWS Giants are on the brink of missing out on Finals footy altogether in 2020. Last Saturday night the Giants rallied from an 18-point first quarter deficit to snatch a seven-point edge at the final break, but failed to hang on. This Friday night the Giants face sixth-placed St Kilda in the last round and must win that one, as well as rely on other results, to return to the Finals for the fifth year in a row. The first bounce is at 7.50pm.

RUGBY: For the second straight week, the Penrith Emus have gone agonisingly close to notching up their first victory of the year, going down to the West Harbour Pirates 38-29 in Round 9 of the Shute Shield. The Emus

were going toe-to-toe with the Pirates throughout the match, with Dean Blore, Terry Fanolua, Ezekiel Seia and Temisis Charley all crossing for tries. After a couple of competitive games in recent weeks, the Emus are in for a tough contest on Saturday afternoon when they face third-placed Eastwood at T.G. Millner Field.

SUPER NETBALL: Giants Netball have enjoyed an excellent week of results in Round 11 and Round 12 of the Super Netball Competition. Last Wednesday the Giants narrowly overcame Collingwood 62-58, while on Sunday afternoon they were too good for the Adelaide Thunderbirds 64-54. This Sunday afternoon the Giants will face the West Coast Fever in Cairns in the penultimate round.

NETBALL: The Panthers Opens team have won their first game of the season, defeating the Capital Spirit 64-57 in Round 8 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition. Meanwhile, the Panthers Under 23s team enjoyed back to back victories, beating the Spirit 46-37. Both teams will look to add to their winning tally when they take on the Central Coast Heart in Round 9.

To make a submission to Around The Grounds, email Nathan.Taylor@ westernweekender.com.au. You can also private message us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/westernweekender or Tweet us @wwpenrith.

S P A• S E R V I C E S

For all your spa service needs

Matt: • • • • • •

0407 700 981

• Electronic Control Spa Filters Panels Chemicals • Spa Pumps Spa Heaters • Air & Water Jets / Maintenance Blowers Friendly Advice Service & Repair

WW42095

AFL: The Penrith Rams have lost back to back games leading into the Finals, defeated by Macquarie University 53-32 in Round 9 of the AFL Sydney Platinum Division competition. Luke Cooke and Phil Aumann kicked two goals each for the Rams. Penrith finished the regular season in third spot, with six wins and three losses to their name. They’ll take on the Balmain Tigers in this Sunday’s semi-final at Rosedale Park. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have ended their season with a whimper, thrashed by the Pennant Hills Demons 32-2 in Round 9 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 1 competition. The Ramettes ended the year in fifth position, with a four win and five loss record.

E: platinumspaservice@gmail.com www.platinumspaservices.com.au

67

SPORT Rams need to find form

Friday, September 18, 2020

4736 4400 24 HOURS WW41203

• 24 Hour • Accident • Trade • General • All Vehicles • Bobcats • Forklifts • Machinery

FOR ALL YOUR TOWING NEEDS

Penrith’s #1 NRL coverage – Extra Time – see centre pull-out

NATHAN TAYLOR

P 9833 1000 St Marys Fish Market Fresh & Cooked Seafood (Wholesale, Retail & Catering) A large variety delivered fresh from the Sydney Fish Market every morning.

St Marys Fish Market your one stop seafood shop!

WW41994

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AT 67 QUEEN STREET, ST MARYS

remiership- winning Penrith Rams coach Kevin Kirk isn’t too worried about his side’s form heading into this weekend’s AFL Sydney Platinum Division Finals.

The Rams started the 2020 season in fine fashion winning six of their first seven games, but in the past fortnight they have suffered big losses to fellow Finals-bound teams Southern Power and Macquarie University.

Kirk said he isn’t too concerned about his team’s effort in recent weeks but that they needed to do more with the Sherrin in hand.

“The effort from the boys over the past two weeks has been pretty good but we probably haven’t used the footy as well as we would have liked to have,” he told the Weekender.

“We’re looking to bring that effort this weekend but concentrate more on using the football better once we have it.”

This Sunday the Rams will travel to Rosedale Park in Warwick Farm to face the in- form Balmain Tigers for a place in next weekend’s Grand Final. Despite beating the Tigers handsomely by 25 points in the opening round, Kirk said they’ll have a fight on their hands.

Story continues on » p. 66

The Penrith Rams will hope to bounce back in the Finals this Sunday. Photo: Christian Triffitt.

Residential care that’s designed for you.

At Southern Cross Care, we believe that residential care only works when it’s built around your individual needs and preferences.

At our Thornton Park home in Penrith, we work closely with you and your family to understand your individual needs and wishes so that we can help you live the best life possible.

Plus, there’s expert, around-the-clock care by our friendly, experienced team of registered nurses, carers and visiting specialists.

So, when you can no longer live comfortably in your own home, your most welcome to make our home yours.

Call us now to learn how we can help.

Thornton Park Residential Care 72-78 Empire Circuit, Penrith NSW 2750

1800 958 001 sccliving.org.au WW41831

scc-ww-back-page-half-2020-09-11.indd 1

9/9/20 2:07 pm