Western News 3 April 2026

Marsden Park Temporary Library to extend service as demand surges

BLACKTOWN City Council is extending the hours of Marsden Park Temporary Library after an overwhelming community response to services in one of Sydney’s largest growth areas.

Thousands of people have used the library since it opened in 2024 and children’s activities have been hugely popular. Demand for Baby Rhyme Time, Story Time and school holiday activities continues to grow.

Staff have often been unable to close the library on time on Saturdays due to its popularity.

In response to community feedback, the library will open on an additional day each week and extend its hours on another.

From Friday 27 March, the library will open on Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm.

Hours will be extended on Saturdays to 9 am to 2 pm, while Wednesday hours will remain 10 am to 6 pm.

Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the success of the library and demand for more services showed the challenges for Council in serving a rapidly growing region.

“Marsden Park is in Sydney’s second largest growth area, and we want to ensure our residents have the same access to services as people in other parts of Sydney,” he said.

“Council is responding to requests for more services, but there are constraints on what we can provide,” he said.

Council is unable to fund a larger, permanent library due to 2012 legislation that restricts spending developer levy funds on community infrastructure.

While there have been requests for more children’s activities at the library, the Marsden Park Neighbourhood Centre hall is heavily booked by community groups.

Mayor Bunting called on the NSW Government to reform planning policy so that Council can provide growing communities such as Marsden Park with the services they deserve.

Council will continue to lobby the NSW Government for funding for a larger, full service library.

The library is at the corner of Northbourne and Elara Boulevard and offers easy access to 1,500 books and children’s services.

Visitors can enjoy picture books, junior and nonfiction, adult recreational reading, and community language titles in Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Hindi. An HSC collection is available for students.

Visitors can request and return materials from Council’s library network, which includes the

Australian Defence Force train in Blacktown

Inner Wheel Club of Blacktown City

 Welcomes new friends

 Empowers women

 Helps our community

ON Monday, 30th March, the Australian Army and Department of Defence conducted an exercise in Blacktown, involving UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and crew training on multi-storey buildings. The helicopters are featured over the Colo Lane Car Park.

 Promotes international understanding

Our Club events for 2026 include: March

• Guest speaker from Girl Guides

• Blacktown Show lunches for volunteers

• Trivia with Baulkham Hills Club

• Blacktown Library cabinet display

• Friendship morning tea at Lakes of Cherrybrook April

• Hawkesbury Race Day

• Sydney Cord Blood Bank Tour Randwick

• Cord Blood Research coffee and walk Norwest Lake May

• Bunnings Blacktown BBQ

• Mother’s Day Stall Seven Hills

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

AS we head into the holiday break, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a fabulous Easter.

I hope that it is a happy time spent with family and friends. Perhaps as well as a break from work we should ditch the telly remote and the phones and take a break from the news as well.

Easter is the only time of year where “allegedly” calories don’t count - so enjoy the Easter eggs - if you can afford the petrol to get to the supermarket that is! Speaking of fuel, I’m one of those unfortunate individuals who decided to buy a new car on diesel recently. And to add salt to the wound, I traded in a car on LPG for it. Go me!

The Prime Minister has announced this week that the government will be halving the fuel excise for three months. He states that it will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 cents per litre, and that this will reduce the cost of a 65L tank of fuel by nearly $19.

The sceptics are out in force across social media. There aren’t too many who think it is enough, many are calling for free public transport for the three month period and most are struggling to believe the savings will be passed on to motorists.

At the time of writing this, the garage down the road from me had diesel at $3.23 per litre. Let’s see if it is under $3 next time I write to you.

Hope the current situation both here and abroad doesn’t dampen your Easter break too much.

Happy Easter everyone!

Passing positivity across Mount Druitt

NETBALL NSW and Mount Druitt Police have been working together to design a joint branded netball for use in the Mount Druitt community. These netballs will be carried in General Duties police vehicles and used by officers to engage with kids between jobs. Some lucky people might even get to keep one.

On Wednesday, 26 March 2026, Mount Druitt PAC teamed up with Netball NSW and the Didjurigur Netball Club to launch the new netballs. Police and Netball NSW staff were put through their paces with training drills before jumping into

a game. Officers stayed afterwards to display their vehicles, hand out MVP awards, and give the kids some showbags.

Police say they had an absolute ball and can’t wait for the next training session.

“We’re excited to get these netballs into General Duties vehicles and out into the community. Keep an eye out for us and be ready to pass it around,” a Police spokesperson said.

“A huge thank you to Honda Australia a for getting us to and from these events, and to Netball NSW and the Didjurigur Netball Club for their support.”

Zig Zag Railway to run seven days a week

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE historic Zig Zag Railway in the NSW Blue Mountains is preparing to run seven days a week for the first time, dramatically expanding services as it targets international tourists ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.

From next month, the heritage railway will move from operating every second weekend to four

services a day, every day of the week. Visitor numbers are expected to grow to about 150,000 annually, which could significantly boost the western end of the Blue Mountains.

The region faces an immediate challenge in keeping visitor numbers up, as the Great Western Highway near Mount Victoria will be closed for months.

The changes are expected to make Zig Zag more viable in the long term, with annual revenue forecast to increase by over 600%.pr

Fuel excise halved for three months

BY KERRIE DAVIES

FOLLOWING a meeting of the National Cabinet convened by the Prime Minister, the Australian Government will halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months.

The halving of the fuel excise will reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 cents per litre.

“This will reduce the cost of a 65L tank of fuel by nearly $19.

“The spike in fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East is hurting Australians and causing financial stress. This will help to provide some relief,” Mr Albanese said.

The halving of the fuel excise will commence from April 1 and run to 30 June.

Further, the Albanese Government will reduce the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to zero for three months to help truckies continue their vital work for our nation. The Government will also defer the next scheduled increase

in the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge by six months.

“Australians are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible to help conserve fuel for the regions, and we welcome existing moves to cut the costs of public transport.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will continue to monitor fuel prices to help

ensure that the lower excise rate is fully passed on at the bowser.

“While Australia’s fuel supply outlook remains secure in the near term because of the actions the Albanese Government has taken, the longer this war goes the worse the impacts will be,” Mr Albanese said.

“We are acting now to prepare and shield Australians.

“Since the conflict commenced four weeks ago the Albanese Government has taken swift action on fuel. We have:

- Passed new laws to double penalties for petrol companies for price gouging

- Appointed a national Fuel Supply Taskforce Coordinator and Taskforce

- Released 20 per cent of Australia’s petrol and diesel fuel reserves, targeted at regional areas

- Changed fuel standards to get more fuel flowing

- Changed diesel standards so Australia’s refineries can supply more diesel

- Tasked the ACCC to ramp up fuel price monitoring and issue on-the-

spot fines.

- Engaged with international partners to keep supply flowing, including securing a supply agreement with Singapore.

- Introduced laws to make sure companies pay truckies fairly when fuel prices spike

- And introduced legislation to underwrite the purchase of fuel by the private sector.

National Leaders also agreed and released a National Fuel Security Plan.

The Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister Bowen continue to engage key international counterparts to help ensure the continued flow of fuel and diesel shipments to Australia from our trade partners.

“We will continue to keep Australians updated on these discussions and developments. The Australian Government will be announcing more measures to prepare the nation for supply chain challenges over coming days and weeks.”

Be The Witness - A Landmark Community Musical

ABOLD, faith-fueled community initiative is gaining momentum across Western Sydney, with ‘Be the Witness – The Musical’ close to finalising arrangements with the Parramatta Riverside Theatre for a theatre season from 10–16 September 2026 - 9 shows including two dedicated education performances for schools on 15 and 16 September.

Initiated by Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, with support from parishes in the Paramatta diocese and endorsed by the Bishop of Parramatta, Be The Witness is a large-scale musical production that brings together professional creative and volunteers from parishes and schools from across the Diocese in what is believed to be one of the most ambitious community-led arts initiatives undertaken in Western Sydney in decades.

Originally created by Jimmy and Carol Owens, The Witness tells the story of Jesus through the eyes of Peter — a powerful narrative of doubt, courage, forgiveness and faith. This Parramatta production reimagines the classic musical for today’s audiences, placing community participation, outreach and storytelling at its heart.

Renowned local theatre practitioner Jon-Claire Lee has been appointed Director, bringing extensive experience as a screen-play writer, director and actor. His appointment marks a significant creative milestone as the production moves into its next phase.

The project’s 60-member community chorus has commenced rehearsals, completing four inspiring sessions that reflect the depth of local talent and enthusiasm surrounding the production. Behind the scenes, the initiative is powered by over 100 volunteers – a core team of career professionals, supported by youth and families.

Casting calls are open in Sydney for principal lead roles, a professional choreographer, and a technical

engineer.

Volunteers are also being sought for Marketing and Social Media roles to help amplify awareness and ticket sales.

Looking ahead, the project will soon launch The Witness Experience — a series of outreach performances and parish-based activations across the Diocese of Parramatta, extending the mission well beyond the main stage production.

Next-Gen Tech takes the lead in new Natural Hazard Detection Pilot

THE NSW Government has launched a world-class field trial of seven early warning technologies as part of the $3.3 million Natural Hazards Detection System Program

The Program is designed to test innovative early-warning technologies and provides a platform for companies to prove to emergency management agencies that their solutions are effective and cost efficient.

These systems are now being piloted in the Shoalhaven and Clarence Valley Local Government Areas, marking a direct fulfilment of the NSW Government’s pledge to support existing systems with sophisticated, real-time sensors that detect natural hazards earlier.

The seven chosen technologies are:

• Vortex Micro Station (Aquamonix): A reliable, lowmaintenance monitoring system that provides real-time data on water height, velocity, and temperature, including day and night imagery for flash flood tracking.

• FloodCAM (Aquamonix): Advanced visual AI software that monitors water levels against safety thresholds and can automatically

trigger local warning speakers, lights, or digital signs.

• Citizen Intelligence Workflow (Kablamo): Enhancements to the Hazards Near Me app allowing users to securely submit hazard photos, which are then converted into validated, actionable intelligence for emergency agencies.

• Spectra Water Level Sensors (Kallipr): Robust, vandal-resistant radar sensors designed for regional areas, using redundant communication methods and long-life batteries to ensure data flows even in remote locations.

• Virtual River Gauge Project (NGIS): An AI-powered pilot program combining satellite data, rainfall, and cameras to deliver near real-time river heights and flood volume predictions.

• FloodMate (Silicon Vandals): A rapid-deployment sensor network for flood-prone road crossings, providing real-time “water-over-road” data to support safer road closure decisions.

• Samara (Silicon Vandals): Lowcost sensors that can be deployed by hand or air to provide early bushfire detection and live data on fuel moisture, temperature, and humidity

in hard-to-access areas.

The program responds to the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and the 2022 Flood Inquiry which recommended the use of new technologies to improve flood and fire detection.

The program is being led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer.

For more information on the technologies and program go to: www. chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/nhds-pilotgrants

Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin said:

“We promised the people of NSW a world-leading warning system, and today we are delivering. As climate change makes disasters more frequent, we aren’t just rebuilding – we are outsmarting the next emergency.

“These aren’t just gadgets, they are lifelines. By leveraging AI and satellite-linked sensors, we are giving our first responders and our families the most precious commodity in a disaster: time.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“It’s fantastic to see technology, many of which are built here in NSW and across Australia, being put to work to protect our communities.

“This Program shows how supporting technology pilots can actively drive innovation, helping local companies develop world-class solutions for NSW and support our broader vision for innovationled procurement as outlined in our Innovation Blueprint.

“These systems aren’t just impressive pieces of engineering; they’re about saving lives. By giving families and first responders precious extra minutes to act, they will make a real difference when danger strikes. As disasters become more frequent, we’re backing NSW innovation to keep people safe.”

Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“The NHDS program supports the development and testing of exciting new technologies to make NSW safer from fires and floods.

“Equally importantly, by bringing together innovative small businesses and NSW Government emergency agencies, the NHDS drives .”

It’s all happening at Diesel Dirt & Turf!

CELEBRATING its tenth anniversary, the Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo is on again at the Sydney Dragway, Eastern Creek from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April 2026.

Whether you are a construction contractor, operate a business in earthmoving or landscaping and public space management, or just love being around big machinery, this huge annual event cannot be missed.

It’s Australia’s largest construction equipment and tools industry event, attracting thousands of visitors from Australia and overseas and featuring more than 200 exhibitors.

For all the family

On each day of the Expo, you can enjoy a coffee, cold beverages, food trucks and lots of family-friendly activities. The Sydney Antique Machinery Club will be staging a tractor pull and visitors can try their luck on the mechanical bull.

There is easy access and plenty of free paved car parking.

Put it on your calendar

Diesel Dirt & Turf is open for all.

Early Bird online tickets are $12.49 up to 6.00pm on Thursday 16th of April, with standard entry $18.21 per adult. Entry is free for children under 16 years.

Doors open on Friday 17th April at 9:30am and close at till 3:00pm. (Gate for entry will close at 2pm).

On Saturday 18th April it opens at 9:30am until 5:00 pm (Gate for entry will close at 4pm) and on Sunday 19th April opening is at 10:00am until 3:00pm (Gate for entry will close at 2pm).

Tickets may be purchased on the Expo website or at www.

eventbrite.com.au/e/nationaldiesel-dirt-and-turf-expo-2026sydney-dragway-eastern-creektickets-1387147929799.

Komatsu Australia is again the Gold Sponsor of the Expo, supported by Pickles, Machines4U, Gensure, Soda Capital, Penrite and Louise Azzopardi Coaching.

One-stop shop for evaluating gear, services and technology

The Expo also gives you the chance to “touch and feel” what you’re

CROSSWORD

buying — much better than viewing online. Also, there is the chance to secure better pricing, or discover “hidden” benefits of a machine or attachment that aren’t obvious from specifications.

There are attachments, trucks, trailers, earthworks tools, service and finance providers and much more.

You’ll also see ground-engaging tools, accessories, parts, tyres, hydraulics, maintenance services, finance providers and training

ACROSS

1 An equestrian sport (8) 5 Sea predators (6)

Lately (8)

Reproduces with a press (6)

Relish or mustard, for example (9)

Shoot from a concealed position (5)

Avid (4)

Flinches (7)

Wary (7)

Trots (4)

Bovine mammary gland (5)

Doubters of religion (9)

Shoots arrows (6)

Highest in degree (8)

Most aged (6)

Legally take in as one’s own (8)

In a straight line (6)

California live oak (6)

The mountain of the Ten Commandments (5)

and employment organisations — the “whole ecosystem” of the earthmoving industry.

Live demonstrations

Qualified industry visitors can test-drive the latest big machines gear, while the Pickles live auction offers unbeatable bargains on top-tier machinery. The auction crowds get in early for the Pickles auction at 1.00 pm on Friday 17th April.

For more information: www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au

4 A square-rigged sailing ship (7)

6 Badgering (9)

7 Standings (8)

8 Apprehensiveness (8)

11 Relating to the ear (4)

15 So-called hatchet men (9)

17 Tailless (8)

18 Manufactured (8)

20 Teller of untruths (4)

21 Jingled (7)

22 A Hindu festival (6)

23 To the rear (6)

26 Supply sparingly (5)

Our District’s History

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

PENRITH Selective High School was first opened in the 1930s as an intermediate school on the land next to its current location (now Penrith Public School). The school’s location at that time was occupied by a mansion known as The Towers. During the 1940s, the mansion and the land was sold to the Department of Education who demolished the mansion and built Penrith High School, officially established in 1950. Two of the original foundations of the mansion have said to be preserved and remain in the school grounds. A former student of the school was Grigor Weston Taylor, born in Penrith in 1943. After finishing school, he became an English teacher at Penrith and then at Marist Brothers at Westmead, later becoming an actor in the early 70’s when he starred in 99 episodes of Matlock Police as Senior Detective Alan Curtis. He portrayed Steve Hamilton an English high school teacher in Silent Number and Greg Walker in Glenview High. He took many other parts in Australian television series such as A Country Practice, Homicide, Special Squad, City West, The Flying Doctors, Butterfly Island, Dearest Enemy and Mission Impossible (1988) and feature films including High Rolling (1977), Mad Max 2 (1981), and Afraid to Dance (1989). In 1952, Penrith High School established the 323 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force with 30 cadets. After Penrith High the Squadron moved in close proximity to locations with historic relevance to the RAAF. Later in 1971 the unit moved to the former RAAF property at 121 Dunheved Circuit in St Marys that was a former casualty station attached to the munitions factory and referred to as “the morgue”. The Squadron remained there until early 2001 when the unit moved to a temporary facility at the Defence Establishment at Orchard Hills. Finally in late 2001 the unit moved to its location at the RAAF Base at Glenbrook and is part of the City of the Blue Mountains. Today the Dunheved area north of St Marys is an industrial and commercial estate with expanding suburbs and over a century of growth, and an ever-changing appearance. But before this it was timbered and later cut down and made into grazing land for sheep and other animals. In 1941 the area was taken by the Government to build the large Munitions factory with close access to the railway, the Great Western Highway and water and was seen as being a desirable location that gave it some security from attack. The large and sprawling munitions factory was built as a part of a state-wide network of factories spanning as far as Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Broken Hill. In 1943 additional infrastructure was built to produce phosphorus bombs for the RAAF and a mostly female work force worked a 6-day week.

(Penrith Research Library has a glass enclosure with a replica of the women’s uniform worn at that time, sewn by the Encore Historical Sewing Group at St Marys). After the war as the operations at Dunheved started to wind down, some of the buildings were used, a migrant hostel was established and the factory space leased to private owners. Some of the original buildings of the factory still stand to this day. In the 1950’s with the outbreak of the Korean war, and the beginning of the Cold War the former Munitions works in Dunheved were not reused due to the influx of private enterprise, and new premises were established along with a large testing area that reached west to the Northern Road. In Glenbrook

the area surrounding the current RAAF Base also has a long history of being owned by a politician and shipping magnate. In 1930 the art deco designed “Lapstone Hill Hotel” was established and offered great views of the Sydney basin area overlooking Penrith and St Marys. With the outbreak of World War Two the hotel was offered to the Government in 1950 and the Eastern Area Command, originally in the Sydney suburb of Edgecliff, moved to Glenbrook due to the generous radio coverage of the Sydney basin and the hotel was originally used for Air Command until 1980 when various alterations were added with the Airmen’s, Sergeant’s quarters and the headquarters of the Air Command building, close to the front gate. With further works in 1994 the hotel, keeping the art deco style, was converted into the officer’s mess. Following a decision to relocate the Squadron, a former workshop of RAAF Base Glenbrook opposite the front gate was refurbished to accommodate the cadets. With air conditioning, classrooms and stores created to service the needs of about 75 cadets and staff. The headquarters of Air Command remains a vital part of the Royal Australian Air Force and with the Final Parade held at the base since 2002 it allowed for Polair to land at the helicopter landing pad for a Careers Day event and in 2016 the Freedom of the City challenge was conducted outside the front of the officer’s mess where the Squadron was officially granted Freedom of the City of Blue Mountains by Mayor Councillor Mark Greenhill OAM, citing various community service work and the commendation for their efforts during the 2013 Winmalee bush fires. The Glenbrook Tunnel - The original tunnel was built in 1891 and originally built to compliment the Lapstone Zig Zag railway that existed east of the unit’s position. Following the construction of the tunnel, difficulties were encountered. The loss of labourer Thomas Lawless was killed in January 1892 during a blasting operation when a gang of four men were working at their usual places and had finished drilling the hole, when Thomas whose duty it was to arrange the charge began ramming it with a tamping bar into the cavity when an explosion occurred and the four men in the immediate vicinity were thrown with great force to the ground. The inquest found that more drills should have been supplied and the jury found that after some deliberation returned the verdict that the death of Thomas was caused by using tools in bad condition and too small, and in forcing the powder in the hole it caused the powder to explode but they could not find any blame. Thomas’ coffin, decorated with flowers was held on the shoulders of his gang members to Penrith railway station with a large body of his fellow workmen following in procession. His body went by train to the Necropolis at Rookwood. In 1939 the tunnel was resumed for Defence during the outbreak of World War 2. In 1942 after finding out that the Japanese used Chemical Weapons, a highly secretive weapons store was established in the tunnel. In 1946 following the end of the war the weapons were disposed of in various ways but the secretive work carried out at the Tunnel, was classified long after.

Sources: NSW of Environment and Heritage – Wianamatta Conservation Plan, Lost Sydney – St Marys Munitions Factory website, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage – Glenbrook Tunnel & Mustard Gas, Wikipedia.

IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…

ALEX SONCINI

TThe Rate Rise Is Here — Now What?

HE RBA has confirmed it — a 0.25% rate rise, effective immediately. For many households, this isn’t a surprise. It’s just the latest weight added to a load that’s been building for months. And when you add a rate rise on top of a cost of living squeeze, a fuel crisis that has pushed petrol past 260 cents a litre nationally and diesel toward $3, and a grocery bill that keeps climbing — the pressure on household budgets right now is real and it is significant.

What Does 0.25% Actually Mean for You?

Let’s put some numbers to it. On a $500,000 mortgage, a 0.25% rise adds roughly $75 to $80 a month to your repayments. On a $750,000 loan, that’s around $115 to $120. On a $1,000,000 loan, closer to $155 a month. That might sound manageable in isolation — but this isn’t in isolation. This is on top of every other cost that has risen over the past two years. The buffer many households built up during the low-rate years has quietly eroded. For a lot of people, there is no buffer left.

Fuel, Food and the Everyday Squeeze

The fuel situation deserves its own conversation. Global supply disruptions have sent petrol prices surging over 77 cents per litre in the past month alone, with the national average for unleaded now sitting above 260 cents per litre and diesel pushing past 300 cents in most capital cities. That doesn’t just hurt at the bowser — it flows through into the price of everything that gets transported, which is almost everything. Groceries, building materials, trade services — fuel costs are embedded in all of

it. The RBA is raising rates to get inflation under control, determined not to let it get away the way it did last time. But with fuel prices adding fresh pressure to the CPI, it’s a difficult task, and ordinary Australians are caught in the middle.

Why Property Still Makes Sense

Here’s something worth sitting with: despite all of this, property remains one of the most reliable long-term wealth-building strategies available to Australians. Rents are rising sharply as strong population growth outpaces housing supply. For renters, the calculus is shifting — in many cases, a mortgage repayment is now comparable to, or even less than, what you’re paying in rent, with the critical difference that one builds equity and one doesn’t.

For existing homeowners, rising property values mean equity you may not have fully accounted for. That equity, managed well, can be a powerful tool

— whether you’re looking to invest, consolidate debt, or simply get onto a better loan product. For first home buyers watching from the sidelines, the question isn’t whether property will hold its value over time — history is clear on that. The question is whether the structure of your entry into the market is right for the current environment.

The worst position to be in right now is on your lender’s default variable rate without having reviewed your loan in the past twelve months. The mortgage market remains competitive — lenders want quality borrowers, and there are better deals available than most people realise. A review costs you nothing but could save you significantly more than the rate rise is costing you.

At Wealthwiz, we believe the smartest move in a noisy, fast-moving environment is a human connection — someone who knows your situation, understands the market, and can cut through the noise to find what actually works for you. Technology is a tool. Advice is personal. Call Alex today — MFAA accredited finance broker — on 0419 600 177.

Disclaimer: The data, information and commentary provided in this publication is of a general nature. Opinions expressed are those of the author and should not be construed as specific financial or tax advice. The information is believed to be reliable at time of distribution, but Wealthwiz does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Please seek appropriate professional advice for your individual circumstances.

Talay appointed Wanderers head coach for 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons

WESTERN Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed the appointment of Ufuk Talay as the Head Coach of the Wanderers Isuzu UTE A-League team for the 202627 and 2027-28 seasons.

Talay will join the club’s football environment this week, beginning preparations at Wanderers Football Park for the 2026/27 season, while current Head Coach Gary van Egmond will continue to lead the team through the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Western Sydney Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer reflected on the appointment.

“We’ve taken a considered approach to this decision with a clear focus on what’s needed for the future of the club. Our commitment is ensuring we provide the best possible environment for our players and establish the foundations for long-term success,” said Chairman of the Western Sydney Wanderers Paul Lederer.

“Ufuk is from Western Sydney and understands the passion for football in this region. Our priority remains on elevating our players’ performance and giving them the best chance to succeed, while creating a season our members, partners and supporters can be proud of.”

Ahead of the 2026/27 season, Head Coach Ufuk Talay outlined his priorities on and off the pitch.

“Western Sydney is a place built on resilience, hard work and diversity, and that absolutely shapes how I see the game. I want the team to reflect that identity: hunger, aggression in the right moments and never taking a backwards step,” said Talay.

“Members and fans can expect to see a side that plays with intensity, presses with purpose and shows courage on the ball. It’s about representing the community with pride and making sure when people watch us, they see themselves in the way the team competes.

“As we begin preparations, clarity in how we

play will be key, along with building consistency across the group. It’s not enough to perform well in patches – we need to raise our minimum standards. That comes from improving decision-making, fitness levels and tactical awareness. Both ends of the pitch matter: being more clinical going forward and more organised defensively. Small details win games, so we’ll be focusing on refining them in training.

“The Academy is also hugely important to me. A strong identity is built on developing its own players. Young players bring energy, hunger and real connection to the badge. But it’s not just about giving them opportunities, it’s about preparing them properly so they can succeed when they step into the first team. If they show the right attitude and quality, they will get their chance.”

The club looks forward to sharing updates as preparations progress and plans take shape for the 2026/27 season.

Clubs confirmed for The Master Pennant

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2026 Master Pennant competition begins in May, with 11 local clubs entering teams this year.

Division One: Section TwoPenrith, Section Three - Dunheved, Section Four - Stonecutters Ridge. Division Two: Section OneLynwood, Section Two - Richmond, Section Three - Springwood; Section Four - Twin Creeks. Division Three: Section One - Leonay, Section Three - Glenmore Heritage Valley, Section Four - Fox Hills. Division Four: Section Three – Wallacia.

Richmond won Division Three in 2025 and has been promoted to Division Two this year.

The 2026 Women’s Grade Pennant was also recently completed, with Penrith finishing well down the ladder in Division 4. RESULTS: Woolooware won 4-1 against Penrith, Moore Park won 3-2, Mona Vale drew 2.5-2.5, Cumberland won 3-2, and Penrith defeated Elanora 3.5-1.5 in the last game of the season.

TWENTY local junior golfers competed in the 2026 JNJG Peter O’Malley Junior Masters, held at Bathurst GC over 28-29 March.

Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge) was the best performed overall,

finishing in 4th place outright in the Girls division and 3rd in 16 Years and Over Girls.

Penrith’s Jessica Fog (The Lakes GC) was the next best in the Girls division, finishing 14th.

Sean Sammons (Stonecutters Ridge) was the best of the western Sydney Boys, finishing tied 12th outright and tied 10th in 16 Years & Over Boys.

Hunter McMillan (Penrith) finished tied 7th in 13 Years & Under Boys.

Farnsworth Dominant at SMPSP

BY NOEL ROWSELL

JAKE Farnsworth (Glenhaven) dominated the Kawasaki Supersport / Next Gen category at Sydney Motorsport Park over the 27-28 March, in the second round of the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Pirelli (ASBK).

Jake grabbed Pole position in Qualifying and then claimed victory in the first race in a runaway victory, finishing over five seconds ahead of Hayden Nelson and Ollie Pope.

Life got a little tougher in Race Two, with Next GEN rider Tom Edwards glued to Jake’s tail light for the majority of the race and finishing just 0.6 seconds in arrears.

This was the first time Jake had

won two races on the one night in the ASBK and he has moved to the lead in the Series, two points ahead of Valentino Knezovic.

The Superbike category was the main attraction on the night and JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) thrilled the local fans with a fabulous third spot in Race One, only to crash out during Race Two to seriously hamper his standings in the Series. Jack Favelle (Cattai) finished 7th in Race One and 10th in Race Two.

Zach Russo (Sackville North) had a mixed night on the track, finishing with a 10th, 7th and a DNF in the Yamaha bLU cRU R3 Cup, along

with an 11th and a DNF in the Road & Race Supersport 300 category.

Elijah Andrew (Marayong) finished 17th and 16th in the Supersport 300 and 16th, 11th and 9th in the R3 Cup.

Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) finished 18th, 16th and 16th in the Supersport 300 and 17th and 17th in the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU Asia Pacific Championship, whilst Xavier Curmi (Wallacia) had a wildcard entry to the Asia Pacific event and finished 7th in each of the two races.

William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) finished 11th and 12th in the Supersport 300 and 9th, 12th and 4th in the R3 Cup.

Town & Country win thrilling final at Windsor

KIM McDougall reports “We had another fantastic weekend of club polo at Windsor Polo Club, with 15 teams competing across

three grades. The 4 Goal final was an absolute ripper, going into an extra chukka.

RESULTS: 4 Goal - Town & Country ( Nick Wills, Jeremy Bayard, Monty Campbell, Thomas Martin) defeated Phoenix Polo 7 - 6. 0 GoalIlala Stud/Kurri Burri (George Fraser,

Harison Marshall, Sam Smallman, Monty Campbell) defeated TravMedia 10 - 4. Subzero - Venture Futures ( Gabrielle Kloe, Mark Welch, Teneille Murray, Julio Polarolo) defeated F-H Polo 6 – 2.5.

The Women’s tournament ran midweek on 1-2 April, with the Australia

vs France Women’s International to be played at Windsor Polo Club on Easter Sunday, 5th April. More details will be forthcoming on the Windsor Polo Club website and Facebook page, along with the Polo Matchmaker and Polo NSW Facebook pages.