Western Weekender June 25

ORCHARD REBORN

Despite

Budget delivers for some but not others

Commuters and schools have come out best in western Sydney after the NSW Government handed down it’s 2026-2027 Budget.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey delivered his fourth budget in the NSW House of Representatives on Tuesday, outlining the state’s plan for the next 12 months.

“[This is a] Budget driven by our people’s concerns,” he said.

Key to the Labor budget is $100 off private vehicle registration for the owners of around 4.4 million vehicles worth about $435 million, the weekly toll cap will be $50 instead of $60, and Opal transport fares will be held at 2025 prices for a year.

Premier Chris Minns said commuters in western Sydney will benefit greatly from the toll cap.

“People in western Sydney and across our city rely on toll roads every day. They’re not using them for fun, they’re using them to get to work, pick up the kids and keep life moving,” Minns said.

“We can’t fix every pressure families are facing, but we can help.

Cutting the toll cap and scrapping these unfair fees means more money stays in people’s pockets.”

Business Western Sydney

Executive Director David Borger welcomed the one-year reduction in the weekly toll cap,12-month freeze on public transport fares, and the

vehicle registration cut.

“Western Sydney is home to some of Australia’s longest commuters. Large parts of the region remain poorly served by public transport and too many families have little choice but to rely on cars,” he said.

“Dropping the toll cap to $50 is a win for western Sydney, but the long-term prize is extending rail and Metro throughout the region and that will require both the Commonwealth and NSW to work together.”

Additionally, the Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $4.1 billion is set for western Sydney.

Funding has been allocated to build a primary school in Orchard Hills as well as an upgrade to Nangamay Public School at Glenmore Park.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said the school investment means western Sydney communities will have access to “world-class” public education.

“We came to government promising to rebuild public education in NSW, and we’ve spent three years delivering on that promise,” she said.

“Now, having worked hard to address the failures of the Liberals and Nationals to build schools in our fastest-growing suburbs, this Budget shifts our focus from catch-

ing up to planning ahead.

“Families want world-class public schools close to where they live, with less time spent commuting and a restored confidence in an improved public education system.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Budget delivers for these communities, with new schools being built and existing ones upgraded right where families need them.”

The Budget invests $3.5 billion in additional transport infrastructure and roads for western Sydney including Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney International Airport Metro line.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane slammed Labor’s budget.

“This Budget confirms what families and businesses already know – Labor has no plan to help people get ahead and no plan to grow our state’s economy,” Sloane said.

“Families are working harder than ever but too many are going backwards, meanwhile businesses are facing rising costs and a government that is taking more off them in payroll tax.”

HISTORY-MAKING RAID

Two men arrested by police after 2.7 tonnes of cocaine was found in

TROY DODDS

ALondonderry property is at the centre of Australia’s largest ever cocaine seizure. The property was raised last Friday as part of an investigation into an organised crime plot to import and distribute significant quantities of border-controlled drugs along Australia’s east coast. The seizure formed part of Operation Minjiang, a Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (QJOCTF) investigation.

It follows the previous seizure of 178kg of cocaine and 142kg of methamphetamine, representing a total seizure of more than three tonnes of border controlled drugs.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigators executed a search warrant at the semi-rural property in Londonderry where it is alleged a Plumpton man, 21, and a Liverpool man, 25, attempted to evade police by fleeing on foot before being arrested.

During a search of three shipping containers near the rear of the Londonderry property, police located the 2.7 tonnes of cocaine in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers concealed by false container floors.

This amount of cocaine, had it reached the Australian community, had an estimated street value of about $816 million and equates to about three million street level deals.

The men were each charged with

possessing a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, with the offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. They appeared before a NSW Local Court on Saturday and were remanded in custody. They are next

expected to appear before Penrith Local Court on August 13.

Police will allege the cocaine seized at Londonderry was imported into Australia near Midge Point, in North Queensland, and transported to Sydney at the behest of a Sydney organised crime group. Investiga-

tions into this group are continuing.

Operation Minjiang began in May 2026, after 40kg of cocaine was located in the water off a boat ramp at Midge Point by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), which was responding to reports of a burnt-out flatbed truck.

A range of other arrests have been made as part of the investigation.

AFP Commander Stephen Jay praised the unwavering commitment of AFP investigators, and QJOCTF law enforcement partners, to ensure this criminal network did not profit from its ill-gotten goods and keep Australians safe from the growing threat of illicit drugs.

“We know criminals go to extreme lengths, and often risk their own lives, to smuggle drugs into Australia with no regard to the harm they cause to Australian communities,” Commander Jay said.

“This alleged plot to distribute nearly three tonnes of cocaine – by arranging for an international vessel to offload the drugs in Northern Queensland before moving them into Sydney – demonstrates how highly organised and determined these criminal networks are, and the extreme lengths they are willing to go to in pursuit of profit.”

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

There’s a bit happening at the moment, so here’s my view on a melting pot of issues . . .

Running scared of Pauline

Never has the National Press Club had such attention.

Pauline Hanson’s speech at the Press Club last week has certainly got her haters running scared, probably because they realise the momentum behind her is real.

A foolish protest that backfired headlined what has been a rather odd response to Hanson’s address.

Those from both sides of politics, as well as a host of journos, have picked apart the speech in a fashion I’ve not seen other politicians face with such delicate detail.

Here’s the thing: I highly doubt One Nation will form government of any nature in Australia, at least any time soon.

It is somewhat weak on policy direction and removed from the real world a lot of the time, as you would probably expect from a party that doesn’t have the machine, history or experience behind it that the other major parties in Australia boast.

But Pauline Hanson will be the ultimate disruptor in Australian politics over the next few years.

And those who have got themselves in such a tizz over that should probably look deeper at why the public is supporting her more and more. It’s not because they woke up one morning and became converted.

Kyle may yet be King again

Kyle Sandilands has settled his legal dispute with ARN and is ready for his next chapter, it would seem.

As he revealed on the ‘Game Changers Radio’ podcast last week, he’ll be presenting a new show daily from 6am-10am, complete with music and all his usual antics.

Many will doubt it, I am sure.

But Sandilands may just be on to something where with a concept that could prove to be the early days of a major shake-up to the way Australians consume content they otherwise would have found on the traditional radio.

This isn’t just another podcast.

INDEX

And I’d suggest it’s the start of something that will go well beyond Kyle being on air for four hours each morning.

King Kyle is far from dead and buried. How mad must those witches be that he could get the last laugh.

Out there in the west

If you’ve read this column for a while you’d probably know the annoyance I have with the term ‘western Sydney’ being obsessively used as a way for politicians and big businesses to prove they’re listening to the “battler”, or everyday person.

All it actually does is promote an “us and them” mentality but it’s not about to stop any time soon.

But my biggest gripe is when people talking to me about how important western Sydney is actually prove they have no idea about the region.

In the past week, the Weekender (which has covered the Penrith LGA for 35 years) has been pitched stories covering: Revesby, Bankstown, Smithfield, Campbelltown and Liverpool.

“Oh, but it’s a win for western Sydney as a whole,” is the reply one PR-type threw at me when I said we didn’t cover their region.

If a factory opening in Bankstown is a win for all of western Sydney then I’d suggest it’s a win for Sydney as a whole.

Because it’s actually quicker to get to Bankstown from the Sydney CBD than it is to get there from Penrith.

Western Sydney is indeed booming.

But those who pretend they’re part of the boom need one mighty geographical refresh and to get their head out of the sand (quite literally, perhaps).

Anyone awake at Liberal HQ?

We’re now almost at the end of June and there has been barely a peep from the Liberal Party about a candidate in Penrith for the State Election to be held in March.

Penrith is one of the tightest seats in the state and a legitimate chance of falling back to the Liberals given how close it is (although the One Nation impact may prove disastrous for Kellie Sloane).

But without a candidate, Labor’s smile is growing by the day.

When they do finally find a candidate, they will complain that Labor and Karen McKeown has ignored the seat and not done a very good job.

It’ll be a pretty rich comment to make considering the Liberals have been so quiet in Penrith this year.

Nine must pick up the phone

We’re close, so it seems, to the NRL announcing its new broadcast deal.

And if all the stories are to be believed, one of the game’s current partners will be left with a big pile of cash but no rugby league games from 2027.

Nine wants everything, with some games to be shown on Stan (which it owns).

Foxtel also wants everything, but will partner with Seven or Ten, or perhaps both, to ensure there is free-to-air access to the game, as is required by law.

I’m crossing my fingers that Nine and Foxtel somehow come together with a revived version of their current agreement.

That feels like it’s the best fit for rugby league and its followers.

But can I ask the NRL one thing? Let’s make sure that in the new deal, there is a stipulation that the host broadcaster must actually have its main commentator at the game, not calling off a TV screen.

Casual fans may not pick up on it, but to the hardened fan, it is obvious when a caller isn’t physically there, and it makes for a poorer broadcast experience.

Big companies, big backdowns I was intrigued to see that Virgin Australia extended its COVID travel credits after saying they would need to be redeemed by June 30 this year.

The airline got it wrong when it said people would have to travel, not just book, by June 30. Imagine the highly paid airline staff who signed off on that, even though common sense should have prevailed at some stage.

That said, most credits sit in dormant accounts. It’s fair enough the airline has to get them off their books at some stage.

New app set to be a lifesaver

Two local women are helping businesses solve last minute staffing shortages with their new app, set to launch next week.

Linda Veliz and Jess Jenkins came together at the start of the year and brainstormed an idea to develop an app, Crew Up, that connects businesses and workers to cover last minute shifts.

“Crew Up is an online platform, different to agencies, where businesses in the hospitality, gaming, events, aged care and disability sectors sign up and they are able to post last minute shifts,” Crew Up Director

Linda Veliz said.

“Workers who sign up can then accept last minute shifts based on what’s available in their area and what they are comfortable picking up. They are one-off, last-minute shifts.”

Jess Jenkins, who owns and operates multiple successful hospitality businesses within Penrith, explained that there was a need to be able to connect workers with businesses at the last minute without seeing prices blow out.

“We felt like there was a little bit of a gap in the market,” Jenkins explained. “We know with traditional job agencies there is a massive markup for the cost

of employing people last minute or for a short period of time. We wanted to remove that extra cost, especially for hospitality because I think hospitality business owners avoid agencies because of how much it will cost to employ through an agency.

“Our profit margins are super slim at the moment and so if you have an event on and the dishwasher, kitchen hand or even a chef is sick and you need to go through an agency, instead of paying $40 an hour you end up paying $80 an hour with the agency fees and it’s just not worth it to go down that route.”

Businesses who use the Crew Up app will pay the worker directly, meaning

there are no hidden fees and workers can decide what works best for them.

“As a single mum, I was trying to come up with an idea to help other single parents or families that are just struggling financially, especially at this time where everything is so expensive

and everything is going up and wages aren’t,” Veliz said.

“This is one of those ways where people can pick up a last-minute shift and make an extra $200 or work around their schedule so they can do school pick-up.”

The Crew Up app will be available to download on

Wednesday, July 1 and has already seen 1124 businesses and 2525 workers register. A subscription for Crew Up costs $49 a month but for anyone who signs up before its launch they will receive three months free. For more information or to register for Crew Up, visit crewup.net.au.

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Police Snapshot Legal Matters LAW and ORDER

Werrington: Woman flees police later found to have a suspended licence

At 9.35am on Thursday, June 18, police were patrolling in Werrington when they saw a car traveling south on Park Avenue.

Police activated their warning lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a roadside breath test on the driver.

The driver of the car, a 47-year-old Werrington woman, disregarded the direction to stop and continued on driving. Police then used their microphone to tell the woman to pull over but she again ignored them.

The 47-year-old continued onto the Great Western Highway and drove into Kingswood with police pursuing behind. The 47-year-old turned left into O’Connell Street and stopped her car.

Police approached the car and told the woman to exit multiple times. The 47-yearold refused to exit the car leaving police to forcibly remove her before placing her in handcuffs.

The 47-year-old was found to have a NSW driver’s licence, which had been suspended due to a fine default. The 47-year-old was also submitted to a breath test, which returned a negative result.

The 47-year-old woman was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, July 30.

Kingswood: Police catch man driving without licence and carrying knives

At 4pm on Friday, June 19, a 41-year-old Werrington man was driving west on Copeland Street in Kingswood when he was stopped by police.

The man appeared to be nervous and refused to give his licence to police when they asked.

Police saw a knife in the car which the 41-year-old tried to conceal.

Checks on the car’s registration revealed that the man was disqualified from driving.

Police searched the car and found three knives.

The 47-year-old man was charged and will appear in Penrith Local Court on Monday, July 20.

Penrith: Woman arrested after being found with stolen items

At 7.50am on Thursday, June 18, police were patrolling Penrith Railway Station when they approached a 38-year-old King Creek woman and asked her to show them her valid ticket or Opal card.

The 38-year-old told police she didn’t have an Opal card or a valid ticket.

Police did checks on the 38-year-old and discovered that she had an outstanding warrant for unrelated matters.

The woman was arrested and searched, with police finding a brand-new bag and earrings with TK Maxx tags still attached.

Police also located a glass water pipe and a children’s Opal card not in the 38-year-old’s name during the search.

The 38-year-old was arrested, and she admitted to stealing the bag and earrings from TK Maxx the previous day. The woman was taken to Penrith Police Station where she was charged with multiple offences.

The woman was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court today.

Kingswood: Sovereign citizen arrested after assaulting police

At 8pm on Monday, June 22, police were standing on platform 2 at Kingswood Train Station when they heard a 56-year-old Werrington man begin to yell at them from platform 1.

The man was yelling loudly and swearing at police.

Police approached the man who was ranting about sovereign citizen rights.

Police asked the 56-year-old to identify himself, but the man refused and started to walk off.

Police grabbed a hold of the 56-year-old’s arm to stop him from leaving but the man violently lashed out and attempted to punch them with a closed fist.

The man was arrested at the scene and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, July 15.

Penrith: Local police operation targets stealing from retail stores

On Thursday, June 18, Nepean Police Area Command (PAC) conducted Operation Percentile which targeted steal from retail offences within the Nepean PAC.

Operation Percentile was conducted in response to an increase of steal from retail offences within Nepean PAC.

Police from Nepean PAC worked in consultation with Loss Prevention Officers from several retail stores to identify and prosecute steal from retail offences across the area.

A large number of offenders, ranging between 10 and 58-years-old, were identified for offences including shoplifting, goods in personal custody, larceny by clerk, custody of knife, trespass, breach apprehended domestic violence order, and an arrest warrant.

UPCOMING ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAWS: WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT

From July 1 2026, new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws will apply to lawyers and other professionals in Australia when they provide certain “designated services”.

These laws are designed to help prevent legal, property, business and financial services from being used to hide the proceeds of crime or fund terrorism.

For clients, this means that law firms will need to collect and verify more information before, and sometimes during, a matter. These checks will be compulsory where the legal work falls within the new laws.

The laws will not apply to every legal service, but quite a few service areas are captured such as assisting with buying or selling real estate or businesses, managing client money or assets, setting up or managing companies or trusts and more.

Clients may be asked to provide information such as:

• full legal name, date of birth and residential address;

• photo identification, such as a passport or driver licence;

• proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement;

• details about the source of funds being used in a transaction;

• details about the source of wealth, for example how money or assets were obtained;

• information about companies, trusts or partnerships involved in the matter;

• names and identification details of directors, shareholders, trustees, beneficiaries or other controlling persons;

• details of any person acting on behalf of the client; and

• information about the purpose and nature of the transaction.

For example, a client buying a property may need to explain where the deposit and purchase funds came from. A company client may need to identify its directors, shareholders and any person who ultimately controls the company. A trust may need to provide the trust deed and details of trustees, beneficiaries and appointors.

Lawyers may also need to update client information over time, especially for ongoing matters or where circumstances change. If required information is not provided, a lawyer may be unable to start or continue providing the designated service.

These obligations are separate from normal legal advice and confidentiality duties. Legal professional privilege will continue to apply where applicable. However, compliance with compulsory identification and verification requirements will become a standard part of many legal and professional transactions.

Clients can expect these checks to become a normal part of dealing with lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and other service providers covered by the new regime. Preparing identification documents and information about funds early can help avoid delays.

TEEN CHARGED OVER GLASSING ATTACK

A teenager will face court over an alleged glassing and assault in Penrith earlier this year.

In March 2026, officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command have established Strike Force Vegson and commenced an investigation into an alleged assault in Penrith.

Police were told about 3.15am on Sunday, March 22, a number of individuals carrying a machete approached a man before he was hit twice by a broken bottle and punched in the face.

As a result of an ongoing investigation, a 19-year-old man has since been charged. He remains before the court.

Following further inquiries, about 12.45am on Tuesday, June 23, strike force detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy in Werrington County area.

He was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other, armed with intent to commit indictable offence, use knife in public place-cause person to fear for safety, affray, and passenger not disclose driver’s other passenger’s identity.

He was refused bail to appear at Children’s Court on Wednesday, June 24. Inquiries under Strike Force Vegson continue.

Retail theft on the way up as new crime stats are released

New data reveals an increase in steal from retail store offences recorded in Penrith over the last two years, but most crime trends remain stable.

The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s (BOCSAR) recently released crime statistics show that most major crime categories in NSW remained stable in the two years to March 2026, with increases confined to retail theft (up 9.1 per cent) and other stealing offences (up 3.1 per cent).

BOCSAR says a key factor in the rise of other stealing offences is the growth of e-bike theft.

Theft of motorised bicycles increased by 27 per cent over the past two years, accounting for more than one–third of the total increase in other stealing offences where a stolen item was recorded.

Penrith recorded 1080 other stealing offences in the 12 months to March of this year.

“As e–bikes have become more popular, they have also become more attractive targets for theft,” BOCSAR Executive Director Jackie Fitzgerald said.

Reported retail theft also continued to rise (up 9.1 per cent over the last two years), driven by increases in theft of liquor (up 13 per cent) and clothing and footwear (up 17 per cent).

Penrith saw 1316 offences of steal from a retail store in the 12 months to March 2026, an increase to the 890 incidents recorded in the 12 months to March 2025.

The latest data also show a sharp rise in adult court proceedings across NSW, which

increased by 10 per cent over the two years to March 2026.

Around one-third of this increase was driven by a rise in domestic violence–related charges. Increases were also recorded for driving while disqualified, retail theft, drug possession, and weapons offences.

The growth in adult court charges reflect increased enforcement rather than growth in offending.

“We are seeing more proactive policing of domestic violence, with higher legal action rates,” Fitzgerald said.

“Increases in offences such as ADVO breaches and domestic violence–related intimidation also point to stronger detection and enforcement by police. Similarly, rises in driving, drug and weapons offences largely reflect increased enforcement activity rather than changes in underlying offending.”

In the 12 months to March 2026 Penrith recorded 1285 incidents of domestic violence related assault, up from 1120 incidents recorded in the 12 months to March 2025.

How you can help make a difference in a woman’s life

Dress for Success Western Sydney is calling on Penrith locals to lend a hand to women in the area looking to get back on their feet in employment, as demand spikes dramatically due to cost of living pressures and economic conditions.

Dress for Success provided

clothing, styling, interview tips, and career coaching as well as other employment tips to more than 3000 women across NSW last year and are now seeing an increase in need as more women look to return to the workplace.

To support more women gain employment and confidence, Dress for Success NSW and ACT has launched

its 2026 end of financial year fundraising campaign, calling on locals to help empower more women.

“We know the power that Dress for Success offers to any woman who needs support,” Dress for Success NSW & ACT Western Sydney Operations Manager Sue West said.

“Our Women Who Inspire campaign aims to help more women with clothes, styling, interview and career support to get the job and rebound from some compelling and complex life challenges.

“We have seen increased demand for our services locally and we want to help even more women in the next 12 months to have the confidence, resilience and empowerment they need from employment and a fresh start in life.

“We encourage our local community to get on board and support our end of financial year campaign by making a donation by June 30 to help women in our region.”

To learn more about Dress for Success or to donate, visit www.dfsnswact.org.au/ westernsydney.

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Penrith NAIDOC 2026

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Contact Us

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

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

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at

Services 4732 7777

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

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Our Place

Look out for the latest Our Place community newsletter in your mailbox! It’s packed with local news, events and stories just for you. Want even more updates?

It will also provide new seating, a drinking fountain and accessible pathways. The playspace is expected to be open by late August 2026. This project is funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Penrith City Council.

Sign up for our fortnightly eDM to stay connected and informed.

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You’re invited to Village Café

Drop into Village Café to meet your neighbours and connect with local community services. Enjoy a FREE barista-made coffee as you chat in a friendly and relaxed environment!

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain free advice on a range of topics including health and wellbeing. If you’re a parent and would like to grab a coffee after dropping the kids off to school, you’re more than welcome to come as well.

For more information visit

New playspace on its way at Greenway Drive Reserve!

Construction has begun to upgrade the playspace at Greenway Drive Reserve playspace in South Penrith. The new playspace will include slides, climbing equipment and a 4-bay swing set, along with junior play features such as a balance beam and sensory panels.

Public Notice

Local Government Act 1993

In pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council proposes to classify public land

65–67 Batt Street, Jamisontown Lot 73A Section D in

land in accordance with Section 31 of the Local Government Act 1993

All affected parties are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal. Submissions must be received in writing addressed to the General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or , within 28 days of the date of this notice.

Please contact Rhi Slaughter on 4732 8316 or

cupboard prize

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.

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

ave you ever experienced an AFL game live?

There’s nothing quite like taking in an Aussie Rules match in person at the ground, and there’s no better time to get behind the mighty GWS Giants than now. As winter sets in and the season starts to edge towards the business end, now is the time to show your pride and cheer loud for the Giants at ENGIE Stadium. GWS will take on Geelong in an exciting Round 18 encounter on Saturday, July 11 at ENGIE Stadium in the family-friendly timeslot of 4.15pm.

Catch all the fun of a GWS home game at Sydney Olympic Park, and cheer on the Giants to victory over those pesky Cats! Tickets are available at www.afl.com.au.

The Weekender has 10 double passes to GWS v Geelong to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com. au with ‘GIANTS’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Sunday, July 5 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender.com.au or Weekender reception.

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Meeting of the minds

Commercial property owners in Penrith as well as investors have been given a major update on some of the city’s biggest projects.

The Penrith CBD Corporation hosted its annual Property Owners & Investors event at Penrith RSL last week, with attendees provided the latest information on developments impacting the Penrith area.

Updates were provided on projects like Western Sydney International Airport, Nepean Business Park, Emu Plains Industrial Centre, Raine & Horne’s commercial project on High Street, the Aussie Arms refurbishment and other key developments.

NSW Minister for Building, Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong was among the guest speakers, along with Penrith Mayor Todd Carney and State Penrith MP Karen McKeown.

“Penrith’s progress is not a promise and not a projection, it is reality – measured in cranes on skylines, warehouses under construction, apartments selling, and a new international airport that is now just

weeks from opening its gates to the world,” said Penrith CBD Corporation CEO, Gai Hawthorn.

“This annual event is an excellent opportunity for those with a key involvement in Penrith to hear about the latest developments surrounding projects that are so

important to the city growth.”

Westpac economist Matthew Hassan also provided an economic update on the night.

“As we enter the airport era, Penrith is uniquely positioned to benefit from increased connectivity, investment and growth,” said

Penrith CBD Corporation Vice Chair, Barclay Judge.

“The opportunities we have discussed for years are no longer on the horizon – they are here today.”

Which new project excites you the most? Email news@westernweekender.com.au.

PROJECTS

SHAPING PENRITH

– Nepean Business Park (Old Castlereagh Road, set to support 1,400 local jobs)

– Emu Plains Industry Centre (Old Bathurst Road, industrial and lifestyle precinct)

– York Jewellers flagship store (Riley Street, opening this year)

– Australian Arms Hotel $4 million upgrade (High Street)

– 342-350 High Street development (High Street, commercial and retail)

– Western Sydney International Airport (opening in July)

– Penrith Stadium redevelopment (opening 2027)

• 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

time to check your bleeping smoke alarm

Winter is the busiest home fire season, and a key fire prevention message from Fire and Rescue NSW this year is ‘Check your BLEEPING smoke alarm’.

Zone Commander at Huntingwood, Superintendent Michael Johnstone, covers all fire stations from Seven Hills to Penrith and Regentville, and he wants to ensure local residents keep warm safely.

“We found in the last 12 months at fires we have attended in the area that roughly 40 per cent didn’t have a working smoke alarm even though it is law to have one in a dwelling. That’s a little bit alarming – pardon the pun,” he said.

A Fire and Rescue NSW survey conducted earlier this year found 37 per cent of respondents weren’t aware smoke alarms needed to be replaced every 10 years, and 45 per cent were unaware the alarms require cleaning every six months.

“Our biggest push is to ensure everybody has a working smoke

alarm, and if they don’t have a working smoke alarm, they can ring their local Fire and Rescue NSW station and they can come out and install it for them free of charge.”

In Penrith, the kitchen poses the biggest risk for house fires, followed closely by the lounge room.

“We always promote that everyone tests their electric blankets before winter because when they are folded up in the summer seasons the wires can become bent to a point where it could be a fire risk because electricity is not passing through the way it should be,” Supt Johnstone said.

“A lot of people tend to dry their clothes in front of the heater, and we always say to keep everything a metre from a heater because if they are too close, they can catch fire.

“When it comes to fireplace safety, people need to have a proper spark or ember grill on the front, so it stops embers from coming out onto the carpet and starting a fire. People also need to check their flue to ensure they are not having excess build-up of soot.”

For those who need assistance

locating fire safety risks in their homes, they can contact their local fire station.

“We can arrange for a fire truck to come out and not only check smoke alarms but also have a look through the house and offer occupants an escape plan in case of fire,” Supt Johnstone said.

“We also go over a bit of kitchen fire safety in the home because that tends to be the number one place where fires do occur in the households.

“We also talk a bit about lithium-ion safety because there has been an increase in recent years of lithium-ion battery fires. We can do all that through a free safety visit to a home.”

Fire and Rescue NSW receives up to 600 bookings for home safety visits each month, and they hope to increase that number this winter season.

To potentially save yourself from disaster at your home, book a home safety visit online at https://www. fire.nsw.gov.au/fire-safety/homefire-safety/safety-visits.

JuLy ScHoOl HoDaYs

The Orchard is more

The Orchard is finally thriving thanks to a new vision and host of new eateries

ALLY HALL

The Orchard has been bustling with activity recently, with more locals visiting the venue for special events, top-tier hospitality, and diverse culinary offerings.

At home within The Orchard is Drink West’s Taproom on Tench, Saigon Sushi, Bakery Brothers, OMG Donuts, Freddy’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, and a soon-to-be-announced resident food truck.

“This is a beautiful place for families to come; it just needed structure and discipline,” said General Manager Connie Mckeage, who stepped into her role in November last year.

“This is a safe environment where people can come regardless of age, gender, or race and have a good time and know that everybody can be catered for.”

When Mckeage first started working at The Orchard, she took an ‘Undercover Boss’ approach to the task.

“For the first four weeks I worked taking orders, clearing tables, understanding how the place worked, understanding how people

treated our customers, and understanding how people treated each other,” she said.

“Once I had my mind around that, I started making changes in the systematic way... to make a safe, happy, family environment.”

One contributing member of that happy environment is Lou Mahfoud, the owner of OMG Donuts in the Penrith region.

“Connie’s super friendly and works really hard. She’s put a lot of effort into getting this up and running and lively, which has been great,” he said.

“We’ve had some of our biggest days ever here in just the past six weeks with events like The Market Affair. There is a nice community here and everyone is super friendly.”

OMG Donuts operated out of a

Bradfield Bulletin

food trailer prior to the shop at The Orchard.

“We’ve started building up a lot more regulars because so many more celiacs and vegans have found us now that we’re here,” Mahfoud said.

Also adding to the positive culture at The Orchard is Jason Prime, a chef at Freddy’s.

“The menu

changes every three months. This place doesn’t have the pokies like other venues do, so we have to make it a destination through our food and customer service,” he explained.

“Our tagline is ‘THE Place to Celebrate’. Whether it’s two people celebrating something special, or a sports group, or an anniversary, or a wedding, or a wake.”

Enhancing opportunity for evening trade is Drink West’s Taproom on Tench at the venue’s farmhouse.

“We came in here to start a craft beer and wine bar-type feel as an extension of Drink West, which is over at the Manufactor precinct,” explained the taproom’s General Manager Alasdair Lockhart-Thomson.

“The idea is to be slightly more inviting and family-friendly and have the ability to access a different demographic than what we have in the more industrial setting.

“This venue as a precinct has been known as more of a breakfast and lunch setting, so I see this as a real opportunity to grow our brand and also optimise this site into more of an evening-type trade.”

Centre Directors

Two exciting leadership opportunities available

Possum Early Childhood Centre (Non Teaching Role) - Hazelbrook (3 to 5 years)

Possum’s Patch Early Childhood Centre

Mount Victoria (0-5 years)

Connect Children and Families is seeking two experienced and passionate Centre Directors to lead our Early Childhood Centres.

Possum ECC in Hazelbrook is a unique service providing dedicated early lear ning environments for children aged 3 to 5 years

Possum’s Patch in Mount Victoria is a 24 place long day care centre serving the Mt Victoria, Hartley, Mt Wilson and Blackheath communities and operates out of the original sandstone Mt Victoria schoolhouse.

We are looking for experienced Early Childhood Teachers or Diplomaquali ed Educators with previous leadership experience.

• Full-time position: 38 hours per week (Part time neg)

• Competitive above award salary + Addt Wellbeing leave + Paid staff meetings + Salary packaging bene ts Why Join Us?

• Values-led not-for-pro t organisation

• Above Award Salary & Conditions

• Supportive team culture and leadership network

• Salary packaging, wellbeing leave & professional development

If you’re an inspiring Early Childhood Leader ready to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV & covering letter to: careers@connectcfs.org.au

than just a place to eat

The venue has also become a hub for charity work, including the NDIS program run by Bakery Brothers.

“I have a NDIS program that I’m doing with Our Choice Disability which is called ‘Bake and Grow’. It’s a six-week program,” said Rama Pattison, who owns Bakery Brothers alongside Tyson Pedro.

“Every Thursday, participants come in and we do base level skills like making coffees, serving customers, and even baking croissants and pastry lamination. It’s all

basic – like a crash course – nothing too skill-focused, but something to give them a bit of experience in any kind of job in hospitality.”

The Mckeage Cole Foundation has also been active at the precinct to support financially disadvantaged locals.

“When I agreed to see what I could do to turn The Orchard into what it should be based on the vision of John and Jake Farragher, we decided to direct some of the foundation funds into the Penrith community,”

Mckeage said about the foundation she runs with her husband.

“For instance, on Mother’s Day we made sure that 70 families that couldn’t afford to take their mum out were able to celebrate. We paid for their meals so they could have a beautiful Mother’s Day, and we will do the same for Christmas in July.”

That was done in partnership with Chad Cumic’s Better Days Initiative. The local philanthropist also runs the Do Better Initiative which provides a program called ‘On the

Ropes’.

“It’s a boxing and mentoring program. All my programs that involve boxing steer away from competing, it’s all based around discipline, confidence and respect. It builds good values and it’s a good outlet for young men,” Cumic said.

As an extension of that program, Cumic once again joined forces with the Mckeage Cole Foundation to facilitate a career exposure and pathway program at The Orchard.

“We’re teaching the boys how

to paint and helping them gain self-confidence and build life skills. They get to come out, be social, and learn new things,” he said regarding local school students.

“We are very community focused and driven. It’s lovely to work with The Orchard and with Connie.”

Despite entering voluntary administration in late 2024 after opening the year prior, The Orchard is fast-becoming the go-to destination in Penrith for hospitality, charity and fun.

Endeavour’s female surge

and

ALLY HALL

Endeavour Energy has observed more western Sydney women are stepping into frontline STEM and trade careers.

The energy company is leading that charge, with women and gender diverse recruits making up 50 per cent of apprentice intakes over the past five years.

Endeavour Energy’s Chief People, Data and Sustainability Officer

Melissa Irwin began working at Endeavour Energy over 15 years ago and has noticed a significant change.

“When I first started, it was very rare to see a woman in a trade or technical roles, but today we’re seeing a strong and visible shift,” she said.

“Importantly, over the past five years we’ve consistently recruited equal numbers of men and women in our annual apprentice intake.

western Sydney women are pursuing STEM and trade careers

“That’s been a conscious focus for the business, we’ve worked hard to remove barriers, create a more inclusive culture, and actively encourage more women and gender diverse people to consider careers in trades and STEM.”

Irwin said that change brings more perspectives into the workforce.

“I love that we have created a place where both men and women can join and have an amazing career, working alongside amazing colleagues and doing work that directly benefits our communities,” she said.

“That shift has happened because

Baked

of deliberate effort – and you can feel that in our culture. Endeavour Energy has a supportive, family-focused environment where people back each other and want everyone to succeed.

“Seeing more women coming through and thriving in these roles makes the workplace stronger and better reflects the communities we serve. When more women are

represented in STEM, it drives innovation, strengthens our workforce, and shows young people there’s a place for them in shaping the energy systems of tomorrow.”

Applications are now open for Endeavour Energy’s 2027 apprenticeship intake.

“I’d absolutely recommend our apprenticeship program to anyone who wants a great, hands-on

career, where you not only have the opportunity learn on the job, but you also get to work in a fantastic organisation that is powering our communities every single day,” Irwin said.

“Our program offers paid, hands-on training that leads to nationally recognised qualifications. You’re learning both in the classroom and on the job, working alongside experienced crews and no two days look the same.”

She told the Weekender that Endeavour Energy prides itself on opportunity, impact and culture.

“You’re not just learning a trade, you’re helping build and maintain the network that powers more than 2.8 million people. With western Sydney growing rapidly, including the Aerotropolis and new airport, apprentices are directly contributing to infrastructure that will shape the region for decades,” she said.

There are 30 positions available, with successful applicants joining more than 75 apprentices already building their careers at Endeavour Energy. Applications close on July 3 with apprentices starting in 2027. For more information, visit endeavourenergy.com.au/apprenticeships.

Short play festival set to showcase local acting talent Feed It Forward campaign to fund 80,000 meals

Across July 3 and 4, Centre Stage Academy of Performing Arts will present a short play festival entitled ‘A Moment in the Sun’ at the Western Performing Arts Centre in Plumpton.

The show is made up of short plays performed by four classes: the juniors (aged five to 10), the intermediates (aged 11 to 14), the teenage class (aged 15 to 18), and the new adult class (aged over 18).

Performing arts students have come from all over western Sydney to take part in the show, which spans genres including drama, comedy and absurdest comedy, social commentary, and everything in between.

The students have been rehearsing for months for their time under the spotlight and are now ready to take over the stage and showcase their incredible talents.

This was made possible by the students’ acting coach Wayne Tunks – an internationally acclaimed writer, director, and actor –who wrote and directed ‘A Moment in the Sun’.

His commitment has driven students to considerable success in the past few years. Students of Centre Stage have won several awards at the Sharp Short Theatre Festival at Riverside Theatre, including Best Acting Ensemble and People’s Choice.

Students have also won international accolades. Web series ‘Poison’ won Best Pilot Episode at NZ Web Fest and British Web Awards, as well as Best Concept at NJ WebFest and Best Support-

ing Actor at Hollywood Series. Short film ‘Josephine’ has also won numerous awards, including Best Youth Ensemble at Baltimore Web Fest, Best Youth Actor at NJ Film Awards, and Best Concept at British Web Awards.

Book a ticket to see up-and-coming western Sydney actors perform ‘A Moment in the Sun’. Tickets are available online at https://www. trybooking.com/events/ landing/1557736.

Until June 29, a partnership between The STAY Foundation, Petstock, and SavourLife is ensuring vulnerable pet owners don’t need to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their four-legged companions. The inaugural campaign is called Feed It Forward.

For every bag of SavourLife dry dog food purchased at Petstock in June, SavourLife donates a 3kg bag of dog food to support a pet owner in need. In NSW, support will be facilitated through The STAY Foundation’s outreach programs across the state.

“Pets are not a luxury,” said Joanne Stephenson, Operations Manager at The STAY Foundation.

“They are companionship, emotional support, stability, and in some cases a critical source of comfort during crisis.”

Assistant Store Manager at Petstock Penrith Julie Peart told the Weekender that they are proud to be part of the campaign as cost-ofliving pressures persist.

“I think everyone’s been affected – whether it be transport, groceries or pet supplies,” Peart said.

“But, at the same time, people want to help others and keep doing good, which is why this campaign is really good.

“Our local community has really gotten behind it and want to help where they can through their everyday purchases.”

The Feed It Forward campaign hopes to fund 80,000 meals by June 29.

POWERFUL ACT

Local team to run Sydney Marathon to raise funds for PWHC

Catherine Williams is part of a local team training for the Sydney Marathon to raise money and awareness for Penrith Women’s Health Centre (PWHC).

The mum-of-three is passionate about pounding the pavement for this support service because she resonates with the not-for-profit’s values.

“They are an amazing organisation and do such good work in our community. They have been around for so long and they offer such beautiful services for the women of Penrith,” she said.

“Their work with domestic violence is incredible, but they also do lots of other programs that help older women to connect and overcome loneliness or bring single women together to do activities of a creative nature.

“They do all of these wonderful programs for groups in society that would otherwise be potentially quite lonely or just a little bit forgotten.”

A 42-kilometre run may sound daunting to some, but Williams

is more than ready for the challenge.

“I used running to get fit after having my babies, and I did reach a point where I was doing fairly well; I had a really good base for fitness and I was in a good routine running up to 80 kilometres a week,” she said.

“I stepped away from that a couple of years ago and I’ve

missed that regular running scene and the motivation of being in running groups and having a running community around me.

“So, I’m also using this fundraiser as a tool to get my motivation back up and to get regular running routines happening.”

Penrith Women’s Health Centre Marketing and Communications Officer Rena told the Weekender that the community-based organisation has been empowering women since 1987.

“We provide a range of free and low-cost services across health and wellbeing, including counselling, women’s groups and programs, health education, crisis support, case management, and practical assistance,” Rena said.

“Our services support women and gender-diverse people across the Penrith Local Government Area, with domestic and family violence services extending to the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains.”

Their services are increasing in demand.

“Last year alone, we supported

over 783 women and children, delivered 943 counselling sessions and 384 massage sessions, and had 175 people participate in our groups and programs,” she said.

“Behind every number is a real person navigating complex and often incredibly difficult circumstances.”

This is why Williams’ support – alongside the rest of the fundraising team – has been so welcome.

“Catherine’s commitment to taking on the Sydney Marathon in support of PWHC is such a powerful act of solidarity, and the community’s reaction has reflected that,” Rena said.

“It is a beautiful reminder of how much people care about the women and families in our region, and we are so grateful for every bit of support that comes our way. It means the world to our team and to the women we serve.”

Help the four-person fundraising team reach their goal of $3,000 by donating online at https://sm26.grassrootz.com/ pwhc/catherine-williams.

Local brewery to launch at airport

Mountain Culture Beer Co. will have two sites within Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

The Blue Mountains and Emu Plains brewer will service both domestic and international passengers in a partnership with Airport Retail Group Australia (ARGA).

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said this will bring an authentic sense of place to the terminal.

“We are delighted to showcase one of the great success stories of the Blue Mountains and to give passengers from around the world a genuine taste of the top-tier hospitality offerings this region is ready to serve,” he said.

“Mountain Culture has also given us the great honour of developing a new WSI brew, which is incredible and something only our visitors enjoying the new state-of-the-art airport terminal will get to experience.”

WSI is on track to begin air cargo services from July 26, with passenger services taking off from October 25.

DIOCESE HITS BIG 4-0

ALLY HALL

The Diocese of Parramatta recently celebrated 40 years of service to western Sydney.

Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta, Father Peter Williams, joined in 1990 and has watched it evolve and flourish.

He was based in Penrith between 1992 and 1994 and described it as one of the most significant parishes in the diocese.

“It was a very lively and engaging congregation way back then and still is today. What Penrith did was spawn two other parishes – the first one was Corpus Christi at Cranebrook which took place in the late 1980s, and then the parish of Saint Padre Pio in Glenmore Park,” Fr Williams said.

“The way the church works is that when the area grows – like the area around Penrith has been growing substantially since the 1980s – and as the Catholic population gets bigger, we expand by creating new parishes. New parishes are always established from existing parishes.

“In a sense, you might say that St Nicholas of Myra in High Street gave birth to two parishes in Cranebrook and at Glenmore Park. It also gave birth to a third parish which was Our Lady of the Way in Emu Plains.”

The organisation’s services have extended beyond church doors since it was established by Pope St John Paul II.

“We have had a presence of Catholic Care – which is our social welfare organisation – operating out in far western Sydney since the diocese was established in 1986,” Fr Williams said.

“Through a whole lot of initiatives, we have a very substantial social outreach program to assist people who might be in distress or having difficulties. We’ve also got our

extensive education system.

“There are many Catholic primary and secondary schools; there are 84 overall in the diocese – 26 secondary schools and the rest are primary schools. They operate as far as Rydalmere in the east all the way through to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains.”

Today, the Diocese of Parramatta is Australia’s youngest and most multicultural.

“The ongoing wave of migrants coming into the country has brought extraordinary rich diver-

like walking into the United Nations General Assembly.”

Further evolution is on the horizon as Penrith continues to grow, and Father Williams anticipates there will be a Diocese of Bradfield in the next 40 to 50 years to support the city that will be built around Western Sydney International Airport.

“I won’t be here to see it, but I can easily see that it will happen,” he said.

“Naturally, as the church continues to grow – and we are growing, not contracting – then ultimately the church authorities – the bishops in Australia – may well petition Rome to say that they think there is a need to have a fourth diocese created.”

sity,” he said.

“When Catholics come from other countries like the Philippines or India, they naturally bring their own Catholic culture with them.

That enriches the local expression of Catholicism in the parishes.

“For instance, you will now find that we have a large Filipino community in the diocese, whereas when I first came to the diocese, it was predominantly Anglo-Celtic in terms of ethnicity. Now when you go to celebrate mass on a Sunday at almost any parish in the diocese it’s

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Creating more vibrant, welcoming spaces

Penrith City Council celebrates the beauty of Penrith and we continue to improve our public spaces in ways that uplift and complement the natural environment.

You will often see Council staff cleaning our local streets, mowing lawns, planting trees and enhancing gardens in the community. This maintenance ensures that our neighbourhoods offer welcoming spaces where people can connect and enjoy being outside.

Despite continuous change, the Diocese of Parramatta remains true to its values as it supports families, young people, migrants, refugees, and vulnerable communities throughout western Sydney.

“It’s a community of faith that is linked through its Catholic beliefs to the world-wide universal church of which there are 1.2 billion members. We are an essential part of that faith community,” Fr Williams said.

“The local church of Parramatta has much to celebrate for its 40 years, but there are many challenges for the next 40.”

ration. The 11m wall now shows a striking design.

Thank you to those who shared their ideas at our workshops and online. Learn more about the project at yoursaypenrith.com.au/youth-mural.

We know that our growing community wants more vibrant spaces and we continue to bring your feedback to life across the City.

We build on this through other intentional projects like the three new murals delivered across the City this year –bringing together colour, creativity and community.

I am especially proud of the recently completed piece that brightens and is sparking conversations in the youth area at Gipps Street Recreation Precinct in Claremont Meadows.

During a site visit in 2024, I saw this bare wall which stood out as a blank canvas. Council engaged the people who matter most – our residents – to deliver something special.

Together with Council, talented artists Daniel Walton and Scott Nagy ran art and design workshops with young people, who use and love the precinct, for inspi-

In St Marys, there’s a new mural by artist Janne Birkner at the corner of East Lane and Station Street that features native species, celebrating harmony between people and the natural environment and respect for Country. At Jamison Park, a water tank is now a standout feature with abstract art representing the site on a sunny day. It was delivered by local artist Michael Black in collaboration with young people from Penrith PCYC. This piece was funded through Council’s Local Creativity Grant. Next month, applications open for our successful Magnetic Places Grants that encourage creativity, as well as other grants in our community funding program. Find out more at penrith.city/ magneticplaces and penrith.city/grants.

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

Coming together for a good cause

ALLY HALL

Two ex-service organisations in St Marys have been combining efforts to ensure local veterans have a safe space to connect.

St Marys RSL sub-Branch and St Marys Outpost Veteran Support Centre have been running the St Marys Veterans Wellbeing Program for three years.

“Some activities are designed for veterans only, some are designed for veterans and their partners, and some are designed for families,” said Tony Fryer, Honorary Secretary at St Marys RSL sub-Branch.

Activities on the wellbeing roster include a barbecue breakfast, exercise classes, a guitar group, and more.

“We have coffee and chat four mornings a week here at the train,” Fryer said, referring to the St Marys Vietnam Veterans’ Outpost Train.

“We have exercise classes twice a week, and most of our other activities are once a month. On the first Friday of the month, we have

barefoot bowls over at the Diggers Club; on the second Saturday of the month, there is a walk here with breakfast; on the third Saturday of each month, we have archery over at Werrington on the archery field.

“Every six months, we do a trip for veterans to go out to Randwick Barracks and help pack care packs for our ADF personnel who are deployed overseas. At this stage we’ve got about 500 members of the Australian Defence Force who are serving in various postings overseas. We help by sending them a box of goodies in time for ANZAC Day and another box in time for Christmas.”

Leanne Morgan, the office manager for the St Marys Outpost Veteran Support Centre, is heavily involved with the wellbeing program.

“My father is ex-Navy; he served six years. My grandfathers both served in New Guinea,” she said.

“There is something that service does that changes a person –whether they have served overseas or served in Australia, it doesn’t

matter – when they put that uniform on, something changes.

“One of the programs I started was the ‘Merrie Widows’ group because we’re finding more widows are coming through here for various amounts of help.”

Morgan is also the organiser of the Walk ‘n’ Talk followed by breakfast.

“I wanted to encourage families to get together, and that’s where the Walk ‘n’ Talk came from. Service

Δ Going Dry, sort of? While many Australians use Dry July as an opportunity to completely cut out alcohol, others are looking for more balanced ways to moderate their intake without sacrificing the social ritual or the taste of a good beer. Hawke’s Brewing Co’s Hawke’s Half range, Half XPA and Half Pacific, offers a lower-alcohol option designed for those wanting to cut back, rather than completely cut out. At 1.75% ABV, both beers deliver full flavour with a fraction of the alcohol, making them ideal for long lunches, midweek catch-ups or social occasions during Dry July.

Made in Australia, the No Pong range is all-natural, plastic-free,cruelty-free and free from palm oil, parabens, triclsoan, aluminium and synthetic ingredients. We’ve been testing it out here in the Weekender office and there’s been no complaints so far! Founded right here in Sydney, learn more at www.nopong.com.au or find it in Coles or Woolworths.

Δ Going Crazy without them: If you’ve been missing Stir Crazy, the wait is almost over. The former Westfield eatery will open at Nepean Village in July.

cult-favourite restaurant Gami launches its first retail range nationally at Coles. Developed in partnership with Coles over nine months, the range features Gami’s iconic Korean-style sauces and crispy boneless chicken, inspired by the flavours that have helped make the brand

a fan favourite among Australian diners for almost two decades.

Δ Coke is the way: Domino’s Australia has announced a major change to its beverage line-up, confirming a new national partnership with Coca-Cola that will see Coca-Cola products become the pizza chain’s official drinks range from September 14. The agreement marks the end of Domino’s long-standing relationship with Pepsi and Asahi Beverages and will introduce some of Australia’s most recognisable soft drink brands to more than 700 Domino’s stores nationwide.

This photo from February 1975 shows models promoting Denning coaches in Penrith.

The coach certainly looks mighty comfortable, as the models relax to make bus transport look rather glamorous.

Denning was established in 1958 in Brisbane, and became Australia’s premier coach builder.

The company changed significantly over the years but is still around today as Custom Denning.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to make Friday nights a proper family occasion, Cafe 2773 in Glenbrook has just given you one.

The popular Glenbrook cafe and restaurant has launched a brand new weekly special that families are going to love.

Every Friday night from 5pm, kids under 12 eat free at Cafe 2773, and it’s exactly the kind of offer that makes a regular week feel a little more special.

The kids menu features three crowd-pleasing options: Nuggets & Chips, Fish & Chips, and Burger & Chips. Simple, delicious, and completely free with every adult main meal ordered. It’s the kind of thing that takes the stress out of the end of the week and replaces it with something worth looking forward to.

The thinking behind the promotion is straightforward and genuinely community-minded. With the cost of living putting pressure on families everywhere, the family behind Cafe 2773 wanted to create a space where getting out for a Friday night dinner didn’t feel like a luxury. And for a venue that has always been more than just a cafe,

it’s a natural fit. Sitting at the centre of Glenbrook, Cafe 2773 is known as a meeting place where kids are welcome, dogs are greeted like regulars, and familiar faces are never hard to find. Friday nights are an extension of

that same spirit, and are a chance for families to meet and unwind.

Beyond the offer itself, Cafe 2773 is a destination worth visiting any day of the week. Known for their woodfired pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, and warm atmosphere,

Friday nights at Cafe

Kids Eat Free runs every Friday night from 5pm at Cafe

One free kids meal per adult main meal.

Kids under 12 only. Not valid on public holidays. Bookings are recommended and can be made at www.2773glenbrook.com.au. Come hungry, come often, and make Friday nights your thing. T&C’s apply.

MAKING THE MOST OF LOCAL MEDIA

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when approaching the media is confusing a media opportunity with an advertisement.

A media release that says, ‘Buy our great new product’ is really an advertisement. Advertising is a valuable way for businesses to promote their products, services and offers. You pay for the space, control the message and choose what you want people to know.

Public relations is different. PR is about finding the story behind the business and sharing something that matters to the wider community.

Local media plays an important role in telling the stories of the people, businesses and organisations that make a community stronger. Journalists are

not simply looking for sales messages they are looking for stories their readers will connect with.

Strong stories often come from genuine moments like celebrating a milestone, award or recognition, creating jobs, supporting a community cause, introducing an innovative idea or sharing a journey that inspires others.

A good media release helps a journalist understand the story quickly. Keep it clear, include the key details, explain the community connection and provide hi-res images where possible. Journalists work to deadlines, so making their job easier always helps.

Building a relationship with local media is about understanding their role. They are there to inform, connect and celebrate the

LISA FINN-POWELL

Media, Marketing & Communications Strategist

community, and businesses are a big part of that story. For businesses, advertising and PR can work together. A small advertising investment can build awareness and keep your brand visible, while editorial coverage can add credibility because it is a story chosen by the media. In a world where everyone can promote themselves, being genuinely newsworthy still matters. And, a good story will always travel further than a sales pitch.

CAN YOUR BUSINESS AFFORD TO GROW?

Most business owners spend a lot of time thinking about how to grow their business. Far fewer stop to ask a more important question: Can we actually afford to grow?

Yet the answer can be the difference between sustainable growth and serious financial stress.

Businesses that become financially unshakeable understand something important: growth alone is not the goal. Profitable, sustainable growth is. This may sound surprising, but some of the most financially stressed businesses

I work with are growing rapidly. On paper, they look successful. Revenue is climbing, new clients are coming in, and sales are increasing. But behind the scenes, cashflow is very tight.

Why? Because growth often requires cash before it generates cash.

New staff need to be hired and trained. Stock levels increase. Marketing spend ramps up. Equipment is purchased. Larger projects require more working capital. Revenue may be rising, but cash can leave the business much faster than it comes in.

This is why sales growth, on its own, can be a dangerous metric.

Before chasing growth, identify what is already driving profit in your business. Find your most profitable product, service, or customer – not by revenue, but by gross profit.

Then ask yourself: If sales increased by 30 per cent tomorrow, where would the pressure point be? Cashflow? Staffing? Systems? Stock? Capacity? Or simply your own time and energy?

Would you retain or improve your current gross profit percentage?

Also ask whether you understand three critical numbers: your gross profit margin, cash conversion cycle, and working capital requirements. If you don’t know these numbers, growth may create more pressure than progress.

Growth should strengthen your business, not stretch it to breaking point.

Next week, we’ll create a business survival fund.

THE FINAL WORD

One of the most dangerous scorelines in rugby league is 12-0, especially if you get there with relative ease and it was a match you were expected to win. Suddenly you take the foot off the gas, realise that the pundits were right and this should be a cruisy victory.

Then, before you know it, the opposition has worked their way back into the contest and you’re in real trouble.

This was certainly the case for Penrith last Saturday night against Gold Coast.

Ivan Cleary’s side without question let its guard down after getting out to an early lead and by the time they realised they were in danger, the Titans had grown in confidence

and belief.

In the end, the home side got the job done 19-18. It was a good lesson for the Panthers and will keep the side honest, but I have no doubt they will move on quickly from it.

With their Origin stars missing and things just not clicking as they usually would, there was nothing out of that performance that should derail things for Penrith.

This Saturday the side heads back to Queensland, this time a little further north to take on the Cowboys in Townsville.

Penrith failed to beat the Cowboys at all last year, going down 22-18 during their form slump at the start of the 2025 season and then being held to a 30-all draw.

But given both of those games fell when the Panthers were in that now infamous lull in the first half of the season, there isn’t a lot to take out of that reasonably rare statistic, at least as

far as the modern Panthers are concerned.

North Queensland come into this game on the back of three straight losses. Despite the lop-sided scorelines, they had their moments in all three of those matches against the Warriors, Dolphins and Raiders and I’m not quite sure they’re going as bad as that form line suggests.

With a bye scheduled next weekend, Todd Payten would without question be keen to get two points on the board to right the ship heading into the back half of the season.

Penrith welcome back their Origin players which is obviously of huge significance, and while we can’t just expect that to automatically fix what went wrong last week, there’s no doubt that the experience Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo offer would have likely turned the result against the Titans.

The Cowboys’ biggest problem is their defence. It is paper thin at times, and if the

Panthers can hold the ball and keep the momentum in their favour, they should crack eventually.

Attack-wise, there is plenty to like about Payten’s side. They are actually top of the table in terms of line breaks, alongside the Panthers, and have plenty of long-range tries in them should the opposition be at all vulnerable in defence.

The key for Penrith will be locking up the ball, stopping second phase play as much as possible and keeping things tight in the middle.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a 50+ points game here in Townsville, and I have a feeling that the game will follow the script of most Cowboys matches this year – a reasonable battle, before they ultimately surrender.

A danger game without doubt, but Penrith should get the chocolates.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

Lussick keen to leave on a high

With his short but sweet stint at the foot of the Mountains expected to wrap up later this year, Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick is hoping to make the most of the time he has left.

It’s been reported by several media outlets that the 25-year-old rugby league journeyman will join his fifth NRL club in the Canterbury Bulldogs next season on a two-year deal.

While Lussick wasn’t in the position to officially confirm his next move with Wednesday afternoon, he was able to reflect on his only season as a Panther in a positive way.

“I’m learning something new every single day at this club whether it’s on the field or off it – I’m still trying to take it all in,” he said.

“This club has been really

great for my football this year, playing under Ivan and this experienced team, who have been at the top for a while now.

“I don’t want to be a passenger out there. I still want to play my game, and they’ve been really supportive of that. It’s given me a lot of confidence and I’m enjoying my

The decision by Panthers management to sign Lussick in the off-season from the New Zealand Warriors – where he was playing in

His sensational form filling in for injured hooker Mitch Kenny over the past two months has seen the Panthers barely miss a beat.

In his 11 appearances for Penrith this season, Lussick has crossed the line on four occasions, which is the exact same amount of tries Kenny has scored in his 135 games for the club.

“It’s disappointing with Mitch and his injury but he’s tracking well with his rehab, which is

“But yes, his injury opened a bit of a door for me to play some consistent NRL, which is good and I’m enjoying it. It’s great to do it with these bunch of boys and this club.”

Lussick suffered his first defeat in Panthers colours last Saturday night when the Gold Coast Titans pulled off a massive upset at Cbus

Super Stadium 19-18.

The dummy half said it was a “disappointing” result, which snapped Penrith’s seven-game winning streak.

“You want to win every game of football. You’re not going to win every game of football but that’s the mindset,” Lussick said.

“Ivan was disappointed”

“The Titans were better than us that day. We took plenty of learnings out of it and the boys are really hungry this week to bounce back from that.

“Ivan was disappointed, but he was very calm, cool and collected. He got his message across and the boys took it on board.”

Penrith had enough possession and opportunities to put the game to bed on several occasions, but were unable to get the job done.

“We definitely had plenty of possession with

the footy in good spots on the field, but we weren’t able to execute at times,” Lussick said.

“But like I said, we’ve got an opportunity to bounce back this week and head up to Townsville and put on a good performance.”

For the second straight week the Panthers will fly north of the border to battle a Cowboys team coming off three losses on the trot.

Lussick said he’s excited to welcome back Penrith’s Origin contingent of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o, but he is wary of North Queensland’s star-studded side.

“You don’t go into a game worrying about the opposition but you’re definitely wary of them because you look at that Cowboys team and they have strike across the whole park,” he said.

“With Scott Drinkwater there, they also have some serious speed in the outside backs and a mobile forward pack. We’re going to do our work this week to nullify what their strengths are and we’re going to have to be on for 80 minutes this week because we know how dangerous the Cowboys really are.”

With Lussick’s time at the Panthers slowly drawing to a close, he said he’ll no doubt look back on his time fondly and hopefully with a Premiership ring on his finger.

“The job’s not done yet,” Lussick declared. “Myself and the whole team want to go all the way and win a Premiership. That’s the goal.”

Henry hungry for Cowboys victory

After a disappointing loss to a team at the bottom of the ladder, the Panthers are primed to remind the competition why they are number one.

Panthers prop Liam Henry played just over 50 minutes in the to-the-wire loss against the Gold Coast Titans last Saturday night and said the team walked away with their tails between their legs.

“It was pretty disappointing,” Henry reflected.

“Having said that, they played really well and we just failed to get the job done and that is the most disappointing thing. We will learn a lot from that game, and it will be good for us in the long-term.”

The Panthers are this weekend going back to Maroons territory to play the North Queensland Cowboys where they will look to bounce back.

“We have just been nailing

down training and getting back to what we do really well,” Henry said.

“I think it is a good opportunity for us; it’s a short turnaround so it will be nice to get back out there and get another shot.

“That’s the biggest thing for us, just getting back to what we know we can do.”

Henry debuted against the Cowboys in Round 25 of the 2022 season where the Panthers dramatically went down 38-8, this weekend Henry will be looking to rewrite that history.

“You never like to lose but with a loss comes a lot of lessons. It’s important for us to take those lessons and learn from them,” he said.

At the end of this year Henry will lace up his boots for the last time as a Panther before he heads west to play for the incoming Perth Bears, but he remains committed to getting the job done for the Panthers one last time.

“I’m definitely all in and just focussed on what lies ahead for

me at the Panthers. I’m taking it day by day,” he said.

“It does catch you off guard a little bit when you go this is your last year so I’m really just trying to soak it all in, make the most of it and do everything I can for the team.”

Announced this week, former Panther and current Wests Tiger Mavrik Geyer will be a Bear come next year, someone Henry is excited to play with again.

“I love Mav! He’s a terrific player and he’s a good mate of mine so it will be awesome to be on that journey with him,” Henry laughed.

This weekend’s NRL matches will honour the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) through Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, across the nine Beanie Rounds to date, fans have helped the MHF raise $29.7 million.

“I think it is a massive cause, the Mark Hughes Foundation. I absolutely love that the NRL do it every year,” Henry said while donning a bright pink MHF beanie.

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Fowler to remain in England

Fowler’s big call: Nathan Cleary’s partner, Matildas superstar Mary Fowler, has shed some light on her playing future with English football side Manchester City. The 23-year-old is off-contract with the Women’s Super League Champions at around the same time as Cleary is off-contract with the Panthers in 2027. Speaking at a football clinic in Moorebank, the Weet-Bix Ambassador said she currently has no plans to leave Man City. “I think while I’m playing football, I’d like to be at the highest level possible, so I’m really enjoying it at City and there’s a good group of girls there, we did really well last season, so I have no reason to leave,” Fowler said. With Fowler confident of a new deal with Man City, it means she won’t be moving to Australia anytime soon to play in the Women’s A-League and be closer to Cleary. As for the Panthers co-captain, he’s set to decide on his playing future in the coming months. Cleary will either sign a new deal with the Panthers or make his way to England to play over there and be closer to Fowler.

Here’s cheers: The Pantherettes made a rare away game appearance last weekend, with a couple of the dancers making their way to the Gold Coast for the clash against the Titans. Both the Titans cheer squad and the Pantherettes are now managed by Entourage Entertainment, so it was a natural fit.

Tago’s uncertain future: While the rumours about Izack Tago leaving the Panthers have died down in recent months, there’s still people telling me that he won’t be at Penrith next year. The 24-year-old is on decent money and signed until the end of 2028, so if he did move on, it’d be likely the Panthers would have to top up his wage elsewhere. Some would argue the Panthers have now found a role for Tago after his move into the back-row for several games this year, but the rumours just won’t go away that there’s things happening behind the scenes.

Like father, like son: Mark Geyer’s son, who played 14 games for the Panthers before joining the Tigers this season, is once again following in his famous father’s footsteps. It was confirmed on Tuesday that Mavrik Geyer would be joining new NRL franchise the Perth Bears on a two-year deal from next season. When he puts on the Perth strip next year, the former St Dominic’s College student will follow the exact same career path as his father Mark – Panthers, Tigers and Perth. Of course, big MG returned to Penrith in ’98 to finish off his memorable career, so we’ll just have to wait and see whether Mav does the same.

Beanie for Brain Cancer: The NRL and Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) are teaming up for the 10th anniversary Beanie for Brain Cancer Round across Round 17 of the 2026 Telstra Premiership this week. Across the nine Beanie Rounds to date, footy fans have helped MHF raise $29.7 million through the sale of more than 1.3 million beanies, bringing Australians together in the fight against brain cancer. During his press conference this week, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary (pictured) donned one of this year’s fabulous beanies, which can be purchased from all Lowes Australia stores and at participating Woolworths and IGA Australia stores.

Injury update: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has updated fans on the status of two of his biggest injured stars. Panthers centre and Blues rookie Casey McLean (quad) is set to return from injury in Round 18 against the Rabbitohs, while hooker Mitch Kenny (leg) will likely return after Round 19’s bye.

Grand Final snub: It was interesting to note Channel Nine’s broadcast of last year’s Grand Final didn’t make the cut for a Logie nomination this year. Seven’s AFL Grand Final coverage is nominated for Best Sports Coverage, and while Nine’s Origin broadcast is nominated, there’s no sign of the Grand Final.

Lang returns to TRH: Lang on League columnist Peter Lang is Nathan Taylor’s co-host on the latest episode of the Tension’s Running High podcast, presented by the Western Weekender. With usual co-host Troy Dodds boot skootin’ his way around Nashville, Lang filled in for the second time this year providing his unique insights into the Penrith Panthers and NRL. Catch the latest episode wherever you get your podcasts.

PANTHERS POSTER

The NRL should scrap Golden Point

While the game of rugby league isn’t struggling with record TV ratings and a multi-billion-dollar broadcast deal about to be signed, I thought of a couple of rule changes and a concept which could make this great game even greater.

I must stress that most of what I’m about to suggest is not original but they’re still ideas worth considering.

One of the rules which I feel needs to be changed is the golden-point rule. The game should go back to a draw after 80 minutes where both sides each walk away with a point.

I’ve heard all the arguments about how exciting it makes the contest but every time a side loses a match in extra time, I always feel like one side has been ripped off.

It was a rule which was introduced in 2003 and I’ve always conscribed to the theory that if after 80 minutes neither side has scored enough points to win the game outright, then they both deserve a point.

It was a rule for 94 years and one which didn’t need tinkering with.

I understand having golden point in Finals games but not during the season.

Since 2003 the Panthers have played in 29 golden point games,

the most of any club in the competition.

Now for everyone thinking that I just want to change the rule back because Penrith suck at it, well you’re wrong.

Penrith actually has a pretty good record winning 14 games, losing nine and drawing six.

Yes, that’s right, there’s still a draw if after 10 minutes of extra time the

in the game while two just sit there twiddling their thumbs.

I understand an additional player can be activated if the offending player is sin-binned or sent off by the match referee, and the injured player is subsequently ruled out of the match.

But let’s just cut through the crap and make all six interchange players available for the game.

The interchange rule doesn’t need to change, with only eight allowed as it currently stands.

Finally, especially after the NRL competition expands to 18 and then 19 teams, a Wildcard Weekend needs to be added at the end of the regular rounds.

scores are still level.

So, what’s the point of it all if you can still end up with a draw anyway, except you have to play 10 extra minutes just to get one.

It makes no bloody sense.

The next rule change I’d like to see is to allow all six interchange players to be eligible to play not just four. It’s crazy that only four players are allowed to participate

This means that the top six sides qualify for the Finals Series but teams which finish seventh to 10th must play-off for spots seven and eight.

It would work this way, match one will see teams seven and 10 play for seventh spot and teams eight and nine for eighth.

Now if all this seems familiar it’s because the AFL will be introducing this concept at the end of this season.

So why can’t the National Rugby League?

BEHIND THE GAME

Why playing football doesn’t feel like work

The phrase ‘you’ll never work a day if you love your job’ hits home for Panthers second rower Isaiah Papali’i.

New Zealand-born Papali’i has always loved sport, from weightlifting to rugby union, he has always been doing some form of sport.

“My parents and my extended family love sport and rugby league… whether I was watching footy over the weekend or doing CrossFit with my uncle when I was a teenager,” Papali’i told Behind the Game

“That’s what got me into weightlifting, which complemented rugby league and rugby union, which I was playing through high school.”

Papali’i debuted for the New Zealand Warriors in 2017 and has since gone on to play 192 games across multiple clubs – including for Parramatta in the 2022 Grand Final against

Penrith – before joining the Panthers in 2025.

Papali’i said his long footy career is the result of him being able to love what he does and turn his passion for sport into his job.

“Footy has taught me to love what you do,” he said.

“Whether it’s footy or whatever job you’re in, the more you love it or enjoy what you’re doing the easier it is to turn up every day and be your best.

“I’m really loving footy at the moment and that’s helping me a lot.”

Being afforded the chance to be a Panther is not one that Papali’i took lightly.

“I just moved out to Emu Plains and being in the Penrith region at the back end of last year and just seeing all the jerseys, and all the merch that the fans and the community rep throughout the week makes me pretty proud to be a part of this club,” he reflected.

“They just get behind us as a team and always show up. I’m really enjoying that.”

June 21 marked 34 years since Ben Alexander was tragically killed in a car crash at Colyton, tearing apart both the Panthers club and the community itself.

On this day (June 26) 34 years ago, the Weekender’s front page read ‘Penrith mourns’, with the rising star’s funeral held the previous day.

“Penrith came to a virtual standstill yesterday when thousands flocked to St Nicholas Church to bid farewell to Ben Alexander,” the Weekender reported.

“Nearly 700 people crammed into St Nicholas for the Requiem Mass while an estimated 4000 others spilled out of the church grounds onto High Street to listen to the mass by loud speakers”.

The Weekender reported that moving eulogies to Ben were read by Joe Zarb, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Ron Mulock.

Around this time every year, we remember the short career of Ben Alexander, and that fateful night in 1992 that claimed his life.

His name will never, ever be forgotten in the history of the Penrith Panthers or Penrith as a city.

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS TITANS BRONCOS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES DRAGONS TIGERS

EELS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

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RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

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RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS TITANS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS TITANS BRONCOS WARRIORS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS TITANS BRONCOS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

JEFF LEMON

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS TITANS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS TITANS

ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS TITANS BRONCOS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS EELS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS TIGERS

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS

EELS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

EELS TITANS BRONCOS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS TITANS ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES RAIDERS KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS BULLDOGS ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS STORM DRAGONS TIGERS KHP CIVIL | 4773 9275

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

KIDS’ SHOW THAT POPS

ALLY HALL

Bubble artists Kurt Murray and Iulia Benze are the people behind the characters of Dr Bubble and Milkshake in ‘The Big Bubble Show… In Space!’.

The performers are bringing their award-winning show to Coliseum Theatre these school holidays to wow children and parents.

“We take high level bubble skills and combine them with a comedy clowning storyline, shadow puppetry, and light work,” Murray explained.

“We do bubble tricks like a cube, a carousel, and a bubble filled with helium or smoke that we let float to the ceiling while deflating like a balloon.

“There are also children volunteers that get to come on stage and have bubble statues made on their heads and get put inside a bubble. We interact with them in very funny ways, including creating the world’s tallest child with a tower of foam that is about triple my size.”

More mind-blowing tricks include bubble rockets soaring skywards, delicate creations merging and separating, glistening bubble screens, and more!

“The current story is that Milkshake and Dr Bubble are on Earth, and Milkshake spots a star in the sky that she wants to have no matter what, so they have to fly to outer space to get the star –and of course make bubbles with it,” Murray said.

“The show is never sitting still. We’re constantly making upgrades, changing props,

and introducing bigger and broader tricks.

“Whatever you saw when we first put the show together four years ago has developed lightyears from where it was, and it will have an even bigger expansion ahead of the show at the Coliseum this year.”

Murray and Benze’s bubble artistry career began in London when the pair were working as street performers.

“We never really saw anyone else do bubble shows, and we came at it as actors by doing stories and entertaining characters,” Murray said.

“Apparently, that was the right way to do it. Most people stood around making bubbles and waiting for people to be impressed, and we were elevating it, so we thought we had better get it on stage.

“From 2014 onwards, we’ve been doing

stage shows, and it very quickly took off.

After the first 12 months, people started booking us for overseas jobs, so all of a sudden, we were travelling all over the world.”

That epic beginning matches the epic ending of ‘The Big Bubble Show… In Space!’, which wraps up in a spectacular million-bubble celebration.

“The audience gets covered in bubbles flying in the tens of thousands across the audience. We try to create this wonderful environment,” Murray said.

Witness the impossible and watch in wonder as Dr Bubble, Milkshake, and puppet Mini Milkshake perform at the Coliseum Theatre at West HQ on Wednesday, July 15.

Tickets are available online at coliseumtheatre.com.au.

THINGS TO DO

SUPERWOG: Big Daddy Energy Tour

Fresh off the release of ‘Son of a Donkey’ on Netflix, SUPERWOG are coming to Penrith with a brand-new live show! The Big Daddy Energy Tour will bring the duo’s trademark chaos, characters, and comedy to stages across the country in their biggest tour yet. Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs on June 27 and 28 at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.

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.

GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s ‘GRIMM’ beckons you into a world where fairytales are reimagined with a profound intensity. Be warned – these bedtime stories may cause nightmares! Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and many other characters emerge from the shadows and reveal the truth behind their stories at The Joan on Friday, June 26.

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.

Country Love – The Ultimate Date Night

Australia’s

penrith.panthers.com.au.

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.

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.

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.

There is an obvious nostalgia hit associated with ‘Toy Story 5’, given Woody, Buzz and co have existed in our world for more than 30 years now. They have become films that have spanned generations, and one thing you will constantly notice if you re-watch those early movies is how well they stand up.

‘Toy Story 5’ therefore is as much for the adults in the room as it is the kids they’ve dragged along.

Much has already been said about ‘Toy Story 5’ and its very firm attack on tech – particularly handheld devices that dominate so much of our children’s lives these days.

But the premise is not all that much different from the first four films, which have always focused on a threat of some kind. In the first movie, it was Woody threatened by Buzz; then of course Al the Toy Collector came along in the sequel ‘Toy Story 2’. There was the constant threat of a toy’s owner outgrowing it.

So while tech is the villain here, there has always been a threat of extinction or replacement looming over central characters.

This film focuses primarily on Bonnie, first introduced to us in ‘Toy Story 3’. We find her at a crossroads between playing with toys like Jessie, Buzz and Bullseye, and a desperation to find friends by having a tablet just like them.

The toys, with Woody called in for assistance, aim to prove their worth and relevance against a tablet that can seemingly replace everything they once provided.

There is an obvious undercurrent here and something of a slap in the face to parents – not necessarily that they should be throwing tablets in the bin and erasing them from their kids’ lives, but that moderation and parental engagement are key.

depending on their own internal debates they have with kids and tech.

Balance is at the centre of the storyline, though I have no doubt

There’s not many series’ that are still knocking it out of the park at the fifth movie, but ‘Toy Story 5’ is just as good as its predecessors, and it sits proudly alongside them. – Troy Dodds

See these movies at... PENRITH

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê After some years in the wilderness, the new season of ‘First Dates’ arrived on Seven on Tuesday night. This season, ‘First Dates’ features an all-new restaurant, fitted with discreet cameras to capture every moment from start to finish – from awkward first impressions and laugh-out-loud mishaps to heart-warming connections. You can catch up on episode one via the 7plus.

Ê Surprise ABC hit ‘Crime Night, hosted by Julia Zemiro, has been renewed for a second season. Joined by resident criminologists Professor Danielle Reynald and Dr David Bartlett, the new season will once again bring together comedians and commentators to dive into the cases, stories and criminal behaviour. It’s expected later this year.

Ê The next time you’re visiting Canberra, why not pay a visit to the National Film and Sound Archive to see Agro in the flesh. The famous puppet was donated to the museum recently by the family of Jamie Dunn, the man that brought Agro to life for so many years. Dunn passed away in March.

COUNTRY CORNER

Aussie fave’s new song

Fresh off her biggest appearance yet at the iconic CMA Festival, where she performed on the Chevy Vibes Stage in Nashville for the third time, Melanie Dyer returns with ‘If She Only Knew’ – an uplifting and deeply personal pop-country anthem that reflects on resilience, self-belief, and the long road between childhood dreams and the person we grow into.

Following the momentum of previous single ‘Golden Girl’, which topped the TMFM Airplay Chart, reached #5 on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart and earned major editorial playlist support across Spotify and Apple Music (#1 on Australia’s Country), the new

release continues a powerful chapter for the 3x Golden Guitar and 3x APRA Award

‘Most Performed Country Work’ nominee.

Driven by acoustic guitar, washed in ethereal pedal steel and anchored by Dyer’s smoky yet sweet vocal delivery, ‘If She Only Knew’ balances slick contemporary country production with heartfelt storytelling.

“‘If She Only Knew’ is like sitting on the front porch beside my younger self and holding her hand,” she said.

“I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 12-years-old. 20 years on, this song is my way of reaching back to that little girl – the big dreamer – and reassuring her that she has the strength she needs to follow her dreams and do

Ê Nine will screen a sports documentary at 8pm this Sunday, June 28 titled ‘The Long Run’. Former AFL star Lance “Buddy” Franklin and NRL legend Johnathan Thurston mentor 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women from the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project squad, founded by Rob de Castella, as they train for their first ever marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon.

Ê Three-part National Geographic docudrama ‘Pompeii: Out of Time with Tom Hiddleston’ will drop on Disney+ on Thursday, July 23. In the series, Hiddleston journeys back in time, stepping into cinematic scripted sequences following the lives of real Romans caught in Vesuvius’ path. I like the sound of this!

Ê Apple TV has renewed ‘The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy’ for a fourth season. The new eight-episode season will follow Levy as he attempts to up the ante

by again saying ‘yes’ to the kinds of travel experiences he’s spent a lifetime carefully avoiding, even in previous seasons.

Ê Apple TV has also confirmed that breakout hit ‘Widow’s Bay’ has been renewed for a second season. The series, which has been enjoying glowing reviews, wrapped up last week.

Ê New Australian medical drama ‘The F Ward’ will premiere on Stan on Friday, July 17. The six-part series follows a group of medical interns sent to the underfunded Pines Hospital in Sydney for one final chance to complete their medical training. Here, they must overcome their insecurities, their past, and their own expectations in a hothouse environment where the stakes are life and death.

Ê Awesome Netflix comedy-drama ‘The Four Seasons’ has been renewed for season three. Expect it to drop next year.

great things, even when she doubts it most.”

It’s out now on all the usual streaming services.

Ballerini wants ‘Another Drink’ US country superstar Kelsea Ballerini is dropping a new track on Friday.

She will release ‘Another Drink’ with Marshmello, a fresh new country collaboration.

We’ve heard a preview of it here at Country Corner and it’s an absolute banger for the US summer period.

It’ll be available on all the usual streaming services from June 26.

Track of the Week

Let’s turn it way back and throw ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ from George Jones on the speakers!

TV

Guide:

June 26 - July 2

27 June

Saturday

8:00

“The

Wears Prada” (PG) (’06)

Wants

“Murder

Meryl

(PG) 12:00

Matrimony” (M v) (’21) 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Hats Off To Love” (PG) (’25) Stars: Ginna Claire Mason 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 4:30 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 NRL: Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 9:55 NRL: Post-Match 10:45 Movie: “Lethal Weapon 3” (M l,v) (’92) Stars: Mel Gibson 9:00 The Finish Line 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:20 MasterChef Australia (PG) 11:30

10:20

3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Mountain Men (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown

2:30 First Dates UK (PG) 3:30 The Food Dude (PG) 4:00 Starstruck (PG) 6:40 Movie: “Minions: The Rise Of Gru” (PG) (’22) Stars: Steve Carell 8:30 Movie: “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” (M v) (’03) Stars: Cameron Diaz 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Undiscovered Vistas 7:30 Movie: “Like Mike 2: Streetball” (PG) (’06) Stars: Jascha Washington

3:05 QI (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) 6:00 America The Bountiful 6:30 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Instant Italian 8:00 The Hairy Bikers USA 8:30 Ainsley’s Football Feast 9:30 Come Dine With Me: The Professionals

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Death In Paradise (M v) 1:30 Shetland (M) 2:30 TSO - Beethoven’s 5th 3:35 The Piano

(PG) 4:30 Stuff The British Stole 5:05

End: The Scott Miller Story 5:30

11:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 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) 3:30 JAG (PG) 5:30 Bull (M) 6:30 Building The Dream Home 7:30 NCIS (M v) 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 (PG)

2:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Highlights 3:00 DW The Day 3:30 Worldwatch 5:40 Inside The Huddle 6:10 Over The Black Dot 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

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 Philosopher’s Stone” (PG) (’01) Stars: Emma Watson 1:00 The Brokenwood Mysteries (M l,v) 3:00 Antiques DownUnder 3:30 Movie: “Josephine And Men” (G) (’55) Stars: Glynis Johns 5:30 The Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

6:00 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Classic 100 Concert 2026 9:00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala 10:05 The Capture 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ Caulfield/ Eagle Farm *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:00 Movie: “Twister” (PG) (’96) Stars: Bill Paxton 10:20 Movie: “65” (PG) (’23) Stars: Adam Driver 12:10 Movie: “Dead In The Water” (M v) (’21) Stars: Samual Charles 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday (PG) 12:00 Destination WA 12:30 Drive TV Presents 1:00 Explore TVViking 1:30 My Way 1:40 Movie: “Overboard” (PG) (’87) Stars: Goldie Hawn 4:00 Tasman Trails: Olive Roots 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “National Treasure: Book Of Secrets” (PG) (’07) Stars: Nicolas Cage 9:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 10:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 11:00 Intrepid Adventures 11:30 Farm To Fork 12:00 MasterChef Australia (PG) 1:00 Good Food Everyday With Gary Mehigan (PG) 1:30 Frugal Foodie 2:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 2:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 3:00 The Finish Line 4:00 Lingo (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 7:30 Selling Houses Australia (PG) 9:30 Ambulance (M) 11:30 FBI (M v) 7:30

2:30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens 3:30 Escape To The Country 4:30 The Salvation Army: Red Shield Appeal (PG) 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) 1:30 Lady Torque TV (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 NDRC Top Fuel Championship 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 II” (PG) (’89)

12:00 Yummy Mummies (PG) 12:30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days (PG) 1:30 This Is Your Life (PG) 3:10 Instant Hotel (PG) 5:50 Movie: “Stuart Little 2” (G) (’02) Stars: Michael J Fox 7:30 Movie: “Made Of Honor” (PG) (’08)

3:25 The Frontier (PG) 4:30 Faboriginal 5:00 Movie: “Big Name, No Blanket” (PG) (’13) Director: Steven McGregor 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)

9:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 10:30 Navigating The World 11:30 Roads Less Travelled 12:30 Top Gear Australia (PG) 2:00 The Living Room (PG) 3:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 7:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 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)

(PG) 7:00 Spicks

Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG)

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

Hot

With

6:00 Nadiya’s Spices

Home And

(PG) 2:30

6:30 Jamie’s American Road Trip 7:30 River Cottage Vegetables 8:30 Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico 9:35 Hidden Restaurants With Michel Roux Jr 10:30 Eating Inn 12:30 Football: FIFA World Cup: Group G: Egypt v IR Iran *Live* 3:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Highlights 4:10 Worldwatch 6:15 Mastermind 6:45 The Mega-Brands That Built The World (PG) 7:35 Abandoned Americana (M) 10:50 Surfing Australia TV 11:20 Seinfeld (PG) 11:50 All New Traffic Cops (PG) 1:50 Formula E Highlights 3:00 Movie: “Batman Forever” (PG) (’95) Stars: Val Kilmer 5:30 TBA 7:30 Movie: “Gone In Sixty Seconds” (M) (’00) Stars: Angelina Jolie 3:00 Rugby Union: Blue Crane Capital Shute Shield: Eastern Suburbs v Randwick *Live* From Woollahra Oval 5:00 Explore 5:10 Movie: “Shalako” (PG) (’68) Stars: Brigitte Bardot 7:30 TBA 10:00 TBA 12:00 Movie: “The Reptile” (M v) (’66)

(PG) 4:30 Sean’s Kitchen (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) 4:35 Movie: “Chuck Berry” (PG) (’18) Stars: Themetta Berry 6:20 NITV News Update 6:30 Undiscovered Vistas 7:20 Australian Music Vault: Emma Donovan 8:30 Movie: “A Journey Between The Fires: Troy Cassar-Daley” (M) (’24) 10:00 Navigating The World 11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 12:30 Tough Tested (PG) 1:30 I Fish 2:30 The Living Room (PG) 3:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (M v) (’23) 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 7:00 Deal Or No Deal 9:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 Friends (PG) 6:00

Get Macca’s® delivered.

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:45 Kangaroo

6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (M)

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroe 6:10 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:30 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 3:10

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:10 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:30

The Addams Family 5:30 Bewitched 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Batman & Robin” (PG) (’97) Stars: George Clooney

(PG) 5:00 Escape To The Chateau 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town Takeover 8:30 Good Bones (PG)

ON THE WORLD'S MOST BEAUTIFUL HARBOUR

FIVE TIPS TO BOOST YOUR HOME’S VALUE

Selling your home can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially in a competitive market. While many homeowners focus on simply putting up a “For Sale” sign, a little preparation beforehand can make a huge difference to the final result. Here are five important things to do before listing your property for sale.

First impressions matter, so start by improving your home’s street appeal. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, tidy gardens and pressure clean driveways or pathways. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or updating tired outdoor lighting can also help create a welcoming feel for buyers before they even step inside.

Next, declutter and depersonalise your home. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property, which can be difficult if

“PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP”

rooms are crowded with personal items, excess furniture or clutter. Clear benchtops, tidy wardrobes and remove unnecessary items to make spaces feel larger, cleaner and more inviting.

It’s also worth taking care of minor repairs before going to market. Small issues like dripping taps, cracked tiles, damaged flyscreens or peeling paint may seem insignificant, but buyers often notice these details. Fixing them early can help present the property as well maintained and prevent buyers from looking for reasons to negotiate down the price.

Professional presentation is another important step. Many sellers are now investing in professional photography and home styling because quality presentation can dramatically improve online interest and inspection numbers. Bright, clean and well-styled homes

often attract stronger buyer competition.

Finally, make sure you choose the right local real estate agent. A reputable agent understands the local market, knows how to market your property effectively and can guide you through pricing, negotiations and the sales process. Homeowners should consider speaking with experienced local agencies such as RE/ MAX Lifestyle Marketing, Faico & Co, Merrick Property Group or Property Central when preparing to sell.

Taking the time to prepare your property properly before listing can help reduce stress, attract more buyers and ultimately deliver a stronger sale result.

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park

CONTACT:

Oran Park Sales Office

Trevor Homes • 9043 7500

What is so great about this property?

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

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

ORAN PARK

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

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

Who does this property suit?

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

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

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

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

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

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

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

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

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

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

COULD REFINANCING SAVE

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to squeeze household budgets, a growing number of Australians are turning to home loan refinancing as a way to claw back some breathing room. For many, the savings can be substantial – but the decision isn’t right for everyone.

What is refinancing?

Refinancing simply means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different bank.

Borrowers do this for a range of reasons, but the most common is to secure a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly repayments.

The potential benefits

Lower repayments and interest savings. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can translate to significant savings over the life of a loan. On a $600,000 mortgage, shaving 0.5 per cent off your rate could save tens of thousands of dollars over a 30-year term and reduce your monthly outgoings noticeably.

Accessing equity. As property values have climbed in many parts of Australia, homeowners have built up equity in their properties. Refinancing can allow borrowers to tap into that equity to fund renovations, invest or consolidate other debts.

Keep local news free

Switching loan features. Refinancing offers an opportunity to move to a loan with features that better suit your circumstances, such as an offset account, a redraw facility, or the flexibility to make extra repayments without penalty. Some borrowers also switch between variable and fixed rates depending on their outlook on interest rates.

Debt consolidation. Rolling high-interest debts, such as credit cards or personal loans, into a home loan at a lower rate can simplify finances and reduce overall interest costs –though it’s worth remembering that stretching short-term debt over a longer mortgage term can increase the total interest paid.

Lender incentives. Competition between lenders means many offer cashback deals, fee waivers, or other incentives to win new business, which can sweeten the deal for those willing to shop around.

The costs to watch

Refinancing isn’t free. Borrowers should factor in potential discharge fees from their existing lender, application and valuation fees with the new lender, and for those with fixed-rate loans break costs, which can be considerable. Lenders Mortgage Insurance may also apply if you’re borrowing more than 80 per cent of your property’s value.

It’s also worth being aware that refinancing involves a fresh credit assessment, and lending criteria have tightened in recent years. Your borrowing capacity, income stability, and credit history will all be scrutinised.

Is it worth it?

A common rule of thumb is to review your home loan every couple of years to ensure you’re still getting a competitive rate. Many borrowers find their lender’s advertised rates for new customers are lower than what existing customers are paying. Financial experts generally recommend calculating whether the savings outweigh the switching costs before making the move. Mortgage brokers can help compare options across the market.

The bottom line

For Australians feeling the pinch, refinancing can be a powerful tool to reduce repayments, access equity, or restructure debt. But it pays to do your homework, read the fine print, and seek independent financial advice tailored to your situation before signing on the dotted line.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should consult a licensed financial adviser or mortgage broker before making decisions.

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard

WHY DOES MY DOG HAVE A SWOLLEN EAR?

One day your dog seems perfectly fine, and the next you notice one of their ears has suddenly become swollen, thick and floppy. If it looks like your dog has a pillow attached to their ear flap, they may be suffering from an aural haematoma.

An aural haematoma is a collection of blood that forms within the ear flap (known as the pinna). Blood vessels run just beneath the skin of the ear, and when one of these vessels’ ruptures, blood leaks into the space between the skin and cartilage. The result is a swollen, often painful ear that feels soft, warm and spongy to the touch.

In most cases, an aural haematoma is not the primary problem. Instead, it is usually the result of an underlying ear irritation. Dogs experiencing itchy, painful ears will often shake their heads vigorously or scratch excessively. This repeated trauma can cause blood vessels in the ear flap to burst.

Common causes of ear irri-

tation include ear infections, allergies, grass seeds, ear mites, or other foreign material lodged within the ear canal. Some dogs are more prone to developing aural haematomas than others, particularly those with long, floppy ears. If left untreated, an aural haematoma may slowly reabsorb over time. However, this is rarely the best option. The ongoing inflammation can cause significant pain and permanent damage

to the ear tissues. As the ear heals, scar tissue forms, often resulting in a thickened, wrinkled, “cauliflower ear” appearance. In severe cases, the distorted ear shape can even narrow the ear canal and increase the risk of future ear problems. Treatment aims to remove the accumulated blood and address the underlying cause of the irritation. Depending on the size and severity, treatment may involve draining the fluid, or performing

surgery to prevent the blood from reaccumulating. At the same time, your veterinarian will investigate and treat the reason your dog was shaking or scratching their ears in the first place. Unfortunately, if the underlying cause is not identified and managed, dogs may continue to experience ear irritation, putting them at risk of another haematoma. This is why treating the ear disease itself is just as important as treating the swelling.

If you notice your dog’s ear suddenly becoming swollen or they are shaking their head more than usual, don’t delay. Aural haematomas are painful and require prompt veterinary attention. Early treatment can help relieve discomfort, prevent permanent ear damage, and get your dog back to feeling comfortable again.

If you are concerned about your dog’s ears, you can phone the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to book an appointment.

FOOT CHECKS IN DIABETES

Reduced circulation

For people living with diabetes, regular foot assessments are an essential part of maintaining long-term health and mobility. While a small blister, cut or area of pressure may seem insignificant, these issues can quickly develop into serious complications if left

At OnePointHealth, we know that early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and avoidable hospitalisations.

How diabetes affects the

Diabetes can impact foot health in two major ways.

Peripheral neuropathy

Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can damage the nerves in the feet, reducing sensation. This can make it difficult to feel:

Cuts and blisters

Pressure from footwear

• Burns and injuries

• Developing wounds

Without pain acting as a warning sign, problems can progress unnoticed.

Diabetes can also affect blood flow to the lower limbs. Reduced circulation slows healing and increases the risk of infection, making even minor wounds more difficult to manage.

When poor circulation and reduced sensation occur together, the risk of serious foot complications increases significantly. Why regular foot checks matter

Many diabetic foot problems develop gradually and without pain. Regular podiatry assessments allow potential issues to be identified before they become serious.

A diabetic foot assessment may include:

• Circulation and vascular screening

• Nerve sensation testing

• Skin and nail assessment

• Identification of pressure areas and calluses

• Footwear evaluation

• Assessment of foot deformities and ulcer risk

Early intervention remains one of the most important

factors in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. How podiatrists help prevent complications

Podiatrists play a key role in diabetic foot care through:

• Routine foot and nail care

• Callus reduction to decrease pressure

• Footwear recommendations

• Custom orthotics to improve foot mechanics and redistribute pressure

• Wound management and pressure offloading

• Education on daily foot monitoring

For higher-risk patients, ongoing monitoring allows small changes to be detected and managed before complications arise. Visit the clinic for more.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Expect the unexpected this week –especially involving children, teenagers, friends or lovers. Hasty Mars hooks up with unruly Uranus (your patron planet) on Saturday, when you’re inclined to unpredictable behaviour like starting a radical new project or falling in love very fast. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater though! Your mantra is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I don’t go by the rule book … I lead from the heart, not the head.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

On Tuesday, prosperity planet Jupiter transits into your domestic zone. So –sometime over the next 12 months – you could redecorate, renovate, build an extension, sell property, buy a new home, relocate or start a home-based business. Good fortune could also come via a loved one, distant relative or family friend. Plus Mercury reverses through your communication and transport zone, until July 24. So take extra care when talking, writing and driving.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Mercury Retrograde season starts on Tuesday. So – if you stir up grievances with an old adversary – you could find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! When it comes to relationship problems, avoid quick fixes (especially with relatives). You’ll come up with a satisfactory solution if you think things through and act on your hunches. With peaceful Venus and generous Jupiter visiting your sign, learn to smile sweetly, forgive and forget.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

The week starts with Mercury reversing through your travel and adventure zone. If you are going away in the next three weeks (especially interstate or overseas) make sure you double-check your itinerary. And (if possible) avoid signing important contracts and legal documents (and making expensive purchases) until after July 24. Then Jupiter jumps into your career zone on Tuesday, so make the most of any professional good fortune that comes your way.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Mercury turns retrograde early on Tuesday. It’s the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the Internet. So it’s 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. Instead, be patient and wait until after July 24.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Expect a rather chaotic and disruptive week, as Mercury (your ruling planet) turns retrograde on Tuesday. And then impulsive Mars and reckless Uranus link up in your sign on Saturday. The good news? On Tuesday, Jupiter jumps into your neighbourhood and local travel zone. So – over the coming year – you’ll make some exciting new connections within your local community. Short trips (especially interstate) are also likely in the months ahead.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Are people aware of the substantial amount of work you’re doing behind the scenes? Don’t be disappointed if others aren’t showing their appreciation at the moment. Your efforts will be applauded (and rewarded) further down the track. In the meantime, focus your attention on helping others (family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances) in creative ways. As birthday great Princess Diana said, “Everyone has the potential to give something back.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Mercury begins reversing through your secrets and joint finances zone on Tuesday morning. So keep your lips zipped and be very clear when making financial transactions with others. Then Jupiter (planet of expansion and exploration) transits into your travel zone on Tuesday afternoon, so foreign shores beckon over the next 12 months. Smart Sagittarians will start planning your itinerary now –and make sure you keep up to date with your international contacts.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week Mercury reverses through your home zone, from Tuesday morning until July 24. So expect some domestic disruptions (like plumbing problems or appliances breaking down) and/ or family friction (like arguments or misunderstandings). But you can still have an enjoyable week, as Mars (your boss planet) makes positive aspects to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Slow down Rams! An innovative, creative and patient approach will get you through.

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

With Mercury reversing through your sign (from Tuesday until July 24) resist the urge to over-analyse, over-worry, over-stress and over-react. Especially involving personal matters, close relationships (romantic and platonic) plus joint ventures. Think things through, but avoid getting caught up in an endless, obsessive loop. Try to relax and go with the flow. Jupiter jumps into your financial zone, which is good for money matters over the coming year.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Communication planet Mercury reverses through your career zone (until July 24) so relations with a boss, business partner, work colleague, client or customer could be challenging. So do your best to pick your battles very carefully, choose your words very wisely, plus check all meetings and appointment times thoroughly. The next three weeks is a good time to do things with an ‘re’ in front … revise, remember, rehearse, revisit, rethink and reboot.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Conscientious Capricorns can easily become preoccupied with the busy distractions of daily life, full of noisy notifications and endless work. This week Venus and Jupiter light up your intuition and secrets zone (in the creative sign of Leo) so aim to spend some quality time on your own. Slow down, meditate, contemplate, ruminate, and listen to the quiet voice within. Your motto is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.”

LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Relax & Unwind

KING-SIZED NIGHT AWAY

When my mum and I book a girls’ weekend away it normally centres around a pool or an ocean. But recently we decided to change things up and head into the Sydney CBD for a change and it did not disappoint.

We stayed at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney, right in the heart of the city. We stepped off the train at Central Station, got directly onto a Light Rail and got off at the next stop where Caption by Hyatt was just metres away.

We were booked in for Caption’s ‘Lion King’ package which provides an overnight stay, two tickets to ‘The Lion King’ at the nearby Capitol Theatre, and a pre-theatre dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant Talk Shop. It takes away all the fuss of organising different activities and deciding where to go for dinner – one click and you have a whole evening booked.

“IT IS AN UNMISSABLE SHOW”

Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney offers 174 rooms all full of character and charm. We stayed in the one-bedroom deluxe suite. The room was decorated with a colourful feature wall but the thing that caught my attention right away was the floor to ceiling windows that offered a perfect glimpse of the awaiting city below. I could see the Capitol Theatre across the road which made me excited for the show I was going to see later. The bathroom was large and easily fit two of us in there as we

were doing our makeup and fixing our hair.

The pre-theatre dinner at Caption’s in house restaurant Talk Shop was divine. When my mum and I went down to have a glass of wine and dinner we were treated to an intimate seating area where we could have stayed chatting for hours. The mood lighting and ambient music were the perfect backdrop as other guests filtered in and out livening the room with chatter. There was an array of board games for guests to use, making the experience even more personal. The dinner package gives you two options to choose from, so we got one of each. I had the cheeseburger, which was more gourmet than

any cheeseburger I’ve had before. The chips were perfectly crispy as well. My mum had the Me So Salmon and after every bite kept telling me to try some – it was that good! After dinner, we walked around the block to the Capitol Theatre to see Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. All tickets bought in the package are in Stall G, which gives a perfect view of the show. Without giving too much away, the musical heightens the beloved story we all know and love with incredible performances and costumes that don’t seem real. It is an unmissable show for when you are in the city. During intermission mum and I noted that it was so nice to not have to worry about getting the train home after. The theatre package at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney made our night out so much better than we could have imagined.

We had our alarms set early the next day despite not having to check out until 11am because we couldn’t pass up the chance to go shopping on George Street when we were so close, so back on the Light Rail we went. The location is so convenient to many things that next time I’m in the city I’ll book the Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney again.

For your next girls’ weekend away you can’t go past Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney’s ‘The Lion King’ stay package – it is completely worth it. Trust me!

Maddie’s Meals

Focaccia

This recipe is an easy, time-saving alternative to waiting for dough to prove overnight. Although it still takes some time, it’s worth it.

What You’ll Need:

- Large bowl

- Whisk

- Spatula

- 2 forks

- Plastic wrap

- Oven safe dish x 2

- Small bowl (to fill with water)

Ingredients:

- 4 cups plain or bread flour

- 3 teaspoons of salt

- 1 packet of dry instant yeast

- 2 cups of lukewarm water (made by mixing 1 cup of cold water with one cup of boiling water)

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- Flakey sea salt (optional)

- A herb to top (eg, rosemary, thyme, sage)

- Butter, for greasing the pan

Method:

1. In the bowl, whisk the flour, yeast and salt together. Add the water and use the spatula to

combine the mixture until it is a sticky dough ball.

2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes out of the fridge.

3. Once 30 minutes has past, take a small bowl filled with water, and dipping one hand into the water, stretch and fold over the sides of the dough. Repeat this until the ball starts to feel more smooth instead of sticky. Cover the surface of the ball with oil and re-cover with plastic.

4. Boil some water and place it in one of the oven proof dishes (not the dish you’ll be cooking the focaccia in). Place the water dish on the bottom rack of your oven, and place the bowl of dough on the rack above it. Close the oven door (do not turn the oven on!) and let the dough sit for two hours.

5. After two hours, take the dough out and discard the water dish.

Using two forks, deflate the dough by poking holes in it and stretching it, folding it in on itself. Take the other oven dish, greased, and place a tbsp or so of oil on the bottom. Transfer the dough into the dish, coat ing again in oil and covering. Leave this out of the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C.

6. Uncover the dough and deflate using your fingers. Top with the herb of your choice and lots of salt. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

35.

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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: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

STRING

WOODWIND

BRASS

PERCUSSION

KEYBOARD

ELECTRIC GUITAR

CELLO

DOUBLE BASS

HARP

SAXOPHONE

CLARINET

FLUTE

FRENCH HORN

TRUMPET

CYMBALS

DRUM KIT

ORGAN

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about money in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. When is the end of the financial year?

2. Where is the Royal Australian Mint?

3. When were Australia’s one and two cent coins taken out of circulation?

4. When was the $1 coin introduced?

5. What shape was the 50c coin

before its now iconic dodecagonal shape?

6. When did Australia introduce plastic notes?

7. What is the nickname of the yellow $50 note?

8. What other nations use the Australian currency?

9. What Australian animal is on the $1 coin?

–

Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, 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.

COLOUR ME PENRITH!

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Rating the latest out of China

Recently, a series of GMW/HAVAL products graced our driveway, representing a cross section of their Australian offering, covering SUVs, off-roaders and utes, with a mix of powertrains including diesel, petrol and hybrid.

Rather than rewriting the same story week after week, here is a collection of our thoughts, good and bad, on where the brand is at, and, hopefully, where it is headed.

The contenders: from HAVAL, the H6GT and the H7 Vanta SUVs, along with the GWM-badged Tank 300 off-road wagon and the Cannon Ultra ute.

Across the board, I love the design of these cars, OK, there could be a few tweaks, but generally, it was love at first sight when they rolled into view.

The H6 and H7 absolutely kick goals for me, I love their chunky lines, not as ultra-angular as Toyota’s BZ4X, but ‘space buggy’ enough to make them instantly recognisable.

The H7 nailed me outright with its Mustang-esque grille, from 45 degrees, the only thing missing is the galloping pony.

The H6 is equally funky, even in white it grabs the attention, a little more sedate than its stablemate, but with more angles than Hollywood. The grille treatment, with body colour uprights canted outwards like F1-car wing supports makes a bold statement, there are body contour lines directing airflow along the car, giving straightline stability and trapping the eye.

Both cars feature minor elements ‘borrowed’ from other manufacturers, HAVAL is not the first to do that, but they resisted the urge to build a ‘replicar’.

The Cannon is big, looking hewn, not drawn, like the designer carved away the excess until they were left with slab sides and vertical surfaces, with a definite North American feel.

Aerodynamics are an afterthought, Besser blocks have a better drag co-efficient!, but they are unmissable, rivalling the Tundra in the footprint stakes, the cab is generously proportioned, as a bigger person I appreciate cars that welcome full-size operators.

There is no pretence at beauty, these are all beast, with some brawn, the only thing missing is a big-bore V8 – did I mention GWM debuted a twin-turbo V8 at the Shanghai Motor Show recently?

The Tank 300 gets the same North American influence, borrowing heavily from previous Jeep Cherokees, with 1970s Grand Wagoneer tail lights, resulting in a boxy, upright, traditional five-door wagon, well-sized inside and out, with good ground clearance, a real old-school off-roader.

I love it, a few sizes bigger than my 1982 Suzuki Sierra 3-door, but in the same vein, complete with swing-out tailgate and doormounted spare tyre.

Strip away the badges and the average driver would be hard-pressed to pick their origin,

especially if there were a couple of originals parked nearby.

Build quality across the board was top-shelf, in some areas they exceed the ‘legacy’ manufacturers, especially paint finish, there was no evidence of the ‘orange peel’ effect we have noticed on some cars in recent years – score one for Beijing.

“CHINESE CARS ARE HERE TO STAY, WHEN WILL THE DRIVE EXPERIENCE MATCH THE LOOKS?”

Inside, the story continues, with all of our test cars well-equipped, comfortable and generally spacious, OK, the H7, as the smallest, was tighter but without leaving me shortchanged for room, and certainly comparable to its competition.

They all go the ‘big screen’ route for the infotainment unit, glorious, living, eye-burning, colour displays, despite my best efforts I could not find a brightness control, night vision is seriously impacted by the multi-window reflections – the My88 display was a real challenge.

Sound systems are all high-end, JBL is the supplier, producing a gorgeous soundscape, it is hard to fault the audio output.

Seats were all good, the H7 was a bit narrow

in the base, but otherwise they were all comfortable and well padded, with good ergonomics.

Mostly they were leather trimmed, the H6 the exception with suede coverings, high-quality vinyls and plastics were used throughout on the contact surfaces, I love the Tank’s plastic ‘woodgrain effect’ dash and chrome air vents and cabin controls, they work perfectly.

I found them all attractive, inside and out, with a great colour selection, the H7’s Dusk Orange is the stand-out, but the available palette offers something for everyone.

Calling the H6 a GT was a bit optimistic, there was none of the ‘rortiness’ associated with the badge, but it worked in all other respects.

Universally, the engines were good, diesel or petrol, they felt strong and were happy to work, there was no harshness, even at high rpm, they inspired confidence, and were certainly not short of power.

The hybrid H7 was a revelation, a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor for peak power of 179kW/530Nm, it had real get-up and go, with excellent energy recuperation in one-pedal mode – push to go, lift to slow – charging the battery without sapping power in highway driving.

Sadly, this was where things went south, these excellent engines were let down by the overall driving experience, with clunky, rough shifting transmissions, especially the Tank and Cannon, the overall feel was of a lack of system integration, as though each element was trying to do its own thing, irrespective of the other systems.

Add to that over-zealous driver aids, including lane keeping and driver monitoring, and all of the love I was feeling previously quickly evaporated.

Some systems, like ABS brakes, have measurable performance, for example, stopping in a set distance from 100km/h, while executing a 45 degree turn, without losing control.

Others, like the driver monitoring, lane keep assist and cross traffic alert emergency braking, are ‘yes/no’ items required to secure high crash safety scores, there is no standard of operation, just are they present and working.

The result is systems that are overly sensitive and reactive, for example, a glance at the instrument cluster was a ‘moderate’ distraction, with audible and visible alarms, when you look to see what is wrong, it becomes a ‘severe’ distraction.

Not driving exactly in the centre of the lane triggered the emergency lane keeping, which reacts by suddenly steering the opposite way, if you are not ready for it, not only is it a shock, but you tend to fight the steering, leading to an exhausting driving experience.

Yes, these can all be switched off, before every drive, but if you engage cruise control, they reactivate, and then cannot be turned off without stopping the car.

The reality is Chinese cars are here to stay, they are securing larger market shares month-on-month, mostly on price, but they are not yet at the engineering standard of ‘legacy’ brands. My hope is the manufacturers are listening to the feedback and address the issues sooner rather than later, delivering cars that drive as well as they look.

Talent on show

Panthers Juniors held a Cubs Festival recently in Windsor

Earlier this month, more than 1500 young rugby league hopefuls laced up their boots and took to the field at Windsor Sporting Complex for the Panthers Juniors U5-U7 Cubs Festival.

Panthers Juniors is the largest rugby league development program in the southern hemisphere, consisting of over 660 teams from 22 clubs across western Sydney and an impressive 9,858 young boys and girls that don their club’s jersey for a great game of footy.

The Panthers Juniors system is regarded as one of the best in the NRL, having produced some of the game’s biggest names.

Behind the scenes, powering the pathway for the next era of NRL talent is Australian energy retailer Nectr, who sponsor the Panthers Juniors program.

For Nectr, involvement in the Panthers Juniors U5-U7 Cubs Festival on June 13 further deepens its relationship with the Penrith Panthers.

In 2023, Nectr’s solar partners delivered a solar installation at the Panthers Rugby League

Academy, and earlier this year Panthers announced Nectr as the naming sponsor. Today the Academy generates approximately $20,000 in energy savings, powering the Panthers staff, trainers and players behind the scenes.

In addition, in 2026 Nectr delivered another site for the Panthers Group and installed commercial

solar energy solutions for the Pullman Hotel and Western Sydney Convention Centre. An installation that will provide 172kW of capacity, generating approximately 236MWh of renewable energy per year and estimated energy savings of around $72,000 per year.

For Nectr, the partnership with the Panthers reflects a

shared commitment to invest in communities, creating opportunities and supporting long-term growth. Just as the Panthers focus on developing local talent through strong grassroots foundations, Nectr works closely with Australian households and business to help a more sustainable future through smarter energy solutions.

WANDERERS TO FOCUS ON YOUTH

Forward Alou Kuol made 14 appearances and scored one goal in his debut season in Red & Black after arriving from the Central Coast Mariners.

While those players will continue their football careers elsewhere, the Wanderers have confirmed the re-signing of a number of young players.

Backup goalkeeper Tristan Vidackovic has re-signed with the club for two additional seasons. Standing at 2.03m tall, the 23-year-old shot stopper joined the Wanderers in July 2024 and has continued to develop within the club’s goalkeeping ranks.

Also signed for two more years is homegrown talent Jarrod Carluccio. Heading into his sixth senior season, Carluccio has been part of the Wanderers family since 2015, progressing through the club’s Academy pathway before earning his first team opportunity.

Also remaining at the Wanderers is exciting attacking talent Aydan Hammond. After returning to Australia following eight years in Portugal, the western Sydney product signed with the Wanderers ahead of the 2023/24 season and integrated into both the club’s Academy and First Team programs.

In recent weeks, the Wanderers also confirmed the re-signings of 17-yearold Australian Joeys striker Georgio Hassarati, Academy captain Oscar Morrison, exciting young forward Atiya Waraga and Joeys captain Marcus Savic.

NEW EXTENDED TRADING HOURS

Giants MVP named for Comm Games

Giants shooter Sophie Dwyer is set to make her Commonwealth Games debut after being selected in a 12-strong team that will chase back-to-back gold at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games next month.

Despite a rough year for the Giants on the court, the 24-year-old’s selection is a testament to her consistent impact, where her athleticism, creativity in attack and composure under pressure have made her one of the most exciting shooting talents in world netball.

Australia will be led by captain Liz Watson, with a strong blend of experience and emerging talent. Dwyer, who won the Giants Most

five debutants, alongside Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus and former Giant Jamie-Lee Price.

Defensive stalwarts Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce will feature in their third Commonwealth Games campaigns, and will be joined by Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney and Kiera Austin – all members of the gold medal-winning team in Birmingham. NSW Swifts stalwart and new mum Paige Hadley did not make the team.

Australia enters the tournament as the most successful nation in the competition’s netball history, having claimed four gold medals, including their historic victory in Birmingham where the team secured Australia’s 1000th

the club was thrilled to see Dwyer selected for her first Commonwealth Games.

“Sophie has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and we’re so proud to see her earn this selection,” she said.

“She’s shown real growth over the past 12 months, particularly in her ability to take ownership and lead out on court.

“She brings a real spark in attack. Her athleticism, courage and ability to perform under pressure make her such a valuable player, and we’ve seen that consistently at the Giants.”

Stewart said Dwyer’s strong finish to the season, including back-toback Player of the Match honours, highlighted her readiness.

“She’s been playing with a lot of confidence and control, and that’s been reflected in the impact she’s

had across the last few rounds,” Stewart said.

“She’s also been working really hard to add new elements to her game, and that’s put her in a great position to be a real asset for the Diamonds during the campaign.

“We’re excited to see her take this opportunity and know she’ll represent both the Diamonds and the Giants with great pride.”

The Glasgow 2026 Common-

wealth Games will feature 12 teams split into two pools of six, with each nation playing every other team in their group. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners contesting the gold medal match and the remaining teams playing for bronze.

The Commonwealth Games netball matches will take place at the Scottish Event Campus.

SPORTS SHORTS

WITH NATHAN TAYLOR

Nepean hosts major tournament

TENNIS: Nepean District Tennis Association hosted its first UTR Professional Tennis Tour (PTT) event last week, attracting an impressive field of international and national tennis talent. Players travelled from overseas to compete alongside some of Australia’s top players, including athletes who have competed at the Australian Open. The standard of tennis on display throughout the tournament was exceptional, providing local spectators with the opportunity to witness world-class competition in their own backyard. The tournament culminated last Sunday with the PTT Finals, which coincided with a Regional Matchplay Series event for junior players. The event created a unique experience for the region’s emerging tennis stars, who competed in their own matches while also having the opportunity to watch professional players in action. Between matches, junior competitors were able to observe the finals courtside, gaining valuable insight into the level of tennis required to compete professionally. Many also had the chance to meet players, collect autographs and experience first-hand what life on the professional tour looks like. The successful staging of the UTR PTT event highlights Nepean’s growing reputation as a premier tennis venue and reinforces the Association’s commitment to providing pathways and opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Nepean District Tennis Association has secured three more international events in 2026, with plans to expand the calendar to six events in 2027.

RUGBY: The Penrith Emus are back in business, too good for Canterbury 26-0 in Round 9 of the McLean Cup. Played at Wills Ground in Earlwood, the Emus ran in for four tries to zero to rise to fifth place on the ladder. The Emus will return to Nepean Rugby Park this Saturday to battle Hawkesbury Valley at 3pm.

AFL: The GWS Giants have lost back-to-back games with their latest loss coming at the hands of Carlton 88-65 in Round 15 of the AFL competition. It was another disappointing defeat for the Giants, whose season is hanging by a thread. GWS will look to get their season back on track when they take on the red-hot Hawthorn Hawks this Friday night at the MCG.

AFL: The Penrith Rams are on top of the competition after defeating the UTS Bats 67-47 in Round 10 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. The match was tight throughout, with the Rams leading by 2 points at halftime and by 3 points at three-quarter time before finally pulling away in the fourth quarter. The

Rams will look to keep the good times rolling when they face the Inner West Magpies this Saturday at Picken Oval. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes had the bye last weekend and will return to the paddock this Saturday against the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in Round 11 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers FC have welcomed Jaecoo as an Official Partner for the club’s historic Sydney Super Cup clash against Chelsea FC, aligning with one of the biggest football events ever staged

in western Sydney. The partnership brings together two ambitious brands and will see Jaecoo activate across a series of marquee football experiences, including the Wanderers Fives World Cup and the Sydney Super Cup, creating unforgettable moments for supporters both on and off the pitch. On Tuesday, July 28, the Wanderers will host Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium in a blockbuster encounter that will capture the attention of the football world and further cement western Sydney’s place on the global sporting stage. Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said the partnership was a

natural fit at a defining moment for the club. “We are delighted to welcome Jaecoo to the Western Sydney Wanderers family at what is an incredibly exciting time for our club,” he said. “Jaecoo’s commitment to innovation, community and creating memorable experiences aligns strongly with our own values, and we look forward to working together across the Wanderers Fives World Cup and the Sydney Super Cup to engage our members and supporters.” The announcement continues the momentum building around the Sydney Super Cup, with the Wanderers preparing to welcome Chelsea FC to western Sydney for a landmark occasion that will showcase the club, its supporters and the region on the global stage.

BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers have had a mixed weekend in Round 11 of the NBL1 East Men’s and Women’s competitions. On Saturday up against the Maitland Mustangs, the Panthers women’s team suffered an 81-53 loss, while the Panthers men’s team were beaten 95-81. The following day, Penrith battled the Central Coast Crusaders with their men’s team falling 84-71, while their women’s team enjoyed a rare win 70-57. Both teams will take on the Newcastle Falcons this Sunday at Newcastle Basketball Stadium.

NETBALL: Round 8 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition took place at Netball Central last week. Panthers Netball’s U23s team lost to the Central Coast Heart 63-51, while their Opens team suffered at 60-52 defeat. Both teams will play North Shore United in Round 9.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 11 of the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys went down to the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 30-22, while Penrith Brothers lost to Mounties 32-24. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys were too good for the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks 26-4, while Penrith Brothers went down to Mounties 32-26.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers have won their first game of the season, defeating the girls from Canterbury 20-14 in Round 2 of the NSW Women’s Premiership. The Panthers

SPORT DEPARTURE LOUNGE

Anew era at the Western Sydney Wanderers has well and truly begun, with last season’s wooden spooners announcing the departure of seven players while at the same time re-signing a host of new and familiar faces.

Josh Brillante, Kosta Barbarouses, Bozhidar Kraev, Phillip Cancar, Jacob Farrell, Ruon Tongyik and Alou Kuol have all departed Wanderland following the conclusion of their A-League contracts.

Midfielder Josh Brillante leaves the club after three seasons at Western Sydney, having made 66 appearances since joining from Melbourne Victory in 2023.

A former captain at both Sydney FC and Victory, Brillante brought leadership and composure to the Wanderers’ midfield and played a key role in the club’s resurgence to a fourth-place finish in 2024/25.

New Zealand international Kosta Barbarouses departs the Wanderers after just one season, making 28 appearances and scoring 11 goals across all competitions.

The experienced forward arrived in western Sydney ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and made a strong impact in attack, contributing important goals and bringing valuable experience to the squad throughout the season.

Bulgarian international Bozhidar Kraev also leaves after two seasons, during which he made 52 appearances and scored 13 goals in the A-Leagues competition.

from Wellington in 2024,

quickly became a creative focal point in attack, with goals against Central Coast, Newcastle and Macarthur among his contributions in 2025/26.

Defender Phillip Cancar returned to the Wanderers for the 2025/26 season, having first represented the club in 2021/22, taking his total appearances to 23.

Jacob Farrell, who joined on loan from Portsmouth in January this year, made seven appearances for the Wanderers during the campaign and will now return to his English side.

Defender Ruon Tongyik concludes his second stint at the Wanderers, finishing with 16 appearances across two separate spells with the club since first joining in 2018/19.

Story continues on » p. 69