Western Weekender July 2 2026

weekender the western

PANTHER PRIDE

comes alive in Penrith colours,” Hawthorn said.

With the State of Origin series nearing its conclusion, attention is turning to the race towards the NRL Finals – and the Penrith CBD Corporation and The Western Weekender is calling on local businesses and the community to get behind the Panthers in a big way.

Despite Penrith playing home games at CommBank Stadium this season, the goal is to ensure Penrith itself remains the heart of Panther Pride as the team pushes towards another Finals campaign.

Penrith CBD Corporation CEO Gai Hawthorn said now was the perfect time for businesses to start showing their support.

“We all know what happens when the Panthers make a Grand Final – the city

“But often it becomes a rush at the last minute, so this year we want to start early and build excitement right through the second half of the season.

“We’re encouraging businesses to decorate shopfronts, offices and workplaces now, wear Panthers colours, get staff involved and really show their Panther Pride.”

Businesses are also encouraged to send in photos of their displays, decorated teams and workplace celebrations, with images to be shared across social media and promotional platforms – helping businesses gain extra exposure while supporting the Panthers.

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs as well.

The business judged to have the best

Panthers display or overall Panther Pride will win two Grand Final tickets courtesy of the Weekender, while fortnightly winners will receive vouchers from the Penrith CBD Corporation.

Weekender Managing Editor Troy Dodds said the initiative was a great opportunity to unite the city behind the four-time premiers.

“Penrith has built an incredible reputation for getting behind the Panthers and creating a real sense of community spirit,” Dodds said.

“That’s why we’re proud to support this initiative with the Penrith CBD Corporation. Let’s fill the streets with Panthers colours and get behind the team as they chase another Premiership.”

Hawthorn said the campaign was also about encouraging people to support local businesses during tough economic times.

“Local businesses are doing it tough, so this is a fun and positive way to bring people into stores, promote businesses and create energy across the city,” she said.

“It’s about community pride, supporting local and backing our Panthers together.”

Penrith’s quest for a seventh NRL Premiership remains firmly on track, with Ivan Cleary’s side again among the competition favourites heading into the Finals run.

“Now Origin is almost behind us, the focus shifts back to the Panthers and what promises to be another exciting run towards September,” Hawthorn said.

Businesses wanting to take part are encouraged to email gai@penrithcbdcorp.com.au or news@westernweekender.com.au to register and go into the running for prizes.

Rates rise endorsed but not everyone is

Penrith’s rates will rise by 3.7 per cent and Council will review its distribution of rating categories and the current business rating structure.

At Monday night’s Ordinary Meeting of Council, in a rare move, Mayor Todd Carney left his Mayoral chair to personally move a rate rise for Penrith of 3.7 per cent.

Carney also requested – and successfully moved – a review of Council’s distribution rating categories including business, residential, and farm to seek a more equitable allocation of the ratings burden as well as a review of the current business rating structure, including potential subcategories, to ensure a fairer and more equitable allocation of the rating burden and to better reflect the diverse range of businesses across the city.

“You look at our ratings category at the moment around 70 per cent of our rates come from residential, 27 per cent comes from our business side and around three per

cent comes from farm,” Carney explained.

“We have seen, especially over the last 10 years, a change in equity when it comes to that. My understanding is that there is a number of businesses who now pay excessively

less rates than what they did 10 years ago.

“To make sure we are fair and equitable to everyone we need to have a look at those, and we need to review those.

“We need to do that on an ongoing basis to make sure we’re fair across the board, to make sure when rates do go up, they impact people evenly and they are not just falling on one category.”

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) announced in September 2025 a rate peg for Penrith City Council for 2026-27 of 3.7 per cent, this was formally endorsed at Monday’s meeting.

“Current estimates for Council not applying the annual rate peg would be a cumulative income loss over 10 years of around $70 million,” the Council report said.

“That is considerable when it comes to the costs associated with Council’s ageing assets and expected growth of new assets over the next 10 years. Depreciation alone on Council’s assets last finan-

cial year was $71.4 million.”

For 2026-27, 94 per cent of all rateable properties will be increasing by no more than $100.

Council currently has 81,053 rateable properties contributing approximately 44 per cent of Coun-

cil’s total revenue.

Mayor Carney acknowledged that Council will be operating in a deficit in the next year but said not increasing rates will deepen the burden.

“We know currently that we are at a $2.1 million deficit for the next financial year,” Carney said.

“If we don’t continue down the path of taking this rate peg that will blow out to about $8.5 million. That’s a considerable blowout and that is something that I don’t want to see.”

Libertarian Councillor Vanessa Pollak voted and spoke against the rate rise, saying Council need to look internally at things like the Real Festival, childcare services and arts programs to have their funding models reviewed.

“The budget still forecasts a deficit of $2.1 million even with the proposed rate rise,” she said.

“This is an important point, the rate rise does not eliminate the deficit, it does not deliver a balanced budget, it asks our residents to contribute more while Council continues to operate in deficit.”

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Troy Dodds

Intelligence or just intrusion?

Remember when Facebook first burst into our social conscience in the mid 2000s?

It changed everything about how we communicate and what we share.

We posted the most mundane status updates you could imagine.

We ‘checked in’ everywhere from the local pub to Coles doing the weekly groceries.

Uploaded hundreds of photos of our trip up the coast, not just a couple of curated shots.

It really was warts and all.

But in less than a generation, our views and perception of social media changed.

We started posting less.

We adjusted our privacy settings.

In fact we walked so far back on how we used to use Facebook that it has become almost irrelevant, apart from updating us on why there’s a helicopter doing the rounds above.

I think a lot about Facebook and social media as I watch AI become the thing on everyone’s lips.

Businesses and products have become obsessed with AI.

So much so that we’ve reached peak 2008 Facebook “Troy is watching TV” style status updates in comparison.

Last week I bought a new vacuum.

Not surprisingly its main job will be to clean the carpets. Simple enough.

But this vacuum apparently has AI technology and cleans “invisible” stains.

I pondered how they can prove the invisible stain is actually gone, but I’ve just made my peace with it.

This AI robot vacuum has been stuck under the bed three times, couldn’t find its docking station twice and has eaten three phone charger cords.

But hey, it’s AI. Cool, right?

Not for a second though do I think the vacuum wins even a podium finish in the AI absurdity Olympics.

There’s AI-enhanced water, would you believe.

An AI washing machine, which to be honest is likely using the same automated technology it has been for the last decade or so but it sounds so much cooler to say AI.

The folks over at Oral-B have developed the AI toothbrush. That’s right, you can get “a professional clean and healthier gums with artificial intelligence”.

Excuse my crudeness here but when did we become so horny for AI?

Or is this actually just another example of companies with blind confidence thinking that they are connecting in with the public’s wants and desires?

Because the thing is, nobody I speak to actually cares about any of this stuff.

If anything, they want to walk away from AI, not towards it.

Of course there are benefits to AI, and in many ways it will make our lives easier.

I was probably a late adopter because so many people were using it simply to refine emails and as a writer, I figured I had that pretty down pat.

“Excuse my crudeness here but when did we become so horny for AI?”

Now I use it for a whole range of things that improve my efficiency and productivity, so I’m not an AI hater.

But the companies that are going “all in” on AI, whether that be adding the term to their products or dumping staff literally by the thousands, need to be really careful.

Because it’s pretty clear that AI is on the verge of having its Facebook moment.

There is already mass frustration about AI-generated content, primarily from fake and scam news websites but even from legitimate media outlets who have started leaning into AI.

In fact, there’s research at the moment that has people turning back to more traditional

news sources such as newspapers, radio and television because they believe that there’s a far greater trust factor in those sources.

Automation has always hindered and helped society at the same time and AI is no different.

We all know how frustrating it is to ring your bank and go through the automated phone maze, until you finally speak to a real person – after waiting an hour because of “unusually high wait times” that appear so unexpected not even AI could predict it.

But we also have to accept that Internet banking is far better than filling in the old bank book and waiting three days for a cheque to clear.

Highs and lows, right?

But I’m becoming more and more convinced that companies leaning in to AI so heavily are making a rod for their own back.

I’m already seeing the cringe when AI is mentioned in so many settings.

People are starting to separate the legitimate AI tools that make life easier and the gimmicks that will ultimately destroy brands and reputations.

I’m in the market to update the TV in my home office at the moment and it feels like every TV on the market is boasting about its AI features.

One can even help me locate my pet if it goes missing in the house.

It made me long for 3D TVs. Remember when they were the future?

Laptops and software are probably where we are seeing the most AI intrusion.

And I say intrusion because as someone who even thought that Microsoft Office paper clip was annoying, I certainly don’t need AI prompts and requests in my face every five minutes.

If AI was so smart, it should be able to predict I don’t want it.

AI is here. It’s not going away, and in many ways that’s a good thing.

But the desperation to include AI in everything from your microwave to tennis ball (yep, there’s an AI tennis ball) is about to leave a lot of egg on a lot of faces.

The obsession with giving us something we don’t want or need is very real.

HIGH STREET SHOVE

Intense local and national outrage has been triggered by an unsavoury interaction between police and a homeless man on High Street last week.

On Tuesday, June 23 at 4pm, bystanders captured a video – which has blown up across social media – of two police officers speaking with a homeless man, before the man was shoved by the male police officer.

NSW Police confirmed the interaction and said the man was acting aggressively in public.

“The officers – who are attached to Police Transport Command North West – were on High Street for an unrelated matter when, about 4pm, they saw a man allegedly behaving aggressively towards members of the public before a business owner asked the man to leave,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.

“The 47-year-old man was issued a move-on direction, which police allege he initially failed to comply with.

“Following a further interaction with police, the man complied with the move-on direction, and no further police action was taken.”

State Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown, said she was concerned by the incident and had written to the Police Minister for clarity over the circumstances of the scene.

“I believe it is important that the community has confidence in our police and that inter-

actions of this nature are handled appropriately,” she said.

“I have spoken to the Minister’s office and been assured that Police are treating this matter very seriously. They are reviewing all footage, including the circumstances leading up to what was captured on the video that

School Holiday Performance Programs

“I’ve had enough of our police being portrayed in the court of social media where all the facts aren’t known and I will call out publicly any politician who then uses it to grandstand as we lead into a state election in March next year,” Police Association of NSW President Kevin Morton said.

“If any politician wants the true facts, I would be happy to take their call.

“What’s not seen in the social media clip is the young homeless family that were terrified and thanked the officers. These fine officers then from their own money bought the family a meal. This is true community policing, not to mention if they had done their due diligence, they would have found out the background of this person and his current status with the courts.”

McIntosh had posted to her social media earlier this week saying she had requested that the matter be reviewed before hitting back at Morton’s claims.

was posted on social media. This review also involves a Professional Standards Manager assessing the video.”

The Police Association of NSW released a statement saying the video did not show the whole story and accused Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh of political “grandstanding”.

“The Police Association of NSW (the police trade union) has decided to have a go at me publicly via a media release for standing up for my community and voicing the concerns of many thousands of people,” she said.

“I will always be a strong voice for the people of Lindsay.

“It is very disappointing that the President of the union, Kevin Morton has accused me of grandstanding to enhance my political profile.”

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS

Swingwood Jazz Festival Saturday 4 July, 3pm

Blue Mountains Musical Society presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Thursday 16 - Sunday 19 July

The Australian Bee Gees Show Thursday 30 July, 8pm

Marty Sheargold Saturday 1 August, 7:30pm

O Broadway Monday 3 August, 7:30pm

Choirboys Saturday 8 August, 8pm

Dave Hughes Sunday 9 August, 4:30pm

Morning Melodies - Duets - The Show Wed 12 August, 10am

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Man bail refused after two bank attacks

A man has been charged after two seemingly random ATM attacks.

At 6.20pm on Sunday, June 14, a 31-year-old St Marys man assaulted a person at an ATM on Queen Street in St Marys causing facial injuries. The 31-year-old was not arrested and fled from the scene.

At 8.30am on Tuesday, June 23, the same 31-year-old man approached another person from behind while he was withdrawing cash from the same ATM on Queen Street. The man kicked the victim on the leg causing him to fall to the ground. The 31-year-old then stole the victim’s wallet and the cash from the ATM before fleeing from the scene on foot.

The 31-year-old was found shortly later at St Marys Train Station where he was arrested and identified as the offender for the two incidents.

The 31-year-old was charged with ‘aggravated robbery’, ‘inflict actual bodily harm’, and ‘common assault’. The man was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, August 21.

Penrith: Woman caught with stun gun in chemist

A woman on a stealing spree inside a chemist was later found to be also carrying a stun gun.

At 2.20pm on Saturday, June 27, a 28-yearold Erskine Park woman entered a chemist inside a major Penrith shopping centre.

The 28-year-old stole multiple items before she was stopped by security who contacted police.

When searching the 28-year-old, a driver’s licence, Mastercard, and other items believed to be stolen were found. She was also in possession of prohibited drugs and a device believed to be an electronic stun device in the shape of a torch.

The 28-year-old was charged with four offences and was conditionally bailed to appear in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, July 15.

St Marys: Man flees arrest into neighbour’s unit, later bail refused

Police attend an address to execute a search warrant but the man fled via the roof.

At 7.55am on Saturday, June 27, police attended an address in St Marys in the attempt to arrest a 44-year-old St Marys man for an outstanding warrant. The 44-year-old was heard inside the premises, and it was later ascertained that he had crawled into the ceiling cavity and onto the premise’s roof.

The 44-year-old walked across the roof and used force to enter the neighbouring unit, causing its ceiling to collapse onto the floor and the resident to flee.

The 44-year-old then entered the neighbouring unit and hid behind a wall where he was found and arrested.

The 44-year-old was charged with ‘malicious damage’, his outstanding warrant, and five recent outstanding shoplifting offences throughout western Sydney. The 44-year-old was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, July 13.

Penrith: Woman found driving with fake plates

A women who was disqualified from driving caught riding around in car with fake plates.

At 2.30pm on Monday, June 22, police detected a car travelling along Coreen Avenue in Penrith. A check of the car’s Victorian registration plates revealed that they were fake leading police to stop the car.

The driver of the car, a 46-year-old Bligh Park woman, provided police with her details and checks revealed that she was disqualified from driving until 2028.

Further inspections revealed the car’s number plates were made from Perspex and were obviously fake. The plates were later revealed to be cloned and actually belonged to a car in Victoria.

The 46-year-old woman was subject to a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The woman was charged with four offences and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Friday, July 31.

Kingswood: Police appeal to locate man missing from Kingswood

Police are seeking public help to locate a man last seen in Kingswood.

31-year-old Douglas Park was last seen leaving a medical facility in Kingswood at 1.50pm on Friday, June 26.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were notified on Saturday, June 27 and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Douglas is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm, large build and bald. He was last seen wearing a black beanie, black hooded jumper, and black track pants. Douglas is known to frequent the Kingswood and North Ryde areas.

Anyone with information about is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

GOVERNMENT CHANGES SMSF RULES TO APPEASE MINOR PARTY

The Government has announced changes aimed at limiting the use of self-managed superannuation funds to buy residential property using borrowed money.

The changes are part of broader housing affordability reforms and are intended to reduce the ability of super funds to compete with ordinary home buyers in the residential property market.

The changes appear to be more symbolic than meaningful however, with SMSF purchases accounting for only about one per cent of residential property ownership, reportedly.

An SMSF, or self-managed superannuation fund, is a private super fund that a person manages themselves. In most cases, the members or a related party to them are also the trustees, meaning they are responsible for making investment decisions and ensuring the fund complies with superannuation and tax laws. An SMSF can invest in a wide range of assets, including shares, cash, managed funds and property.

This differs from a traditional industry fund or retail super fund, where investment decisions are generally made by professional fund managers. Members of those funds choose from investment options, but they do not directly control the fund’s assets. By contrast, an SMSF gives members more control, but also more responsibility, administration and compliance obligations.

An LRBA, or limited recourse borrowing arrangement, is a special type of borrowing allowed under superannuation law.

Historically, it has permitted an SMSF to borrow money to buy a single asset, such as a residential property. The property is usually held by a separate trustee, often called a bare trustee, until the loan is repaid. The lender’s

rights are “limited recourse”, meaning that if the SMSF defaults, the lender can generally only recover against the property purchased with the loan, not the SMSF’s other assets.

Under the Government’s proposed changes, SMSFs would no longer be able to enter into new LRBAs to purchase residential property. Existing arrangements are expected to be protected, meaning SMSFs that already hold residential property through an LRBA should not be forced to sell simply because of the change. However, new borrowing arrangements after the commencement date would be restricted or prohibited for residential property purchases.

The changes do not mean SMSFs are being abolished. Nor do they necessarily prevent SMSFs from holding residential property that has already been lawfully acquired. The focus is on stopping new residential property purchases funded by SMSF borrowing.

For SMSF trustees, the practical effect is significant. A strategy that previously involved using superannuation savings plus borrowed funds to buy an investment apartment, house or other residential property may no longer be available once the changes commence. Trustees may need to consider alternative investment strategies, such as shares, managed funds, cash, term deposits or other assets permitted under superannuation law.

For people considering trying to rush through a purchase of residential property in an SMSF via a LRBA, extreme caution should be exercised.

This policy change, a further uppercut to market confidence, comes off the back of controversial changes to negative gearing, CGT rules and the tax treatment of discretionary trusts.

TEXEL AIR JOINS WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT

Texel Air Australasia has signed on to operate its charter air cargo services from Western Sydney International Airport’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct.

Commercial operations at the airport begin later this month.

Western Sydney International Airport

CEO Simon Hickey said he was thrilled to welcome Texel Air to Sydney’s new global gateway and state-of-the-art cargo hub that will boost the city’s air cargo capacity significantly, creating new jobs and opportunities for businesses to reach new global markets.

“Texel Air will join our top-tier Cargo Terminal Operators including Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation and dnata Cargo as another valued partner for the launch of the hub this month,” he said.

READYFOR TAKE OFF

WSI CEO SIMON HICKE Y

WS I FAST FACTS

• WSI is Australia’s first major greenfield domestic, international and cargo airport in more than 50 years

• The airpor t will be capable of suppor ting up to 10 million annual passengers upon opening and will grow to service more than 80 million in the 2060s.

• WSI is NSW ’s only 24-hour airpor t, bringing Sydney in line with global hubs and other Australian airpor ts like Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Darwin

• Two thirds of Sydney ’s population live within a 45-minute drive of WSI

• More than 10,000 people helped build the terminal – half of whom came from Western Sydney.

In a matter of days, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport ’s (WSI) Cargo Precinct will welcome its first freight flights – with operations set to kick off on 26 July

One of the things that sets WSI apart is its long-planned 24-hour status that will put Sydney on par with other global cities, attracting investment and supporting critical supply chains and most importantly, helping to drive more great jobs and opportunities for Western Sydney ’s workforce and businesses Jobs and opportunities that will be closer to their homes and families.

I’m also particularly excited by the new horizons our integrated Cargo Precinct will of fer NSW producers and manufacturers. We know the demand for terrific Australian products is high, both nationally and internationally, and our Cargo Precinct will enable efficient connectivity to global markets, including agribusiness export oppor tunities for lucrative sectors like fresh seafood and other home-grown produce.

From cargo to Qantas – last month saw another exciting milestone with Jetstar and Qantas tickets going on sale for travel from

25 October 2026 and 28 March 2027, respectively Providing more choice and flexibility for travellers - Jetstar will operate weekly flights to Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Brisbane, while Qantas will of fer weekly flights to Brisbane and Melbourne.

As tickets fly out the door, travellers will also be thinking about their travel to WSI. There are many ways to connect to your new airport With many people planning to access WSI by road, the new toll-free M12 is a gamechanger. Together with the recently unveiled M7 interchange, this will allow seamless connections across Sydney’s broader motorway network. Two thirds of Sydney ’s population will now be within a 45 -minute drive of WSI, where they can also make use of more than 6,000 parking spots.

New public bus links will also be launched this month, connecting WSI with Penrith, Oran Park, Liverpool C ampbelltown, Mount Druitt and Leppington while a free bus transfer service will kick off in October, connecting WSI to St Mar ys, until the Metro opens

I cannot wait to welcome you to your new airpor t – h hoos t h

• By the time the airpor t is managing 10 million annual passengers in the 2030s, up to 8 ,500 jobs are anticipated to be required across the precinct to support operations.

• More than $500 million has been invested in more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses since the start of WSI ’s construction in 2017, including local tradies and construction companies caterers and security guards

• Six million tonnes of sandstone from Sydney ’s tunnelling projects were saved from landfill and used as the base layers in the 3 .7km runway and precinct road network.

• A team of 30 paving experts placed 140,000 tonnes of asphalt on the runway – the equivalent size of 70 soccer f ields.

• The airside aircraft pavement apron spans more than 136,000sqm catering for up to 26 planes, with seven fixed link bridges and 13 ‘smart ’ passenger boarding bridges for boarding/disembarking an air craf

It’s that time of year again

Local tax expert David Thomas’ important tips ahead of lodging your tax return

ALLY HALL

The best time to start preparing for your tax return is yesterday.

Although it feels like the end of the financial year marks the beginning of tax time, David Thomas, the Managing Director of The Local Accountant, said locals need to prepare for their tax returns yearround.

“MyGov and myTax are a good place to start. There is an app called myDeductions, which is a free Australian Tax Office (ATO) app that allows people to collate all their information,” Thomas said.

“That includes taking photos of receipts, putting their diary evidence in for working from home, putting their kilometres in, collating that information, and then either completing their personal tax return on their own myTax app or engaging an accountant to help them through that process.”

But, even if you are prepared, it’s best not to lodge your tax return in the first week of July.

“Wait until all the ATO data has settled down because they will collect your income statements, information from your banks for your interest, and your private health insurance data, and none of that data comes through in the first

week of July,” Thomas said.

“Delay lodging your tax return until the end of July at least. If you

lodge in the middle of August, that’s great, and if you lodge at the start of September, that’s perfect.”

It’s also important to be careful of double dipping.

“If you claim the work from home cents-per-hour, you can’t then claim printing, stationary and telephone costs,” he said.

“You either claim cents-per-hour, or you claim a portion of your tax reductions for those other costs.”

Thomas also said you need to keep your records for five years.

“Make sure you keep copies of all your receipts for five years after lodgement,” he said.

“If you have capital assets, make sure you keep evidence for up to five years after you sell those assets. If you have a rental property, you have to make sure you keep the purchase contract of that rental property until five years after you sell that property.”

Side hustles are also under the ATO spotlight this year, including Uber, Airtasker, OnlyFans, shortterm rental platforms, and crypto exchanges – all of which report to the ATO via data matching.

“A lot of people started side hustles during COVID. If it’s a hobby, it’s fine. If you’re doing it because you

love making trinkets and selling them for $5, it doesn’t matter,”

Thomas explained.

“But, if you do it in a business-like manner where you are doing it to make money, you have to record that on your tax return.”

Thomas also warned that the $1,000 instant tax deduction introduced in this year’s Federal Budget cannot be actioned until the end of the next financial year.

“Be very careful not to claim the $1,000 tax deduction this year because it doesn’t start until July 1, 2027,” he said.

“This particular financial year, make sure you have your diary for your work from home hours. There is a 70-cent per hour work from home tax deduction that people can claim.

“Make sure you have diary evidence that you worked from home to claim that tax deduction. The ATO is scrutinising and putting supported activity into reviewing that.”

If you are lodging your own tax return this year, it must be submitted to the ATO by October 31. If you are using a registered tax agent, the lodgement deadline extends to May 15 2027.

Treasurer Mookhey spruiks Budget to business leaders

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey this week attended the Penrith Chamber of Commerce’s Budget Brunch to explain how his financial plan benefits Penrith.

Mookhey, a Wests Tigers fan, couldn’t help but throw a barb about the Panthers’ success when discussing how Penrith fairs with his 2026-27 Budget.

“Penrith has every reason to be confident about what comes next, particularly with the NRL, so despite the success of your football team I’m so pleased to be back in Penrith and I’m so pleased to see the region is thriving

and I’m looking forward to the conversation we can have,” Mookhey said.

The Treasurer explained the Budget he handed down will return NSW to a surplus in the coming year.

“They don’t get any easier but the outcomes we’ve managed this year have been very satisfying because… the results work within our first three budgets,” Mookhey said.

“This Budget forecasts a deficit of $2.3 billion and a return to surplus next year, the first since 2018-19 and quite a recovery from the $15 billion deficit I inherited.”

Mookhey then took part in a panel discussion alongside CEO of Penrith City Council

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Meeting Dates

Monday 13 July – 7pm (Policy & Strategy Committee Meeting)

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

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See you at Village Ca fé

Conn ect with friends and local suppor t se rvices while enjoyin g a free ba rista- made coffee. Drop in, no bookings required.

Council Briefs

Community Funding Program opens soon!

Program grants open on Monday 6 July until Friday 31 July 2026. These grants support projects that help build a stronger, safer and more connected community.

• Thriving Communities Grant

• Safe Communities – Domestic and Family Violence Grant

• Local Events Grant

• Magnetic Places Grant

• Local Creativity Grant

These grants support local organisations, groups or individuals to deliver initiatives that make a difference in Penrith.

The Penrith NAIDOC Event is next week!

Don’t miss out on joining us on Friday 10 July for our Penrith NAIDOC event! We’re celebrating NAIDOC Week at Jamison Park from 9am–2pm — and we have an impressive program for you!

We have a great morning planned of exploring artisan market stalls and First Nations food trucks and enjoying cultural performers, talks, games and so much more.

Find out more at

Public Notice

Draft Amendment to Voluntary Planning

Penrith City Council is publicly notifying a draft deed of variation (the Deed) to amend the Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between Council and LegPro Orchard Hills (known as Legacy property). The Deed seeks to amend the VPA to facilitate the delivery of Orchard Hills North Contributions Plan.

The Deed has been prepared in connection with approved development applications DA24/0431 and DA24/0536. A copy of the draft VPA and explanatory note can be viewed online at 2026. Submissions must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 28 July 2026. For enquiries: Please contact Madison McGlynn, Senior Planner on 4732 8577 or email

Integrated Development

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

• Pirrama Capital Partners Pty Ltd DA26/0513

Land Remediation, tree removal, bulk earthworks, civil works, landscaping, and staged subdivision of 2 existing lots –

Stage 1: Torrens title subdivision of 2 lots into 4 lots and Stage 2: Community title subdivision of 1 Torrens title lot into 7 Community title lots

NG SWOO D 2nd Thursday of the mont h 9:30am to 11:3 0a m

3rd Thursd ay of the mont h 9:00am to 11: 00a m

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penrith.city/villagecafe

The proposal is an Integrated Development. The application seeks approval from the DPE-Water.

The Development Application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation accompanying the subject application may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at , in the period from Monday 6 July 2026 to Sunday 19 July 2026.

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 submission is to include Council’s reference number DA26/0513.

Please contact James Heathcote on 4732 8378.

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Mark Makhoul

DA26/0508

Demolition of existing structures, Lot consolidation, construction of 104-place centre based childcare centre, associated parking znc landscaping

Contact: Jodie Schembri on 4732 7449

Closing Date: Sunday 19 July 2026

• NF Billyard Pty Ltd

DA26/0449

Demolition of existing structures and construction of a multi-unit housing development comprising 4 dwellings

Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726

Closing Date: Sunday 19 July 2026

• Orchard Hills Developments 2 Pty Ltd

DA26/0463

Demolition of existing dwellings and construction of 10 x 2-storey multi-dwelling houses and associated works

Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726

Closing Date: Sunday 19 July 2026

• Anric Developments Pty Ltd

DA26/0451

Demolition of existing structures and tree removal. Construction of an industrial estate comprising 19 warehouses, a depot, and an parking, road works, retaining walls, and landscaping. Proposal includes subdivision into 3 lots

Contact: Hannah Vousden on 4732 7646

Closing Date: Sunday 19 July 2026

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

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

cupboard prize

This winter school holidays, kids across Australia can swap passive screen time for hands-on creativity, coding and game design at Code Camp, one of Australia’s most loved school holiday programs for kids. Designed for children aged 5-13, Code Camp’s popular holiday camps give kids the chance to build games, create digital worlds, learn new tech skills and make new friends, all in a fun, social and supportive environment. With a wide range of in-person camps and online programs available nationwide, there is something for every kind of kid, from first-time coders to future content creators and game developers. Code Camp has inspired more

than 250,000 Australian kids to explore coding, digital technology and creative skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Designed for kids aged 5-13, the camps help children learn new skills, make friends, and discover what they are capable of.

Parents can find their nearest camp location and learn more at: www.codecamp.com.au/camps.

The Weekender has two Code Camp vouchers to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Code’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Wednesday, July 8 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com. au or Weekender reception.

Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email.

Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER

The crucifix on the brickwall is at Jamisontown Uniting Church, located at Stuart Street in Jamisontown.

dumped from Origin III was hugely disappointing. After 17 consecutive Origin games, To’o shouldn’t be the ‘fall guy’ for Laurie Daley’s ‘coaching’.

It was great to see Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ dominate the ratings over ‘Today’ this week following Karl Stefanovic’s questionable sacking by

my name: Deiago my proud owner: Kristy and Adam Brennen i live in: Jordan Springs

a bit about me: I’m a 15-year-old rescued Kelpie. I’m a sweet, gentle boy who loves everyone I meet! I believe the best place in the house is on the couch watching footy.

Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.

Call to rename ‘Pondi’ after local Socceroo

Glenmore Park local Patrick

Beach has shone on the world stage as he dons his keeper’s gloves for the Socceroos in the World Cup, leaving many to call for a local landmark to be renamed in his honour.

This week Member of the NSW Legislative Council Bob Nanva called for Penrith Beach to be temporarily renamed ‘Patrick Beach’ when it re-opens this summer as a tribute to the goalkeeper.

“Patrick Beach has been superb between the sticks for the Socceroos at the World Cup, and his performances have been integral to the team making it through to the Round of 32,” Nanva said.

“It would only be fitting to rename Penrith Beach as Patrick Beach for a week or two when it reopens in Decem-

The sentiment was backed up by Penrith City Council in their Ordinary Meeting on Monday night when Deputy Mayor Garion Thain echoed the call.

“It’s a good call by Bob who is a local himself,” Thain said.

“I think we should get around it, and I formally call on the State Government to get amongst that for at least a couple of weeks to show some community pride for Patrick.”

Beach was being honoured in Council Chambers through a Mayoral Minute in which Mayor Todd Carney congratulated the 22-year-old on his spectacular World Cup debut.

“I’m delighted to share that one of our own is doing Penrith proud on the international sporting stage. From Glenmore Park to the world, Patrick Beach has quickly become a household

name,” Carney said.

“On behalf of Penrith City Council, I congratulate Patrick on this incredible achievement.”

In response to the calls to rename Penrith Beach after the local Socceroo, Minister for Planning and Public Places Paul Scully said the proposition will be considered closer to the beach’s reopening later this year.

“It’s been great to see Australia come together to cheer on the Socceroos at the World Cup including the breakout star from western Sydney, Patrick Beach,” Scully said.

“The next season for Penrith Beach will begin at the end of the year and we’ll consider any potential temporary name changes closer to the season open date.”

Beach will next be seen in Saturday morning’s knockout game against Egypt.

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New stage show tackles real life issues

Local nurse and performer

Zuleika Khan will experience a full-circle moment this weekend when she hits the stage at The Joan for the world premiere of ‘Middle Raged’.

Khan grew up in Penrith, she attended Jamisontown Public School and Penrith High School, her first job was at Lone Star, she now works at Nepean Hospital, and she used to perform in dance concerts in the very theatre she is about to grace.

“It’s been decades since I’ve been there,” Khan said about The Joan.

“I reckon the last time I performed there was a ballet concert when I was 15, so the fact that I’m coming back 30 years later is a bit crazy.”

Although she has not been to The

Joan for some time, Khan has been no stranger to the spotlight.

“I work a lot in musical theatre, and I have a show that I’ve performed all over the world called ‘Triage Comedy’, which is about nursing,” she said.

“Performing is not a new thing for me; I’ve been on the stage since I was three-years-old. It’s something that I’ve always done.”

Nursing has also been a lifelong passion.

“I’m from a medical family. I was born in Nepean Hospital, and my mum is also a nurse who worked at Nepean Hospital for decades,” Khan said.

“It’s something I’ve always known how to do and grew into. I did my first placement as a student nurse at Nepean Hospital. Penrith is my hometown; I’ve had a lot of firsts in

In this weekend’s show – which is part comedy, part concert, and part awakening as it celebrates what really happens when women hit midlife – Khan will represent perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause.

“That’s my role, and she’s really unsure of herself, and she’s finding herself,” Khan described.

“It’s like being reborn again. There’s a second life that’s about to happen for you, and she is representing the beginnings of some very big changes and trying to navigate life with that.”

Her role will be conveyed with the help of music and testaments from other women.

“The stories that I’m telling are all based on letters that have come from women all around Australia,”

Khan said.

“All the things we do are based on real women’s experiences and how they are navigating perimenopause and what it looks like for them.

“Through storytelling, words, song and dance, we use as many tools in our wheelhouse as we can

to portray this. It’s a really beautiful and vulnerable thing to talk about, and we do the best we can with the beauty of music and theatre.”

See Zuleika Khan in ‘Middle Raged’ at The Joan on Friday and Saturday this week. Tickets are available at www.thejoan.com.au.

Family owned and operated, Grace Funerals is the only funeral chapel in Penrith.

The modern design includes livestreaming and no venue hire fee, and is close to multiple local venues so that you can stay local from funeral to a wake.

Grace Funerals listens first and takes care of all the details so that you don’t have to.

Chocolate Wonderland

Penrith will go ‘chocolate-mad’ next week when it celebrates World Chocolate Day

ALLY HALL

World Chocolate Day is on July 7, and Penrith locals are in the perfect place to celebrate the occasion.

The Western Weekender has collated five of the ultimate chocolate treats in the Nepean region, starting at Pavi’s Café and Deli in Glenmore Park.

“It’s a flaky, buttery croissant generously filled with rich chocolate and inspired by the flavours and indulgence of the viral Dubai chocolate.

“It’s the perfect combination of crisp, golden pastry and decadent chocolate, making it so delicious. It’s become a customer favourite, with people coming back specifically for it.”

fresh every morning and the flavours alternate, whether that’s white chocolate, dark chocolate, or mixed chocolate,” said Café Fred’s Rylee.

“It’s special because it’s the owner’s grandfather’s own personal recipe that has been passed down through the family.”

hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows, whipped cream, and Biscoff crumb,” said owner Brandon.

“It’s been a feature item on our menu for many years, and we continue to evolve it as time goes by.”

Meanwhile, at Nepean Village, neighbours Chunk and Percy Plunkett are holding down the chocolate fort.

“Our Dubai Chocolate Croissant has quickly become one of our signature treats,” said Lidija, one of Pavi’s owners.

If you happen to be on High Street on July 7, Café Fred will have what you’re looking for.

“Our muffins are baked

Over at the nearby Henri Marc, chocolate is best served liquified!

“We are quite well-known for our Henri Hot Chocolate, featuring Zokoko’s organic

“We have a lot of chocolate favourites at Percy Plunkett, but at the moment the standout amongst both our staff and customers would have to be our Cookie Dough Iced Latte – our classic iced latte topped with the perfect scoop of warm cookie dough. It’s indulgent, fun and seriously delicious,” said Kezia.

“Everyone is obsessed with the viral scoopable cookie dough trend right now and combining it with an iced latte just works perfectly. It’s the ultimate sweet treat and gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy something indulgent at any time of the day.”

Next door, it’s a movie

themed treat that takes the cake.

“Inspired by the iconic ‘Matilda’ movie scene, our Chocolate Matilda Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a silky chocolate ganache filling,” said Yazmeen.

“It’s become a customer favourite for anyone wanting to indulge in a slice without committing to a whole cake. You can also turn it into a combo by adding our creamy soft serve and your choice of sauce. We highly recommend the KitKat sauce for the ultimate chocolate overload!”

Hurley able to hit the right note sagain

A locallymade natural supplement is giving people relief from arthritis pain.

He’s known as Australia’s King of Country Rock, and Jade Hurley –together with other octogenarian legends Digger Revell, Dinah Lee, Lucky Starr and 70-something youngster Little Pattie– are currently touring the country with the live stage show The Good Old Days of Rock ’n’ Roll l

Hurley is still putting on an energetic show, with one glowing review commenting that “it was impressive that, at age 81, he effortlessly managed to get that right boot up onto the keyboard”

Theshow, whichhe’s written and produced, represents a triumphant return to form. After spending years “battling with the excruciating pain 24 hoursaday” caused by arthritis in his hands, Hurley was facing the devastating consequence that his long and successful career was over.

“Playing the piano in my shows became almost impossible,” the OAM recipient says emphatically. Having visiteddoctors andprescribed medications, whichhe laments were “no good, made me depressed and really didn’t help all that much”, he felt he had nothing to lose whena friend suggested he try Arborvitae Joint Health

That was three years ago and Hurley gratefully acknowledges Arborvitae, a

family owned and Australian-made supplement business which has been operating for more than 10 years, as beinga“life and career saver”

Hurley was not alone in his pain

Data from Arthritis Australia shows that 3.6 million people (or one in seven of us) are living with arthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and the second most common cause of disability and

early retirement due to ill health

Made in Australia from natural ingredients Aloe Vera, Papain enzyme and honey,plus a French pine bark extract, technically known as Pycnogenol, Arborvitae Joint Health is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant supplement that can enhance healthy joint function, supporting mobility and flexibility

It can also provide relief from the symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild joint pain and stiffness

The main ingredient, Pycnogenol, has been widely studied for decades, with more than 160 clinical trials. The results ofa recent study on Arborvitae Joint Health, published in September 2020 in the journal Minerva of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, showed a66 per cent decrease in pain test scores,a50 per cent increase in walking distance without pain and a56 per cent decrease in inflammation in blood tests. All of which lead to an impressive 78 per cent reduction in use of on-demand medications and a50 per cent improvement in quality of life scores

Available in liquid form, stocked in over 2000 chemists and health food stores Australia wide, including Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart and Blooms The Chemist, Hurley saysit took about a month to ‘‘really kick in” and he now has “absolutely no problems and almost no pain”.

“First thing in the morningI take it out of the fridge, takethe top off the bottle and havethree to four mouthfuls onan empty stomach,” he explains.

While arthritis affects many in older generations, it can begin causing trouble for people as young as 35. Regardless of your age, Hurley advises anyone suffering from the acute pain it causes to give Arborvitae atry “You have absolutely nothing to lose,” he says For Hurley,who’s now back on stage where he belongs, he says Arborvitae has “given me a new life and given me my career back”

I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared.

sore hands for years due to repetitive injury’s from my work as a cake maker

A friend suggested I try Arborvitae Joint Health. After the first bottle I wasn’t

“A Clinical Study was completed and published in the journal Minerva Orthopedics. Key results from the Arborvitae Joint Health Study showed a: DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

66% DECREASE in pain test scores

And yes! I couldn’t believe it! The pain all but disappeared. The relief that I get isn’t usually met with any other treatments I’ve tried. It is worth every cent! I highly recommend it!”

50% INCREASE in walking distance without pain (100m increase)

56% DECREASE in inflammation in blood tests (CRP/C-reactive protein)

78% REDUCTION in use of on-demand medications

50% IMPROVEMENT in quality-of-life scores

and the clinical study

"Running a forklift business and keeping up with my grandson requires mobility. Arborvitae Joint Health reduced my knee pain and swelling in two weeks — I take it before big days in the yard, and it keeps me moving!"

Confidence builder

New program is giving kids power, strength and resilience

ALLY HALL

Yatimba! – a wellbeing and rhythmic movement program – has been helping students across western Sydney find their power, strength, and resilience through learning activities, collaborative discussions, and dance.

The program was inspired by founder Sheron Sultan’s early childhood in South Africa and upbringing in Australia.

“I moved here from South Africa at the age of 14, and during my days in high school, I experienced bullying and I lost my sense of belonging,” Sultan said.

“I was always a sporty person; I played netball and I was good at running. But, because of the bullying I went through, my confidence got shattered and I stopped playing sports and I didn’t want to go to school.

“Over the years, I saw this was an ongoing issue, and I had a passion and vision of one day starting my own program where I go into schools and help other kids who went through the same experience as I did.”

That’s how Yatimba! started, and now the curriculum-based wellbeing program is helping other children like Sheron.

“The goal is to help young people show up for themselves through the topics that we cover,” Sultan said.

“Our topics vary from healthy habits, to building relationships,

to bullying and peer pressure, to finding the right sport.

“We want students to build confidence and know that they are valuable and that they matter. We want them to live their lives to their fullest potential.”

Dance plays a large role in the program.

“Dance is a great method of

self-expression, and Australia is so huge when it comes to dance,” Sultan said.

“There are so many schools that love to get their students moving because it’s good for coordination, building confidence, and also learning other cultures through different music.

“I figured, let me do something that will complement both things – student wellbeing and rhythmic movement. These are really good ways to help young people build confidence both internally and physically.”

Now, Sultan hopes to expand the program’s offerings into Penrith.

“I have heard that is an area that would benefit from the program, and it is on the top of my list,” she said.

“I rely on funding, and that expansion depends on funding. But a great thing is that the Department of Education has endorsed the program. They have seen the benefit of it and they are supporting it, so that is another milestone that will help us expand even more.”

More about Yatimba! online at https://www.yatimba.com.

Program open to local applicants

Endeavour Energy’s Powering Communities Grant Program is open for applications.

The program offers successful applicants one-off grants between $2,000 to $15,000 to support local projects, services, and initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of the community.

The program is open to not-for-profit organisations or registered charities, schools, and community groups who have valuable grassroots initiatives.

Last year, one of the recipients was local organisation WestCare.

WestCare Director Andrew Paech said he was immensely grateful for the funding, which helped the non-profit cook breakfast for school students and provide low-income families with grocery packs.

Endeavour Energy hopes to see more Penrith-based organisations apply this year.

“While providing safe, reliable, resilient and affordable power to our customers is at the core of what we do, we recognise that having a positive impact on the communities we serve is just as important,” said Endeavour Energy Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Leanne Pickering. Submit your application online by Sunday, July 22 at www.endeavourenergy.com.au/community/powering-communities/powering-communities-grants-program.

Driven to write her own story

Cruise out of Penrith and into Booker Bay with local author Emma J. Warrender’s debut novel, Driven

The fast-paced, slow-burn romance novel focuses on street racer Gianna and her love interest Ryker, who has returned after leaving town four years ago.

“Driven is a high-octane, secondchance, brother’s-best-friend romance, and it has some ‘Fast and Furious’ vibes,” Warrender described.

“The story is told in a dual-timeline with dual point-of-view, and we slowly uncover a tragedy that happened to our main characters. In the present timeline, Gianna also finds out about some dodgy dealing going on in the town of Booker Bay.”

Warrender told the Weekender she was inspired to write Driven because she loves the romance genre.

“I was reading so much romance, and I was devouring two or three books a week, but it got to a point where I wasn’t finishing anything,” she said.

“It was because fluffy rom-coms wouldn’t cut it, and then the dark romance was all just spice. I like spice, but I want some plot and some grit. So, I wrote the book that I wanted to read.”

Her father also served as inspiration, and not just because their backyard used to be filled with cars.

“Growing up, my dad was a writer for magazines, so I think I inherited that writing bug,” she said.

“Writing and storytelling is something that has always been in

my life. I was a journo for a decade, and I was telling other people’s stories, and it came to a point where I wanted to tell my own.”

The book-writing and publishing process has taken three years, and Warrender is excited to see her novel on local shelves.

“I got a two-book deal, and there are more stories in Booker Bay than just Gianna and Ryker. So, there is more for romance lovers to dive into later, which is really exciting,” she said.

The book will be released as an e-book, an audio book, and as a paperback that you can find in bookstores like Harry Hartog in Penrith and The Forbidden Spine in Emu Plains, as well as department stores like Big W.

“I’m really excited for people to be in Booker Bay and to experience

what it’s like in the front seat,”

Warrender said.

“I’m also really excited for people to meet a character called Chucky. He is Gianna’s Ridgeback, and he is

DARE TO DREAM

New online project will profile 30 remarkable Aussie women

One Giant Leap Australia has been awarded funding through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to create a national digital resource with the help of local school kids.

The project – From ANZAC Cove to the Moon: Australian Women Who Dare – will develop a curated online library profiling 30 remarkable Australian women whose courage, service and innovation span more than a century.

The collection will highlight women who served as nurses, drivers, signallers, and medical staff in the First World War, as well as the engineers, aviators, scientists, cyber specialists, and space-sector leaders shaping Australia’s future today.

The digital library will provide schools, veterans’ groups, community organisations, and families with free access to high-quality biographies, archival material, oral histories, and multimedia storytelling.

Founder and Director of One

Giant Leap Australia Jackie Carpenter said the project honours both legacy and friendship.

“Australian women have always dared,” she said.

“Those who served in the past and those leading in critical fields today.

“Their stories show courage in every era, and they deserve to be visible, valued, and shared with the young people who will

become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman congratulated One Giant Leap on successfully receiving the grant funding.

“Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects nationwide, creating lasting tributes,” Templeman said.

“The program is designed to

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support projects that commemorate our military history and ensure we continue to honour our veterans for many generations to come.

“Many of us are familiar with the wartime service of Australian women as nurses and radio operators, but this project by One Giant Leap Australia promises to educate all of us in the myriad of ways Australian women have served.”

As part of the project 30 Year 7 and 8 students from across Penrith, Hawkesbury and the Blue Mountains will be selected to contribute as young researchers for the project.

Each student will investigate one of the featured women, develop digital literacy and research skills, and work with the One Giant Leap Australia team to create a digital profile.

Students will attend an in-person workshop in the Hawkesbury and later present their completed research to the community at dedicated public events.

From ANZAC Cove to the Moon: Australian Women Who Dare will launch online in 2027.

WSU recognised as a global leader

Western Sydney University (WSU) has been recognised globally after placing third in the world for driving positive community impact. It was one of just two Australian universities to reach the top 10.

The prestigious Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings measured more than 1,600 universities around the world on their actions to protecttheplanetforfuturegenerations, reduce inequalities, deliver quality education, and ultimately make the world a better place for all.

Vice-Chancellor and President – Distinguished Professor George Williams – said this result reflects WSU’s ongoing commitment to delivering for the regions it serves.

“As a young, diverse and dynamic institution anchored in one of Australia’s fastest-growing outer-metropolitan regions, we are extremely proud to have played a pivotal role in the growth and significance of these ratings in recent years,” he said.

“These ratings are important because they assess universities on their real-world actions to foster equity and inclusivity and a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

“By raising the bar, we are now seeing more universities, not just here in Australia but around the world, driving meaningful community impact and sustainability efforts.”

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Painting from above

Abeloved local graffiti artist recently passed away, leaving hundreds to mourn the loss of his artistic touch.

Jeff “Jeffro” Norris grew up in Cambridge Park and soon began to use the streets of Penrith as his canvas, often leaving behind his iconic tag – ‘Daske’.

“He’s well-known in the Penrith community,” Jeff’s sister Sandy explained.

“We grew up in Cambridge Park and from a young age all of his mates started doing graffiti, but Jeff was more of an artist. He did some beautiful murals from Penrith right up into Queensland.”

The 39-year-old was recently living in Queensland and unexpectedly passed away, leaving his family shattered at the loss of their beloved brother.

“My mother, brother, sister, and myself we all went out and got his tag – Daske – tattooed on us to show our respect,” Sandy said.

“We found out after that a lot of other people have been getting the same tattoo.”

Jeff’s funeral was held two weeks ago at Pinegrove Memorial Park, but his service began in the streets of Werrington where a collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles escorted mourners to the service.

“We’ve just had his funeral on Friday and there was a lot of family and friends and a

lot of underground graffers there to pay their respects,” Sandy said.

“It was such a perfect send off because his coffin was just glowing with bright colours and graffiti and messages, and it was beautiful.”

Jeff’s brother Bronson said the legacy of Jeff will live on in Penrith.

“Jeff singlehandedly has inspired the younger generation around Penrith with graffiti,” he said.

“He taught me and my friends, and we’ve

taught our other friends. Some of the people that have been inspired by Jeff have now gone overseas and painted.”

Jeff’s sister Josie said her brother is now using a different canvas to show off his art.

“He told me that you can’t really stuff up graffiti, you just add to it and the more you add to it you can make it better,” she said.

“A quote about a graffiti artist that passed away says ‘legends never die, they just paint higher’, and it’s about art in the sky and how he’s now making sunsets instead.”

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Council keeps focus on Penrith’s future

Following last week’s hand down of the 2026-27 NSW Budget, Penrith City Council welcomes commitments that will see positive outcomes for Penrith, and we continue to advocate for significant infrastructure required to support the City’s growth.

We are pleased that the Australian and NSW governments have committed an additional $200 million to further upgrade Elizabeth Drive. Part of this is in our Local Government Area and directly connects to the Western Sydney Airport, that will see its first freight flights take off this month.

in social infrastructure such as schools and Nepean Hospital as this is essential for well-managed growth and the social well-being of our community.

As our community faces cost-of-living pressures, it’s positive to see fee relief around tolls but bigger picture, forward-thinking is needed here. To ensure better social and environmental outcomes, we must reduce car dependency in the west.

It’s also good to see a further $26 million over four years committed to plan for significant road infrastructure in western Sydney. Penrith is at the heart of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and this investment is essential to support western Sydney communities.

While the specifics are not yet known, Council will continue to work with other levels of government to bring forward the priorities already identified by our community.

We are pleased to see ongoing investment across major transport and infrastructure projects – continued funding for projects that are underway. Council also welcomes the investment

Council is pushing for a longer-term view, continuing to strongly advocate to the Australian and NSW governments for better public transport and connectivity options across our City and beyond. At the top of the list is commitment to the full-length metro rail, from St Marys to Tallawong in the north and Bradfield to Macarthur in the south.

We look forward to further announcements between now and the State election in March. Given our region’s rapid transformation, we want to see commitments to our advocacy asks – delivery of the Castlereagh Connection, Werrington Arterial and Mulgoa Road Stage 5, upgrade and reclassification of Luddenham Road, upgrade of Mamre Road, and construction of Devonshire Link Road.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

Massive win for students

North St Marys students can now access one of the most comprehensive high potential and gifted educational offerings at their local public school after a State Government investment in the Inspire Partner Schools Program.

Future classical musicians at Chifley College Dunheved Campus are being tuned for success with students now taking part in a new strings program in their recently upgraded music facilities.

The strings program is supported by two purpose-built, acoustically designed music classrooms and a music recording studio, providing students with professional, high-quality spaces to develop their creative talents.

Launched this year, the strings program runs every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm, providing Year 7 and 8 students with specialised instrumental education and the opportunity to develop their skills collaboratively with their peers.

The school’s upgrade also delivers two fully upgraded visual arts classrooms, a new science laboratory, a

new commercial food technology kitchen and upgrades to the junior food technology kitchen, and metalwork and woodwork classrooms.

Additional works have been added beyond the original scope of the project to upgrade three STEM classrooms. Works are expected to commence later this year and will be completed by April 2027.

Chifley College Dunheved Campus Principal Therese Azzo pardi said the new facilities will help

students achieve their full potential.

“Our students are enormously talented in music, in the arts, and in the STEM and trades,” she said.

“Our upgraded facilities will ensure students can continue to achieve in line with their potential and develop their talents supported by expert instruction.

Government’s $100 million investment in 33 Inspire Partner Schools across NSW. Chifley is one of 33 selected partner schools, and one of eight public high schools across NSW delivering the new Inspire Extension Classes in 2026.

NSW Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Member for

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding public education and investing in local public schools because every child deserves to reach their full potential close to home,” she said.

“Through our $100 million Inspire Partner Schools program, we’re delivering new facilities and

Δ Store returning to Penrith: Hugely popular Australian clothing retailer Ringers Western is coming to Westfield Penrith in August. The store, which specialises in durable country, work and western wear, will open where Adairs was previously located in the “new” section of the Plaza. This isn’t the first time Ringers Western has had a store in Penrith. Back in 2021, it briefly opened a store in Henry Street next to Rivers before it closed due to a devastating fire that ripped through the Community Connection building.

Δ Beauty spot: New retail store Atomica has finally opened at the former Priceline location at Westfield Penrith. Atomica brings together a collection of skincare, beauty, haircare, fragrance and wellness products to keep you feeling great inside and out.

Δ New Korean restaurant: Exciting news

for fans of Korean food with Seoul Mama opening at Westfield Penrith in the coming months. The new Asian food spot will open near Coles next to Thai Thae.

Penrith has also returned to trading 24 hours a day.

be pan fried, air fried or steamed straight from frozen. The range is made with Australian

Δ New McSmart meals: McDonald’s launched a revised McSmart value range on Wednesday, introducing three meal options at different price points, with prices starting at $6.95 for customers using the MyMacca’s app. Available daily between 10.30am and midnight, the $6.95 McSmart Saver includes a hamburger, small fries, a small soft drink, and three-piece Chicken McNuggets and is available exclusively through the app. The $7.95

chicken and beef and offers a simple way for Australians to enjoy Korean-inspired flavour at home, whether served on its own, paired with dipping sauce or added to a larger shared spread. bibigo Mini Pop Mandu is available now at Woolworths in 280g packs, RRP $8.90.

New Location for Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

From Wednesday 1 July, the Penrith Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be moving to a new location. The Clinic will now be located inside the Nepean Health Hub on the ground floor of 13 Barber Avenue, Kingswood, next to the Nepean Private Hospital, and will be delivered by a new provider, Octa Medical.

The Clinic will be open extended hours, from 8am to 10pm, and will operate seven days a week, 365 days a year, providing bulk billed walk-in care for people with urgent but not life-threatening illness or injuries.

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, oversees the implementation and

operation of the Clinic with funding through the Federal Government. Conveniently located near Nepean Hospital, the Clinic o ers an alternative option and bridges the gap between general practice and hospital services, providing

patients with timely treatment while helping to ease pressure on the local emergency department. The Clinic can treat minor infections, minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections,

stitches and glue for minor cuts, insect bites and rashes, minor eye and ear problems, respiratory illness, gastroenteritis, mild burns and more. On-site radiology, pathology and pharmacy are also available. Additionally, the Penrith 24 Hour Pharmacy is located at 438 High Street and is open 24 hours, 365 days of the year for those needing urgent medications outside of on-site pharmacy hours. Free unlimited parking is located on-site for patients visiting the Urgent Care Clinic.

For more information, including directions to the new location, visit DoctorClosed.com.au/ UrgentCare

MATTERS

BUILDING A STRONGER PENRITH TOGETHER

Ididn’t grow up in Penrith, or even Australia. I arrived in 2014 not knowing this city would become such an important chapter in my story. What I found was a community of passionate people, inspiring business owners and local leaders who demonstrated that belonging is created through connection, contribution and shared experiences. I’ve been fortunate to meet people building successful enterprises while investing their time, energy and ideas into making Penrith stronger.

Over the past decade, as our community grew and evolved, I’ve been in many rooms of inspiring conversations, some of which I’ve had the privilege to lead. Through my work at Penrith Performing &

Visual Arts, being on the Boards of Penrith Chamber of Commerce and Penrith Women’s Health Centre, and my connection with local organisations, I’ve witnessed first-hand what happens when passionate people come together.

I’ve seen our arts and culture scene flourish through exhibitions like the Biennale of Sydney at Penrith Lewers Gallery, spectacular performances at The Joan, and world class events like the ICF Slalom World Championships and Real Festival that bring thousands together. I’ve watched the transformation of the Nepean River precinct and the Yandhai Nepean Crossing, the dedication of Council, community leaders, advocates and the incredible work of Penrith Valley Chamber of

LISA FINN-POWELL Media, Marketing & Communications Strategist Penrith Chamber Board Member

Commerce.

To me, the heart of Penrith has always been its people. Business owners, volunteers, health professionals, Council teams, elected representatives, local media, artists, musicians, sporting clubs, charities, community groups and everyday people, all contributing to something bigger than themselves.

The success of our businesses is connected to the success of our community.

Many business owners tell me they want more cash in the bank.

But the more important question is: how much cash do you actually need?

Too often, building cash reserves becomes something owners plan to do when things settle down. The problem is that business rarely settles down for long. Unexpected expenses, slow-paying customers, equipment failures, staffing changes, and economic uncertainty are all part of business.

Financially unshakeable businesses understand something important: you do not build resilience during a crisis. You build it before the crisis arrives.

That is where a financial buffer becomes essential.

While every business is different, I encourage owners to work towards holding

enough cash to cover at least one month of operating expenses, with 2-3 months providing even greater protection and flexibility.

A cash reserve is not money

sitting idle. It is a strategic asset. It gives you breathing room, confidence, and options when challenges arise.

One strategy that worked well for me was automating small but consistent savings. Each week, I transferred a set amount into a separate savings account. Then, every fortnight, I would round my trading account down to the nearest $100 or $1,000 and

transfer the difference into savings.

It may sound simple, but small steps like this help you build reserves faster in ways you barely notice. If possible, keep your savings account with a different bank so the money feels less accessible and less tempting to dip into. This week, calculate your average monthly operating expenses and ask yourself: If revenue stopped tomorrow, how long could my business continue operating? If you have less than 30 days of expenses in reserve, start small and stay consistent. Because when challenges come, and they will, cash in the bank buys something every business owner values: time.

•

NEED A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE?

Aboriginal Stakeholder Consultation

Residential Development and Geotechnical Investigations Lot 3 DP 1278168

Quakers Road, Nirimba Fields, NSW

(North Western Sur veys, PO Box 1045, Blacktown, NSW 2148)

Nor th Western Sur veys, on behalf of Jeffsann Excavations, is seeking to identify Aboriginal persons or organisations who wish to be consulted in relation to an Aboriginal heritage assessment being prepared by AECOM for a proposed residential development, including associated geotechnical investigations across Lot 3 DP1278168, Nirimba Fields, NSW

The purpose of community consultation with Aboriginal people is to assist in the preparation of an application for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) and to assist Heritage NSW in its consideration and determination of that application.

Aboriginal persons or stakeholders who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the signi cance of Aboriginal object(s) and/or place(s) in the development area, and who wish to par ticipate in the community consultation process for the project, are invited to register their interest in writing to:

Geordie Oakes

c/- AECOM Australia Pty Ltd

PO Box Q410, QVB Post Of ce, Sydney, NSW 1230

Ph: +0410513509

Email: Geordie.Oakes@aecom.com

Please be advised that if you register an interest in consultation, your details will be for warded to Heritage NSW and the Local Aboriginal Land Council, unless you specify that you do not want your details released. The closing date for registration is 17/07/2026

MATCH PREVIEW

THE FINAL WORD

When any other team loses two games in a row, one by a solitary point, it’s considered par for the course. The highs and lows of the season. When Penrith drops two on the trot, however, it’s as if the panic button has been pushed.

Sound the alarm, the Panthers are now only four points ON TOP of the competition!

But as fans and ‘experts’ lament Penrith’s recent form snag and other fans declare Ivan Cleary’s side is there for the taking this year after all, it’s time to call for some calm.

This is a long season. Penrith jumped out of the blocks hard, and as results show dominated the first half of the competition. It was never sustainable for 31-odd weeks, so be grateful that any tip happens now rather than at the

business end of the year.

The strain of the Origin period is not just about players missing for certain games. That may be the public-facing result but there is a whole heap of extra pressure on clubs like Penrith, and the players, at this time of the year.

It is therefore understandable if perhaps every pass isn’t sticking or every opportunity isn’t being iced.

Suggestions of Penrith’s demise are premature.

Even if what is an under-strength Panthers doesn’t get the job done against Souths at CommBank Stadium on Friday night, there will be no reason to withdraw your confidence in Penrith’s ability to win this competition.

The Panthers will get it right when it matters most and you won’t remember a deservedly forgettable night in Townsville back in late June.

All of that said, every game is about winning

and Ivan Cleary will want to get his side prepared and in a position to claim the two points on Friday night.

After a couple of weeks on the road, the Panthers return home and despite a host of players missing, should be able to get the ship back on more steady waters.

There will be no Liam Martin who has been recalled into the NSW Origin side, but Brian To’o will be a surprise inclusion and will have a point to prove after his shock axing from the Blues.

Souths are coming off an impressive win over Parramatta last weekend although the Eels barely put up a fight in one of their most disappointing performances of the season.

Still, we saw that if the likes of Cody Walker are given an opportunity they will take it with both hands.

Which is why Souths will be an extremely dangerous prospect on Friday even if Origin

and injury is impacting this part of the season for them too.

The Rabbitohs are a confidence team and if they can start well and sniff Penrith being vulnerable early in the contest, they’ll pounce and try to control the momentum of the match.

For Penrith, it is likely the lessons learned from the Titans game that will be more valuable than whatever was taken out of the Cowboys game last week.

It was in that match that a few standards started to slip and the ‘next man up’ approach became a little wobbly.

Those given the same opportunity to wear the jersey this weekend will be keen to make amends.

I suspect we’re in for something of a close fight here, but with no panic buttons pressed, I’m confident the Panthers can get the job done.

Tip: Panthers by 6.

Something for everyone

Sorensen backs forward to stay

Perth-bound Panthers forward Scott Sorensen would love to see teammate Moses Leota remain a one-club player and re-sign with Penrith.

Leota has been in the headlines this week after the Panthers allowed the 30-year-old local junior and four-time NRL Premiership winner to test his value on the open market.

Leota is off-contract at the end of the 2027 NRL season, but Panthers management have given the Kiwi international permission to see what he is worth around the league before giving the competition leaders one final chance at securing his services beyond next year.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Sorensen said

seeing Leota finish his decorated career at the Panthers would be special.

“I’d absolutely love it for Penrith to keep him and finish his career here, but sometimes it may not work out the way you want it to and other opportunities happen and other doors open, and that might happen for Moss,”

Sorensen said.

When Sorensen leaves the Panthers at season’s end, he’ll line up for his fourth NRL club when he hits the field for the Perth Bears in 2027.

While Sorensen has been around the block a few times, he’d love to see Leota –who he described as a warrior – remain where he is.

“He’s a warrior for this side. He’d bled for this team. He puts his body on the line every single week. At training, off the field, on the field – he’s just an absolute beast and his nickname is ‘Tank’ for a reason,” Sorensen said.

“I’d absolutely love to see him finish his career here. If that works out for him, that would be very special.”

Sorensen has around a dozen games left in Panthers colours, pending his side

in seven years this October.

With time ticking on his stunning career at Penrith, the backrower said he’s trying to live in the present rather than count down how much time he has left.

“I talk to the family about it as well as a few of the boys, but for me right now it hasn’t sunk in yet,” Sorensen admitted.

“Maybe because we’ve had back-to-back losses, so it makes you keep your focus and stay in the present.

“Look, I’m still just trying to get better and do my role week in, week out, for the team and I feel like that’s making me feel good about what’s happening right now.”

Sorensen will feel even better about how his life is travelling if the Panthers manage to snap a shocking two-game losing streak when they return home to face the South Sydney Rabbitohs this Friday night.

Penrith’s latest loss came against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville last Satur day night 26-12.

“I would’ve loved to have stopped the losing streak last week, that would’ve been nice!”

Sorensen said.

“It just shows the nature of the beast and how hard this competition is. You’d rather get on top of it (the defeats) sooner rather than later. Hopefully we can get to work on a few things and we can take that into Friday night.”

For the second straight week, the Panthers were shocking against their Queensland opponents, prompting coach Ivan Cleary to stick around for a 13-word, 90-second press conference post-match.

Sorensen said the plane ride from Townsville to Sydney wasn’t as sombre as many may think.

“To be honest, everyone’s obviously disappointed because we’re not playing the way we want to be playing,” he said.

“It’s disappointing but, as a group, there’s no confidence lost in that. We know we can go back to training and have the right conversations and work on a few things we want to get

“It was pretty clear we weren’t ourselves last week and we spoke about the way we wanted to play, and we didn’t do that as a group. Hopefully we can turn it around on Friday.”

FEATURE Panthers ready for redemption

The Penrith Panthers sit currently four points clear at the top of the NRL ladder, but their recent form doesn’t reflect that.

Two losses on the trot have some panicked at the foot of the Mountains, but high-flying centre Paul Alamoti this week brushed off any concern about his team’s form.

“We haven’t lost any confidence; there is no panic stations at all,” Alamoti told Extra Time

“We know what we can produce. In the Titans game we were only one-point away and last week just wasn’t us, like we didn’t turn up. Rugby league is a week-to-week basis, and we get a chance to rewrite the last couple of weeks this Friday night.”

While it may have been a one-point loss on the Gold Coast two weeks ago, last week’s performance against the Cowboys left much to be desired.

“I’d say it was uncharacteristic,” Alamoti conceded.

“The whole game from start to finish just wasn’t us and everything that we’ve built over the season so far. Everything that could have went wrong did go wrong and it just wasn’t us that night.”

In Alamoti’s words, the Panthers have the chance to “bounce back” tomorrow

night when they come up against the in-form South Sydney Rabbitohs despite lining up without some key players who are on Origin duty.

“It’s a bit of a Redemption Round for us,” Alamoti said.

“I think the last time we played two weeks ago, we played without our Origin boys and we didn’t play as well relative to the first game we played without them against the Warriors.

“For us, it is just another chance to bounce back with the squad we played with a couple of weeks ago.”

One advantage for the Panthers will be that the game will be back at CommBank Stadium, their home away from home.

“Being at home definitely does help,” Alamoti said.

“We’ve been on the road the last couple of weeks so to be back home amongst our fans, obviously you get a bit more energy, better feel about it and it’s just a lot better to be running out at home this week.”

Something that no pundit could have ever expected was this Friday night winger Brian To’o will be lining up for the Panthers after sensationally being dropped from the NSW Blues team for the Decider.

“I’m gutted for him, but you can’t really do much about it,” Alamoti said.

“At the end of the day it actually helps us this weekend. I’m just glad to have him in our team, especially during this period.”

Leota to be in high demand

Panthers get final crack: Penrith will get the final shot at re-signing Moses Leota after it was revealed the club would allow him to test the market. Leota is among a host of players off-contract at the end of next season and despite previous denials from the club, it was always going to be the case that they’d allow select players to hear offers from other clubs early. Once Leota knows what he is worth, he will then sit down with Penrith officials who will table their offer. Once a player is granted permission to talk to other clubs, the writing is generally on the wall – but it’ll all come down to exactly how impressive the offers are from else where. This will be Leota’s final big contract, so nobody would blame him for looking after himself and his family.

Eels chasing: It’s been revealed by Nine’s Wide World of Sports that crosstown rivals the Parramatta Eels have already expressed interest in 30-year-old Moses Leota for the 2028 season and beyond. The Eels are desperate for an experienced front-rower to lead their young pack into the future. Other clubs that could come into consideration for the St Marys junior include the Canterbury Bulldogs, Perth, PNG and the New Zealand Warriors, where he could partner up with former Panthers teammate and best friend James Fisher-Harris in the front-row. Interestingly, Leota was born in Auckland, so his return to the motherland would be a homecoming of sorts.

Shock omission: The NSW Origin team was announced on Sunday night with three Panthers stars once again selected for the Decider in Brisbane next Wednesday night. Isaah Yeo will captain the NSW Blues for the sixth time, while Nathan Cleary has been named at halfback, looking to bounce back from a sub-par performance down in Melbourne. Enforcer Liam Martin has been named to play his first Origin game of the series, selected to start in the backrow. Unfortunately winger Brian To’o has been axed for the third and final game, replaced by rangy Dolphins back Jack Bostock on debut. To’o made his debut in 2021 and played 17 consecutive Origin games for the Blues until his shock axing this week.

Cleary confident: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has backed Brian To’o to bounce back this Friday night when he lines up for Penrith against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at CommBank Stadium. Up until this week’s surprise news, Cleary would’ve had To’o missing tomorrow night’s clash against the Bunnies, but the Blues’ loss is Penrith’s gain. “Bizza has had an unbelievable career – the bigger the game, the better he goes. I’m sure Bizza will be fine,” Cleary said on Tuesday. “No doubt

he would be disappointed but he’s taking it well and it’s all part the journey. I’m looking forward to having him this week for us.”

Hip pocket pain: Brian To’o being dropped from the NSW Origin side has some interesting ramifications. While he misses out on a third Blues pay day this year as a result of his axing, his value on the open market may dip slightly. Will To’o still be considered an Origin-level player when he is free to talk to other clubs from November, given he has potentially played his last Origin game? Not that To’o isn’t a huge chance of making his way back into the team next year, but often the writing is on the wall once you’ve been dropped and it could be To’o is entering the next chapter of his career, with the walk-up start to rep teams starting to drift. It’ll be intriguing to see how things work out.

Spotted: A long way from home, a proud Penrith Panthers fan sporting the club’s Las Vegas jersey in the crowd at the Alan Jackson farewell concert in Nashville last weekend.

TV deal looms: With the new TV deal just around the corner, Foxtel and Kayo subscribers

should get ready to open their wallets. DAZN, which owns Foxtel and Kayo, has stumped up big cash to retain the rights and blew Channel Nine out of the water. But they have to recoup those costs somehow. They already skimp on sending commentators to the ground. Get ready for subscription price increases, likely to be gradually put in place over the coming years. They’ll have a key argument that there’s one extra game on the slate now with the arrival of the Perth Bears.

Beanies a hit: The rugby league community has once again shown its extraordinary generosity in support of the Mark Hughes Foundation, with the 2026 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round raising $3.8 million in the fight against brain cancer. It brings the total funds raised from the round to $33.5 million since its inception in 2017.

Spotted: A Panthers jersey in a garbage bin at Caddens Corner shopping centre on Wednesday morning. Surely two straight losses hasn’t got fans in that much of a crisis?

Music city showdown: Weekender Editor and long-time Panthers fan Troy Dodds has just returned from Nashville in the United States, and he’s calling for the city to be part of Global Round if it gets off the ground. In the latest edition of the Tension’s Running High podcast, which will be released later today, he details the new Nissan Stadium – which will host the Super Bowl in 2030. The stadium will be ready next year and could potentially host a Global Round contest in 2028 or 2029. With so many country music fans in Penrith’s squad, we reckon the Panthers should be on the flight to Nashville. Hear what Troy has to say about the new stadium in today’s episode. Just search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts.

Why I’m pressing the panic button

After back-to-back losses is it time to hit the panic button at Penrith?

I say ‘yes’ and it could be the best thing to happen to the Panthers when that alarm bell starts ringing. Why?

Because it will facilitate change, otherwise you’re just burying your head in the sand and hoping things will get better because, well hey, it’s only two bad games right?

However, if changes aren’t made both in personnel and how Penrith play the game, back-to-back losses will become three losses, three will become four.

Another thing which has to change is the attitude of the players, which has lacked a ‘hard edge’, something Nathan Cleary himself admitted after the Cowboys game.

The week prior coach Ivan Cleary said something similar when he said the team lacked a ‘killer instinct’.

Clearly the players need an attitude adjustment. It feels like some of them have lost their ‘edge’ and are just turning up expecting to win with minimal effort.

In his own way, coach Cleary hit his own panic button following the comprehensive loss to the Cowboys last Saturday.

Only he did it by saying as little as possible.

He uttered just 13 words in the post-match press conference.

Yes, 13 words and the majority of those was to tell everyone that Isaiah Papali’i, who was one of the Panthers’ best forwards, will be missing from the team on Friday due to concussion protocols which require him to sit out for 11 days.

I’m sure Ivan’s silence was short lived after he delivered a few home truths to his players during the video review of the Cowboys game this week.

There was absolutely nothing positive to take out of the ‘beatdown’ the Cowboys administered on Penrith in that game.

The Panthers forward pack was comprehensively bashed out of the contest from the first tackle of the game on Moses Leota.

Penrith’s halves were helpless to do anything creative due to a lack of field position while a rushing defence caused panic and confusion in the Panthers’ backline, causing more dropped balls than I’ve seen from the team all year.

Some personnel changes will be forced due to several players being selected for Origin but there also has to be some adjustments made to the side’s attack, which has been inept over the last two weeks.

A lot of supporters have been call-

ing for Izack Tago’s head after some sub-par performances lately but unfortunately that won’t happen until Casey McLean returns after the bye in Round 19.

A forced change, which will also help improve the team, is the return of Mitch Kenny, scheduled for Round 20 at this stage.

Yes, I have hit the ‘panic button’ but the alarm needs to be heard and changes need to be made. The side cannot go out against South Sydney and play the same style or with the same ‘mental attitude’ it has the last two games. They need to get back their ‘killer instinct’, and they need it back today.

Ivan ready to Clear his schedule

Super coach Ivan Cleary will hang up his whistle at the end of the 2027 season, leaving him open to what life has to offer beyond the confines of the NRL.

It was a shock to the general public –including this writer – when Cleary set a 2pm press conference one Wednesday a month or so ago and laid bare the news, but for him it was just a formality.

“I’d sort of had some conversations before it was announced publicly and just having those conversations gave me more relief,” he explained.

“Those conversations were with the important people in my life and the Chairman here. So just once I knew that everyone that mattered was OK with it, that made me feel better.”

When asked what he plans to do with all his free time once the gig gets handed over to Peter Wallace in 2028, Cleary was overwhelmed with choice.

“I’d like to travel. I guess I’d like to be a bit freer in terms of when I can do that,” Cleary said.

“I’ve been so fortunate to live with the

NRL schedule for about 35 years, and it’s given me everything I have. It’s been such an amazing thing, but I would definitely like to be able to do different stuff at different times.”

Cleary said being able to help guide Wallace into the role is something he is looking forward to.

“I’m really passionate about trying to help a young coach, I got it myself when I started and that was invaluable to me, so I’m looking forward to being able to help there,” he said.

“I’m not even sure how I’m going to do it yet, but I really want to make sure he gets the best opportunity to be himself.”

Casting his mind back to the start of his career 35 years ago, Cleary said the one person who has been there through it all is his wife Bec who, at the beginning of their story, was the bread winner.

“We’ve been together right from the start when I started playing,” Cleary recalled.

“Our first date, she had to pay for dinner because I had no money! That’s a true story. She’s been with me all the

Coffee order: Almond latte

Cheat meal: Vietnamese food

Favourite movie: ‘Pulp Fiction’

Favourite musician: Coldplay

Who did you support growing up: Balmain Tigers

Pet peeve: Selfishness

There is nothing better than a sideline conversion to win a game, and that’s how things unfolded at Penrith Stadium on Saturday, March 22 in 2014.

The Round 3 clash with the Bulldogs was a thriller – with Penrith leading 10-6 at the break but the Bulldogs scored two late second half tries to take a 16-12 lead into the final minutes of the match. With a strong home crowd behind them, the Panthers had one last roll of the dice and Kevin Naiqama went over in the corner, leaving Matt Moylan to land a sideline conversion to win the game.

The kick was a beauty – and Penrith won 18-16, sending players and fans alike into raptures.

PANTHER MEMORIES

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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Blaxland

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Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

IGA Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Dan Murphy's

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Plus Pharmacy

Raygal Landscape & Nursery Supplies

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s IGA

Erskine Park CTC

G lenbrook

Glenbrook Newsagency

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's Glenmore Park

McDonald’s Mulgoa Rise

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Abel Street C afé

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Takeaway

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen –

(Penrith Homemaker)

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

Taproom On Tench

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t

IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Little Bottler

MFC Food Stores

Old Mt Druitt

RM Newsagency

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Atmosphere Gym

Ca fé Fre d

Au stralian Arms

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hog's Bre ath C afé

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Markets (Thursdays)

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

Wingsto p

World Gym

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Choice Pharmacy

Mobil Ser vice Station

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys All Good Newsagency

Andrew s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido’s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Gloria Jean s (St Mar ys Village)

McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store

Queen Street Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Diggers

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys

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

NIGHT TO REMEMBER

When you think of the term ‘country club’, an exclusive social and golf venue springs to mind. With that in mind, the name of Adelaide-based musician collective Hindley Street Country Club renders a giggle.

“We called ourselves Hindley Street Country Club because we all played a lot of gigs back in the ‘80s on Hindley Street,” explained Con Delo, the founder of the group. “It was, and still is, a bit of a rough part of town, and it’s the last place you would find a country club, so it was a bit of Aussie humour.”

The group, which operates as a revolving

cast of South Australia’s best musicians, was founded in 2017.

“It was purely a bunch of guys getting together and playing predominantly ‘80s music, yacht rock, and things like that,” Delo said.

“We put it on YouTube every Friday, and we have not missed one Friday morning release since November of 2017.

“From there, it’s continued to build, and we were happy to see it building slowly around Australia and even at home, but then it went absolutely mental. It actually did go viral – for lack of a better word – to the point where we’re in the billions of views and streams.

“It’s surreal, and we are proud. We can’t believe we’re playing shows all around the

world and selling out venues.”

Hindley Street Country Club will be returning to Coliseum Theatre in October, ready to deliver the soundtrack of a generation.

“It includes the late ‘70s, the ‘80s, and a little bit of the ‘90s,” Delo explained.

“We have some of the biggest ballads in the world to some of the biggest party songs in the world. It goes through a bunch of genres.

“It’s an interactive show and people love to sing along. It’s a good night of entertainment where you can forget about the world for a while.”

Delo told the Weekender there are a few songs that they can’t remove from the setlist because they are too beloved.

“It’s everything from Kat Jade doing the big Whitney Houston number, and the guys doing ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, and the big old ‘You Can Call Me Al’ at the end,” he said.

Most of the audience is over the age of 45, but Delo said more kids are coming along with their parents.

“People at our age have a bigger understanding of a lot of the lyrical content, so when we do those big powerful ballads, it’s not uncommon to see grown men with tears coming out of their eyes. It’s beautiful,” he said.

See Hindley Street Country Club perform live at the Coliseum Theatre on Saturday, October 31. Tickets at coliseumtheatre.com.au.

THINGS TO DO

Harry Potter cruise on the Nepean Belle

The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler is hosting another School Holiday Fun Cruise. On Friday, July 10, kids can dress up as their favourite ‘Harry Potter’ character and enjoy two hours of fun and games while the adults enjoy the scenic cruise. Book online at https://www.nepeanbelle.com.au/booking-schoolholiday-fun-cruise.

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

Seniors Dance Club (Over 55s) Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Call Glenda for details on 0421 322 846.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Probus Club of Nepean

Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club. New members welcome. Call 0417 267 866.

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the fourth Monday of the

Chief Executive O cer

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith CBD Corporation is a not for profit organisation seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead the strategic direction, operations, and growth of our organisation. This is a unique oppor tunity to make a lasting impact on one of Western Sydney’s most impor tant city centres, working collaboratively with key stakeholders to shape t he future of the Penrith CBD.

The CEO will drive initiatives that enhance the economic prosperity,

Jonas Jost – The Ultimate Magic Show

Join master magician and illusionist Jonas Jost for an action-packed magic show the whole family will enjoy. On Friday, July 10 at Panthers Penrith, Jost will combine comedy, illusions, and audience participation in this highly interactive performance that gets kids involved on stage while keeping parents entertained too.

month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am. All new members welcome.

Jordan Springs Probus Club

Fourth Tuesday of the month. 9.45am for 10am at Jordan Springs Hub. Call Keith on 9713 9038 for details.

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.

South Creek Probus Club

Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail.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 9am2pm. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.

Red Cross Penrith Meetings held the second Thursday 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 at 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown.

MUSEUMS

Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.

vibrancy, safety, and attractiveness of the Penrith CBD

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the deliver y of the organisation’s strategic and operational plans

• Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, property owners, government and community stakeholders.

• Oversee marketing campaigns, branding, communications and promotional activities.

• Lead major events, activations and city beautification projects.

• Manage organisational budgets, financial repor ting, contracts and funding agreements

• Working with local government funds in par tnership

• Leading and managing a small team of passionate and motivate people.

0408 412 708 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.

Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.

About You

You are an accomplished executive leader with demonstrated experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial management, governance, and economic development. You possess exceptional communication and relationship-building skills and have a proven ability to deliver outcomes across business, government, and community sectors

Applications are invited from motivated leaders who are passionate about economic growth, place management, community engagement, and organisational excellence.

Please email your resume and tell us why you would be a good fit for this role to connect@penrit hcbdcorp.com.au

Applications close on 10th July 2026

C60 years has aimed to do every single episode.

elebrate 60 years of ‘Play School’ in a joyful 40-minute live concert of songs, surprises, and family fun at Riverside.

This joyful live concert invites families to join Humpty as he prepares to put on a big show. He’s planned singing, dancing, and even a little magic! But just as the curtain is about to rise, the wheels on the bus get stuck near Old MacDonald’s farm! Can Humpty’s friends come to the rescue in time to help him put on a fantastic show?

“There’s also a special brand of Aussie humour and brightness in it that makes generation after generation fall in love with it. I’m one lucky fella to be part of Play School’s colourful history.”

Fellow presenter Kaeng Chan is eager to get on the Riverside stage.

The show will feature Australia’s favourite presenters, alongside cherished toys including Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Kiya and Fergus.

“Play School’s longevity is in its name – it’s schooling through play,” said presenter Matt Backer.

“That beautiful simplicity is still the basis of everything that myself and every other presenter and creative team over

“What I personally love about the live concerts is the fact that we get to see kids’ smiling faces directly, and in a small way, let them guide us through the show,” he said.

“We bounce off their wonderful energy and reactions just as much as they get their enjoyment from our silly antics on stage!”

See ‘Play School Live Concert: Humpty’s Big Celebration!’ at Riverside Theatres from July 11-12. Book at riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/ playschool-humptys-big-celebration.

COUNTRY CORNER

In a special edition of Country Corner, we’re counting down the top 10 country songs from 2000 until now.

So we’re not taking it way back, but he’s the best from the last 26 years!

10. ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ by Tim McGraw. Tender vocals, a touching story and a song that really makes you think. This one is a real vibe of a song but also takes you on a deep journey.

9. ‘Austin’ by Blake Shelton. His debut single in 2001 and one of the best country songs of all-time let alone the last quarter of a century. It became a five-week number one in the US.

8. ‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood. You know this song from the moment the music begins. Part of Carrie Underwood’s rise to one of the biggest stars in country music.

7. ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ by Lainey Wilson. A breakout hit for the now Queen of Country in the US, and one that sticks with us

as one of her best songs. A modern-day tip of the hat to ‘Strawberry Wine’.

6. ‘You Look Like You Love Me’ by Ella Langley and Riley Green. These two may be awkies these days but the duo’s stunningly powerful duet will be on top 10 lists forever.

5. ‘Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning’ by Alan Jackson. Written in the days after the September 11 terror attacks and performed at the Grand Ole Opry in November of 2001, it’s difficult to listen to this song without emotion taking over.

4. ‘The House That Built Me’ by Miranda Lambert. One of the greatest country songs ever written, Lambert made it a smash hit in 2010 as the third song

from her ‘Revolution’ album. It has become one of her signature songs.

3. ‘Die a Happy Man’ by Thomas Rhett. The song that put him on the map, and one that he’ll never stop playing at his live shows. An absolute country classic.

2. ‘Choosin’ Texas’ by Ella Langley. This may be a fresh release, but we don’t believe there’s any recency bias here. This track is breaking record after record and is a certified country hit. Will be on playlists for decades to come.

1. ‘Beautiful Crazy’ by Luke Combs. A touching, emotional song that many can relate to. We love Combs’ softer side and this song sits perfectly in that ilk. It’s one song we will never get sick of.

At the movies...

Horror is having an excellent year in 2026, and that’s no exception with ‘Leviticus’.

The newest entry into the Australian horror landscape, ‘Leviticus’ centres around two teenage boys in a rural town learning and accepting their sexuality and attraction to one another. After the intervention of the church however, the boys must battle against a dark entity that takes the form of the one they desire most – each other.

Compelling, emotional and darkly twisted, ‘Leviticus’ grips viewers from the very start. The story itself is engaging and unique, taking the audience on the rollercoaster that is teenage love and attraction. This is amplified by the boys being hunted by an entity that is desperate to eliminate them and will take any chance it gets. The entity being disguised as the object of their affec-

tions causes confusion and fear on and off the screen, resulting in a feeling of eeriness that stays with you long afterwards.

Actors Joe Bird (‘Talk To Me’) and Stacy Clausen are spectacular together, showcasing the best of young Australian talent.

Their chemistry is beyond believable, which makes it even harder to know if they are who they say they are.

The movie creates moments of beauty, as young love blossoms, which is then harshly contrasted by the eerie and sometimes

shocking violence and viscera.

Director Adrian Chiarella did an amazing job in capturing rural, overly-religious Australia, and has no doubt created the next indie-horror classic.

www.hoyts.com.au

Ê Fun reality contest ‘Lego Masters Australia’ is returning for an eighth season on Nine, this time as four themed events. Hamish Blake and judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught return with four teams of three who will battle it out for the $100,000 prize and Lego trophy. They are joined by Sophie Monk, with hosts thematically dressed each episode. Episodes will surround ‘The Lord of the Rings’, DC Heroes, ‘Jurassic World’ and Bluey. ‘Lego Masters’ returns this Sunday, July 5 at 7pm.

Ê Exciting news for fans of ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’, with the ABC rebooting the series after 20 years. Production is now underway in Melbourne on the new four-part documentary titled ‘Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus’. Two decades after they first captured the nation, the Choir of Hard Knocks returns for its most ambitious challenge yet: a star-studded gala concert celebrating the choir’s remarkable legacy while welcoming a new generation of people into its ranks. As members confront disadvantage, homelessness, mental illness, social isolation, disability and addiction, this uplifting documentary series follows their journey towards an unforgettable performance. A 20th

anniversary event will be held in August at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. ‘Choir of Hard Knocks: A New Chorus’ will premiere on the ABC later this year.

Ê It was disappointing to see long-time ‘Today’ co-host and one of the best in the business Karl Stefanovic get punted by Nine last week. A two-sentence statement by the Nine Network was all that was afforded to him after 26 years of service. Maybe Karl will be better off by the move, but Nine certainly won’t be.

Ê Despite a successful first season, it’s unlikely Seven’s ‘My Reno Rules’ will be returning to Seven next year. It’s been reported that there’s not enough time to produce a second season. Could it return in 2028? Potentially.

Ê In case you missed it, the nominations

for the 2026 Gold Logie Award were released last week. In the race for Gold this year:

either

or Robert Irwin for the gong this year. The Logies are on Sunday, August 16.

Ê ‘Yellowstone’ spin-off ‘Dutton Ranch’ has been renewed for a second season by Paramount+.

Ê Stan has announced that ‘Drag Race Down Under vs The World’ will premiere on Stan on Friday, July 24. Michelle Visage returns to host the runway with fan favourite Rhys Nicholson on the judging panel, alongside season four winner Lazy Susan. Five Drag Race Down Under queens will battle six international drag artists in a variety of challenges and runway performances.

• Vinyl Records

• Vintage Watches

• Diecast Cars

• CDs

• Record collections

• Digital Cameras

• Nintendo/ Playstation

• Guitars/ Microphones

• SEGA

• Vintage clothing

• FOB Watches

• Nintendo Games

• Old Tools

• Coins & Stamps

• Vintage Cameras

• Vintage and Antique Jewellery

• Old Tins

• Carpentry Tools

• Quirky Old Stu

Call Mike 0400 675 315 michel .lego @icloud.com

P lanning a garage sale? P lanning to downsize or move? P lanning to

TV Guide: July 3 - 9

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

3:00 Play School 3:25 Ready, Steady, Wiggle!

(PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown

2:30 Malaysia Kitchen 3:00 Starstruck (PG) 4:30 Movie: “Playmobil: The Movie” (G) (’19) Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy 6:30 Movie: “Babe” (G) (’95) Stars: James Cromwell 8:30 Movie: “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (M l) (’97) Stars: Julia Roberts

(PG) 3:35 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:05 MythBusters (PG) 4:55 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 5:45 Grand Designs New Zealand (PG) 6:30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG)

3:25 Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Dreaming Big 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Great Parks Of Africa (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Mountain” (PG) (’24) Stars: Elizabeth Atkinson

Food Safari Fire 6:00 America The Bountiful 6:30 Sara’s Istanbul Delights 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Instant

8:00 The Hairy Bikers USA 8:30 Ainsley’s Football Feast 9:30 Come Dine With Me: The Professionals

10:30 Auction Squad 11:30 GetOn Extra

12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Flemington/ Sunshine Coast *Live* 5:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 5:30 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (M l)

3:00

1:30 Lady Torque TV (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Nitro Funny Cars 4:00 Duck Dynasty (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Back To The Future III” (PG) (’90)

1:30 Australia’s Cheapest Weddings (PG) 2:30 This Is Your Life (PG) 4:30 Instant Hotel (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Babe: Pig In The City” (G) (’98) Stars: James Cromwell 7:30 Movie: “The Da Vinci Code” (M v) (’06) Stars: Tom Hanks

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 (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Monty Don’s British Gardens 2:30 Race Around The

3:35 The Frontier (PG) 4:30 Faboriginal 5:00 Larapinta 6:00 Home, Land & Sea (PG) (In English/ Maori) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l) 8:30 Movie: “Cooties” (M) (’14) Stars: Elijah Wood

Hidden Restaurants With Michel Roux Jr 10:35 Eating Inn 12:30 Hot Dish With Franco

12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 Building The Dream Home 2:30 Bull (M s,v) 3:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 Bull (M s,v) 6:30 Building The Dream Home Revisit 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:30 Becker (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Lingo 1:00 Friends (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M)

12:00 DW The Day 12:30 Land Of The Giants: Titans Of Tech (M) 2:10 Who Killed The WCW? (M l) 3:05 Bamay 3:35 Worldwatch 5:40 Inside The Huddle 6:10 Over The Black Dot 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 1:00 Snackmasters (PG) 2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets” (PG) (’02) Stars: Emma Watson 3:05 Antiques DownUnder 3:35 Movie: “Beautiful Stranger”

9:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 10:30 Navigating The World 11:30 Pooches At Play (PG) 12:00 So Help Me Todd (PG) 1:00 The Living Room (PG) 3:00 JAG: (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 11:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 11:30 Ridiculousness (M l) 1:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Ridiculousness (M l) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:00 The Flipping El Moussas 2:00

3:40 NITV News Update 3:45 BBC News At Ten 4:15 France 24 International News 4:45 PBS News Hour 5:45 Mastermind 6:45 The Mega-Brands That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Americana (M) 8:30 Cup Fever! (M) 9:30 Lego Masters Grand Masters Of The Galaxy (PG) 5:30 Movie: “The Polar Express” (G) (’04) Stars: Tom Hanks 7:30 Movie: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (PG) (’12) Stars: Martin Freeman 11:10 Movie: “Candyman” (M) 1:00 Movie: “South Of Algiers” (G) (’53) Stars: Van Heflin 3:00 Rugby Union: Blue Crane Capital Shute Shield: Eastwood v Gordon *Live* 5:00 NRLW: Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys *Live* 7:00 Keeping Up Appearances

Anh Does

(PG) 4:00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera (PG) 5:00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters 6:00 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 5:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:30 Elder In Residence Oration 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Great Parks Of Africa (PG) 7:30 Blue Water Empire 8:30 Movie: “The Colleano Heart” (PG) (’25) Stars: Molly O’Donnell 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 Navigating The World 11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 12:30 So Help Me Todd (PG) 1:30 The Living Room (PG) 3:30 JAG (PG)

11:30 Front Up (PG) 12:00 Dark Side Of The 90s (M l,v) 12:55 Jeopardy! 3:00 Cycling: Tour de France Highlights 4:00 Bamay 4:20 Worldwatch 5:50 The Food That Built The World 6:40 Abandoned Engineering (M) 7:35 Nicolas Cage

10:30 Lego Masters Grand Masters Of The Galaxy (PG) 5:20 Movie: “Super Pets” (AKA ‘DC League Of Super-Pets’) (PG) (’22) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 7:30 Movie: “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes” (M) (’23)

2:00 Movie: “The Brigand Of Kandahar” (PG) (’65) Stars: Yvonne Romain 3:40 Movie: “Long Dark Hall” (PG) (’51) Stars: Anthony Bushell 5:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 7:30 Tennis: Wimbledon: Pre Show 8:00 Tennis: Wimbledon *Live* 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

Get Macca’s® delivered.

5:45

5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:10 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:30

5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:10 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 7:40 Ninjago

(M s,v)

Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Batman Begins” (M v) (’05)

4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 Becker (PG) 5:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 5:00 Escape To The Chateau 6:00

5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 9:30 Tennis: Wimbledon: Pre Show 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Capture (MA15+) 2:00 That Blackfella Show 3:00 Restoration Australia (PG) 4:00 Frankie Drake Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Back Roads 8:30 Grand Designs (PG) 9:15 Ground Up (M

IS HOSTING A HOME LISTING PARTY A GOOD IDEA FOR ME?

From champagne and grazing tables to stylists, florists and curated guest lists, home listing parties are becoming one of the latest trends in Australian real estate, but are they a smart investment or just an expensive show?

Highly respected interior designer, feng shui expert and property personality Kellie Richardson said while the concept sounds glamorous, many homeowners are spending thousands without understanding whether the strategy actually delivers results.

Richardson is the founder of Kurved by Design, one of Australia’s leading property staging and design companies, and the

creator of the Kurved by Design Interior Design Academy.

“We’re seeing more vendors feel pressured to host these events because they think it’s the new must-do,” Richardson said.

“However, the truth is, a home listing party is not a magic bullet. If the fundamentals are wrong, the party won’t fix it.”

Popularised in premium markets and influenced by social media, listing parties are designed to create buzz, generate urgency and attract qualified buyers before public open homes begin.

Agents invite select buyers, local influencers, neighbours and sometimes media to a styled, catered event

designed to showcase the property at its best.

“It’s about theatre,” Richardson said.

“IT ALLOWS BUYERS TO EXPERIENCE THE HOME”

“The goal is to make buyers emotionally connect with the home in a more relaxed, lifestyle-driven environment.”

However, she warned the trend is quickly filtering into mid-range and suburban markets where the

return on investment is less clear.

“For high-end properties, architecturally designed homes or unique residences, a well-executed event can create a sense of exclusivity,” she said.

“It allows buyers to experience the home, not just inspect it.”

She added that strong storytelling, styling and strategic guest selection are critical.

“If the right buyers are in the room, competition can build quickly,” Richardson said.

The problem, Richardson said, is that many homeowners are overspending on events that don’t translate into higher sale prices.

“We’re seeing vendors spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 on food, styling and entertainment,” she said.

“In many cases, that money would be far better spent on presentation, repairs, lighting, professional styling and high-quality photography.”

As a leading property staging expert, Richardson believes some sellers are drawn to the perceived glamour without understanding the core drivers of value.

“Buyers care about layout, natural light, condition and emotional connection,” Richardson said.

“They don’t care about the canapé menu.”

Richardson’s advice is simple: don’t follow trends blindly.

“For some properties, a listing party can be a smart strategic move,” she said.

“But for many, it’s unnecessary and expensive. Every dollar should be evaluated based on return, not ego.”

As Australia’s property market continues to evolve, she believes vendors must become more informed and strategic.

“Sellers should treat their home like a business asset,” Richardson said.

“That means making decisions based on data, not Instagram.”

DOUBLE STOREY UNIT IN THE HEART OF PENRITH

What is so great about this property? Entry level, double storeyunitinthePenrithCBD.Walk to everything.

Who does this property suit? A great first home for young buyers looking to get a start in the market or an easy investment property currentlyreturning$490perweek.

Tell us about the suburb the property is in? Location speaks for itself. Walk to Nepean Hospital, Westfield Penrith, High Street and Penrith Train Station.

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

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BE A FIRST HOME BUYER

It is no secret that interest rates have climbed this year, with the Reserve Bank of Australia holding the cash rate at 4.35 per cent after three increases in 2026. But for first home buyers, the honest story of 2026 isn’t about the cost of money, it’s about how much easier governments have made it to get into the market in the first place.

A wave of Federal and State changes rolled out over the past nine months has stripped away some of the biggest barriers first home buyers have faced for a generation: the size of the deposit, the cost of lenders’ mortgage insurance, and the upfront sting of stamp duty. Stacked together, they add up to one of the most supportive policy environments first home buyers have seen.

The 5% deposit scheme, without the caps

The Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee, commonly known as the 5% Deposit Scheme, has been expanded so that any eligible first home buyer can apply, regardless of income, with no limit on the number of places available each year. Previously the scheme was capped at 35,000 places annually and restricted to buyers earning under $125,000 (singles) or $200,000 (couples). Both are gone. Under the scheme, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI) alto-

gether, a saving that typically runs to $15,000$30,000 on an average loan. Property price caps have also been lifted in many regions to better reflect local market values, including in parts of western Sydney, bringing more family homes within reach of the scheme.

NSW stamp duty relief

In New South Wales, the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme continues to offer a full exemption from transfer duty on homes valued up to $800,000, with a tapered concession available up to $1 million. For a buyer purchasing an $800,000 home, that’s a saving of more than $30,000 that would otherwise be paid in stamp duty alone, money that can instead go straight towards the deposit or reduce the amount that needs to be borrowed.

Buyers building or buying vacant land also benefit, with a full exemption available on land valued up to $350,000 and a concessional rate up to $450,000.

More ways to bridge the gap

Beyond the 5% Deposit Scheme and stamp duty relief, eligible buyers have other levers available. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets buyers grow a deposit inside superannuation’s lower tax environment, with voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 a year (capped at $50,000 total) able to be released for a first home. The new Federal Help to Buy shared

equity scheme, meanwhile, allows the government to co-own a portion of an eligible property, lowering both the deposit required and the size of the loan, though it can’t be used alongside the 5% Deposit Scheme, so the right choice depends on individual circumstances. Single parents have additional support through the Family Home Guarantee, which allows entry with a deposit as low as 2%, also without LMI.

What it means in practice

None of this changes the fact that borrowing costs are higher than they were a couple of years ago, and serviceability still needs to stack up under each lender’s assessment rules. But the deposit hurdle, long the biggest obstacle standing between renters and owners, has been lowered more dramatically in the past year than at almost any point in the scheme’s history. For many first home buyers, the question is no longer “can I ever save 20 per cent?” but “which combination of schemes gets me into a home sooner, and what does that mean for my repayments?”

Eligibility rules, price caps and panel lenders vary by scheme and can change, so it pays to get tailored advice before acting – particularly where schemes can’t be combined, or where a higher purchase price might tip a buyer out of an exemption.

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027

FIV IN CATS: WHAT EVERY OWNER NEEDS TO KNOW

When people hear the words Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often referred to as “cat AIDS”, it can be frightening. However, one of the biggest misconceptions is that FIV is a danger to people. It is not. FIV cannot be transmitted to humans and only affects cats. With early diagnosis, responsible management and regular veterinary care, many FIV-positive cats enjoy long, happy and comfortable lives.

FIV is a virus that attacks a cat’s

immune system, specifically the T-cells that help fight infection. As the immune system becomes weaker, affected cats are more vulnerable to secondary infections that a healthy cat would normally overcome with ease.

In Australia, FIV is relatively common, with an estimated 14 to 29 per cent of cats testing positive. Entire male cats that roam outdoors are at the greatest risk because the virus is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds sustained during

HEALTH

SHOES THAT PREVENT FALLS

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, often resulting in reduced confidence, loss of independence, and serious health complications. While many people focus on balance and strength when considering fall prevention, one commonly overlooked factor is footwear.

At OnePointHealth, we frequently see patients wearing shoes that may be increasing their risk of falls without them even realising.

Why footwear matters

Your shoes are the foundation between your body and the ground. Appropriate footwear can improve stability, balance, and confidence when walking, while poor footwear can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Footwear features that can increase fall risk

Certain footwear characteristics are commonly associated with reduced stability, including:

• Worn or slippery soles

• Backless slippers or

cat fights. While males are overrepresented, female cats can also become infected if they are exposed to infected cats.

One of the most effective ways to protect your cat is to keep them safely indoors or provide access to a secure outdoor enclosure or cat-proof yard. Desexing your cat also reduces the likelihood of fighting, while keeping cats indoors at night further lowers the risk of encountering roaming cats.

Vaccination against FIV is available, although it is not included in the routine F3 or F5 vaccination schedule. Your veterinarian will recommend this vaccine based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk of exposure. If your cat spends time outdoors or may come into contact with other cats, talk to your vet about adding the FIV vaccine to their preventative health care schedule.

Many cats with FIV show no obvious signs for months or even years. When illness does occur, it is usually due to secondary infec-

loose-fitting shoes

• High heels or elevated soles

• Shoes that are too large or too small

• Thick, unstable cushioning

• Lack of fastening such as laces or Velcro straps

What makes a safe shoe?

Supportive footwear can play an important role in reducing fall risk. The right footwear should feel secure and stable while allowing comfortable movement throughout the day. Features to look for include:

• A firm, non-slip sole

• Secure fastening (laces, Velcro or straps)

• A stable heel counter at the back of the shoe

• Adequate width and depth for comfort

• Low heel height

• Good overall fit without excessive movement inside the shoe

More than just shoes

While footwear is important, falls are often caused by multiple factors working together, including:

MAJA BOSIC One Point Health 4732 5188

• Reduced strength and balance

• Foot pain

• Poor vision

• Certain medications

• Reduced sensation in the feet

• Environmental hazards around the home

A comprehensive assessment can help identify the factors contributing to an individual’s fall risk.

Take the first step towards safer movement Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, and many risk factors can be addressed with the right support. Ensuring your footwear is appropriate is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve stability and reduce fall risk.

If you are concerned, our team can assess your needs.

tions. Symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes, ongoing gum disease, diarrhoea, skin infections, respiratory infections or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Diagnosing FIV is straightforward. Your veterinarian can perform a blood test that detects antibodies to the virus. Positive in-clinic results are often confirmed by an external laboratory, particularly if a cat has previously received the FIV vaccine, as vaccination can affect test results.

Early detection makes a significant difference. If your cat spends time outdoors, has been involved in a cat fight or you have any concerns about their health, speak with the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Together, we can develop the right prevention and health care plan to help keep your feline companion healthy for years to come.

GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL!

• Ultrasound Contact us! Phone 4736 2027 49 Wentwor th Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm ills Veterinar y Hospital, d that your pet is a ily member. That’s t care ser vices to s district ions

At Orchard Hills V we understand that your pet is a cherished family member why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care ser animals across the Penrith district. We offer:

• Vaccinations

• Radiography

• Microchipping

• Surger y

• Dental care

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

The Sun and retrograde Mercury stir up your daily routine and your relationships with work colleagues, so expect some surprising developments and stressful moments. Resist the urge to be controversial, argumentative and self-indulgent. Try to ground your unpredictable energy and calm your mind. Meditation, contemplation, yoga, chanting or Tai Chi could be just what the doctor ordered! The weekend is good for vivid dreams and intuitive insights.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

This week Venus (your ruling planet) shifts into your creativity and friendship zone. So put aside regular time for music, art and beauty, work hard on a creative project or catch up with a special friend. Plus – with Chiron (minor planet of healing) now transiting through your sign – try to view personal transformation as terrific, rather than terrifying. Be inspired by birthday great, His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who turns 91 on Monday), “True change is within.”

LEO

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Mercury is retrograde, so hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a child, teenager, lover or friend. Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally. Social media is also a potential minefield, as retro Mercury messes up communication. Be careful you don’t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time! Heed the wise words of birthday great, his Holiness the Dalai Lama, “Silence is sometimes the best answer.”

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Mercury (your ruling planet) is retrograde until July 24. Mercury is the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the internet. So the next couple of weeks is not a good time to gossip; sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on an important business trip or embark on a big holiday.

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Is honesty always the best policy? Is it always appropriate to be fearlessly frank? Your natural inclination is to be incredibly blunt, but not everyone is ready for your brand of audacious Aries truth serum. Mercury is reversing through your domestic zone, so a dollop of discretion and a pinch of diplomacy will smooth troubled waters at home and within your family circle. When it comes to friends, clever Rams will talk a lot less and listen a lot more.

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

With Mercury reversing through your sign until July 24, other people will be blunter and more insensitive than usual, and you’ll feel moodier and more sensitive than usual. So clever Crabs will require extra patience, understanding, confidence and self-belief – in spades! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, “Fall in love with yourself, with life.” The weekend is wonderful for socialising in your local community.

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23 LIBRA

The week starts with taskmaster Saturn squaring the Sun (your ruling planet) which could throw a tricky challenge your way. But don’t worry Cats. Venus and Jupiter are both transiting through your sign, so it’s time to present a sunny, positive face to the world as you express your warm, generous, loving nature. Be inspired by His Holiness the Dalai Lama (who was born on July 6, 1935), “Forgive others … be kind, honest and have positive thoughts.”

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

If you stir up grievances with an old adversary, then you could find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! When it comes to a frustrating problem, avoid quick fixes. You’ll find a satisfactory solution if you take the time to think things through. Lucky Venus and prosperous Jupiter are visiting your professional zone. So confidence is in and procrastination is out, as you go after what you want with passion, purpose and patience.

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Your very discreet Virgo nature is emphasised, as Mercury (your power planet) reverses through your peer group zone, and Venus spends most of the week in your solitude zone. Make it a priority to connect with like-minded people who understand your specific peccadillos and strong need for privacy. But a loved one could be temperamental, so handle them with extra care. And don’t skip over important details – get someone you trust to help you out.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Mercury (planet of communication) is retrograde until July 24. So think –carefully – before you speak and act. And avoid getting drawn into dramatic disputes with family and friends, especially involving money and/or possessions. This week will work best if you curb your Sagittarian curiosity, keep out of other people’s business, hold your tongue, and concentrate on pursuing personal projects instead. Friday favours fostering professional connections.

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Are you running on empty? Diplomatic Librans will strive to get the ratio right between being on top of things at work, while still having time to rest, reflect and recharge your run-down batteries. Mercury is reversing through your career zone, so relations with a colleague, client or customer could be stressful and problematic, particularly if you try to control an uncontrollable situation. Expect the unexpected and keep your adaptability muscles well-flexed!

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

This week Mercury reverses through your partnership zone and the Sun squares Saturn in your family zone. So close relationships will be a complicated minefield. Don’t allow a loved one to manipulate you, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment. Have the common sense and emotional strength to stand your ground and say no. (Without being bossy and controlling yourself – which is a tricky juggle). Balance is the key.

Relax & Unwind

MEMORIES TO SAVOUR

If you’re a parent, you probably regularly get those social media videos telling you how limited your time with your kids in a particular phase is. How many summers you have before they’d rather be with their friends, how many family holidays you actually have etc – the list goes on.

They are always a stark reminder of how special the period of your life is when you’re the entire world for your kids. When every experience and memory matters.

Cost can always be a hurdle to creating these magical moments, but so often you can create an experience without breaking the bank – one that seems so simple, but means the world to them.

With this in mind, little-miss-five and I packed our bags (in her case, the world’s smallest backpack with nothing actually practical included) and headed to the PARKROYAL Parramatta last month.

“PARRAMATTA HAS HAD QUITE THE GLOW-UP IN RECENT YEARS”

The plan was simple: An overnight stay, room service, a movie night and buffet breakfast.

All classic hotel staples, but in her case – a magical experience.

She continues to be amazed at the very concept of hotels, let alone the idea that you can actually get food delivered to your room. Wild.

PARKROYAL currently has a promotion focused around the winter school holidays that includes an overnight stay, daily breakfast, late check-out (subject to availability) and even a special treat for the kids by way of a plush toy and storybook.

The great thing about staying at the PARK-

ROYAL Parramatta is that it is right in the heart of Parramatta, so it becomes the perfect home base for whatever it is you’ve got on the agenda – whether that be checking out the popular restaurants on Eat Street, heading to the movies or seeing a show at the nearby Riverside Theatre.

Parramatta has had quite the glow-up in recent years, particularly with the development of Parramatta Square, so if you haven’t been for a while, you’ll likely be quite surprised at just how different it looks to even a few years ago.

We had a Deluxe King Corner room for the night – which was spacious and comfortable, and from the 11th floor offered great views of Parramatta. Little-miss-five discovered ‘people watching’ on this trip and was fascinated by what she could see below her.

We opted for room service which was quick and delicious – a selection of pizzas, steak and a sneaky cheesecake were all well-devoured before we settled in for a movie (can I just note

as well how simple the setup was to stream to the TV – often you require a Master’s Degree to get those things working in hotels!).

After a comfortable night’s sleep we headed downstairs for the buffet breakfast – it was busy, but the food kept coming out quickly and there was a great variety of hot options as well as fruits, pastries and the like.

We headed back home around lunch time and as I drove out of the car park, I thought to myself – well, we didn’t really do much.

But little-miss-five? She couldn’t stop talking about that view, the fact pizzas were delivered to the room, her comfortable bed and the “unlimited pancakes”.

An experience she will remember, and therefore one I will too.

It may be simple, it may just be down the road. But with a small investment and minimal planning, you can deliver a special family experience.

PARKROYAL Parramatta’s Family Escape Offer is available for a limited time. DESTINATION

7. Soggy

8. US counterterrorism group (1,1,1)

22. Wields (infl uence)

23. Eyeball hollow

25. Country, Saudi ...

26. Ail

29. Russian empress

32. Alcoholic brew

35. Plans (4,3)

37. Croaks

38. Retirement do (4-3)

40. Journalist’s slant

41. Iraqi currency

42. Delve

43. Football superstar, ... Beckham

44. Folk duo, ... & Garfunkel

47. Mind child (4-3)

51. Light-bulb developer

52. Scraped by (4,2)

53. Colonial realm

54. Small songbirds

58. Disgust

59. Martini ingredient

61. Cutting ray

63. Duty spell

64. Fact

65. Punched

66. Uproar

68. Tusk material

71. Summon up (memories)

72. Non-coms (1,1,2)

74. Blokes

76. Handful (of daisies)

78. Urged on, ... up

80. Pint-sized

83. Wheel-shaft projection

Word Search

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

THEME: BOARD GAMES

MONOPOLY

BATTLESHIP

CHESS

CONNECT FOUR

MASTERMIND

OPERATION

SKIP-BO

MOUSE TRAP

BOGGLE

PICTIONARY

JENGA

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about chocolate in this week’s special trivia quiz... 1. When is World Chocolate Day?

What’s the name of the process that gives chocolate a shiny finish? 3. Which chocolate bar has a triangle shape?

Which continent currently produces over 70 per cent of the world’s cocoa beans? 5. Who invented the chocolate press in 1828?

6. Which ancient civilisation used cacao beans as currency?

7. Which continent consumes the most chocolate per person?

8. In 1930, Nestle became the first company to produce what kind of chocolate?

9. How many tonnes of chocolate do Australians consume each year?

any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

–

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

New X-Trail lacks personality but is still a reliable option

After learning the hard way with the Pulsar/Tiida name change, Nissan has stuck with the proven X-Trail nameplate for 25 years, and recently released the latest mid-life update.

This retains both the 2.5-litre petrol engine and the e-POWER EV driveline, with onboard generator.

Our test car was the ST-L, an upgrade of the base model wearing a synthetic leather trim package on the seats and steering wheel.

Visually, the X-Trail is fairly conservative, not straying too far from its opposition in the highly-competitive medium SUV class.

While this means there is a ‘sameness’ to the look, it also means it is an attractive design offering well-proportioned lines.

The front is the ‘family’ face, shared with little brother Qashqai, a horizontally-slatted grille wrapping rearwards into the guards, while double decker lighting places the daytime running lights above the main headlights.

A black faux-bumper frames the lower air intake, there are also black plastic wheel arch protectors front and rear, catching road grime and debris thrown up by the tyres, while more black plastic is used on the stone deflectors under the doors.

The ST-L runs on 18” black and chrome aero-effect alloy wheels, shod with 235/60 tyres, up from the base ST’s 17” alloys.

The near-vertical tailgate opens high, I was able to stand upright under the main section, with just a head bob to duck under the edges.

Our car was finished in the new Everest White, a solid and dependable colour, but it doesn’t help the X-Trail stand out in the parking lot, Nissan offers a broad colour palette for the ST-L, for a little more character I suggest a premium option.

Build quality is good, panel gaps are even, the paint finish is above average, it just needs a touch of pizazz to make it stand out.

The story is similar inside, Nissan put together a decent, but not exceptional, package offering plenty of convenience items, without standing out from the crowd.

While the front seats are broad and

well padded, everyone who rode in it agreed they push your upper body forward, out of the seat.

Despite running hands across the upper seat back multiple times, we couldn’t find the cause, we eliminated the lumbar support as a possibility, it made otherwise decent seats feel uncomfortable, despite 10-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way manual movement for the passenger.

This was a shame, because this aside, the X-Trail is well-appointed, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and we appreciated the heated front seats as the outside temperatures plummeted.

Height and reach adjustable steering is always helpful, along with the thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed, steering wheel, for sliding in and out of the driver’s seat.

Nissan went widescreen with the ST-L update, now 12.3” of living colour, I found the brightness adjustment early in the drive!

Apple and Android connectivity is wireless, playing through a six-speaker sound system, along with AM/FM/DAB radio and Bluetooth music options.

Multiple USB ports, covering -A, -B and -C, take care of device charging, along with a wireless phone charger.

Sadly, the ST-L doesn’t get a Heads-Up Display, but it includes Nissan’s excellent 360-degree camera system, now with a ‘skeleton’ bonnet to improve vision even

further, perfect for restricted vision movements.

The centre console’s ‘butterfly opening’ padded lid makes a good armrest, with twin cupholders beside the stubby gear selector.

The rear seats were a bit on the flat side, although not uncomfortable, but this made it easy to install the grandkids’ car seats. The cabin is spacious for a mid-size SUV, the dual height floor in the cargo area created extra volume when needed.

Like other elements of the X-Trail, the interior is good, without being excellent, it offers decent comfort levels, the front seats aside, there are no complaints about the fit and finish, the synthetic leather was comfortable and pliable.

It just lacked a ‘wow’ factor to separate it from the competition, there was no feeling of being in something special.

The ST-L uses the 135kW/244Nm 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine, driving through a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shift control.

This is a free-revving unit delivering peak power at 6,000rpm, with a solid engine note throughout the rev range, Nissan has developed this engine over a number of years.

Don’t expect racetrack performance from the CVT, this is an excellent touring transmission, but it suffers with sudden speed changes.

There are preset ‘gear’ positions,

this is where the CVT struggled, it felt rough shifting between presets, as though it was ‘clunking’ into gear.

On the highway, it was a different animal, smooth, with only minor engine rpm adjustments, the only time it worked hard was climbing hills in cruise control, pushing the engine to maintain road speed.

Like most current cars, the X-Trail has a suite of driver assists, fortunately these are driver selectable, meaning the more aggressive lane keep assist (LKA) can be deactivated.

Yes, I am a fan of systems that reduce driver workload, and therefore fatigue, by managing ‘minor’ operations, leaving you free to focus on the bigger picture, like watching the road ahead.

That said, I have no patience for systems that are overly sensitive and reactive, and Nissan has had issues with this in the past.

Unfortunately, with the ProPilot intelligent cruise control in use, the LKA became more intrusive, twitching the steering wheel if you deviated in any way from the centre of your lane.

This meant minor evasive actions, like sidestepping road debris or potholes, were met with a forceful tug on the wheel to recentre the car.

Luckily, this can be deactivated while driving, giving the benefit of maintaining speed and distance, without having a tug of war with the electronic power steering.

This aside, the X-Trail was pleasant, especially on longer drives, but even quick trips were comfortable.

The 60-Series tyres helped, with tall sidewalls absorbing initial impacts, the suspension was compliant, without being super slushy or wallowy.

Equally, the steering was accurate, but not overly sensitive, you could point the car at a corner, knowing it was headed where you wanted, without race car sharpness, and not tossing passengers around the cabin.

I love a good racing car, with fast and responsive steering, but a family SUV doesn’t need to be that aggressive, instead, you want something that corners without heeling over like a Sydney to Hobart supermaxi.

The X-Trail is set to neutral, with a tendency to run wide under hard cornering, partly due to being front wheel drive, encouraging a less aggressive driving style.

This is the constant theme of the X-Trail, and perhaps the reason for its enduring popularity, it doesn’t try to be something it isn’t, instead delivering on its strengths.

Personally, I prefer something with a little more personality and individuality, I found the X-Trail a bit too ‘middle of the road’ for me.

But for those wanting reliable, generally comfortable, ‘set and forget’ motoring, this is a good option.

Club’s splash of cash

NSW Government injects $20,000 into the Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club

NATHAN TAYLOR

The Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club (NACSC), Penrith’s largest and most successful swimming club, has received a grant to the tune of $20,000.

The NSW Government Local Sport Grant will support the purchase of competitive racing blocks, further strengthening the club’s ability to develop swimmers from grassroots through to national competition.

Since its formation in 2011, NACSC has grown to more than 250 members, providing local swimmers with access to competitive swimming opportunities and a pathway to achieve success at all levels of the sport.

Under the leadership of head coach Sarah-Jane Weir, the club offers a comprehensive coaching and strength program, supported by the Nepean Aquatic Centre, and provides regular opportunities for swimmers to compete through club nights and swim meets throughout the year.

across the championships.

The grant will fund the club’s ‘Swim Start Performance Enhancement’ project, enabling the purchase of competitive-level racing blocks. The new equipment will improve training, race preparation and performance, while also allowing the club to conduct specialised dive clinics and enhance competition opportunities during short course club nights.

“The Nepean Aquatic Centre Swim Club continues to set the benchmark for swimming excellence in Penrith and western Sydney and is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through dedication, strong leadership and community support,” Penrith MP Karen McKeown said.

Recent successes include being recognised as the Premier Club in the Metro South West Area after winning club point scores at both the Short Course and Long Course Championships.

NACSC also finished fourth-

The club’s recent achievements highlight its status as one of the strongest swimming programs in the state and the leading program in western Sydney.

ranked in Sydney Metropolitan and eighth overall in NSW during the 2025 Short Course season, while achieving fourth in Sydney Metropolitan and 13th in NSW during the 2025/26 Long Course season.

The club has also excelled in open water swimming, finishing second on the NSW State Open Water Club

Point Score and fifth overall at the Australian Open Water Championships.

At the Australian National Championships, NACSC sent its largest-ever national team, with 19 individual qualifiers, including 12 first-time national qualifiers, recording more than 60 swims

“This funding will provide the club with high-quality racing equipment that will help swimmers further develop their skills and prepare for competition at the highest levels.

“I congratulate all swimmers, coaches, volunteers and families on their remarkable achievements over the past year and look forward to seeing the club continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of Penrith athletes.”

SPORTS SHORTS

BASKETBALL: St Dominic’s College are NSW State Champions after their Senior basketball team claimed the title following an outstanding NSWCCC campaign. St Dominic’s are always dominating on the basketball court with this recent achievement the latest example. The team of 12 boys were coached by Leon Hine and managed by Rachel Atkinson. “Achievements such as this are a testament to the culture of excellence, teamwork and perseverance that defines sport at St Dominic’s,” the school posted on social media. “Congratulations to the entire team on this remarkable accomplishment. You have made the College community incredibly proud!”

CRICKET: After 19 years of coaching and six seasons with the Penrith Cricket Club, Craig Noble has called time on his first grade coaching commitments. Following tenures at Greystanes and Parramatta, Noble made the move to Penrith in 2019/20 as an assistant coach under Ron Woods. He spent two years in that role before stepping up as head coach and first grade coach in 2022/23. That season he led his side to premiership glory, lifting the Ruth Preddy Cup and bringing the Sydney Women’s Cricket First Grade Premiership to Penrith for the very first time. Noble was honoured with the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Coach of the Year award for the groundbreaking achievement. Noble continued coaching first grade at Penrith in the seasons that followed, rebuilding the team and guiding the squad through a period of significant transition in the wake of the premiership. “Penrith Cricket Club thanks Craig for everything he has contributed to the players, the program and the culture that made that premiership possible,” the club posted on social media.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced that Amy Barker will depart the club at the conclusion of her contract to join Japanese club Cerezo Osaka. A product of the Wanderers development pathway, Barker progressed through the club’s system before making her A-League Women’s debut in Red & Black. The young midfielder went on to make four A-League appearances for the Wanderers, earning valuable top-flight experience during her time at the club. Barker’s move to Cerezo Osaka marks an exciting next step in her football journey and reflects the Wanderers’ continued commitment to developing young talent.

RUGBY: The Penrith Emus have thumped Hawkesbury Valley 50-0 in Round 10 of the

McLean Cup. Played at Nepean Rugby Park last Saturday, the Emus were ruthless, scoring eight tries to zero. Fullback Junior Leuelu Tino had a personal tally of 23 points in the huge win, notching up three tries and four goals. Meanwhile, the Emus also enjoyed a big win in second grade, hammering Hawkesbury Valley 54-7. Both teams will enjoy this weekend off before returning to the field on July 11 against Sydney Harbour.

AFL: The GWS Giants have lost their third straight game, defeated by the Hawthorn Hawks 96-82 in Round 16 of the AFL competition. The Giants pushed the Hawks to the limit despite being two players down, as a pair of

devastating in-game injuries left GWS’s season hanging by a thread. The Giants lost Brent Daniels (calf) and Max Gruzewski (knee) for the game in the second quarter, which made life very difficult for coach Adam Kingsley and the rest of the playing group. Things don’t get any easier for the Giants this weekend when they travel to Canberra to play the first-placed Fremantle Dockers. The Dockers have lost just one game all season while the Giants have nine losses to their name.

AFL: The Penrith Rams remain on top of the ladder, destroying the Inner West Magpies 172-6 in Round 11 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. The Magpies booted a goal in the first quarter and that’s where the scoring ended for the home side. The Rams on the other hand slotted over 25 goals in the eye-watering 166-point victory. Penrith will look to keep the winning going when they battle the East Coast Eagles this Saturday at Greygums Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes also celebrated victory last weekend, too good for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs 40-9 in Round 11 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes will clash with the Parramatta Goannas this Saturday morning at Greygums.

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers have struggled against the Newcastle Falcons in Round 12 of the NBL1 East Men’s and Women’s competition. Penrith’s women’s team suffered

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

an 85-36 loss at the claws of the Falcons. Sofia Hunt top scored for the Panthers with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Meanwhile, Penrith’s men’s team went down to the Falcons 84-70. Simun Krpez led the way for Penrith with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. The Panthers will hit the road for two games this weekend: up against the Bankstown Bruins on Saturday followed by the Albury-Wodonga Bandits on Sunday.

NETBALL: Round 9 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition took place at Netball Central last week. Panthers Netball’s U23s team were beaten heavily by North Shore United 76-50, while their Opens team were squashed 77-52. Both teams will take on the ERNA Hawks in Round 10.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 12 of the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys were too good for Manly Leagues 44-12, while Penrith Brothers lost to the Wenty Magpies 34-16. In the Sydney Shield, Penrith Brothers beat the Wenty Magpies 44-22, while St Marys had the bye.

games.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers have won back-to-back games, defeating the St George Dragons 24-8 in Round 3 of the NSW Women’s Premiership. Natalia Webb, Jae Patu, Tiarna West and Aaliyah Boland all scored for the Panthers. Penrith will look to keep the good times rolling when they face-off with the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 11am this Saturday at Parker Street Reserve in Penrith

SPORT

Penrith’s #1 NRL Coverage –Extra Time – see centre pull-out

DREAM COME TRUE

Luke Boyes’ Commonwealth Games dream will finally be realised later this month when he lines up in the 800m event in Glasgow.

The 22-year-old former Penrith High School student was selected in the Australian athletics team after a sensational season, which included securing a personal best time of 1:44:16 at a Diamond League meet in Shanghai last May.

Speaking with the Weekender, the Emu Plains Little Athletics Club junior said he was thrilled to qualify for such a prestigious competition.

“It was a really tough team to make… we’ve got so much depth in the 800m,” Boyes said.

“To put the season I had together was pretty important to me and getting selected off the back of that meant a fair bit.

“It’s a pretty elite group of names that I’m a part of, so that’s always special.”

Boyes is one of the three Australian men who will contest the

800m in Glasgow, with Peter Bol and Peyton Craig also qualifying.

Boyes said he secured a place in the team after finishing fourth at his first Diamond League race in China in May.

“I came fourth, ran a PB and led the race for a good portion of it too,” he said.

“Unfortunately a week after the race I tore my quad in a race in Darwin. I had a 10cm tendon tear, but fortunately that’s healed really well, and I’ll be back in shape for Comm Games.”

This won’t be the first major international athletics event that Boyes will have raced at. Last year, he qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo for the first time.

Boyes said while that was an incredible experience on the world stage, he rates getting selected to the Commonwealth Games even higher.

“This one is up there, I think it’s above World Champs,” he admitted.

“Australians value Comm Games pretty highly. It’s part of our national identity and

performing well at a Comm Games is pretty special.

“Events like the World Champs may be a bit harder to qualify for in the athletics world, but across the general public the Comm Games is what people care about.”

When Boyes steps out onto the track in Glasgow later this month, it’ll be a full circle moment for the former cricketer and footballer.

“I grew up watching the Comm Games, I remember watching the 2014 Games in Glasgow back when I was in high school,” Boyes said.

“I grew up valuing the Comm Games as a special event. To go to my first and represent Australia there will be pretty awesome.

“It’s almost like a full circle moment because my coach Ben St Lawrence also competed in Glasgow and now he gets to go back as a coach with me 12 years later.”

Boyes is currently on the hunt for local sponsorship to help him with his athletics journey.

If you have a business that would like to help, reach out to him at Luke.Boyes2003@gmail. com.