Western Weekender September 25 2025

Council’s year of progress

12 months on from biggest Council shake-up, list of achievements is strong

TROY DODDS

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney has reflected on the first year of the new-look Council, declaring Penrith is at the heart of “one of the country’s fastest growing regions”.

It’s been a year since the new Council was formed and Carney was re-elected as Mayor.

“We welcomed nine new faces to form Penrith’s 15-strong Council after the 2024 Local Government Elections, bringing different ideas to the table that complement the experience of our longer-term councillors,” Carney said at Monday’s Ordinary Meeting.

“Together, we have a commitment to Penrith and its people. As a Council, we are proud of the organisation’s achievements during the first year of this term, and we look forward to continuing to deliver for the City.”

Carney said he was particularly pleased at the progress Council had made in St Marys.

“One of Council’s most notable achievements so far this term has been endorsing the visionary St Marys Town Centre Master Plan. The story of St Marys, and the opportunities to build on what makes the suburb special, has always been a passion of mine. I commend Council for recognising the important role St Marys plays in the future prosperity of this City and the broader western Sydney region,” he said.

“The time for St Marys is now. This place-based, evidence-based plan will guide the reimagining of the town centre into a strategic city centre over the next 20 years. The St Marys population is projected to grow from more than 3,500 to 25,500 – and the Master Plan seeks to facilitate more than 8,360 new jobs and around 9,300 new dwellings in St Marys by 2041. The Master Plan is grounded in community. It

was developed using valuable feedback from residents, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders.”

Carney said it was an important time for Penrith as a whole.

“We are at the heart of one of the country’s fastest growing regions, with the new airport opening in 2026, only 15 kilometres from the Penrith City Centre,” he said.

“We will be directly connected to the airport and the rest of the world when the Sydney Metro rail interchange is completed at St Marys.

“Council is leading, and contrib-

uting to, important conversations that enable us to maximise opportunities for this City. We are also actively raising Penrith’s profile through our ongoing collaboration with The Parks Mayoral Forum and the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA). I’m honoured to be the Chair of The Parks Mayoral Forum and Deputy Chair of NGAA, and to help drive our advocacy for western Sydney and growth areas across Australia.”

Carney noted developing a suite of visionary documents for Penrith’s future, delivering major events, and

streamlining library services were other notable achievements of the past 12 months.

“While it’s a truly exciting time for this City, we know the rising cost-of-living is impacting the community. And Council is not immune to the price rises. We are facing the challenges of increased service demands and maintaining ageing assets. Our community has entrusted us to carefully manage growth, and this is a responsibility we take seriously,” Carney said.

“I can assure our City that we as a Council strive to achieve the best

Thain elected Penrith’s youngest Deputy Mayor

TROY DODDS

First-time Councillor Garion Thain has been elected as Penrith’s Deputy Mayor.

He is the youngest person to hold the office in Penrith’s history and replaces veteran Councillor Ross Fowler.

The Labor Councillor was elected unopposed at Monday’s Council meeting with no other nominees.

“Thank you to my fellow Councillors of all stripes who’ve put your confidence in me to take on the role of Deputy Mayor these next 12 months,” Thain said.

“Right from the outset, I think that this is

proof that all of us on Council have kept our pledge to work productively together. That even with nine new Councillors this term, Penrith City Council remains Penrith-first. And so at the outset I’d like to thank the Councillors for their support.”

Thain also paid tribute to his partner Bianca, father and fellow Councillor John and his friends for their support.

“I also just want to thank a few other people who have given me their time and effort –such as Prue Car. Prue’s advice, belief in me and her guidance have played a huge role in my journey within the Labor movement.

I am proud to call her a role model and my local member,” he said.

“I’d be remiss not to mention Bob Nanva, a man who is so generous with his time and knowledge despite having so much knowledge to share and so little time to share it. Truly I am lucky to have had his support when I embarked on the path of public service.

“I’d like to acknowledge the support of others, such as Karen McKeown MP, others who have supported me, and my fellow Councillors.

“Your support means a lot.”

Councillors agreed at Monday night’s meeting to make Thain’s term one year, bringing it in line with the Mayoral election due next September.

outcomes for Penrith.”

Councillor Hollie McLean said it had been a “huge 12 months” for Council and said she was proud of how new and inexperienced Councillors had worked together.

“We celebrate our achievements and reflect a little but it’s time to start looking forward to the next 12 months,” she said.

“We know there will continue to be challenges and we know there are cost-of-living challenges.”

She said Penrith was “at the centre of unprecedented and exciting change”.

Beloved and cherished leader leaves

Blackwell Public School recently farewelled a very important member of their community, but her presence is still felt, and her legacy will leave a lasting impact.

Principal Kris Hudswell retired on her birthday on August 25 after serving as the school’s principal for 25 years.

“Kris knew every single student and their families by name,” said Deputy Principal Rod Woolard.

“She greeted all the students in the morning when they walked through the gate, and she said goodbye to them every afternoon when they left.

“Only last year did I put an actual computer in her office. She would spend most of her time in the staff

room or walking around the school interacting with kids and teachers.”

Under Hudswell’s 25 years of leadership, Blackwell Public School built a stellar reputation.

“We are very sought after by out-of-area enrolments, which we’re unfortunately unable to take because we have to stick to in-area enrolments,” Woolard explained.

“We are the envy of a lot of people in schools around the area when we go to events, and that’s because of our culture, manners and the way we present ourselves. That’s all due to Kris’ strong values in good manners, good thinking and good learning.”

The school grounds are also a stand-out according to the deputy principal.

“Even though it was built in 1985, it is in peak condition, it’s

aesthetically pleasing, and people love coming into our environment,” Woolard stated.

“Teachers who come to our school stay for a very long time and that’s because of what Kris has created.”

One of the retired principal’s many achievements is the Blackwell Buddies group.

“Blackwell Buddies is the precursor to kindergarten,” Woolard said.

“It’s a 10-week program where kids from around the area who are coming to our school the following year for kindergarten can come and get a taste of Blackwell.”

Hudswell’s legacy also extends past the school gates and into the St Clair Erskine Park Schools community where she shared ideas and initiated events.

“They don’t make principals like her anymore,” Woolard concluded.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

We should not be surprised by Jimmy Kimmel being taken off air in the United States last week, or by Stephen Colbert’s axing before that.

After all, we have normalised cancelling people for some time now.

Eradicate the problem as quickly as possible so an offended group can feel better and pat themselves on the back, and move to their next target.

It shouldn’t be that easy.

This isn’t about the right or left of American politics for me.

Yes, there is a deep division in the US at the moment – we see that from afar.

But the fact that it was so easy to simply squash two of the biggest names on American television in the same year shows just how second nature cancelling someone has become.

What do we actually get out of cancelling people anyway?

Unless people are being consistently vitriolic, or crossing uncrossable lines with intent, why do we even bother?

Why do people like the Mad F***ing Witches continue to target the likes of Kyle Sandilands, KIIS FM and its advertisers; desperate for him to be pulled off air?

What would it really achieve if he was?

I’m not Kyle’s biggest fan either. Enjoyed his book, respect his story. But his show isn’t for me. So I don’t listen. It’s remarkably easy to do.

And then we cancel someone like Georgia Love, who made a pretty ordinary comment on social media and all but loses her career.

Why? Who did that make happy? Whose life did that change?

Love had overstepped before, but was it all enough to simply toss her aside like a stale piece of bread?

We are so obsessed with cancelling people who we might disagree with that we forget to cancel the right people.

Look at Optus CEO Stephen Rue this week.

He is in charge of a business facing a catastrophic PR crisis.

A crisis that, it seems, has played a part in multiple deaths after Optus failed to deliver on its most basic service requirements.

Yet almost a week after the crisis hit, Rue still has a job.

Why? Because as much as there is widespread public anger at Optus, there’s no widespread campaign to get Rue out of his office.

Hasn’t offended people enough, it seems. By the way, I’m not suggesting Rue should have been marched out of Optus’ head office with a cardboard box.

He is the company’s leader and he should have to guide them through this crisis.

The Board can decide his fate later.

I’m making the point that we are quick to cancel people often on frivolous matters, yet more than happy to follow proper process in more serious situations.

And yet human beings are at the centre of all of it.

to be matched by the generation that will come after it.

You don’t have to talk to too many people to realise why productivity is in the toilet in corporate Australia, and why sensitivity over everything is creating an era of people so offended at the slightest misgiving that cancelling is just seen as the easiest thing to do when something or someone doesn’t stay between the lines.

Attitudes and behaviour once reserved for teenagers who didn’t know better has crept into adulthood.

And the result will be more offence, more cancellation, and thick skins being a thing of the past.

That’s not to say our world doesn’t need course correction at times.

And every so often, someone probably does need to be cancelled.

But of course we’ve gone too far.

The horse bolted on that long ago.

And it won’t change.

“Of course we’ve gone too far. The horse bolted on that long ago.”

So why are we so quick to cancel people who just happen to have a media profile but we don’t often extend that to people who probably deserve it?

Are we really that shallow?

The truth is we just look for the easy way out too often.

Rather than confrontation, debate or a meeting of the minds, we opt for cancellation.

Give them the flick, ride out the PR wave for a few days and move on.

None of this will get any better, by the way.

They don’t want to hear it but the generation of 20-somethings we have now is the softest we have ever produced, perhaps only

There will be more Jimmy Kimmels and more Stephen Colberts.

Society is broken on this front.

A willingness to accept or debate the opinions of others has largely disappeared into the social media vacuum where people are constantly fed the views of people who agree with them and are told to pile on those who don’t.

Respecting the generations that have come before us has been replaced with dismissive lines about boomers and the like.

All of this is linked.

The art of disagreement is gone.

And I really don’t see how that is good for any of us.

Certainly it means that politics will only become more divisive, as we focus on an us versus them mentality instead of legitimate debate and discussion.

We used to joke about cancel culture.

Laugh at retailers for pulling a product off the shelves because a couple of whingers on social media had a crack at them.

Now we live with this cloud every day. Take a step wrong and we’ll just eradicate you.

It surely isn’t the way to live.

It’s swooping season!

Imagine riding your bike on a lovely spring day, soaking up the sunshine and listening to birds chirping, when suddenly, in a flash of black and white, you’re under attack.

That’s what happened to Jon Clark, the founder of Magpie Alert – a website that tracks aggressive swooping magpies across Australia and shows them on a map.

“Back in 2013, I was riding my bike on the M7 cycle path which heads out to southwest Sydney. I was pedalling away, and this bird just came out of nowhere and started snapping at my ear,” Clark recounted.

“I then had to turn around and go back the same way again, and I was dreading it. I was watching this bird in the distance swooping other cyclists and runners.”

After that fateful day, the recreational cyclist decided to use his coding expertise to make a magpie locator website.

“The website is completely

crowd sourced, and we rely on members of the public to mark where they’ve been swooped. We’re there to help people avoid those birds,” Clark stated.

“It’s a free service, and when you sign up, you can set your local area. When you do that, your home page will show your local area on the screen, and if you’ve had a recent report of a swooping in your area, you will receive an email to let you know.”

For example, Glenmore Park locals would have received an email to inform them that two people were swooped and injured at the walking trail along Glenmore Parkway on September 9. Not far away, along the popular Nepean

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE

Police Snapshot Legal Matters LAW and ORDER

Penrith: Man busted with illegal drugs at pub

About 2.20am on Wednesday, September 17, police attended a licenced premises in Peachtree Road, Penrith for an unrelated matter. Police spoke to the manger, and it is alleged they have spotted a male looking over at police, before getting up and approaching the ATM.

The man appeared to be panicked.

Police approached the 32-year-old Cranebrook man and had a conversation with him. Checks were made and police were given certain information.

The man was searched. It is alleged located in a backpack in possession of the man was a set of scales, a plastic bag containing re-sealable plastic bags and another small re-sealable bag containing methylamphetamines.

The man was charged with ‘Possess prohibited drug’ and will front court next week.

Penrith: Woman launches unprovoked attacks

About 3.40pm on Friday, September 19 a 29-year-old Merrylands woman was walking on Belmore Street, Penrith.

A 21-year-old woman was walking towards her.

It is alleged the 21-year-old has attempted to walk around the 29-year-old and without provocation the 29-year-old has punched the 21-year-old to the face.

Words were exchanged, and the 21-yearold has started to film the 29-year-old. The 21-year-old contacted police.

A very short time later two women, a 35-year-old and her friend were standing at the lift on Penrith Train Station. It is alleged the 29-year-old has approached the women and was yelling at them for looking at her.

The 35-year-old and her friend have ignored the 29-year-old. It is alleged the 29-year-old stepped in front of the 35-year-old and raised both hands, clenched her fists and continued to yell at the 35-year-old.

It is alleged the 29-year-old has punched the 35-year-old to the head.

The 35-year-old has called out for help, and the 29-year-old punched her several more times whilst holding her down on the ground by her hair.

Police were nearby and saw the 35-year-old calling for help and the 29-year-old punching her. Police ran up and arrested the 29-yearold. She was taken to Penrith Police Station where she was charged with various offences.

Kingswood: Man arrested after early morning fire

About 7.35am on Saturday, September 20, police were patrolling the Great Western Highway at Kingswood, when they saw smoke coming from a nearby premises.

The premises is a dwelling house that has been separated into two units. The smoke was coming from a window on the western side of the house. Police stopped, checked, and have entered the premises where the smoke was emitting from and could not locate any persons. They have then woken the two occupants of the second unit, who were unaware of the smoke and police have evacuated them.

The Fire Brigade attended and extinguished the fire.

The western side premises was substantially destroyed by the fire, the eastern side premises was damaged due to smoke and water. The occupant of the western premises, a 46-year-old Kingswood man, walked up to police. It is alleged he was visibly upset and handed police a backpack containing numerous items.

A Crime Scene was declared, and detectives have attended. Police have made numerous enquiries, and the 46-year-old man was arrested. He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with ‘Damage property by fire/exp’.

He was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court at a later date.

Jamisontown: Man blows high range, has court date

About 8.00am on Sunday, September 21, police were stationary on Mulgoa Road, Jamisontown stopped at the traffic lights to Blaikie Road.

There was a vehicle attempting to make a left-hand turn from Mulgoa Road into Blaikie Road and it is alleged the vehicle has mounted the curb before making the turn, returned to the roadway, and proceeded through the traffic lights.

Police have followed and activated all warning devices for the driver to pull over.

Police had a conversation with the driver, a 48-year-old St Marys man.

The man was asked to produce his licence numerous times, and it is alleged he was holding his phone in his hand staring at it. It is alleged the man was asked for his details and in his reply his words were very slurred, and police could smell alcohol.

Police also noticed a half empty bottle of red wine on the passenger seat floor. The man was breath tested which proved positive. Additional testing revealed a high range result. He will front court in coming weeks.

EXPLAINER: BUYING PROPERTY IN AN SMSF

Buying property through a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is becoming more and more popular in Australia, probably due to Australia’s traditionally robust property market, particularly on the east coast. However, the rules are complex and there are strict regulations to follow.

What is an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. The main purpose of an SMSF is to provide retirement benefits to its members. An SMSF can typically have no more than 6 members each of whom must be an individual trustee of the fund or a director of a corporate trustee of the fund.

Can an SMSF buy residential property?

Yes, an SMSF can buy residential property, but there are strict rules:

• The property must be bought solely for the purpose of providing retirement benefits to fund members (this is called the “sole purpose test”).

• The property cannot be lived in by a fund member or any related parties while it is owned by the SMSF.

• The property cannot be rented to a fund member or any related parties.

No personal use

This is a big one. You, your family, or any related parties cannot live in or rent the property while it is owned by the SMSF.

So, if you’re thinking of buying a place with your super for Mum and Dad to live in or acquiring a holiday house and using it yourself – you can’t do it.

Arms-length transactions

All dealings must be at market value and on commercial terms. You cannot buy the property from a related party, except in very limited circumstances (generally only for business real property).

This also applied to things like repairs and maintenance which have to be completed by an appropriately qualified person who is paid at market rate.

Borrowing to buy property

SMSFs can borrow to buy property using a special structure called a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA).

Ordinarily, to do this, you will need to set

up a separate trust (called a bare trust) with its own trustee (called a bare trustee). The property is purchased in the name of the bare trustee (usually a company) and held by the bare trustee for the benefit of the SMSF. This is because under a LRBA the lender should only have recourse to the asset underpinning the loan i.e. the property. By holding the property in a bare trust for the benefit of the SMSF the lender cannot pursue all of the assets of the SMSF if things go south – they can only foreclose on the property.

SMSF borrowing are strictly regulated buy a piece of legislation called the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act).

The Buying Process: Set up the SMSF

The SMSF must be properly established and have its own bank account and Tax File Number (TFN) before you purchase a property.

This includes having an established bare trustee and trustee in place – because the bare trustee will be the entity that enters into the contract to purchase the property. You should take advice from both an accountant and a financial advisor before setting up an SMSF.

Develop an investment strategy

The SMSF must have a written investment strategy that allows for property investment. This is one of the reasons you need to consult with a financial advisor before pulling the trigger on rolling your hard earned super into an SMSF.

Arrange finance (if needed)

If the SMSF is borrowing money from a bank to fund part of the purchase, the fund needs to set up an LRBA. Lenders have specific requirements that need to be met in order to lend money to an SMSF and there are caps on how much money a lender will lend compared to the value of the property (loan to value ratio) so you need to start a conversation with your mortgage broker early in the piece.

Purchase the property

The SMSF trustee (or bare trustee) signs the contract and pays the deposit. The property is held in a special trust until the loan is repaid. It is very important that all monies spent in connection with acquisition of the property including things like a holding deposit and legal costs are paid from the SMSF.

Contact Us News

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at

Services 4732 7777

Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

Monday 13 October – 7pm (Policy Review Committee Meeting)

Monday 27 October – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via

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Council Briefs

● It’s EmergencyRedi Week and there’s no better time to get prepared. We’ve partnered with the Australian Red Cross to offer a free online workshop designed to help you and your family think through how to become more emergency ready. The workshop is from 6.30–7.30pm, on Thursday 25 September.

For more information and to register, visit Let’s build a safer, more resilient community together.

● As the weather heats up, we’re reminding Penrith residents to check the safety of their backyard swimming pools. Make sure there’s a secure, child-resistant pool barrier, gates and latches are working properly, and gates are never propped open. Pool fencing must be permanent, including boundary fences, and children should always be actively supervised around water.

For more information, visit or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864.

● school holidays!

We’re having fun at City Park, Penrith on Wednesday 1 October and Lang Park, St Marys on Wednesday 8 October from 10am–1pm with free activities for kids to enjoy during the school break.

Come down and get your face painted, enjoy arts and crafts, and spend some time outside with active games and live music. No bookings required and the activities are free!

Find out more at

Public Exhibition

Emu Plains

Council invites you to view and provide feedback on a Planning Proposal for 170 Russell Street, Emu Plains.

The Planning Proposal seeks to amend Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP 2010) to rezone the eastern portion of the site from Rural 1(d) (Future Urban) to E4 General Industrial. The Planning Proposal also proposes controls relating to minimum lot size, building height, additional permitted uses, local provisions, scenic and landscape values and to remove the ‘deferred matter’ designation.

The intent of the Planning Proposal is to apply consistent planning controls across the entire site and enable the site to be governed entirely under LEP 2010.

Council is authorised to be the local plan-making authority for the Planning Proposal under Section 3.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

A draft Development Control Plan (DCP) chapter has also been prepared which provides detailed planning and development controls for the subject site.

Viewing the exhibition material and making a submission

The Planning Proposal, draft DCP and supporting information are on public exhibition from Wednesday 24 September 2025 to Thursday 23 October 2025. The exhibition material can be viewed online at or in person at the Penrith Civic Centre, Penrith Library and St Marys Library.

Written submissions may be made to Council via:

• Email:

• Post: The General Manager Penrith City Council PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751

• Penrith Civic Centre 601 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750

Submissions must be received by 5pm on Thursday 23 October 2025. Please include a subject line indicating ‘Planning Proposal for 170 Russell Street, Emu Plains’ in your submission.

For further enquiries: Joel Carson, Senior Planner on 4732 8098.

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Fishfood Sydney Pty Ltd

DA25/0673

Demolition of all structures on site and erection a KFC take away and drive through operating 24 hours 7 days per week, including signage and landscaping

Contact: Natalie Piggott on 4732 7607

Closing Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

• Artmade Architectural Pty Ltd

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a 59-place Childcare Centre with at grade parking

DA25/0679

Contact: Wendy Connell on 4732 7777

Closing Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

• Statewide Planning Pty Ltd

Mod25/0129

(DA21/0369) under Section 4.56 of the EP&A Act to remove the

Contact: Jodie Schembri on 4732 7449

Closing Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.

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

Central Park hits new milestone

Penrith City Council has invited a panel of candidates to submit a construction tender to deliver the St Marys Central Park project.

The establishment of the panel, selected following a rigorous Expression of Interest process, signals another important step towards a new civic green heart for the Town Centre.

Once complete, the central park project will see the seamless connection of Coachmans Park and Kokoda Park to create an important green link between Queen Street and local shopping precincts, facilities and infrastructure.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the central park project is a critical part of Council’s plans to create a more vibrant and welcoming St Marys Town Centre.

“We want to ensure St Marys is ready to harness the exciting opportunities which are coming its way once it’s directly connected to the new Western Sydney International Airport by the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail line,” Carney said.

“This project will deliver a more appealing park which attracts people into the area to live, work and visit for events, performances and other gatherings.

“It will feature an entertainment area,

fenced children’s playspace with water play, lawn area, amenities building, water features, trees, gardens, pathways, shaded picnic tables and seating.”

The St Marys Central Park project is funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and Council.

Deputy Premier and Member for Londonderry Prue Car said this is a major step forward in further transforming St Marys into a vibrant and connected town centre.

Integrated Developments

Penrith City Council have received Development Applications in respect of the subject properties. The consent authority for the Development Application is Penrith City Council.

• North Western Surveys

DA25/0685

Lot 6 DP 29081, Lot 8 DP 29081, Lot 1 DP 795841 & Lot 1 DP 1088989, 2297–2335 The Northern Road, Mulgoa Torrens Title subdivision into 58 residential lots, 8 rural-residential lots, 1 public reserve lot and public roads, demolition works, bulk earthworks, dam de-watering, stormwater management works and related site works (Glenmore Park Stage 3)

The proposed development is Integrated Development. The development application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service. The development application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker in the period from Monday 29 September to Sunday 12 October 2025.

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 are to be number DA25/0685.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.

• CCL Development Pty Ltd

DA25/0671

Lot 5001 DP 1312559 & Lot 427 DP 1187288, 2183 The Northern Road, Mulgoa Staged Torrens title subdivision into 113 residential lots, 1 residue lot and public roads, earthworks, stormwater management works and related site works (Glenmore Park Stage 3 – Stage 13, Highland Views)

The proposed development is Integrated Development. The development application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW Rural Fire Service. The development application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/datracker in the period from Monday 29 September to Sunday 12 October 2025.

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 are to be number DA25/0671.

For any queries relating to the proposal: Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.

“This expanded park will be a hub of activity, with more space for our community to enjoy,” Car said.

“As St Marys continues to grow, we are committed to delivering engaging parks for families to enjoy.

“With the Sydney Metro on the way, it’s integral we ensure our area gets the local infrastructure it needs.”

The successful tender to deliver the project will be awarded and announced in early 2026.

Tributes flow for Uncle Greg Simms

Penrith City Council has paid tribute to Uncle Greg Simms, who passed away recently.

A well-respected and beloved Elder in western Sydney, Penrith Mayor Todd Carney presented a Mayoral Minute in tribute to Uncle Greg at Monday night’s Ordinary Council meeting.

“Uncle Greg was a key figure in western Sydney – a master wood carver, a storyteller, teacher and mentor. Uncle Greg contributed to the celebration and preservation of First Nations language and cultural practices,” Carney said.

“Uncle Greg’s passion and wisdom have left a legacy in our community. You could often find Uncle Greg at the Dalmarri Art Gallery in St Marys, sharing his cultural knowledge.”

BUS COMPANY COPS MASSIVE FINE

Custom Bus Group has been fined $170,000 in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW.

The proceedings arose from an incident on May 2, 2022, when a forklift being operated by a worker collided with metal parts, tipping over. The worker fell with the forklift, which landed on its side.

The Court found managers, at least one supervisor and some workers were aware the worker regularly used the forklift without holding a high risk work licence to operate forklift trucks. They failed to prevent the worker from operating the forklift and to discipline him for using it.

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

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LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The river bank is located near the famous rope swing at the Nepean River.

New record set

TROY DODDS

The annual WestCare charity dinner in Penrith has raised more than $230,000 in another show of enormous generosity from the local community.

It was the 11th time the dinner has been held at The Coffee Club Nepean River, raising crucial funds for WestCare and its services in Penrith.

“We have just experienced another staggering community display of Penrith’s passion to meet local needs with over 40 staff from The Coffee Club donating their time and skills, people donating and bidding on unique auction items, making generous financial donations, and more,” WestCare Director Andrew Paech said.

“Moments like this really strengthen our ability to support the

most vulnerable in our city and bring the ‘Local Needs Met By Local People’ vision into reality.”

A number of Penrith’s

business leaders attended the event, along with the likes of Olympic champion Jessica Fox and Penrith Panthers four-time Premiership

winning coach Ivan Cleary.

Established in 1977, WestCare works across the domestic violence and homelessness

space and coordinates a number of other support initiatives across the local area.

The final tally from the dinner was $231,000.

Penrith Councillors have raised concerns about new restrictions around attending Council meetings remotely.

The new code of meeting practice for local councils makes rules tighter around attending meetings in person and extends approvals to the entire Council, not just the General Manager.

It also limits remote attendance reasons to three specific categories rather than the broader rules previously. A number of Councillors raised concerns over the changes, saying caring responsibilities and the like often forced remote attendance.

Council will make a submission to the Local Government Conference opposing the new rules.

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS IN PENRITH

Paddlers from around the world have arrived in Penrith ahead of the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025, with only a few days to go until the event gets underway. Official training has commenced at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, with the Aussies this week taking to their home course surrounded by international competitors from around the world.

The event gets underway on September 29, running through until October 4.

Competitors and officials are staying at accommodation across the Penrith area, ranging from hotels at Panthers to Astina Suites in the CBD.

Doug Rennie remembered by Council

Penrith City Council has paid tribute to long-time resident Doug Rennie OAM, who recently passed away.

The Kingswood resident had a remarkable career in soccer refereeing that saw him get international acclaim and recognition.

Born in Scotland and moving to Australia in 1961, he joined the Nepean District Soccer Referees Association in 1964 – the base from where his distinguished career would take off.

“Among his achievements, Mr Rennie held the whistle for international fixtures against teams from Greece, England, Czechoslovakia and Mexico, as well as world famous clubs Manchester United, Juventus, and AC Milan,” Penrith Mayor Todd

Carney said at Monday night’s Council meeting.

“Mr Rennie was named Australian Referee of the Year in 1984. He inspired the next generation of referees in his role as State Coach of Referees for NSW. Mr Rennie was Chairman of the Referees Committee at three FIFA World Cup qualifying tournaments and at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

A recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1994, Kingswood Park Oval was named in his honour in 2002, recognising the long-time Kingswood resident as a pioneer for the Penrith refereeing and soccer community.

“Doug Rennie Field still fosters a love for sport among our City’s athletes. The field is now primarily used for rugby league, and also has a mini field,” Carney said.

“Council has continued to invest in this important local facility with new amenities opened in 2023. These improvements included universal and inclusive change rooms, an officials’ change room, first aid room, canteen area, storage facilities and accessible toilets.

“Council extends its sincere condolences to Mr Rennie’s loved ones, and we thank him for the mark he left on the Penrith community.”

Councillor John Thain said Doug Rennie Field would forever be a reminder of his contribution to Penrith.

“His achievements as a referee showed in what esteem he was held,” he said.

“The reason that the field was named after Doug in that area was because he lived in Kingswood but it was in close proximity to where he

lived and would have walked quite closely to every day.

“It was more about the significance of something for Doug that was close to where he lived.” Thain called on a permanent

tribute to Doug Rennie at the facility that bares his name – suggesting a plaque. Members of his family were presented with a framed copy of the Mayoral Minute tribute at Monday night’s meeting.

Lyrics say it all

Local singer releases powerful follow-up to hit debut song

Following the successful release of her debut single ‘Petrol Station’ on August 29, local singer Eiris dropped the emotional ending to the song’s narrative with ‘Dead-End St.’ on September 24.

While ‘Petrol Station’ explores the explosive side of heartbreak, ‘Dead-End St.’ captures the emotion’s stillness – reflecting Eiris’ recent experience with heartache.

“The night before a studio session, I had a phone call with the guy that ‘Petrol Station’ is about,” Eiris recounted, talking about a person she had a romantic history with.

“After the phone call, I sat on my bedroom floor with my notes app and wrote down everything I could think of. The next day at the studio, before we even started the session, I cried to my producer for about an hour and then showed her the notes.

“From there, the song was basically written, we just had to organise the thoughts a bit better.”

The artist considers the two songs cathartic – a way to come to terms with her emotions and reach others who feel the same.

“It’s so important for these songs to have their moment because of how many feelings and emotions are expressed in them,” Eiris explained.

“The story I’m telling didn’t end with a neat bow; it was left very open and there was no closure.

“When ‘Petrol Station’ came out, I felt like that gave me a lot of closure, and with ‘DeadEnd St.’ coming out, that will be like the final bow.”

And if the final bow is anything like Eiris’ first single, it will be a triumph for the artist.

“‘Petrol Station’ was unbelievably successful. I’m still over the moon about it and still

trying to figure out how it happened,” Eiris said.

“In its first week, it got over 150,000 streams and 160,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

“It was my debut, so I started with zero, so it was surreal, and I felt so lucky and grateful. I hope that ‘Dead-End St.’ does just as well.”

The music video for ‘Dead End St.’ will be released on Friday.

Parks upgraded in time for holidays

Penrith City Council has upgraded another three playspaces across the area, so there are even more places for young people to play during the school holidays.

The older playspaces in Adelaide Street Reserve, St Marys; Eileen Cammack Reserve, South Penrith; and Ridge Park, Oxley Park, have been replaced with exciting new equipment, seating, pathways and landscaping. Existing shade sails were also retained at each playspace to provide shade year-round.

“These spaces are essential to give everyone in the community opportunities to get active, enjoy healthy lifestyles and connect with each other,” said Penrith Mayor Todd Carney.

Council received State Government support to help upgrade the playspaces.

MAN HURT AS BEAM FALLS AT FACTORY

A man suffered critical injuries in a workplace accident at a North St Marys factory last Friday.

The incident happened on Forrester Road in the early afternoon.

A man, believed to be in his 50s, was struck by a falling beam at the site.

Paramedics and the Toll Rescue helicopter were called to the scene, with the man ultimately transported to Westmead Hospital by road in a serious condition.

Police were called to the scene and are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the accident.

Safe Work NSW has also been notified.

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Make Christmas

Real at Luddenham Christmas Tree Farm

This year, skip the plastic and choose a real Christmas tree grown right here in Luddenham.

From 22 November, stroll through the farm, nd your perfect tree and cut it down yourself, or let our team lend a hand.

Guaranteed freshness: you pick the tree, we cut it (or you can if you want the full Christmas experience), and you carr y it home. It doesn’t get fresher than that!

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Let’s turn the river pink again!

ALLY HALL

Turn The River Pink – presented by Tanti Financial Services – will return on October 18 to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The annual community event will start at Tench Reserve on Factory Road, and the dress code is all things pink!

“Turn The River Pink was something we started in 2017,” said Tony Tanti, the owner of Tanti Financial Services.

“Prior to that, in 2014, we started having a big morning tea in the work car park here in Emu Plains to fundraise, and that evolved over a few years.

“We call the event ‘Turn The River Pink’ because we want to raise awareness for breast cancer. I think everyone has been touched in one way or another by the disease – whether that’s through friends or family.”

The team at the family-operated business hope to see the day where breast cancer is eradicated – even if that means Tony has to wear a tutu.

“We’ve had someone dress as a pink panther for the event, we’ve had a lot of fairies, butterflies, and people wearing tutus.

The craziest one is probably me wearing a tutu,” Tanti stated.

“We also have a lot of dogs that come on the walk, and they’re all dressed in pink too.

“We also sell T-shirts on our website, and all the money goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.”

Over the years, the event has grown through word of mouth and social media presence.

“We went through a period where our numbers really started to grow, and then

COVID hit,” Tanti explained.

“The first year back was a bit slower, and last year we had a turn-out of around 430-440 people. We often get a lot of registrations in the last two weeks leading up to the event, so we’re hoping to see that happen again.”

The event will start at 8am on October 18, and you can register and find all the information online at www.ttrp.com.au.

Event for Middle East veterans

On October 10, St Marys RSL sub-Branch will hold its second annual commemoration for veterans of the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) including their family as well as other interested members of the local community.

The service will honour those ADF personnel who served in Afghanistan and Iraq during the period from 2001 to 2021.

The event will be held in the auditorium at St Marys Diggers Club.

Veterans can contact the sub-Branch Secretary Tony Fryer for further information (st-marysSB@rslnsw.org.au or 0414 557 692).

The service will commence at 6.15pm in the auditorium – dress is smart casual (veterans with jackets and medals).

NEW BUS SHELTERS ON THE WAY

Three new bus shelters will be installed across the local area after Penrith City Council was successful in obtaining State Government funding.

The new bus shelters will be installed on Sunflower Drive at Claremont Meadows, Saddington Street in St Marys and School House Road at Regentville.

Council received $20,000 in funding per bus shelter, and will contribute another $23,560 per shelter.

The funding was provided as part of the State Government’s Community Building Partnership Grant program, designed to invest in local infrastructure projects.

Ensuring little lives lost are never forgotten

At Nepean Hospital on October 15, families with a devastating commonality will come together for Butterfly Day.

“Butterfly Day is a memorial for babies that have died through miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, stillbirth, or in early infancy after being born,” explained Nepean Hospital Chaplin Michelle Davis.

“It started about 20 years ago through the Ministry of Health in any hospital that has a big maternity unit.”

The memorial gives families a safe place to grieve and remember their lost loved ones.

“The parents write the name of their baby that passed away on a card, then the name is put in a book, and we call out the name. This way, the parents hear their baby’s name,” Davis said.

“When a woman has a miscarriage or a stillbirth, society is frightened to ask about the baby, or they don’t know how to bring up the loss.

“So, we call out the name and then we put a butterfly on a tree in remembrance of that baby.”

The butterfly is a symbol for the

lost babies because the beautiful insect has a short lifespan and doesn’t leave any footprints on Earth.

“Once you fall pregnant, you have all these hopes and dreams and you kind of plan your baby’s life – and all those are also lost,” Davis put into perspective.

“Then, if parents have subsequent children, they remember their little one that died, who doesn’t get to have the same experiences. They don’t get to go to Kindy, or sit their HSC, or get married.

“It’s a loss that comes up repeat edly throughout a family’s journey.

It’s an isolating loss because as a mum you don’t say those things, but you feel it in your heart.”

Butterfly Day makes the tragic loss feel a bit less isolating.

“For the families, it’s a time to get together and discuss,” Davis stated.

“When you’re grieving, sometimes you think you’re the only person going through this, and to be able to talk to other people and let them know how you’re feeling, and for them to say they feel the same way, it makes you feel normal and assures you that you’re not going crazy.”

The day is also beneficial to the nurses at Nepean Hospital.

“We work very closely with these women, and we never know what the end of the story is,” Davis said.

“We see them at their most vulnerable when they’re grieving and they’re in pain, so sometimes for the nurses, it’s nice to see families that they made quick, strong bonds with after helping them through the hardest time of their life.”

The gathering will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at 10am at Nepean Hospital’s ICET Room on Level 3, Block C.

For more information, you can contact the Nepean Hospital Pastoral Care Department on 4734 3150.

The camera is his eyes

ALLY HALL

From his backyard in Penrith, legally blind photographer Manesh De Silva sees more than most.

Through the lens of his camera, De Silva captures the universe –the Fighting Dragons of Ara 4,000 lightyears away; the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million lightyears away; and the Helix Nebula 655 lightyears away to name just a few of his starlit escapades.

This exploration of constellations, galaxies and nebulae stems back to a painful morning in 2013, when De Silva woke up with swollen, bloodshot eyes.

“You know in the mornings when you wake up and you rub your eyes? My eyes were so swollen I could feel them at the back of the socket,” De Silva recounted.

“From there, it got progressively worse, and it was very painful. I was on painkillers for about 20 months straight, taking Nurofen and Panadol every four hours – I didn’t stop because the pain was so strong, and I had no choice.”

De Silva was 33-years-old at the time, and he was diagnosed with

Uveitis, which is the inflammation of the eye’s middle layer.

“With the eye problems caused by Uveitis, I was taking steroid eye drops every day, which caused accelerated cataracts in both my eyes,” De Silva explained.

“Within 18 months of my initial

diagnosis, I was mostly blind, and they couldn’t do cataract surgery until the swelling was gone, which took a further 18 months.

“It wasn’t like everything was black, but everything was blurry, there was no sharpness to anything, and I couldn’t see faces.”

to express it,” De Silva shared.

“The initial thing I did was photograph sneakers because I used to collect a lot of basketball shoes.

From there, I transitioned into landscapes and deep space.”

Deep space is currently De Silva’s favourite form of photography.

“I really love landscapes, but to get anywhere I need help, which can be frustrating because I like to do things on my own sometimes,” De Silva explained.

“With deep space photography, I can do that in the backyard, and so it gives me some independence because it’s something I can do on my own.

“I love space, I’m a nerd at heart, and learning about space has been fascinating.”

In 2016, De Silva had cataract surgery, then was diagnosed with glaucoma six months later. Yet still, within a year of the surgery, he started delving into his new skill.

“It’s weird because I was never into photography before. I always felt creative, but I didn’t know how

Now, the photographer’s left eye doesn’t work, and his right eye has 10 per cent peripheral vision left. But, through the lens of the camera, none of that matters.

De Silva has travelled Australia, Canada, the United States, Iceland, and New Zealand in pursuit of beauty, and considers himself blessed.

Find his work on Instagram at @ blurred.clarity_ and @star.walk3r.

Dancers stun at Cheer State Championships

10 young dancers from Clairgate Public School (CPS) blew the judges away with their pom routine at the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation State Championships on September 13.

CPS Assistant Principal Donna Thurling described the pom dance style as energetic, sharp, high-energy, precise and synchronised.

“Our pom team – CPS Pom –went to the State Championships at Quaycentre and placed first, making them State Champions,” Thurling declared.

“They also won a title called Grand Champion, which means that they placed the highest of all the school groups across public, private, primary and high schools in any dance style.”

The team of girls from Year 4 to Year 6 have been working on their routine since April.

“They’ve shown a massive amount of dedication. They gave up their lunchtimes and their time after school,” she explained.

“Some of these girls don’t do dancing outside of school at all – they’re swimmers, they’re netballers, they’re cricketers – and they’ve learnt to dance at school and taken on this challenge.

“This is an extra challenge on top

of our normal dance group. We have a senior dance group and a junior dance group, and we picked out a select group for this.”

The group had a very skilled choreographer on their side.

“My daughter did most of the

choreography,” Thurling explained. “Brianna Thurling – she’s one of the staff members here and a Pantherette. She represented Australia in pom last year and the kids are all inspired by what she’s achieved.”

In the lead-up to the competition, the troupe received a lot of support from their school.

“Our principal – Mrs Michelle Lawrow – was really supportive and helped us with funding,” Thurling said.

“She came and watched the girls compete, and she was crying when they won. Brianna, Michelle and I were all there crying.”

Since the big win, the school has rallied behind the dancers.

“We had an assembly last week and the Director for Educational Leadership in our area came out and presented the girls with their medals, which was exciting,” Thurling recounted.

“The girls also got to wear their State Championship jackets for a day, and they were the celebrities of the school in those red jackets.”

The CPS Pom team have made their school community immensely proud, and the Weekender would like to extend a big congratulations to the young champions!

Share your story: news@westernweekender.com.au.

Summer is on the way and now is the perfect time to check your backyard pool barrier. A few minutes of maintenance could prevent a lifetime of regret.

If you own a property with a pool, you’re responsible for making sure your barrier meets Australian Safety Standards.

Key requirements:

• Internal barrier height: min. 1200mm.

• Boundary barrier height: min. 1800mm.

• Gaps under/within barrier: max. 100mm.

• Gates must self-close, self-latch and swing outward.

• No climbable objects within 900mm of the barrier.

• CPR sign must be clearly visible within 3 metres of the pool and dated after 31 August 2018.

• Never leave children unsupervised in the pool area.

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Words we can all relate to

ALLY HALL

This weekend, local singer-songwriter Elina Roberts-Turner will launch her debut single, ‘By My Side’ – a track that has been in the works since 2021.

The dulcet-toned independent Gamilaroi artist described the song to the Weekender as relatable.

“The song is about having someone by your side that makes everything okay,” RobertsTurner explained.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re going through a hard time or if you’re celebrating the good times, it’s just having someone who is with you through it all.

“I originally wrote it about a romantic relationship, but the more I’ve sung it, it has adapted to be more about friendship and other close relationships in my life.”

The artist said the song feels like home.

“It’s easily adaptable to everyone’s own story and circumstances, and there’s elements of Aussie nostalgia. Some lyrics mention free-to-air TV and making a cup of tea in the morning,” Roberts-Turner stated.

“It has that very homey feeling.”

That’s why Alexander’s has been chosen as the venue for this weekend’s launch.

“I wanted to make sure that the place I was launching my very first single was somewhere that felt like home to me. I wanted it to be somewhere local,” Roberts-Turner explained.

“To get to this point in my career, I’ve been supported by a lot of local businesses in Penrith. I’ve been gigging for years now at

venues across the region, and Alexander’s is a place that I started gigging at last year.”

Roberts-Turner has been slipping ‘By My Side’ into her cover gigs at Alexander’s over the past year, and it’s prompted memorable conversations with her audience.

“I met a couple there and they came up to me after the song to say it captured exactly what it felt like to move in with each other – to find someone that feels like home,” RobertsTurner reminisced.

“There was also an elderly lady that said she would love to walk down the aisle to the song.

“Having these moments of connection with real people who are local and have experienced life in a similar way to myself is really special and it’s kept me motivated to finish this song in its production and mastering.”

This all started with a leap of faith.

“I was studying psychology at university after high school, and I put my dreams of pursuing music on pause because I thought I had to pursue academics. But then I realised how strong my love for music was, and I had to go for it,” the singer said.

“I would say to anyone in that position that if you love something, don’t hold back. If you have a passion for something, see how far you can chase it.

“It’s like going skydiving – just jump out of the plane even though the build-up is so scary. Once you do it, it’s still scary, but the reward of the view is worth it.”

‘By My Side’ was released on September 18, and Roberts-Turner will launch the song at Alexander’s at Panthers on September 27.

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Council’s first year of term proves a success

As we mark 12 months of this Council’s term, I’m proud to share some highlights of our achievements.

In March, Council endorsed the St Marys Town Centre Master Plan, a visionary plan to turn the town centre into a more vibrant, strategic city centre over the next 20 years.

The St Marys population is projected to increase from 3,500 to 25,500. This plan will facilitate more than 8,360 new jobs and around 9,300 new dwellings by 2041. We’ve also completed transformational projects that the community is loving, including Regatta Park and the Nepean Avenue pedestrian pathway. And, we recently won a national award for the popular Gipps Street Recreation Precinct. Council has strengthened our advocacy, calling on other levels of government to help enable and maximise opportunities that the new airport and the Sydney Metro will bring. We’re at the centre of one of the country’s fastest growing regions and we welcome the opportunities for more homes, education, and local jobs. But we need infrastructure to keep pace with growth, and we’ll continue to push for this.

We’re pleased our advocacy has opened Penrith Beach for two more summers.

There is more to be done as we advocate for future planning at Penrith Lakes, including permanent public access to the beach.

In continuing to improve our services, Penrith now offers the FOGO waste stream to all households. In the last 15 years, we have avoided $46.5M in waste levies through FOGO processing. All our Children’s Services are meeting or exceeding the National Quality Standard, and our high-quality Library services have become even more accessible.

Another proud achievement has been developing documents to guide our next phase of growth, including the 2041+ Community Strategic Plan, which outlines our shared goals for the next 15 years, and our four-year delivery program. We have challenges ahead in terms of increasing needs and expectations, along with ageing assets, but Council is committed to getting the best outcomes for this City. I look forward to updating you as we continue to deliver for Penrith.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

Δ New Starbucks: Starbucks will open its third location in the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA) today. The new location at 578 Great Western Highway, Claremont Meadows will be serving up all the usual Starbucks favourites. The complex also houses a new Oporto and KFC.

Δ New Italian range: Connoisseur is serving up the ultimate taste of Italy this spring with the launch of its new gelato range. Connoisseur is bringing the Mediterranean summer to Australian freezers with two new indulgent flavours: Pistachio Gelato (1L tub) and Almond Biscotti Gelato Stick (four pack). Available now at all supermarkets.

Δ Donuts for days: L.A. Donuts (pictured anove) has opened in Penrith. The delicious treats are now being served at 1/251 High Street, Penrith.

Δ New drumsticks: Peters Ice Cream has revealed two new flavours, under the ‘Road Trippers’ brand concept. It’s dropped Banana Caramel and Rocky Road, initially available at various independent supermarkets.

Δ Pizza with an Aussie twist: Domino’s has unveiled a new limited-time menu called Flavours of Australia, highlighting bold ingredients and classic Australian-inspired flavours. Available for pickup from just $11 each, the range introduces three new pizzas that bring together savoury, spicy and indulgent combinations. The collection includes the Great Southern Chicken, the BBQ Steak, and the Aussie Hot Honey. Each variety has been designed to showcase a unique twist,

offering something for every kind of pizza lover. And because no feast is complete without a sweet treat, Domino’s is also rolling out their Mango Thickshake, made with real mango for that fresh, fruity hit.

Δ Hint of vanilla: Jim Beam fans, take note! There’s a new limited edition flavour available in liquor stores now – Jim Beam Bourbon & Vanilla Cola. It’s available now in six-packs.

Δ Fave gets a glow-up: Macca’s is levelling up its chicken game with the new and improved McCrispy (pictured above) as well as the McCrispy Deluxe – crispier, crunchier, juicier, and ready to steal the spotlight. The new McCrispy delivers on every front: bite into the McCrispy(er) crunch of 100 per cent Aussie, RSPCA Approved chicken breast fillet with a new crunchier coating, paired with crisp lettuce, a new creamy ranch sauce, and a new soft, pillowy toasted bun. It’s a burger glow-up you won’t want to miss. And for those after a little extra oomph, the McCrispy Deluxe adds ripe tomato and Aussie Jack cheese – perfect for those who love fresh toppings.

Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about new products, new flavours and menus, store openings and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

TURNING BACK TIME

Available after 10:30am. Serving suggestion.

The Woodstock opens this weekend

The Woodstock – Rooty Hill’s newest destination pub –will open with a bang this weekend!

The venue has undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation to become your go-to local, featuring a brand-new look, new outdoor spaces, a family-friendly bistro, and an events centre.

It’s a one-stop destination for locals; perfect for family dinners, weekend drinks, milestone celebrations, and game-day traditions

– a place for all the most important occasions in life.

“We’ve designed The Woodstock to be a true local, somewhere you can bring the kids for dinner on a Tuesday, meet your mates for beers in the Garden Bar on a Saturday over live music, or celebrate a milestone with the whole extended family,” explained Elliott Solomon, CEO of Solotel Group.

“It’s about creating a space that’s warm, welcoming and full of life, seven days a week with seating for up to 600 people.”

At the heart of The Woodstock is its bistro, built around generosity, flavour and great value. Mediterranean-inspired pub classics headline the menu, from woodfired pizzas and chargrilled meats to large-format sharing dishes.

Meanwhile, for the little ones, there’s a dedicated menu featuring favourites like pastas, cheeseburgers and grilled chicken with veggies.

All kids’ meals are $12 and come with a free soft drink or juice.

“We’ve built a menu that’s generous, hearty and approachable, and one that is designed to serve our community well,” said Executive Chef Steve Koenig.

“Think woodfired pizzas coming

straight out of the oven, big chargrilled steaks, Mediterranean flavours that are fresh and punchy, and plenty of kids’ favourites so no one misses out.”

To mark the opening of The Woodstock and cement the pub’s place as the heartbeat of the Rooty Hill community and Sydney’s northwest corridor, organisers have planned a jam-packed weekend of great food, live music, kids’ entertainment, and a few famous faces!

Starting on Friday, September 26, Grand Opening Day will see the

unveiling of the brand-new KIDS ZONE, and an official walk through with the Mayor of Blacktown and other local MPs.

On Saturday, the fun will really ramp up with some celebrity sightings. From 12pm to 4pm, there will be Bluey meet and greets, messy workshops, a petting zoo, and a reptile show for kids. For sports fans, there will be a special lunch from 12pm with stories from Bryan Fletcher, Willie Mason, and Kezie Apps; tickets are still available to purchase from The Woodstock

website. To continue the sporting theme, the Wanderers will visit for a kick-to-kick inflatable pop-up from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

To top off the weekend on September 28, there will be more activities for the kids, live music in the Garden Bar from 3pm, and $15 wood-fired pizzas for the perfect Sunday recovery feed. There is also a full lineup of school holiday fun planned! Find out more about your new local legend online at https://woodstock-hotel.com.au.

MARKETING ON THE INTERNET BUSINESS

Marketing your business online effectively requires a comprehensive strategy that leverages various digital channels and techniques. Here are some of the best ways to market your business online:

Website optimisation

Create a user-friendly, mobile-responsive website with a clear call-to-action (CTA).

Optimise your website for search engines (SEO) to improve organic search rankings.

Social media marketing

Establish a strong presence on relevant social media platforms where your audience spends time.

Create engaging video content (Reels and TikTok) to reach a wider audience.

Share content, interact with followers, and run targeted ad campaigns.

Email marketing

Build an email list of

interested prospects and customers. Give potential customers and incentive to join your mailing list.

Send personalised, valuable emails to nurture leads and retain customers.

Use email marketing to launch new products.

Social media advertising

Run targeted ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach specific demographics.

Remember to analyse what platform your customers are on.

Influencer marketing

Collaborate with influencers in your industry to promote your products or services.

Make sure you find the right influencers that will connect with your brand and represent it online.

Local SEO and Google My Business

Optimise your online presence for local search to attract local customers.

This will increase your online visibility and promote more in-store foot traffic.

Analytics and analysis

Continuously monitor and analyse data to make informed decisions and optimise your online marketing efforts.

Customer reviews

Encourage and manage customer reviews on platforms like Google My Business and social media. This will help improve your online reputation.

Remember that the effectiveness of these strategies can vary.

CUB CAMPER TRAILER

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Rego till Dec 2025

All Aussie Canvas including Tropical Roof

Front awning with side wall and other accessories

Excellent condition

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Household Items for Sale

Dining set (6 chairs) $800, TV unit $400, Freezer $300, Wall unit $900, BBQ $200, Bike $150, Hutch cabinet $400. More available due to travelling.

GARAGE SALES

Sat & Sun, 27-28 Sept From 8am – 4pm Both Days Variety of Household Items Downsizing – All Must Go 25 Gandell Cres, South Penrith No Early Arrivals

NEED A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE?

Join Gateway Family Services Two Part-Time Opportunities Children & Families

Gateway Family Services is a values-driven organisation with over 35 years’ experience walking alongside children and families across the Blue Mountains and Penrith. We’re currently recruiting for two part-time roles in our supportive, child-centred team.

Family Support Worker - Family Work Team Blaxland | 14 hours per week

Are you passionate about helping families thrive/ We’re seeking an experienced and compassionate Family Support Worker to deliver home-visiting casework to vulnerable families.

What we offer:

• Flexible hours

• External clinical supervision

• Ongoing professional development

• Salary packaging options

• Friendly, supportive team

What You’ll bring:

• Experience working with vulnerable families

• Commitment to relational, strength-based practice

• Alignment with Gateway’s child-centred values

Play Therapist - Expressive Therapy Team Katoomba | 21 hours per week

children aged 3-12 within our expressive therapy team.

What we offer:

• Flexible hours (3 days per week)

• Clinical supervision

• Salary packaging options

• Supportive team culture

What You’ll bring:

• Passion for making a difference in children’s lives

Apply now to be part of a service that puts children and families at the heart of everything we do.

For general enquiries or to request a job package, email: sophiec@gatewayfamilyservices.org.au

Gateway Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse applicants are strongly encouraged to apply Salary & Conditions: SCHADS Award Level 4. Closing Date: 29th September 2025

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Hthe finalword

ave you ever seen a first half in Finals football as good as what Penrith produced last Sunday?

A 100 per cent completion rate. Nathan Cleary with the radar well and truly in tune. Wingers scoring tries for fun, which means everyone inside them is doing their job.

The Bulldogs never really stood a chance. Not against a Penrith team that experienced and that switched on.

And so Ivan Cleary’s men shift their focus to Brisbane for a date with the Broncos.

There’s a fair bit of history at play here.

Let’s start with Adam Reynolds versus Nathan Cleary.

Cleary has owned this battle over the years, leaving Reynolds heartbroken in Grand Finals not once, but twice – first for the Rabbitohs in 2021 and then the Broncos in 2023.

Reynolds will return from injury to lead the

Broncos around the park in this clash and would love nothing more than to finally get one over his younger rival.

And of course that 2023 Grand Final would have entered the heads of plenty of Brisbane officials, players and fans this week.

The heartbreak of that loss lingers and while beating Penrith this Sunday would not reverse the result of that decider, it would put Brisbane a step closer to the trophy that was so close to being theirs just two years ago.

It’s often easy to forget about the two teams that won their way to the Preliminary Finals with week one victories. They are suddenly out of sight, out of mind and the focus is on the two winners from week two.

While Brisbane wouldn’t be complaining about the week off, I’m not positive they showed enough in that clash with Canberra a fortnight ago to prove they’re favourites to

march through to the season decider.

The Broncos had been comprehensively outplayed for much of the game before they turned it on for 15 minutes and combined with Canberra clocking off, got the job done.

It won’t be that easy against Penrith.

The Panthers will be more than happy to grind this out for 80 minutes. The Broncos just aren’t that team, more content it seems with periods of brilliance that can often blow teams off the park.

And it well could happen here. The Reece Walsh magic show may be in session and he may do enough to put Penrith on the back foot. Could even blow them away.

But I’ll take Nathan Cleary’s calm, measured approach over the flashy brilliance any day.

And I feel like that is what will get the job done on Sunday afternoon. An 80-minute game plan, a grind, a real war of attrition.

Brisbane will not beat Penrith if they play as good as they did in the first half last week.

But the Broncos would take something from Canterbury’s efforts in the second half. As we have seen at various stages this year, Penrith’s defence is not as rock solid as it once was. It can leak points, and this is where Brisbane have some hope.

Michael Maguire would probably disagree with much of the above. He would likely point to Brisbane being able to win that game against Canberra as proof that the way he’s trained this side, they can go the distance if they need to.

I’m just not sure they’ll be able to wrestle free once Penrith strangles them.

This won’t be the easy ride we experienced last week, but the Panthers have too much class and experience to not book another appointment at the big dance.

Tip: Panthers by 10.

IS THIS NICHO’S MOMENT TO SHINE?

Aspot in the Grand Final awaits either the competition favourites Melbourne, or the team that has quietly emerged as a serious Premiership contender in Cronulla.

The Sharks demanded respect and now they’re getting it, into another Preliminary Final and hoping to go one better than last year when Penrith ended their run at Accor Stadium.

The Sharks would not fear this Melbourne team, having beaten them once already this year (a 31-26 victory back in mid-May), and quite often taking it to Craig Bellamy’s men in recent years.

The Storm were solid against the Bulldogs a fortnight ago and deserve favourtism here. But they were hardly playing consistently good football in the lead-up to that Qualifying Final, and have had a slight question mark hovering over them all year.

There’s been plenty of occasions when Melbourne have produced something un-Melbourne-like. And that’s why this Preliminary Final is no certain win.

Obviously if Melbourne play at their best, they win. If Cameron Munster and Harry Grant produce five-star performances, I doubt the Sharks

will be able to contain them. But if the Sharks get a sniff, they are a real chance here.

What a moment this is for Nicho Hynes. A quality player who made his name in Melbourne but has still struggled to grab a spot on the podium of the NRL’s best number sevens. If he was to guide Cronulla to a win here, it could change everything.

Hynes actually leads the competition in linebreak assists, so like this team, has been something of an underrated factor in the Premiership race.

Addin Fonua-Blake is a real key here – his post-contact metres are the best in the NRL. We’ve talked about Payne Haas and Naufahu White as the best forwards this season but FonuaBlake has gone about his business all year and played a major role in this Premiership charge.

AAMI Park is often a graveyard for visiting teams but Cronulla would be steeled for anything after that trip to Canberra last Saturday.

Melbourne deserve to be favourites given they’re well rested, but I just have a feeling that this Cronulla side is full of momentum and poised to cause a boilover.

Tip: Sharks by 2.

panther rumblings

WHERE FAMILY COMES FIRST

! Family is secret weapon: There is no question that one of Penrith’s secret ingredients over the last few years has been the family feel that has been created at the club. The Panthers have leaned right in to families being part of the club – something evidenced after games when you see players and their kids. With so many players having kids at a young age, the club identified some time ago that rather than force competing priorities, they would embrace becoming a ‘family club’. It has worked a treat.

! Cleary cares: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary cut a relaxed figure at the annual WestCare charity dinner at The Coffee Club Nepean River last Thursday. Cleary is a strong supporter of WestCare and was in attendance on the night along with his wife Bec. More than $230,000 was raised at the fundraising evening.

! Spotted: Panthers enforcer Liam Martin grabbing a bite at El Jannah in Penrith last Friday.

! Spotted: Members of the Swiss team enjoying the atmosphere at Panthers Leagues Club last Sunday, soaking in the Panthers v Bulldogs clash as they continue to prepare for the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith later this month. They were accompa nied by Richard Fox, who is the driving force behind the Championships.

on Monday morning to members of the competing clubs. As always, the league has held back an allocation for fans of the two sides who make the season decider. I’m told tickets to the Grand Final have sold very well this year, likely on the back of Bulldogs and Raiders fans hoping they’d make the big dance.

! Spotted: A group of new footy fans from Nashville experiencing their first NRL game at Accor Stadium last Sunday. Despite being surrounded by Bulldogs fans, they’ve adopted the mighty Panthers as their new team.

! Embracing the fans: He’s the most in-demand player in the game but Nathan Cleary

was the first man over to the fans at full-time of Penrith’s win over Canterbury on Sunday. He could have easily just waved and moved on – but he climbed the fence to take selfies and sign autographs.

! Grand Final ticket rush: The NRL will put the last batch of Grand Final tickets on sale

! St Marys training: If Penrith make the Grand Final, an open training session will be held next week at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

! Fox fumbles: What was doing at Fox Sports last Sunday? First, Warren Smith declared Penrith had played in their Vegas jersey in last year’s Grand Final. Then, Jake Duke said it was the biggest Panthers v Bulldogs crowd outside of a Grand Final. They’ve never played in a season decider. Weird.

! Halves charged: Both Nathan Cleary and Brad Schneider copped charges from the NRL Match Review Committee following Sunday’s showdown with the Bulldogs. Cleary was hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge, copping a $1000 fine. Schneider was charged with grade one dangerous contact and has also been fined $1000 after taking an early guilty plea. Both are free to play against Brisbane on Sunday.

! Spotted: Die-hard Panthers fan Warren Bird showing his Penrith pride on Sunday in Patmos, Greece.

! Grand Final Luncheon: The Panthers are bringing back their annual Grand Final Lunch, regardless of whether they reach the season decider next week. The $285-a-head event on October 3 is targeted at sponsors and corporate types, with hypnotist Andy Nunn amongst the entertainment locked in.

MILESTONE FOR SCOTT ON BIGGEST STAGE

Since Panthers backrower Scott Sorensen arrived at the foot of the Mountains in 2021, Penrith have qualified for and won a Grand Final every single year.

One of the club’s most popular and hardest working players, the 32-yearold four-time Premiership winner doesn’t want that incredible streak to end anytime soon.

“I’m not finished yet,” Sorensen declared on Tuesday.

“This is a dream come true and I can’t credit Penrith enough. I’m not standing in this position without this club. I’m just forever grateful and very excited that we get an opportunity to do it again this year.”

Following two stints at the Cronulla Sharks and a handful of games at the Canberra Raiders in 2017, Sorensen will notch up his 100th NRL game in Panthers colours when he runs out onto Suncorp Stadium this Sunday.

When Extra Time informed him this week of his pending club milestone, he was blown away.

“I didn’t even know that. I honestly

had no idea! You’ve put me on the spot,” Sorensen said.

“I’ve said this a lot in the past that I wouldn’t be where I am today without this club. I absolutely love this club and putting on this jersey every week.

“I do my best not to take it for granted because I really love this group, I love the coaching staff, and I really love the environment and the culture that’s built here.

“Thanks for letting me know that that’s very exciting and I’m very humbled and grateful to be here.”

If Penrith are to beat the Broncos on Sunday afternoon and advance to their sixth consecutive NRL Grand Final, they’ll need to be at their absolute best like they were against the Canterbury Bulldogs last weekend.

Sorensen said he’s wary of Michael Maguire’s men, who enjoyed a monumental win over the Minor Premiership-winning Canberra Raiders a fortnight ago.

“They are just electric, aren’t they?” he said.

“Reece Walsh is their go-to guy, but have a look at their forward pack as well – that’s an absolute handful to go with. I also feel like both centres are in

career-best form too.

“It’s an absolute star-studded team. The amount of Origin players they have in there, so many big game play ers. Their halves are also a handful.

“Obviously Reece is a big part of what they do but if you go through their whole line-up, they’ve got so much experience and big-time players. You can’t be distracted by one person that’s for sure.”

Of course, this won’t be the first Preliminary Final the current Panthers have played at Suncorp Stadium, having beaten Melbourne there during the COVID-affected 2021 NRL season.

That game Sorensen played a crucial role in the 10-6 victory, with a huge chase down tackle at the end of the first half to save a certain Storm try.

The 2025 Club Person of the Year said he loves playing big games at Suncorp.

“We’re one from one in Prelims at Suncorp,” Sorensen said.

“Playing there is exciting! It’s what you want. You want the big stage; you want the big stadiums. Hopefully it’s a sell-out. To be playing the Broncos there is even better. I’m very excited and can’t wait for the challenge ahead.”

HENRY SOAKS UP DO-OR-DIE SHOWDOWN

While some of his teammates are chasing a fifth premiership ring on the first Sunday in October, Penrith interchange forward Liam Henry is looking to do the double.

The 24-year-old will play in just his second Preliminary Final this Sunday afternoon when the Panthers and Broncos do battle at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium.

Henry has been one of Penrith’s best this season, quietly going about his business by coming off Ivan Cleary’s bench and making a real impact in games.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, the Blayney product said getting the opportunity to play this deep into the Finals again is something he doesn’t take for granted – especially after Penrith’s rocky start to the season.

“This will be my second Prelim, and I can’t wait… off to Brissy!” Henry said excitedly.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll fly up on Saturday, stay the night and then game day on Sunday. I’m super excited and can’t wait to rip in.”

It’s often said that Preliminary Finals are tougher and more nerve-racking than the Grand Finals themselves.

The fear of falling short at the final hurdle can often cripple players with anxiety and fear, resulting in them not playing at their best.

Henry said that shouldn’t worry his team on this occasion as the Panthers have been staring down the barrel of sudden-death footy for a while now.

“I feel like for us this year it’s been do or die the whole Finals Series,” he admitted.

“We’re just tackling it this week and trying not to think too far ahead. We know if we put our best foot forward, we’ll go a long way to winning.”

The Panthers booked themselves a spot in this weekend’s Preliminary Final with the Broncos after a monster 46-26 performance over the “Temu Panthers”, also known as the Canterbury Bulldogs, last Sunday afternoon.

Henry scored a try in the huge victory at Accor Stadium, pouncing on a neat grubber kick by hooker Mitch Kenny before half-time.

“I think that try was right place, right time,” Henry said.

“Mitchy’s done that a couple of times [before]. I didn’t have to do too much, but I was very lucky.

“It was an awesome game to be a part of. The boys really laid the platform there in the first half and to come on and score, it was very special. It was a packed house of Blue & White, but I’m super stoked with that performance and happy to get the win.”

For the third straight week, the Panthers will have another big crowd cheering against them – this time nearly 50,000 mad Broncos supporters.

While the players admit the crowd noise doesn’t impact their performance, they very much enjoy silencing the opposing fanbase.

“It’s a good feeling but our goal is to always go out there and put our best foot forward and play our game in hopes that that silences the crowd,”

Henry said.

“We know if we’re playing our best and doing the best we can that will do that.”

Debuting at the end of the 2022 season, Henry will finally notch up NRL game number 50 this Sunday afternoon. Over the past two seasons, Henry has remained largely injury-free playing 24 games in 2024 and 22 games so far in 2025.

Henry admitted that these past two

years in the top grade have felt like a “blur”.

“The last two years have felt like it’s just flown – I can’t really describe it,” he said.

“You come into training and then you play on the weekend and then you do it all again. I feel like the last two years have been a bit of a blur, but it’s awesome. I’m stoked to be a part of this group, and I can’t wait until Sunday.”

Off contract at the end of 2026, Henry is also hoping to be a member of the Panthers well into the future. With new franchises like the Perth Bears and PNG sniffing around players, it’s going to take a significant offer from Penrith officials to keep him.

“I’m absolutely stoked with where we are at as a club and I’ve absolutely loved my time here so far and I hope to be here for a long, long time,” Henry said.

“I absolutely love it here and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. That’s the plan anyway, but we’ll see what happens.”

scoreboard & fixtures

Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...

FINALS WEEK 3

Tries: P Alamoti 3, B To’o 2, N Cleary, L Henry, I Papali’i

Goals: M Burton 5/5 PANTHERS

Goals: N Cleary 7/8

SHARKS

Tries: R Mulitalo, N Hynes, B Burns, K Iro, T Wilton

Goals: N Hynes 6/6

BULLDOGS

Tries: L Galvin, J Preston, B Xerri, J Kiraz

RAIDERS

Tries: C Horsburgh, S Tamale

Goals: J Fogarty 2/2

JERSEY FLEGG

Tries: D Wigmore 2, J Edgar 2, T Patea, T Bunting, J Liddiard

Goals: Raven 5, Liddiard 1

SHARKS

Tries: J Dovenski 2, N Williams, A Sandy, R Pollard, P Gray, J Camilleri

Goals: R Pollard 4/7

player of the year

panther memories

This photograph shows Penrith Park in 1967, as preparations begin to host first grade rugby league.

Owned by Penrith City Council, it was agreed the land between Station Street and Mulgoa Road would be the home of the Panthers after their acceptance into the 1967 competition was confirmed.

It would require significant upgrades and development to be ready to host first grade rugby league.

The playing surface was originally oval shaped, with just the western grandstand (with no roof!).

The first home game at Penrith Park was held on April 8, 1967 between Penrith and Newtown.

In the lead-up to the game against Newtown, concerns had been raised about the standard of the surface, with talk that the sand-based field was not ready for play. It was officially opened on April 23, 1967.

WHAT PANTHERS MEANS TO ME

lang on league

with Peter Lang

As the Panthers fly to Brisbane to play in their sixth successive Preliminary Final, this time against the Broncos on Sunday, Penrith are only two games from achieving the unthinkable in this modern-day salary cap era, a fifth premiership in a row.

C’mon surely that won’t happen. They can’t do it again, can they?

Well even if they don’t, the premiership window will still be open for years to come, if not forever. The Penrith Panthers are a modern-day rugby league juggernaut built on a strong work ethic and a tried-and-true culture.

But what does Panthers actually really stand for?

Pride, Aspiration, Nurturing, Teamwork, Hard work, Excellence, Respect, and Striving.

That’s pretty much what Panthers means to me when you break it down.

I believe the club and team exude all these values and that’s why it’s been able to achieve what it has.

Now let’s look at each word and how it applies to the club and team.

Pride – The team has it in bucketloads. To fight back from last on the ladder after 12 rounds to an Elimination Final shows pride in the jumper as well as pride in themselves.

Aspiration – The Panthers always aspire to be the best version of themselves they can be. They’re never the finished product.

Nurturing – The Penrith Pathways system is perhaps the best example of nurturing and growing from within. The success of this program is now being copied by other clubs.

Teamwork – It’s always about the team not the individual. There are plenty of examples of players always talking about the ‘team’ and not

taking the credit themselves. Thomas Jenkins congratulating and telling Paul Alamoti that he was taking his place in first grade is the perfect example of that.

Hard work – The Panthers won four consecutive premierships because they worked harder than any other team. They realised after finding themselves last on the ladder, that perhaps they weren’t working as hard at training as they should be. That all changed and the hard work intensified at training and the results on the field improved.

Excellence – The Panthers were one of the first clubs to establish the Rugby League Academy [of Excellence]. Everything grew from there, the centre includes some of the finest facilities offered to ensure players always perform at their maximum level.

Respect – You don’t ask for respect, you earn it. Five consecutive grand-finals and four premierships in a row has ensured the club has the

Panthers work hard to keep it. Striving – The club is always striving to be the best team in the NRL. This flows down through the lower grades and even now with women’s rugby league. The Panthers plan to field a team in the NRLW in 2027. They strive to be the best in every competition they participate in.

Let’s also not forget that the Panthers represent Penrith and its people, in turn the people of Penrith have embraced this football team not just in the last few years but all the way back to 1967 when the team entered the NSWRL competition.

Over the years the crowds have grown as the area has grown.

Panther Pride, what it really means is the feeling you get when the team wins. It’s what the players feel when they thump that logo on their chest after a try.

Penrith is the pride behind the Panthers and It doesn’t get much better than

Raising the standard of home building.

We’r e pr oud to announce tha t Better B uilt H omes has been re c ognised at the 2025 HIA N orthern NS W H ousing and Kitchen & Bathr oom Aw ar ds, t aking home two pr estigious awar ds and being named finalists in two additional categories. L ooking

GOLD CLASS PANTHERS PUT ON A SHOW

It was a Sunday afternoon to savour.

Penrith’s 46-26 win over Canterbury catapulted them into a sixth straight Preliminary Final.

Here’s some of the best moments from a spectacular day at Accor Stadium, thanks to NRL Photos...

IN FINALS EPIC

ENTERTAINMENT

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

SCREEN TO THE STAGE

The 2001 romantic-comedy film

‘Legally Blonde’ follows the story of Elle Woods – a sorority girl who goes to Harvard Law School, overcomes stereotypes, and proves that she’s more than meets the eye.

The inspiring story is being adapted by the Blue Mountains Musical Society (BMMS) in ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’.

“I say this as a cis, but gay man: I think we all relate to Elle Woods in some way,” said director Tyler Moody.

“Elle makes for such a compelling and enjoyable main character, and you just want to see her succeed.

“Watching her work so hard to get what she wants is such an inspiration and it motivates everyone else to do the same.”

It even inspired Moody’s directorial debut.

“I thought the show would be fun to choreograph, but then I realised I would be a little bit too picky, and I would want to direct the show,” Moody stated.

“The more I thought about directing the show, the more I would second-guess myself, but then people would tell me, ‘Elle Woods wouldn’t give up’.”

Playing Elle on stage will be Charli Arkle, who is well equipped for the role.

“Speaking on behalf of Charli, Elle is a character that she’s wanted to play for a very long time and she’s a character that she studied at university. Charli walked into her audition with the arsenal ready to commit to the role,” Moody explained.

“She does such a brilliant job of giving a new and interesting dynamic to the character and she delivers a lot of things in a way that I haven’t seen before, which is quite exciting for me as a director, and would be quite exciting for people in the audience as well.

“At its heart, she’s still Elle Woods. That’s what you look for in any iconic character on stage – you want to see the actor put their own spin on it

but still maintain the essence of the character you know and love.”

There will be some small differences between the film and the BMMS adaptation, including the dynamic between Elle and Vivian – the antagonist-turned-friend character.

“I think that works for the better to propel the narrative of these women banding together, working hard and supporting each other,” Moody explained.

“It’s a better example of female empowerment.”

Despite small tweaks, the iconic scenes in the movie maintain their optimistic, empowering, and often comedic essence.

“The musical has turned the ‘bend and snap’ scene into a full-fledged dance number,” Moody described.

“Another underrated moment that I really love is the montage where Elle studies hard to be accepted into an internship. That’s been turned into a musical number where everyone is supporting her in a background chorus.”

‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ will run from October 18 to November 2 at Blue Mountains Theatre in Springwood. Don’t object – purchase a ticket online at www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au.

Shopping Let’s go

Australia’s First National Lion Dance Competiton

27-28 September 2025

6 Hughes Street Cabramatta

Watch teams from across Australia battle for supremacy. The stage is set. The prize awaits.

Day 1: Traditional

Saturday 27 September | 11am-6pm

Day 2: Traditional & High Poles

Sunday 28 September | 12pm-7pm

28 09.2025

Cabramatta Moon Festival

28 September 2025 | 11am-8pm Cabramatta Town Centre

Prepare for a spectacular fusion of tradition and culture at Council’s iconic Cabramatta Moon Festival, which marks its 25th anniversary this year!

THINGS TO DO

The Vegetable Plot

Get ready for a freshly sliced serving of musical comedy with the brand-new live show from multi award-winning Australian children’s band The Vegetable Plot, starring Aspara Gus, Ru Barb, Sir Paul McCarrotney and Avo Kaydo. Bursting with juicy songs, funky flavours and tropi-cool puppetry, they will perform at The Joan in Penrith on Saturday, September 27.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

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

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Penrith CBD Corporation

Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong

Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club from 10am.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the fourth Monday of the

Morning Melodies

Morning Melodies at Blue Mountains Theatre is set to soar in October with ‘Desperado: The Eagles Show’. This group has dedicated themselves to authentically recreating the music of The Eagles, performing hits like ‘Hotel California’ and ‘Tequila Sunrise’. See them on Wednesday, October 8 from 10am. Tickets are $27 and include morning tea.

month at Henry Lawson Club at 10.30am. All new members welcome.

Probus Club of Nepean

First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866.

Ropes Crossing Probus Club

Meets every third Monday of the month at Ropes Crossing Community Hub from 10am. Email ropescrossingprobusclub@gmail.com for more information.

St Clair Probus Club

Meets on the third Monday of the month at St Barys D&B Club. Email secretarystclairprobusclub@hotmail. com for more information.

Penrith Lions Club

Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am-

DIY Crafts in South Penrith

Unlock your imagination, build your confidence, and have fun with ‘Colour your Story’ at DIY Crafts in South Penrith this Saturday, September 27 at 10am. Join the one-hour creative workshop designed to spark your storytelling and presentation skills. Find out more and register online at events.humanitix. com/color-you-story.

of the month for lunch. Members and volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.

Penrith NASHOS

Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL from 10am. Call 0448 983 399 for details.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

Community fundraisers for The Smith Family. Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Nepean Food Services

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

Free food shop

9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.

JP service

Located in Western Weekender office

Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.

Nepean Naval Museum

Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42

Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.

Arms of Australia Inn

Monday and Wednesday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Penrith Stroke Recovery Group Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.

Penrith Carer Support Group

First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.

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

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

At the movies...

Kangaroo

‘Kangaroo’ is a heartwarming family comedy about ex-TV personality Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an outback town outside Alice Springs after a car accident on his way to Broome.

There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to

rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning community – an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.

‘Kangaroo’ was filmed on location in Alice Springs, with joeys from the local Kangaroo Sanctuary featuring in the film.

One Battle After Another

A group of former revolutionaries reunites when a long-forgotten enemy resurfaces after 16 years, forcing them back into action to rescue a teammate’s daughter.

From tense standoffs to emotional reckonings, this is a gripping story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of unfinished battles.

From acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, the powerful new drama has a star-studded cast including Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Chase Infiniti, Wood Harris and Alana Haim.

www.hoyts.com.au

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS, 7AM-10AM ON MY88 – AN IHEART STATION

This week marks ‘One Hit Wonder Day’. A day to celebrate those artists who had one hit, which hey, is exactly one more hit than we’ve all had. It must be so thrilling to get your big break and then think, ‘this is it’, only for another hit to not come –that must be heartbreaking. Well, mostly.

Some one hit wonders in Australia, have more hits elsewhere. In 1988, Fairground Attraction took the number one spot with ‘Perfect’. While their second single only reached 86 here, that song, ‘Find My Love’ went Top 10 in the UK and Ireland and did better in Austria than ‘Perfect’. Plus, they were massive long after in Japan.

Martha and the Muffins are another example. ‘Echo Beach’ was a smash hit here in 1980. They never entered the Aussie Top 100 again, but in their home country

of Canada, they had another four Top 4 hits.

Paul Lekakis is an interesting one. The American singer had an Aussie number one hit in 1987 with ‘Boom Boom (Let’s Go Back To My Room)’. It also hit number one in South Africa. Sadly, it peaked at 60 in the UK and only reached 43 in his own US. Glad it was a hit here, because it is a dead set banger.

Now if you’re going to make a one hit wonder playlist this week (or you could listen

to Thursday’s 9O’Clock Mixtape on My88 where we will play these tunes), here are a few more Aussie one hit wonders of the ‘80s to choose.

There’s ’99 Luftballoons’ by Nena, the first German language tune to hit number one in Australia. There’s Toni Basil, who is known more as a choreographer now, and her classic, ‘Mickey’. There’s the first number one of the ‘80s, ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ by The Buggles, and the late, great, Patrick Swayze and his ‘Dirty Dancing’ classic, ‘She’s Like the Wind’. Musical Youth’s ‘Pass the Dutchie’ hit number one, as did Lipps Inc’s, ‘Funkytown’. Plus, my personal pick, ‘Right on Track’ by The Breakfast Club – a song that always gets me moving. One hit wonders are worth celebrating and this week I hope you’ll join me in playing these awesome songs.

COUNTRY CORNER

Max Jackson drops new song

Aussie country starlet Max Jackson has released her latest single, ‘1990 Somethin’’. Firing up the time machine, ‘1990 Somethin’’ is a rollicking, throwback inspired anthem; with Max name droppin’ her favourite ‘90s artists including Shania Twain, Alan Jackson and Joe Diffie. The track will have you 2-steppin’ back in time.

“Growing up in the ‘90s, I had the greatest country soundtrack. I was so inspired by the energy, the great songwriting, the artists being larger than life and… you bet, the outfits!” she said.

“I had the idea for this song come to me while standing side stage watching Zach Top

play at CMC Rocks earlier this year. I was hearing the music and looking at the crowd and I felt like there were less iPhones in the air and that ‘90s nostalgia was brand new and beautiful. My songs have always been inspired by the music that I grew up on; but we just turned it up a notch on this one!”

‘1990 Somethin’’ was penned by Max, Nicholas Wolfe and Kylie Sackley and produced by Rod McCormack.

The song is out now on all the usual streaming outlets.

Keeping it country

Hailing from the small coal mining town of Moranbah, Australian country artist on the rise Bella Mackenzie fell in love with country music listening to the likes of Kasey Chambers and Lee Kernaghan who seemed to be writing about her life in rural

Queensland. It’s only fitting that today Bella Mackenzie returns with her new single ‘Grew Up Country’ featuring fellow North Queensland siblings Homegrown Trio.

‘Grew Up Country’ is a heartfelt celebration of smalltown roots, resilience, and the unshakable pride of rural life.

Bella Mackenzie’s warm, emotive vocals lead the story, bringing an authentic and deeply personal perspective, while Australian Country group, Homegrown Trio, add rich harmonies and a layered instrumental depth that lifts the track into a full-band anthem.

The official video, released alongside the new single, features Bella Mackenzie performing with Katelyn, Liam, and Kasey O’Donoghue of Homegrown Trio. Interwoven throughout are childhood archival clips of Bella and the Trio, bringing to life what it means to grow up in the country. The childhood footage even captures Liam and Bella on the same stage at a country music festival talent quest, a nod to where their journeys first crossed. The song is out now on all the usual streaming services.

TV Guide: September 26 – October 2

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

4:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFLW: Round 7: Western Bulldogs v Collingwood *Live*

1:15 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 4:15 Movie: “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” (PG) (’19) Stars: Tom Hanks 6:30 Movie: “Beethoven’s 2nd” (G) (’93) Stars: Charles Grodin 8:30 Movie: “The Blues Brothers” (M l,v) (’80)

3:25 Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Waabiny Time 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Inside The Pack (PG) 7:30 Dreaming Big 8:00 Movie: “Super Mario Bros.” (M) (’93)

9:00 The Living Room (PG) 10:00 JAG (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 A Million Little Things (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life” (M) (’03) Stars: Angelina Jolie

MythBusters (PG) 5:25 George Clarke’s Old House New Home (PG) 6:10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:00 Richard Osman’s House Of Games 7:30 QI (PG)

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30

(PG) 12:00

Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 6:00 Food Safari Fire 6:30 Marcus Wareing: Simply Provence 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Jamie’s American Road Trip 8:30 Air Fryer Diet: Lose Weight, Cook Fast 9:30 Gourmet Farmer 3:30 Worldwatch 5:35 If You Are The One (In Mandarin) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Sex: A Bonkers History (M) 9:25 Sex Actually With Alice Levine (MA15+)

2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Night At The Museum” (PG) (’06) Stars: Ben Stiller

12:30 Beyond Paradise (PG) 1:30 Professor T (M) 2:15 I, Jack Wright (PG) 3:05 The Larkins (PG) 3:50 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:20 The Assembly 5:00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (M l) 5:30 Landline 6:00 Australian Story 6:30 Back Roads (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Beyond Paradise 8:30 Beyond Paradise 9:30 Mystery Road (M l) 6:00

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Sandown *Live* 5:00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country 11:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

9:00

*Live* 12:00 AFL: Pre-Game 2:00 AFL: Grand Final: Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions *Live* 5:00 AFL: Post Match 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise (PG) 8:00 Movie: “Die Hard” (M l,v) (’88) Stars: Bruce Willis 10:45 Movie: “Contraband” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Mark Wahlberg 1:00 Riviera (MA15+) 2:00 The Agenda Setters (M) 6:00 Our State On A Plate 6:30 Getaway (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra - Saturday 12:00 Surfing Australia TV 1:00 Destination WA 1:30 Find My Country House Australia 2:00 The Garden Gurus 2:30 Rugby Union: All Blacks v Wallabies *Live* 4:50 Rugby Union: Post-Match 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRLW: 1st Semi Final: Sydney Roosters v CronullaSutherland Sharks *Live* 10:00 My Market Kitchen 10:30 The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity (PG) 12:00 The Brighter Side 12:30 Pat Callinan’s

Grand

Grand Final

Brunch *Live* 10:30

2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Top Doorslammer 4:00 Deep Water Salvage (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 AFL: Post Match 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Spider-Man” (M v) (’02) Stars: Tobey Maguire

11:00 Yummy Mummies (PG) 12:00 My France With Manu (PG) 1:00 Anh Does Vietnam (PG) 2:10 America’s Got Talent (PG) 3:50 Movie: “A Hidden Life” (PG) (’19) Stars: August Diehl 7:30 Movie: “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (PG) (’22)

MythBusters (PG) 5:20 George Clarke’s Old House New Home (PG) 6:10 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

2:45 NITV News: Nula 3:15 Lagau DanalaigAn Island Life 4:30 Off Country (PG) 5:00 Hunting Aotearoa (PG) 6:00 Amplify (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Child’s Play” (PG) (’72)

5:30 Marcus In The Med: Mallorca 6:00 Lorraine Pascale: Baking Made Easy 6:30 Hairy Bikers Mediterranean 7:30 Cheese: Searching For A Taste Of Place 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:35 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

10:00 On The Fly 10:30 Exploring Off The Grid (PG) 11:30 Buy To Build 12:00 Judge Judy (PG) 12:30 Australia By DesignArchitecture 1:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 Blue Bloods (M v)

2:50 Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes In 12 Hours 3:25 Worldwatch 5:30 The Bob Ross Experience 6:40 Mysteries From Above 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Skin: A History Of Nudity In The Movies (MA15+) 10:50 Australia Come Fly With Me

12:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG) 6:30 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 10:30 South Bank (M) 11:00 Ridiculousness (PG)

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 David Attenborough’s Kingdom Of Plants 3:25 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:10 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Assembly 6:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Behind Behani (PG) 12:30 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 2:15 The Voice (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00

My France With Manu (PG) 12:15

Cooks (PG)

2:30 Building Alaska (PG) 3:30 Find My Country House Canada 4:30 The Garden Gurus

4:30 Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge 5:30 Movie: “Practical Magic” (PG) (’98) Stars: Sandra Bullock 7:30 Movie: “Coyote Ugly” (PG) (’00) Stars: Adam Garcia 9:30 Movie: “The Spy Who Dumped Me” (MA15+) (’18) Stars: Justin Theroux 12:50 Movie: “The Brain Machine” (PG) (’55) 2:30 Movie: “Scott Of The Antarctic” (G) (’48) Stars: John Mills 4:45 Movie: “The Train” (PG) (’64) Stars: Burt Lancaster 7:30 Movie: “Four Weddings And A Funeral” (M l,s) (’94)

Home And Away (PG) 4:00 The Voice (PG) 5:40 Bondi Vet (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 3:50 Bamay 4:10 The Point 5:10 Movie: “Rebel Country” (PG) (’24) Stars: Jake Blount 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Great Blue Wild (PG) 7:40 Aerial Australia (PG) 8:30 Movie: “I Am Joe Frazier” (PG) (’25) Stars: Bob Arum 6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 9:00 Reel Action 9:30 Navigating The World 10:30 Judge Judy (PG) 11:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 11:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00

The Layover 4:50 France 24 International News 5:20 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:50 Alone Sweden (PG) (In Swedish) 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 8:30 Sue Perkins’ Big American Road Trip (M) 9:25 Uncanny

3:00 Big Rigs Of Oz 3:30 Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience (PG) 4:30 Dinner With The Parents (PG) 5:00 TBA 7:00 Movie: “Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (PG) (’89) Stars: Keanu Reeves 8:55 Movie: “The Accountant” (M l,v) (’16) 1:00 Dad’s Army 2:00 Movie: “Cairo Road” (PG) (’50) Stars: Laurence Harvey 4:00 Movie: “How To Murder Your Wife” (PG) (’65) Stars: Jack Lemmon 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Shawshank Redemption” (M l,s,v) (’94) Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence

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(M) (’22) Stars: Grace Dove

A Million Little Things (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:30 The Weekly Kick-Off

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

5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts - Above And Beyond 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Piripenguins 7:30 Shaun The Sheep 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 5:30 George Clarke’s Old House New Home (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Specials 7:05 Richard Osman’s House Of Games 7:35 QI (PG) 6:00 Food Safari Earth 6:30 Marcus Wareing: Simply Provence 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Nadiya’s Cook Once, Eat Twice 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 The Patient (MA15+) 9:30 Movie: “Corpse Bride” (PG) (’05) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG)

2:30 The Block (PG) 4:00 Mash-Up Our Home 5:00 Chateau DIY 6:00

3:30 Movie: “The Angry Silence” (PG) (’60) Stars: 5:30 The Travelling Auctioneers 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Silent Witness (PG) 1:55 Restoration Australia (PG) 2:55 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 3:25 Grand Designs (PG) 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Back Roads (PG) 8:30 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven Noon News 1:00 Seven News With Alex Cullen 1:10 Blankety Blank (PG) 2:00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 8:30 Jim Jefferies And Friends (MA15+) 6:00 Today 9:00

Emma Memma in Penrith!

ARIA award-winning children’s entertainer, Emma Memma, is returning to Penrith for her brand-new show ‘Dance Island Party’!

Families will be treated to a sprinkling of Emma Memma’s classic songs featured in last year’s hugely successful ‘Boop and Twirl Tour’ as well as new favourites like ‘Coconut Tree’, ‘Beach Trolley’ and ‘Jellyfish Blob’ releasing on the new ‘Dance Island Party’ album.

Empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness and friendship, Emma Memma with her love of dance, sign language and music, brings visual communication to the forefront of the children’s media space and fans will get to immerse themselves in this joyful experience on Emma Memma’s ‘Dance Island Party Tour’.

Emma will be joined by her friends including Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly, Waffles the Wombat and her Memma Mates who will be swimming, twirling, signing and certainly partying!

Each 45-minute show will include an Auslan interpreter and Emma and Elvin will sign, and dance throughout the entire performance providing Auslan and English options for the audience.

The show is playing at the EVAN Theatre at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club on Tuesday, October 7. Visit www.emmamemma. com for more information and tickets. Hurry, they’re selling fast.

Safety and fun at Homemaker

PFREE Daily Kangaroo Beach activities will include:

• Kangaroo Beach Shows | 10am and 12pm

• Kangaroo Beach Craft Activation | 10am – 2pm

• Kangaroo Beach Meet and Greet Zone | 11am and 1pm

• Merchandise Cart / Showbags | 10am – 2pm

enrith Homemaker Centre will be the home of safety and fun during the school holidays. Families in Penrith are invited to enjoy an actionpacked school holiday program as Penrith Homemaker hosts Kangaroo Beach and the Summer Safe Squad Program from Monday, September 29 to Sunday, October 5. The program combines children’s entertainment with essential water safety education, delivered by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).

• SLSA Volunteers hand-

ing out the Surf Life Saving Beach Passport.

There will also be special workshops held on September 30, October 1 and October 2, from 10am each day in interactive sessions.

The workshops focus on beach and inland water safety, water confidence tips, emergency know-how and more, plus you’ll get a free sunscreen.

Head to Penrith Home maker Centre these school holidays.

COUNCIL PUSHES POOL SAFETY FOR SUMMER

With warmer months upon us, Penrith City Council is encouraging residents to check that their backyard pools, including inflatable and portable pools, are safe, secure and compliant.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said pools are a great way to enjoy the season, but they come with serious responsibilities.

“Pools offer fun and relief from the heat, but they can quickly become dangerous if safety measures aren’t in place,” Carney said.

“We’re asking residents to take a few minutes to check that their pool is secure by ensuring there is a compliant child-resistant

barrier preventing children from accessing the water unsupervised.

“Active adult supervision is the best defence against drowning, but a compliant pool barrier adds an essential layer of protection.”

“ACTIVE ADULT SUPERVISION IS THE BEST DEFENCE”

Council’s qualified Compliance Officers are available to assist residents with pool inspections and certification.

Portable and inflatable pools carry the same safety risks as permanent pools. If a pool is deeper than 30cm, it must be properly fenced. Additionally, any pool with a capacity over 2,000 litres requires development approval before installation and filling.

Council can issue on-the-spot fines of $550 for propped-open gates or unfenced pools.

TO HELP PREVENT CHILD DROWNING:

• Install and maintain a compliant child resistant pool barrier.

• Always supervise children around water.

• Teach water awareness and swimming skills.

• Learn CPR – any attempt is better than none.

For more information, visit penrith.city/pools or contact Council’s Swimming Pool team on 4732 7864.

PREMIUM LAND IN ORAN PARK

Western Property

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park

CONTACT:

Oran Park Sales Office

Trevor Homes • 9043 7500

OPEN YOUR EYES TO BEAUTIFUL ORAN PARK

What is so great about this property?

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.

Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s. The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits.

Ideal Family Home or Investment operty – Spacious 650sqm Block

This well-positioned property at 4 Panorama Road, fers a fantastic opportunity for rst home buyers and savvy investors alike. Situated on a ous 653 square metre block with 32.2 metre ontage, the home provides ample space for future expansions, outdoor living, or potential development (STCA). With a solid foundation and a central location, this property is ready to move in, or can be eat addition

Nestled in a sought-after pocket of Penrith,

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Strength and Condi-

tioning (S&C) is one of the most valuable tools for developing young athletes. When delivered in an age-appropriate and well-supervised environment, it provides benefits that extend far beyond simply “lifting weights.”

Developing strength, power and speed

S&C creates the foundation for key athletic qualities like strength, power, and speed. A stronger lower body improves sprint acceleration and jump height, while a stronger upper body enhances stability, balance, and resistance to contact. Core strength is especially important, allowing athletes to transfer energy efficiently and move with greater control and precision.

Building tolerance and reducing injury

Youth sport places unique demands on the body. Sprinting, jumping, changing direction, and absorbing contact all require strength. Without it, athletes are

more vulnerable to fatigue, overuse injuries, and slower progression in their sport.

Well-structured S&C builds resilience by strengthening muscles, tendons, and joints, helping athletes withstand the loads their sport demands.

Confidence and skill development

S&C also boosts confidence. Young athletes who feel stronger and more capable are more likely to take on challenges, persist with training, and enjoy their sport. Learning correct movement patterns, such as squatting, hinging, pushing, pulling, and landing, not only improves performance but also promotes lifelong healthy habits.

Mental and social benefits

In a team or group setting, S&C fosters discipline, teamwork, and accountability. Athletes learn to train with purpose, set goals, and celebrate progress, qualities that extend well beyond sport.

Safe and effective

The Experts

HANNAH NORRIE

OnePointHealth 4732 5188

Research consistently shows strength training is safe for youth when properly supervised. The old myth that resistance training harms growth plates has been disproven. In fact, S&C reduces injury risk compared to playing sport alone.

Strength and Conditioning isn’t just about building muscle, it’s about developing better, more resilient athletes. For youth, it lays the groundwork for strength, speed, confidence, and injury prevention, making it one of the best long-term investments in their sporting journey. Book a session with Hannah at OnePointHealth Penrith.

MOVIE NIGHT MAKEOVER!

Father’s Day just went by, and my kids surprised me with a gift I never saw coming. I’m a big movie fan, especially when it comes to Sci-Fi, Action and Horror. They got me a Philips Hue Lighting setup. Philips Hue is an intelligent lighting system that syncs your lights with whatever’s happening on your TV, turning your living room into a colourful space that matches the action.

Hue lights watch the colours and brightness of your TV in real time and copy what’s happening, so the action spills out into your room. An explosion in a movie lights up your walls with orange, or an underwater scene with blue. It’s all about making you feel part of the action, not just

lighting up the room. What do you need to get started?

To sync your lights with your TV, you’ll need a few essentials:

• Philips Hue Bridge: You need this hub to connect your lights to the Hue app. It also helps everything work quickly and smoothly.

• Colour-capable Hue lights: I got a pair of Hue Play light bars, but you could also use the Play Gradient Lightstrip or Hue Signe floor lamps.

• Sync method: You have two main choices:

– Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box: This device connects your HDMI devices, such as Apple TV, PlayStation, or streaming sticks, to your TV. It can handle up to four devices and works with 4K and HDR.

– Hue Sync TV App: Available on select Samsung and LG TVs, this app eliminates the need for extra hardware by analysing the TV’s internal video signal.

The Hue Sync App is showing up on most new TVs. One of mine had it, but not the one in my home theatre. So, I needed the Sync box, which costs about $500. Setting everything up is relatively simple. It took me a couple of hours to install and play with the lighting settings. The results are impressive. Your living room feels like an extension of the screen, with explosions, sunsets and neon lights looking even more vivid. It’s especially cool for gaming or music videos, where the fast colour changes really add to the excitement. Philips Hue is the leader in this category, but there’s other options.

FOOTY FINALS AND YOUR PETS

With the Panthers once again charging into the NRL Finals, excitement is running high across Penrith. Finals footy brings friends, family, sizzling BBQs, and plenty of cheering as we rally behind our team. But while the celebrations are a highlight for us, they can bring hidden risks for our four-legged family members. Pets are often quick to lurk around the food table, hoping for scraps, and the snacks we enjoy can pose serious dangers if they get their

To make sure your household enjoys the finals without an unexpected trip to the emergency vet, here are a few key foods and party hazards to watch out for: Cooked bones (ribs, It may feel natural to offer your dog a leftover bone, but cooked bones are brittle and can splinter. These fragments can cause choking, intestinal tears, or dangerous blockages. Keep rib and chicken bones out of

reach, and never hand them to your dog.

Kebab skewers: The aroma of kebabs on the BBQ is tempting for everyone, including pets. But if your dog snatches a skewer, the sharp stick can puncture the digestive system or cause blockages. Always dispose of skewers immediately and securely.

Onions and garlic: Whether in burgers, dips, or sauces, onion and garlic are highly toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Even small amounts are harmful, so keep them well away from curious noses.

Salty snacks (chips, pretzels): While we love munching on chips during the big game, excess salt is dangerous for dogs. It can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and in severe cases, sodium poisoning.

Remind guests not to share salty treats, no matter how much your dog begs.

Chocolate

and sweet treats: Chocolate is a well-known hazard, but many desserts also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause seizures, liver failure, or worse. Keep all desserts well out of reach. Grapes and raisins: Fruit isn’t always safe. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. If fruit salad is on the menu, be extra cautious to prevent sneaky snacking. To reduce the risk of accidents altogether, consider keeping pets in a safe space away from the food table during your gathering.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Flirt alert! With Venus and Uranus in two of your relationship zones (plus the Sun and Mercury in Libra) you’re at your flirtatious best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters. (When amorous Aquarians are in charm mode, you’re hard to resist.) Already attached? It’s time to reboot a tired relationship with some good old-fashioned romance. Singles – are you searching for your soul mate? Be on the lookout for a gregarious Gemini or a lusty Leo.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Courtesy of Venus (your patron planet) a problem involving a child, teenager or close friend should start to improve, and many Bulls will feel a creativity boost as well. With the Sun and Mercury both moving through your health and wellbeing zone, find a diet and exercise routine that suits you right here and right now. Unhappily single? Don’t sit around waiting for love to fall into your lap. With Mars visiting your partnership zone, it’s time to be proactive.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Calling all Cats – are you making the most of your clever mind? This week the Sun and Mercury activate your communication and education zone. So conversation, passionate debate, informal study, research and creative thinking will take you far. But – in order to avoid misunderstandings – do your best to convey your ideas in a clear and precise way. It’s also a good time to dig deeper into a relationship problem – the answer is waiting for you to find it.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Courtesy of the Sun and Mercury in your solitude zone, you’re not in the mood to mix and mingle. So keep a low profile this week as you relax, recharge and self-nurture. Plus – with the Moon and Pluto linking up in your family zone – secrets from the past could boomerang back, as some old karma catches up with you. Expect vivid childhood memories to return or the resurfacing of a sensitive issue. Smart Scorpios will clear the emotional debris and move on.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

This week’s stars highlight close partnerships, intimacy, secrets, trust issues and joint finances. With Saturn back in Pisces (until February 14) you will make messy mistakes and experience disappointments along the way. But don’t let them deter you from your chosen path. With hard work and a positive attitude, you can turn things around. As writer (and birthday great) Truman Capote wrote, “Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

This week Jupiter squares your ruler Mercury, which can lead to impulsive behaviour and rash decisions. So slow down and think things through before you speak and act. With Uranus visiting your sign, expect the unexpected! A disappointing rejection one day could lead to a welcome opportunity the next. Be inspired by birthday great, singer and actress Julie Andrews (who turns 90 on Wednesday), “When one door closes, another window opens.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Personal projects and long-term partnerships (of the romantic, platonic and business variety) are highlighted this week. You may get a knock-back as Saturn tests commitment and perseverance, but don’t get bogged down with negative self-talk and constant criticism. Keep the mood upbeat and the conversation uplifting! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actress Julie Andrews, “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Jupiter (your power planet) is in your ‘money-from-others’ zone which often coincides with financial luck and a boost to cash flow. But this week – with Mercury squaring Jupiter – any gains could be gobbled up by burgeoning bills, increasing expenses or extravagant impulse buys. So plan accordingly and don’t fritter good fortune away. With Venus visiting your career zone, nurture your connections with work colleagues, clients and/or customers.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week the Sun and Mercury both activate your relationship and joint ventures zone, so harmonious partnerships and creative projects are highlighted. If you combine diplomacy with dynamism (and Ram charm with a sense of adventure) then you’ll sail through any temporary challenges. Balance is the key. Your motto is from actress Claire Danes (who has Sun in Aries and Moon in Libra), “Relationships are a constant negotiation and balance.”

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Remember that Jupiter (planet of optimism, growth and prosperity) is visiting your sign, which only happens every 12 years. Between now and June 30 (when Jupiter transits into Leo) it will be easier to initiate positive changes than at other times. So make the most of the opportunities that are around! Your motto is from peace activist (and birthday great) Mohandas Gandhi, “Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world, but to change ourselves.”

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Librans love to be pampered and preened but it’s time to jump out of your comfort zone and shake up your usual routine! Jupiter is visiting your public reputation zone and Uranus is revving up your adventure zone. Which encourages you to do things differently, as you banish boredom and initiate positive changes. So your motto is from birthday great, political and peace activist Mohandas Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

The Sun and Mercury light up your career zone, so utilise your drive and communication skills to attract opportunities into your world. Then use your can-do Capricorn attitude to take action. Mars (visiting your hopes and dreams zone) reminds you to be proactive and keep setting goals. Preparation is the key. As singer/actress (and birthday great) Julie Andrews observes, “Work hard, apply yourself and be ready. Then, when an opportunity comes, you can grab it.”

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

If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

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.

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about AFL Grand Finals in this week’s special trivia quiz...

In what year was the first AFL Grand Final played?

During World War II, the Grand Final was moved from the MCG. What venue hosted the 1942, 1943 and 1945 season deciders?

Why was the Grand Final hosted in Perth in 2021?

How many times has a draw

forced a replay the following Saturday?

5. How many points did Carlton trail by at half-time in the 1970 Grand Final, eventually fighting back to win?

6. Who did Sydney beat to win the 2005 Grand Final?

7. Who won the 2024 AFL Grand Final?

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Mazda’s rise of the clones as CX-60 delivers a refresh

Rounding out Mazda’s revamp of the range of the ‘big’ CX- wagons, the updated CX-60 arrived in showrooms a couple of months ago, with an expanded line-up.

Unfortunately, they are perhaps a little too much like the other models, sharing the same body as its larger siblings, looking like a long-nosed hatchback, although the bonnet is just short enough to keep everything in proportion.

The long bonnet is necessary to house the six cylinder drivelines, the same ones in the other wagons, a choice of petrol or diesel turbos as well as a four cylinder petrol/ electric hybrid.

Also carried across is the eightspeed auto transmission, driving all four wheels, with a choice of four trim levels, from the entry level Pure through to the range-topping Azami.

We tested the Pure, with the Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) option, and the GT in six cylinder petrol turbo form.

Like its brethren, the -60 is a solid, well built car, projecting a feeling of solidity, doors close with a click, there is no rattling or tinniness.

Similarly, the paint has depth, this is no quick run over with the spray gun, the finish has a lustre projecting quality, in line with the rest of the car.

Inside, the story begins to diverge, while the Pure retains the quality workmanship of its higher-spec siblings, the materials are more in keeping with its entry-level status. It is not cheap, instead everything is more hard-wearing and functional, rather than the plusher materials of the up-spec versions.

The broad and supportive manually adjustable seats are trimmed in black cloth, padded in the base and back for comfort, while I prefer a longer base for under-thigh support, they are on a par with the competition.

As the entry level, it gets a 7” LCD dash screen for the driver and a 12.3” LCD central screen with powertrain monitoring, shared with the higher models, because it is the PHEV, other powertrains

get a 10.25” screen. There is also an eight-speaker audio system, dual zone climate control, auto dimming mirror and an extensive selection of driver and safety assist systems.

Step up to the GT and the seats are leather, power adjustable for driver and passenger, heated front and rear, as well as a heated steering wheel, nice on a cold morning!

The audio became a BOSE 12-speaker unit, it really rocked My88 on CarPlay, while the panoramic sunroof was perfect for star gazing on a clear night.

Under the skin, Mazda techs played with the suspension, removing the rear swaybar and repositioning the steering knuckles, reducing over- and understeer

tendencies front and rear, creating more neutral handling.

The result? The CX-60 is a stable platform that steers through corners cleanly, without pushing the front wide or drifting the tail mid-corner, perfect for a family wagon.

Both powertrains, PHEV and petrol turbo, punch hard, the 3.3-litre six makes 209kW/450Nm while the combined output of the 2.5-litre four and electric drive is 241kW/500Nm.

Despite using high rpms, the six is a smooth revving unit, there is no coarseness or hesitation, you push hard and it digs deep and goes harder.

Similarly, the four cylinder, also with turbocharging, loves to rev, slightly unusual for a long stroke unit, these tend to rev lower and slower, creating bottom-end torque, great for acceleration.

In both cases, the CX-60 will accelerate hard, whether launching from a standing start or for rapid, highway-speed overtakes, dropping down the gears and pulling away.

Unfortunately, the eight-speed transmission is the let down, while it smooths out from fourth and upwards, the lower gears can be

abrupt and brutal, thumping into gears on both up- and downshifts. We experienced the same problem in other CX- wagons using the same driveline, pushed hard, or in Sport mode, it was less aggressive, but in Normal, especially in stop-start traffic, where big rpm launches were not feasible, it became uncomfortable, the whole car feeling the driveline shock.

A shame, because that aside the

“WELL BUILT AND POWERFUL, THERE IS A LOT TO LIKE IN THE CX-60”

CX-60 is a good drive, the ride is comfortable, although a little stiff in the GT, the rear jumped over speed bumps, sending vibrations into the cabin, not helped by the low profile tyres on 20” rims.

The Pure has higher profile tyres and 18” rims, for the same rolling diameter and gearing, these provide extra shock absorption and a smoother ride.

A floating Heads Up display is standard on all models, I am a big fan, it ‘sits’ above the bonnet, reducing the need to look away from the road to check on speed and other information.

A frustration is the rotary dial controller for the central display, it needs a hand off the wheel to navigate multiple menus, also taking the driver’s eyes off the road, while you do adapt, it feels dated compared to the competition.

Knocking Ford from second in the car market means Mazda is doing something right, and the CX-60 was second in its category for August, backing up that performance. For build quality, smoothness - the transmission thumping aside - and being a generally good all-round vehicle, the CX-60 is worth investigating, it just feels it could be so much more.

Technology talk: Say hi to hybrid!

Hybrid and EVs are back in the news, with renewed calls for road user charges to make up for the downturn in fuel excise, governments are concerned about lost revenue. With thanks to Honda, here is a quick rundown on hybrid drive:

Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine or ICE (Petrol or Diesel) with an electric motor to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, the most common systems in the market are:

FHEV – Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle – The engine and electric motors work together or independently, charging the electric battery through regenerative braking and engine power, it can drive as electric only for a limited distance. FHEVs do not require plugging in and are ready to drive at any time, reducing fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent compared to an equivalent petrol-only model.

PHEV – Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – a PHEV predominantly drives like an EV, with roughly 40-80km range. Under certain conditions the engine drives the wheels and maintains battery charge but won’t increase the battery charge, recharging requires the car to be plugged into a charging port.

MHEV – Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle – The engine drives the wheels directly, the small electric motor is designed to assist the engine, boosting torque and improving fuel economy, fuel savings are minor compared to an FHEV.

REX / REEV – Range

Extended Electric Hybrid Vehicle – Drives like an EV, the engine does not drive the wheels, it generates electricity to charge the battery only, the electric motor drives the wheels, fuel economy can be similar or more than a FHEV.

Honda’s Intelligent Hybrid Drive has three modes, EV, Hybrid and Engine drives,

with EV also including regenerative braking.

In EV Drive, during start up, acceleration and city driving, the vehicle runs on its motor alone, powered by electricity from the battery. Since the engine is off, the vehicle drives like a BEV (Battery electric vehicle) without using petrol.

Hybrid Drive – The vehicle drives on the motors alone using electricity generated by the engine. Electricity from the battery is also used to realise powerful acceleration.

Engine Drive – During high-speed cruising, which requires less driving force, engine drive mode is more efficient than running the electric motor at high speed. Engine output is direct to the wheels to reduce power loss.

EV mode / Regenerative braking – When decelerating or driving downhill, the kinetic energy from the wheels turning is converted to electricity to charge the battery.

Ferrari unleashes new Testarossa

With Christmas just a few more sleeps away, or for those plotting how to spend their next big lotto win, Ferrari has taken the wraps off the new 849 Testarossa, complete with Plug-In Hybrid drive.

Featuring an eye-watering 850cv (838hp) twin-turbo V8, supported by an additional 200hp from the three-motor EV unit, the new Testarossa blasts from 0-100km/h in just over two seconds, and

0-200km/h in 6.3 seconds.

Stopping is just as efficient, with 100km/h-0 in 28.5 metres, or roughly one and a half cricket pitches, while the 200-0km/h stop can be done in 108 metres.

Ferrari say they have programmed the driver aids, including lane keeping, automatic emergency brake and lane departure, to only intervene ‘only in emergency situations and in the least invasive way possible, only when the driver needs it’.

With a mix of design elements, including a front section reminiscent of the 512BB and what Ferrari says is a body shape inspired by 1970s Sports Prototype race cars, the 849 stands out from the crowd.

While it is available in red (of course!), with a blue and black interior, there is also a silver option, finished in a yellow and black trim. Better get writing that letter to Santa… we can dream, can’t we?

Bassett chases gold at home championships

After a five-year wait, there are now just four sleeps to go until the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships get underway at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Kicking off this Monday, September 29 and running until Saturday, October 4, the best Canoe Slalom paddlers in the world will battle it out for World Champion status on the former Olympic course.

More than 300 athletes from 50 nations will compete in the C1, K1 and Kayak Cross, including Melbourne turned Penrith paddler Kaylen Bassett.

The 28-year-old is currently enjoying his best year to date after standout performances during the recent European World Cup season.

Speaking with the Weekender, the C1 athlete said he can’t wait to hit the whitewater and build on his recent results.

“I think this season has been my strongest so far, having been in the Final at three of the four World Cups I raced this year – a pretty solid hit out so far, but the World Championships is the big event and I’ve been building up to it quite a bit,” Bassett said.

“I think having the season that I’ve had has really helped me build confidence into this

race, and I just can’t wait to go out there and compete.”

Bassett will race in the C1 Men event alongside fellow Australians Ben Ross and Tristan Carter, with the latter a member of the Paris

Olympic Team and the recent winner of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star of the Year award.

“Tristan and I went to high school together in Melbourne and have known each other for

a while now,” Bassett said.

“The C1 team are all from the same canoe club in Victoria too, so we’ve got this great respect and admiration for each other.”

Bassett moved to Penrith in 2017 and used to clean dishes at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club to earn some extra money. Between part-time jobs and studying at university, he has made a home for himself in Sydney’s west and now considers himself a true local.

“It’s going to be awesome to race at home and have that home course advantage – it’s quite a unique and special feeling,” Bassett said.

“Having the World Championships in Penrith also allows friends and family to see what you do because you’re usually away in a foreign land and they’re watching online.

“To soon have them running down the side of the river and cheering for you, I can’t wait for it!”

It’s set to be a huge week in Penrith next week. Not only will locals be hoping the Panthers qualify for their sixth consecutive NRL Grand Final, but they’ll also have the opportunity to witness the world’s best paddle their way to glory.

Tickets are still available via Ticketek. Use the discount code ‘WEEKENDER10’ for 10 per cent off 1 Day, 3 Day and 6 Day passes for the event.

Ironman delivers again

Penrith turns on beautiful weather for 10th anniversary running of popular event

NATHAN TAYLOR

Athletes from home and abroad flocked to the 10th running of Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney, with last Sunday’s event a day full of personal bests, first-timers and fun on course.

The 10th anniversary running of the event featured a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run, with thousands of spectators cheering home their athletes at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

The men’s race was taken out by Leon Sharp, who crossed the line in 3:49:37, more than six minutes clear of fellow Australian Jonah Newton, with Brazil’s Thales Da Silva Souza rounding out the podium.

“I’m stoked! I’ve had a run of bad races and today it was just one where nothing went wrong, so I’m really stoked that it finally happened,” Sharp said.

“I was doing it pretty easy in the swim, there was a group about 50-100 metres ahead of me and I couldn’t close it, but I knew I was in a good spot.

“My whole plan was swim solid, ride easy and then run hard, I kept the reins in on the ride, held my power and the first step off the bike I knew I was in for a good run. My last 4km were pretty poor, but I knew I’d done enough by then, so I was able to cruise in.”

Sharp is a popular member of the Panthers Tri Club and took a lot from the support of his family in attendance.

“The best part was having my wife and three kids on course, my brother and my mum and nieces. They sacrifice a lot so I can do this sport, so it was great to have them here,” he said.

“I won it two years ago and that was a bit of a surprise.

“Last year I had the chance but blew it and then this year executed

well, it’s good to win on home turf.”

Alexandria Emerson claimed top step on the podium in the women’s race, finishing in 4:25:03, with Caitlin Cronin two minutes behind in second and Hannah Gumbley hot on Cronin’s heels in third.

Emerson had the 44th quickest women’s swim time but came into her own on the bike, clocking the third quickest time to shoot up the leaderboard.

She then went on to cover the 21.1km run in 1:25:46 to take the win.

“It was a lot of fun today, great weather, the swim was just survival for me, the bike was flat and fast and then on the run it felt like I had fresh legs, it was definitely a PB in all three,” Emerson said.

“It means so much, it’s technically my first Ironman 70.3 after the swim was cancelled in Port Macquarie, so it’s crazy to me.

“I had a lot of people come and surprise me and then I’ve got the whole Drop Bear Endurance community, so I’m really happy with it. Next up is the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella.”

The day began with the Sprint Triathlon, with hundreds of athletes racing across a 700m swim, 20km ride and 5km run, many of them taking part in their first-ever triathlon.

Dylan Clough was the quickest male in the Sprint Triathlon, finishing the course in 59:37, almost a minute clear of Jake Attwell, with third place claimed by Owain Matthews.

The women’s Sprint Triathlon was won by Meg Isbester in 1:07:25, just two seconds ahead of Dylan Fleischer, with Emily Irvine third.

Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney, which first began in 2014, will return next year.

Wanderers add talent

Following their wooden spoon 2024/25 season, the Western Sydney Wanderers have boosted their squad ahead of the upcoming A-League Women competition with the acquisition of two highly rated Chinese internationals.

Chinese stars Wang Ying and Yuan Cong arrive in western Sydney at a time when Asian football is firmly in the spotlight, with the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Australian soil next year and the growing influence of Asian nations on the global stage.

Yuan Cong, an emerging attacking talent, was most recently called into the Chinese National Team set-up for the 2025 Pinatar Cup, showcasing her progress as one of China’s brightest young forwards.

Wang Ying, a defender with international pedigree, has already made four senior

appearances for China since her debut and will add valuable experience to the Wanderers’ defensive unit.

Ying said the move represented an exciting new challenge.

“I am very happy to join Western Sydney Wanderers. This is a completely new challenge for me, and I will give my all in the league and do my best to defensively protect out goal,” she said.

“In this new season, I will work hard together with my teammates to achieve excellent results.”

Cong said she was eager to contribute to the club’s attack.

“As a forward, I hope to score more goals and contribute to the team in the new season. I look forward to fighting alongside all of you,” she said.

Wanderers coach Geoff Abrahams said the signings underline the Wanderers’ international ambitions.

“We’re delighted to welcome Wang Ying and Yuan Cong to Western Sydney. Both players bring international quality, professionalism and experience at the highest level,” he said.

“Their arrival also highlights the importance of Asia in the growth of women’s football, something we’ve seen reinforced by the upcoming Asian Cup, which will showcase the depth and strength of talent across the region.

“This is an exciting moment for our club and the league.”

The Wanderers haven’t played Finals football since 2019/20, and finished at the bottom of the ladder just last season.

The new signings will link up with the Wanderers in the coming weeks as the squad begins their pre-season preparations for the upcoming A-League Women season, which begins on October 31 against Perth Glory.

SPORTS SHORTS

Future Panthers have shot at glory

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers will take on the Melbourne Storm in this Sunday morning’s Jersey Flegg Grand Final at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers qualified for this weekend’s decider after beating the Cronulla Sharks 40-36 at Jubilee Stadium.

Penrith led by 24 points during the second half before the Sharks cut the deficit to 16 with 10 minutes to play. Cronulla began to show their teeth late, scoring another two tries to make it 40-36 in the Panthers’ favour with two minutes to play, setting up a grandstand finish for the ages. However, the Sharks couldn’t find the all-important winner in the dying stages and fell to the Panthers in a 76-point thriller. This Sunday’s game between the first-placed Storm and fourth-placed Panthers will kick-off at 11am at CommBank Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketek and cost just $5 for general admission. The game will also be streamed live exclusively on BarTV Sports.

NETBALL: The Penrith District Netball Association held their annual Grand Final Day last Saturday at Jamison Park Netball Complex. Teams of all ages battled it out for the title of 2025 Winter Champions in front of family and friends. Along with Penrith MP Karen McKeown and Penrith Mayor Todd Carney, the Westen Weekender was also on hand to present medals to the Premiers and Grand Finalists of the hugely competitive Mixed Senior competition. The Penrith District Netball Association will now turn its attention to the upcoming Twilight season, which will be held at Jamison Park over the summer.

CRICKET: The Penrith Cricket Club have lost the opening two games of the Men’s Kingsgrove Sports T20 competition. Last Saturday morning against Northern District at Howell Oval, the visitors won the toss and elected to bowl. Penrith struggled with the bat, scoring 7/94 after 20 overs. Chris de Kretser top scored with 31. When Northern District hit the crease, they chased Penrith’s total with ease – winning

with eight wickets and six overs in hand. Later that afternoon, Penrith took on Sutherland at Howell Oval. Penrith won the toss and elected to bat. Penrith once again struggled at the crease, scoring 7/97 after 20 overs. Skipper Ryan Gibson led with 28 runs. When Sutherland hit the crease, they also chased down Penrith’s total with ease – winning with four wickets and six overs in hand. Penrith will look to bounce back when they hit the road this weekend to play Campbelltown Camden at Raby Sports Complex.

FOOTBALL: Juan Mata’s time at the Western Sydney Wanderers is over, with the former English Premier League star joining Melbourne Victory for the upcoming A-League season. Mata joined the Wanderers in September 2024, bringing with him a wealth of international experience and leadership. Across his time in Red & Black, he made 23 appearances in the A-League competition. Beyond his contribution on the pitch, Mata has had a profound impact on the next generation of Wanderers players. Training alongside Academy talents and young professionals, he consistently shared his knowledge and standards, offering guidance that will leave a lasting influence on the club’s culture. Off the field, Mata also embraced the western

Sydney community. From local grassroots club visits to clinics supporting the Wanderers’ charitable and multicultural initiatives, his willingness to engage and inspire was evident from the outset. Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said Mata’s legacy in western Sydney will be remembered well beyond his playing time.

“Having a player of Juan’s calibre at our club was a privilege and an important milestone in our history,” he said. “He not only delivered on the field with his quality and professionalism but also gave so much to our community and playing squad. We thank Juan for his enormous contribution to the Wanderers and wish him all the best in the future.”

AFLW: The GWS Giants have celebrated winning back-to-back games in style, victorious in front of a record crowd of 7,171 at Henson Park. Their latest win came last Sunday afternoon against the Sydney Swans 49-42. Giants young gun Zarlie Goldsworthy was the star in attack with a superb all-round display before her side defended desperately to hold off the Swans. The Giants only won their first game for more than a year last week, while the Swans were pushing for a top four spot, but there was little to separate the cross-town rivals in a ferocious contest. The Giants will aim for three consecutive wins when they battle West Coast at Mineral Resources Park this Sunday afternoon in Perth.

TENNIS: Emirates, in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, has brought its ‘Force for Good’ program to Sydney. Funded by Emirates’ Force for Good program, The School’s Future Fit event delivered free, structured tennis and mental fitness activities for 500 primary school students from low socio-economic and multicultural communities in western Sydney on September 18 and 19. The School’s Future Fit event aimed to empower children by fostering physical skills, social connections, and enhancing their overall physical and mental well-being through engaging activities at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, Ken Rosewall Arena. The event included a special appearance by Australian Tennis legend and ATF Ambassador, Wally Masur. The program’s overall focus was on fun, social connection and building teamwork, further empowering children to promote their physical and mental well-being

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SHOWDOWN

EXTRA TIME - STARTS PAGE

Penrith’s quest for a fifth straight Premiership is alive and well after a 46-26 demolition of Canterbury. The Panthers now head to Suncorp Stadium to play Brisbane for a spot in next weekend’s Grand Final at Accor Stadium. 16 pages of NRL coverage inside!