Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dropped a major bombshell on the rugby league world on Wednesday, announcing he is stepping down from his head coaching role at the conclusion of the 2027 NRL season, with his assistant coach and Panthers Life Member Peter Wallace appointed to take over in 2028. Nathan Taylor reports on page 33
Australians who earn a wage will get $250 in tax relief as part of Labor’s budget, but investors and wealthy families could be left worse off.
Young people entering the housing market face such significant difficulties that the government needs to break a major election promise on controversial tax changes, Treasurer Jim Chalmers insists.
A raid on investment properties, trusts and other investments forms the centrepiece of the Federal Budget.
The measures are designed to expand access to the property markets and fund a $250 tax offset for wage earners.
“If we continue to kick the can down the road on some of these difficult policy changes ... then that would make life harder and lock more Australians out of the system,” Chalmers told the ABC on Tuesday night.
In the lead-up to the last election, Labor promised not to touch negative gearing or the capital gains tax concession, but the Treasurer argued it was now more urgent to reform the policies.
A clamp down on negative gearing and a winding-back of the 50 per cent discount on capital gains tax will leave the nation’s finances $77 billion better off over the next 11 years, the government says.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson
blasted the budget, accusing Labor of imposing new taxes and declaring the opposition would not support the changes.
The reforms will also allow more than 13 million workers to receive a $250 payment in every tax return from 2027 onwards.
While house prices have risen more than 400 per cent since 1999, average incomes have increased at less than half that rate.
Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman acknowledged the rise in prices but maintains the budget delivers for western Sydney.
“The Budget delivers western Sydney workers more tax cuts, cuts red tape for small businesses, strengthens Medicare and gives a fairer go for people buying their own home,” she said.
“The Middle East conflict is pushing up prices, from the servo to the supermarket. So on top of cutting fuel taxes, there’s a new, permanent $250 tax offset for every worker, in addition to the tax cuts from 1 July, and the $1000 instant tax deduction without receipts.
“We’re making sure Urgent Care Clinics are a permanent part of Medicare, making more medicines affordable and delivering a record boost to public hospitals.”
The treasurer also flagged more potential tax cuts down the line as a result of the government’s savings.
According to the budget papers, Australia will be in a deficit of $28.3 billion this financial year, an improvement of about $8.5 billion from previous forecasts.
While future deficits are predicted to be smaller than previously expected, the nation’s finances aren’t expected to return to surplus for nearly a decade.
“The medium-term budget posi-
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tion is much stronger and more sustainable as a consequence, creating more room for future tax relief,” Chalmers said.
Under a clamp-down on wealthy investors, negative gearing – where a landlord can deduct losses on a rental property against their wages at tax time – will be limited to newly built homes from July 2027.
Homes bought before the announcement will be exempt from the changes until they’re sold.
The current 50 per cent discount on capital gains tax will also be overhauled, with the measure on existing properties to be linked to the current rate of inflation from July 2027, and a minimum tax rate of 30 per cent to be imposed.
So the changes don’t impact Australia’s housing pipeline, investors in new builds will be able to choose between the old and new tax schemes.
Gains on properties built before 1985 – which have previously been exempt from CGT – will also begin being taxed from July 2027 at the inflation-adjusted rate.
A 30 per cent minimum tax will also be imposed in discretionary trusts, which are often used by
wealthy families to split income between family members and minimise tax.
Together, the changes to investment taxes will rake in an extra $8
billion, to be spent on the $250
“Working Australians Tax Offset” and the reintroduction of loss carrybacks for businesses and startups.
From July, companies earning less
than $1 billion will be able to offset the current year’s tax losses against taxes paid up to two years earlier.
The government says the change will encourage businesses to invest
and make them more resilient in a bid to boost Australia’s economic growth.
“These changes will level the playing field for workers and first-home buyers, and support investment in productive assets, including new housing supply,” Chalmers said.
The government is now preparing for a pushback from landlords and wealthy Australians who will be unhappy about its negative gearing, capital gains and trusts reforms.
Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh has slammed the Chalmers’ budget saying “western Sydney is not even on his radar”.
“Jim Chalmers clearly thinks that he’s done all he can for western Sydney. Labor talks a big game, but when it comes to delivering for western Sydney, despite this being the biggest taxing budget in history, Jim Chalmers couldn’t even find one additional cent for our community,” she said.
“There was nothing in this Budget to continue to deliver more housing in our suburbs, or to improve our infrastructure and public transport connections.”
With additional reporting from Emily Chate.
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Back in January, the rising country music singer Carter Faith suddenly disappeared from the line-up for the Rock The Country festival, which is currently touring to various American cities.
The festival has some of the biggest names in country music attached to it. The likes of Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll and so many more.
So why did Carter Faith, who is considered among the next big crop of country stars, drop out of the line-up?
Illness? Scheduling mishap?
Nope.
She opted out of the show because of its apparent MAGA leanings and online backlash received by fans.
“I feel like it’s obvious why I dropped out of it. But a big thing for me was I just know who my fans are, and I am always going to pick them,” Faith said.
“And everyone can have their own opinions on that festival – I’ve never been to one. But I just was hearing people and I was like, ‘Yeah, not worth it for me.’”
A handful of others have also pulled out of the festival.
And it’s happening more and more in the arts and entertainment space.
Ella Langley is without question one of the biggest stars in country music right now. If you haven’t heard of her yet, you will in the not-too-distant future.
But recently her incredible rise hit an ever-so-slight speed bump when she faced accusations of being aligned to the MAGA movement.
Her big crimes were that she followed ‘The Charlie Kirk Show’ on TikTok and has collaborated with Morgan Wallen.
Send her to the cancellation room!
This stuff baffles me.
I mean firstly, I’m not sure why anyone is surprised that there’s artists within the American country music scene that lean towards conservative politics.
Tradition, American values and conservative views are embedded in country music.
Those dirt roads, small towns and trucks are actually legitimate, not just country music song prerequisites.
But don’t we listen to music for the music?
I honestly couldn’t give a stuff what a singer’s political views might be.
Why should we?
The Rock The Country festival is not specifically a MAGA event. It’s not a political fundraiser, nor specifically aligned with any particular politician or party.
To Carter Faith, this should have just been another gig.
Turn up, sing, go home.
To receive online backlash from fans is bizarre and weird.
To listen to it, even weirder in my view.
However, I understand the importance of brand awareness these days in the fickle world of everyone being offended at every possible thing put in front of them.
political views that differ to yours, or indeed that align with yours?
I understand there’s always been the odd singer who has political motivations in their work, or is known as a particular advocate.
But most of the time, we get to enjoy an artist’s work free of that undertone.
Unless we go looking for it of course, which we seem to more and more these days.
I can only assume that Carter Faith’s fan base, or those within it up and arms over her accepting a paid gig, would have been OK with her performing at a festival that aligned with their political beliefs?
Of course they would have.
I’m sure if Ella Langley would have followed a left-leaning podcast, nobody would have said a word.
Isn’t that hypocritical?
In the 1990s I grew up obsessed with Tina Arena, John Farnham and The Corrs. They dominated my CD collection and the odd poster on my wall. Saw all three in concert on multiple occasions.
“Send her to the cancellation room!”
I have hosted and MC’d countless events that don’t necessarily align with my personal views.
I always presumed people would accept I was hired to do a job, not fly the flag for that particular company or cause.
I hire a plumber because he is good at fixing drains, not because he voted for a particular political party.
Since when did we become so obsessed with bringing down people for having their views or judging them for their democratic right to have their own beliefs and values?
Does it really matter if your favourite actor in that TV show votes on the same ‘side’ as you?
What difference does it make if the singer of that song you can’t get out of your head has
I could not have told you who they voted for, what political leanings they had or where they sat on world issues.
I just enjoyed the music.
But somewhere in the last decade or two, things got very blurry.
Perhaps it was artists themselves feeling like their platform gave them the right to share particular views or push certain causes.
Perhaps it’s the influence of social media and the fact we feel closer to these celebrities than ever before, so we want our values to be aligned.
Or perhaps it’s because we’re no longer adult enough to accept that people have different views and that’s what makes society great a lot of the time.
The fact we’ve reached a point where fan bases and online trolls are deciding whether or not an artist should accept a paid gig based on political views or beliefs is wild.
Just let singers sing.
Let actors act.
And just let trolls troll without getting the results they want.
If we could all just grow up a bit, I reckon life would be a much smoother ride.
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Sasha Thomas was diagnosed with bone disease in her knees when she was just nineyears-old. Since then, it’s been one medical emergency after another, and now she is fighting to get the care she needs from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“If you look at me, you can’t tell that I have a bone disease. I think there is a lot of misunderstanding around being physically disabled in an able body,” Thomas told the Weekender
“You are mistreated, not heard, and not seen. I’ve had enough and I think my story needs to be heard and the NDIS needs to know they are not doing their job properly.
“The fact that I’ve been fighting for my life to get support is beyond humanity.”
In addition to her bone disease – which is called osteochondritis dissecans – the South Penrith local struggles with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, complex regional pain syndrome, deformed elbows, scoliosis, narrowing of the spine, L5-L4 lumbar disc issues, severe endometriosis, and the mental
health repercussions from her physical ailments.
“The pain is all throughout my body. I feel it every minute of every day. I lay in bed most of the time,” Thomas said.
“There is no treatment or medication that I can take to help me. The surgeons have told me that there is nothing more they can do. There is no cure for this, and the NDIS know that.
“The whole point of accessing the
NDIS is that you have tried all the treatments – which I’ve done – but it’s still not working. We are working with the Administrative Review Tribunal now, but I just wonder what more the NDIS want.”
A recent injury showcases Thomas’ need for a NDIS support worker.
“I had an injury in 2024 where I slipped on tiles and fell onto both knees. I didn’t have surgery afterwards. I’ve tried physio, but it
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can’t treat me because I’m allergic to a lot of pain medication. I’m on the waitlist to see a pain specialist at Nepean Hospital, but that’s been a year-long wait,” Thomas said. For now, ahead of her next major surgery on May 19, the 28-year-old is working with western Sydney disability-led service provider Solution Ideas Ability Boutique CEO George Ayoub to push for access to NDIS support.
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South Penrith: Random assault after two men caught in bathroom
At 1.20am on Thursday, May 7, two men attended a licensed premises in South Penrith. A security guard then saw the two men enter a disabled toilet together. The security guard attempted to open the door to the toilet and asked the men to leave the toilet but heard nothing. The security guard then called out saying he would call police.
One of the men exited the toilet and the security guard asked him what he was doing, to which the man responded saying they were just in the toilet having a chat. A few seconds later the second man left the toilet, and informed the security guard that he was unwell, and the other man was helping him.
Security then asked the two men to leave the premises. As this was happening, a 22-year-old Glenmore Park man approached the security guard and asked what was going on. As the security guard was talking to the 22-year-old, the 22-year-old has punched him to the left side of the head.
The two men and the 22-year-old were escorted from the premises and police were contacted. The following day, the 22-year-old was arrested and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Tuesday, June 23.
St Clair: Man tries to evade RBT
At 2.40pm on Friday, May 8, police were conducting stationary random breath testing on Endeavour Avenue in St Clair. Police saw a car stop just before the breath testing site before the driver got out of the car and walked to the front door of a premises.
The man stood at the door for a considerable time before police approached him. The man claimed he resided at the address and then claimed he was delivering something to the address.
Police then went and spoke with the resident, and she informed them that she did not know the man. Checks were then made on the man, a 76-year-old from St Clair.
The 76-year-old was submitted to a breath test that returned a positive result. He was arrested and taken to the nearby RBT bus for the purpose of a secondary breath test, which returned a positive result of 0.094.
The 76-year-old’s licence was suspended, and he will appear in court on May 18.
Penrith: Couple caught stealing, man later arrested
Between 4pm and 4.50pm on Saturday, May 9, a 29-year-old Bidwill man and his 28-yearold girlfriend entered a major shopping centre in Penrith. At the time, the 28-year-old
was pushing a pram with no child in it but had a blanket covering it.
The pair went into numerous retail shops within the centre where they selected numerous items and concealed them within the pram. They stole items from four shops with a collective value of $685.
Security was notified after the last item was stolen by the pair and police were notified.
Both the 29-year-old and the 28-year-old were located and searched, including a shopping trolley the man was pushing which was found to have stolen property from a grocery store. The pram was then searched and police located items believed to have been stolen.
The 29-year-old was arrested and will appear in court on Wednesday, May 20.
Penrith: Man masturbating inside shopping centre
At 6.30pm on Saturday, May 9, two women were walking on Henry Street in Penrith next to a large shopping centre. The women saw a man through the glass window sitting behind two massage chairs with his pants down and masturbating.
Police were already at the shopping centre at the time, and the women told police about what they saw and showed police a video of the incident.
Police approached and spoke with the 45-year-old Parramatta man. The man was arrested and charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Wednesday, June 3.
Werrington: Disqualified driver leads police on chase
At 12.20am on Sunday, May 10, police were patrolling the Great Western Highway in Werrington. Police pulled up behind a car and activated their lights and sirens for the purpose of a random breath test.
The car then suddenly accelerated and began to swerve in and out of other traffic as well as changing lanes without indicating. The car then went through red traffic lights before turning into Hewitt Street in Colyton and onto Roper Road where the driver attempted a U-turn. The driver was intercepted by police and removed from the car.
The 23-year-old Penrith woman was arrested and handcuffed. Checks were made on the 23-year-old’s licence which revealed she was a disqualified driver.
The 23-year-old was breath tested which returned a negative result. The woman was then drug tested which returned a positive result. She was searched with police finding a small bottle containing Butanediol, a prohibited drug. She was charged with five offences.
WITH DANIEL MCKINNON
We are veering slightly away from strictly legal content this week. Increases to interest rates usually mean that your bank has exercised its legal contractual right to ask you for more money each month if you have a variable interest rate loan. See, indirectly this is a legal topic. That’s our story and we are sticking to it.
The RBA’s most well-known job is setting the cash rate, which is a key interest rate that influences many other interest rates in the economy, including mortgage rates, savings rates and business loan rates.
When inflation is too high (i.e. the price of goods and services is increasing too quickly like what has been occurring recently), the RBA raises the cash rate. This has the effect of increasing variable interest rates, to reduce spending and borrowing. Put simply, if citizens have less money, they will spend less money, and less demand means less upward pressure on prices. Higher interest rates also mean, generally, a reduced appetite for borrowing.
When the cash rate is increased however, it is not actually the RBA who is changing your mortgage repayments, it is your bank.
Here’s a quick explainer.
The cash rate is the interest rate banks pay when they borrow money from each other overnight.
By way of example, suppose customers of CBA pay a total of $100 million to customers of Westpac during the day. Once those payments are settled, CBA may need to transfer $100 million to Westpac through what is known as “settlement accounts” at the RBA.
If CBA has enough funds in its settlement account, there is no problem. But if CBA is short, it needs to obtain funds quite quickly. One way it can do that is by borrowing from another bank that has excess funds.
So, if ANZ has more money than it needs sitting in its settlement account, ANZ may lend money to CBA overnight. CBA receives the funds, uses them to settle its obligations, and repays ANZ the next business day with interest.
It’s a mechanism to address the practical
reality that people transact every second of the day in varying quantities and it is near impossible for a bank to predict with accuracy how its incoming and outgoing payments will line up at the end of each day.
Using the above example, the cash rate influences the cost of CBA borrowing money from NAB to balance its settlement account.
This is called the “overnight money market” and it allows banks with extra funds and banks needing funds to deal with each other efficiently.
In everyday terms, it is a bit like one bank saying: “We have spare cash tonight,” and another saying: “We need cash until tomorrow.” The RBA is a middleman holding and transferring funds and refereeing the commercial terms on which banks can do business together.
So why does this affect the interest rates of consumers?
While the RBA does not directly set mortgage rates, if it increases the cash rate that pushes up each bank’s costs of obtaining money, so bank’s pass that cost on to customers by increasing variable mortgage rates and other lending rates.
Further, if interest rates on loans increase, usually interest rates on deposits do too. So, if the RBA lifts the cash rate it is costing the banks more money to borrow (including in the overnight money market) and it is costing the bank more money to attract depositors (because it has to pay depositors a higher rate of interest for things like term deposits). Banks are very protective of their profit and invariably move to recover any loss from their customers.
So, in summary. The RBA is tasked with controlling inflation. To lower inflation there needs to be less money being spent to drive demand down and reduce prices. The RBA’s main lever is to increase the cash rate knowing that if it makes it more expensive for banks to borrow money and attract depositors the bank will likely increase variable interest rates meaning consumers (you!) have less available cash to spend thereby achieving the RBA’s goal of reducing spending.
Well, that’s the theory at least.
Amajor contractor on the Western Sydney Airport Metro project has been terminated following a probity investigation into supply chains, however the dumped contractor rejects the allegations against them.
In December 2022, the then Liberal-National Government awarded the largest ever Public Private Partnership contract in NSW to Parklife Metro to deliver the incoming Western Sydney Airport Metro, a project expected to cost over $11 billion.
Sydney Metro commissioned the contracting investigation in September 2025 after media reports of potential criminal activity and workplace breaches at Western Sydney Airport Metro.
The investigation, led by Max Kimber SC, made several significant findings about Future Form Civil Pty Ltd and numerous downstream contractors it engaged.
These included the suspected underpayment of workers, inadequate insurance coverage and tax fraud.
“We will not tolerate any impropriety on our building sites, including such an important and generational project as Sydney Metro –Western Sydney Airport,” Minister for Trans-
port John Graham said.
“The disturbing findings of investigator Max Kimber SC will now be put in the hands of the right agencies with the coercive powers to investigate this matter full.”
From July 2024, Future Form was engaged by Webuild under four subcontracts for formwork, reinforcing and concrete pouring services, as well as the provision of construction workers.
Future Form then sourced labour from downstream contractors for which it did not obtain approval for or disclose as required.
Due to its complex contractual chain, the investigator believes Future Form was unable to track who was on site, the work they were performing and how much they were paid.
This includes an inability to verify details on invoices worth more than $10 million.
Future Form released a statement, saying
they were “surprised by the premature release of the Kimber Report”.
“Over the past 20 years, we have operated with integrity, transparency and a deep respect for the people who work with us. We stand by our team, our values, our ethics and our integrity” a Future Form spokesperson said.
“Future Form remains proud of the work delivered on the Western Sydney Airport Metro site and we continue to maintain a positive and professional relationship with all project partners.
“The company’s number one priority is to ensure robust WHS systems on our sites across Australia and that each and every one of our staff and contractors are safe, are treated fairly and equally and that there is full-compliance and proper procedure regarding payments across the workforce.”
As operating company on the Western Sydney Airport Metro project, Parklife Metro has now removed Future Form and all its downstream contractors.
The report is being referred to NSW Police, NSW Crime Commission, Independent Commission Against Corruption, National Anti-Corruption Commission, Fair Work Ombudsmen, Australian Tax Office and Revenue NSW.
Administration
Civic Centre, 601 High Street.
Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.
8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777
PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city
Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at Services 4732 7777
Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).
Freecall
Meeting Dates
Monday 25 May – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via
penrith.city.council
penrithcouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrithcitycouncil
penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au
Discover the Biennale of Sydney in Penrith!
Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery is showing the work of 13 outstanding artists from around the world: Taiwan to Torres Strait, Guatemala to Ireland, the Pilbara to the Punjab.
Come and discover their amazing artworks and installations around the Gallery grounds exploring identity, history and belonging. The free exhibition is open daily until Sunday 14 June, with artist talks, curator tours, artmaking, kids workshops and a family Open Day.
Explore the full program at Lunchtime Tunes
Take a break and rejuvenate at Lunchtime Tunes. Join us every Wednesday across May and June between 11am–2pm in City Park, Penrith. Enjoy free live music showcasing talented local performers during your lunch break.
It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, listen to great music and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant public space. Grab takeaway from a nearby café or restaurant or bring your own lunch and unwind with a side of relaxing tunes.
For more information, visit
Are you a creative artist or cultural practitioner ready to work with communities?
Land for Wildlife
Lace up your walking shoes and join us for a fun morning at Land for Wildlife on Saturday 23 May from 9am–12pm at Wilson Park, Llandilo.
Grab a free goody bag and native plant, learn more about the conservation programs you can get involved in to make a difference, go on a nature safari and learn more about the threatened species that are in our bushlands and might be on your property.
RSVP via
The following Development Application has been received by Council:
• Builtrac Pty Ltd
Mod26/0062
(Lot 2 DP 1190616) 29–31 Castlereagh Street, Penrith
Mod25/0036) for 3-storey Co-Living Housing Development including Internal and external design amendments and consent condition changes for Staging of Construction
Contact: Natalie Piggott on 4732 7607
Closing Date: Sunday 31 May 2026
Q: What did the ocean say to the beach?
A: Nothing, it just waved.
Send your jokes to news@westernweekender.com.au.
Celebrate any occasion with the Rewild Chardonnay, a rich, elegant white with subtle oak and crisp apple and pear notes. Perfect for pairing with a hearty brunch, indulgent roast, or simply to toast a special occasion. Rewild wines are nothing short of delicious.
Sustainably made with minimal intervention, Rewild varietals are a tribute to their home in the Southern Murray Darling and the grapes that grow there. Fresh, vibrant, and easy-drinking, each bottle does good – and tastes even
Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email competitions@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email.
Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The children’s playground is located at Tench Reserve next to the Nepean River.
better. We are vegan friendly, which means no animal products. Visit www.rewildwine. com.au to explore the range. The Weekender has two Rewild wine packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender. com.au with ‘Rewild’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close May 29 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.
my name: Cara (which means ‘friend’ in Irish) my proud owner: Martina i live in: Penrith
a bit about me: I’m a Xoloitzcuintli – a Mexican breed and one of the oldest dog breeds in the world! My parents are both hairless and I was one of three coated pups. I’m a loyal and loving girl.
Email alison.hall@westernweekender.com.au with your favourite picture of your pet, and include your name, pet’s name, suburb and a blurb about your favourite furry friend.
ALLY HALL
Ahead of International Day of Families on May 15, the Weekender reached out to Penrith Family Relationship Centre to uncover the importance of a healthy family unit.
“When families are supported, the whole society benefits,” said Penrith Family Relationship Centre Team Leader Naomi Doyle.
“There is a lot of research that supports that relationships are central to our mental health, resilience, and overall wellbeing.”
The centre is run by Relationships Australia NSW, and its services are crucial – especially as cost-of-living pressures increase.
“Our Centre covers the Blue Mountains and the Nepean
region, and what we’re seeing is a growing area. With the population growing, that brings an increased demand for our service,” Doyle said.
“We’re seeing cost of living pressures and housing stress not only straining relationships, but also the options people have when they are separating – including the choice to separate at all.
“For our area, more than ever, the Family Relationship Centre is vital in helping people navigate these very difficult times.”
The centre on High Street specialises in accessible and low-cost mediation for parenting and property.
“The Family Relationship Centre helps families come up with their own arrangements to have deep and meaningful
discussions, particularly where there’s conflict and issues around domestic violence as well,” Doyle said.
“It helps people come together to have safe and supported conversations about their children and put plans in place to give them security, stability and safety.
“The broader organisations are within the same centre, so we’re able to connect people to the other Relationships Australia services around couples counselling, family counselling, child contact, parenting support, education programs, and more.”
You can find out more about the services available through Relationships Australia NSW online at https://www.relationshipsnsw. org.au.
Nepean Cancer Council Volunteer Service will mark its 15th anniversary next week
The Nepean Cancer Council
Volunteer Service will celebrate its 15th anniversary next week while simultaneously hosting a Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for the charity. Volunteers, health staff and locals will gather outside Nepean Cancer Centre on Tuesday, May 19 from 10am to 11.30am, including longtime volunteer Bev Fink.
“I retired from work about 20 years ago, so volunteering gives me something to do and allows me to do something for someone else,” Fink told the Weekender
The cancer survivor has been volunteering for over 50 years and has been donating her time to the
Aleadership luncheon designed to prepare business owners for the next phase of western Sydney’s growth will be held later this month.
The Leadership Lunch will be held at Penrith’s Pullman Hotel on Friday, May 29 from Midday.
The event is being organised by Bernard Fehon, founder of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and CEO of Fehon Strategy and Design. He has spent decades thinking seriously about leadership and what it takes to build something that lasts.
Fehon hosted his first leadership lunch in Penrith over 20 years ago and knows this region, and what it is capable of.
“Penrith has always been different,” he said.
“It sits at the meeting point of city and country, ambition and community. There’s a groundedness here, but also a growing confidence.
“For decades, people in Penrith have quietly built businesses, supported community organisations and created opportunities for others. The question now is how we
take that to the next level.”
“The next decade will shape Penrith forever. The question is not simply how much the region grows, but whether Penrith becomes known as a place that develops exceptional leaders.”
The Leadership Lunch will see a select group of business owners, CEOs and emerging leaders from across Penrith, the Blue Mountains and Greater Western Sydney come together.
“This is not your typical business lunch,” Fehon insisted.
“There are no long keynote speeches, no death-by-PowerPoint presentations and no awkward room full of strangers exchanging business cards. Instead, the event is built around a focused 15-minute leadership conversation followed by genuine, unstructured time to connect with the kind of people who are actively shaping this region’s future.”
Guests will come from professional services, health, education, manufacturing, technology, hospitality, community organisations
and small business.
“The most valuable thing you will leave with is not a name badge or a brochure. It is the relationships built across a table with people who are navigating the same opportu nities and challenges you are, right here in this region,” Fehon said.
“The real value is creating a room where thoughtful people who care about the future of Penrith can meet one another.
Tickets are strictly limited and are $80. To regis ter or to find out more, contact Bernard directly at bernie.f@ fehonsd. com.au.
One Luddenham family will forever be part of history after a family member has penned their story dating back 1000 years.
Well known Luddenham local Wayne Willmington has always had a penchant for history having previously taken pen to paper to write down the history of his suburb, Luddenham.
This week, sitting outside his Aunt May’s old house – now the Lunden House Café – in Luddenham Willmington revealed he has written a new book, The Willmington Story: From Medieval Europe to Western Sydney
“It’s the story of the Willmington family and it goes up to my generation,” he explained.
“I have been able to go back 30 generations and see how our name has changed over the years and our
roles in family from being part of the royal family and the connections to that to being farmers and being pioneers of Luddenham.
“My family have done a lot for Luddenham over the years.”
The first member Willmington looks back on in his novel lived in 1037 before following the family line through France, Scotland and England, including a recently uncovered royal connection, all the way to the farms of Luddenham.
“It’s been good to go through all of that and to find out a lot of stuff that I didn’t know and even stuff my family didn’t even know,” he said.
One interesting tidbit that came out during his research was the unfortunate demise of one family member.
“It’s strange when you think of a family and where you came from and how it came about like one of my great grandfathers was
beheaded for treason in England,” Willmington said.
One avenue Willmington explores in the novel is the history of the family name, Willmington, and how it evolved.
“It’s funny how the name changed and where the name Willmington came from,” he said.
“It was actually a place name; it was the farm name or the place in Devonshire, England, where we came from.”
The novel has been a labour of love for Willmington who has been researching his family for years.
“It’s been a big work in progress; it’s been a lot of years,” he reflected.
“I always wanted to do three books: one on the Willmingtons, one on Luddenham – the first one –and now I’m working on the second Luddenham one.”
For those looking to get their hands on a copy, keep an eye out in the local area in the coming weeks.
Iris McGill’s late father Neville Maitland adored his Glenmore Park home.
It serves as the family’s destination for major celebrations like Christmas and Easter, and the ultimate location for a barbecue.
The family gathered there for the Father’s Day curry cook-off Neville planned last year despite his sudden death just weeks beforehand on August 31.
That was the moment McGill decided to pursue her passion and launch Casa de Carlingford – an interior design and project management business.
“All the families had made a curry, and we were all out in the backyard celebrating Father’s Day,” McGill recounted.
“It was so surreal because he wasn’t there physically, but he had planned the event, and we could feel him there.
“There was nothing he loved more than being in his home. I guess grief brings gratitude, and in my healing, I wanted to do something that brings me joy and reminds me of dad.”
McGill officially started her business in November 2025, but her passion for home improvement began years beforehand.
“Throughout COVID, there wasn’t much you could do, so I started really leaning into DIY projects and home improvement and refurbishments,” McGill said.
“Then I started studying online because I had a real passion and interest in developing and transforming spaces.
“My father was my biggest cheerleader, and he would tell me I’m never too old to start doing what I love. He always helped me out with little projects along the way.”
Last weekend, McGill unveiled Casa de Carlingford’s first completed project for her first client – her mum Unity Maitland.
“Renovating the ensuite is what she and dad were going to do, so I decided to do it, and it’s been a real learning curve,” McGill said.
“It’s been special, and my mum was thrilled. Her birthday was on Saturday and Mother’s Day was on Sunday. It was a beautiful milestone.
“In the six months since I started, I’ve got over 30 trade partners, and I’m so supported by professionals in the industry.”
Casa de Carlingford has four mission statements: family first, embrace the effort, intentional living and design, and connection and impact.
“Family first is about designing a space for a strong home built on a foundation of love, kindness and humility,” McGill said.
“Embracing the effort is about daring to dream and having the courage to try something that takes hard work and patience.
“Intentional living and design are about creating beautiful, sustainable environments that are built with quality products that are also resourceful.
“Connection and impact are about supporting our community and creating strong networks to make a positive change.”
Connect with the Casa community online at www.casadecarlingford.com.au.
Nepean Men’s Shed will now be on the movie quicker than ever after a State Government grant allowed them to purchase a van.
Nepean Men’s Shed President John Devoy explained the process behind the new van.
“We put in for a grant from the Community Building Partnership last year and we were successful in getting a $20,000 grant,” he said.
“The purpose for the van is primarily to take goods to the BBQs at Bunnings, pick up deliveries and use it around the shed for community projects we’re doing.”
After receiving the money in November last year, the Shed began their hunt for the perfect vehicle to help them along, assisting them was Penrith MP Karen McKeown and Penrith City Automotive.
“They are such a vibrant group of men who put their everything in and they had no way of transporting any of the things that they made here,” McKeown said.
The Nepean Men’s Shed thanked McKeown for her assistance through the process.
Having a local news service is vital to a community such as Penrith.
Making a pledge to The Western Weekender helps ensure our print and digital content continues to thrive. You’re supporting journalism at its most raw level, as we continue to tell Penrith’s stories.
Visit www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge
The Federal Government is encouraging up to 500 previously enrolled nurses, registered nurses and nurse practitioners across Australia to return to nursing to boost the primary care workforce through a paid, supervised placement in general practice.
Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network (NBMPHN), have been selected to lead the
Penrith City Council has officially unveiled the new-look Londonderry Park, delivering a significant upgrade to the community.
The upgrade includes resurfaced tennis courts with new fencing and an extended play space area with a
high-quality facilities play a vital role in growing communities.
“As our community continues to grow, it is essential we invest in facilities for local families.
“Upgrades like this at Londonderry Park ensure residents of all ages have access to modern, welcoming spaces right on their doorstep.”
selected natives, lovingly propagated locally at Council’s nursery, which has been operating in Penrith for more than
This is one of the ways Council continues to show leadership and innovation. We are preparing to plant another 3,500 trees and shrubs through our regular program of bushcare events in the 2026-27 period. Did you know Council also provides free trees for residents to plant on their private properties? We offer up to 250 semi-mature trees annually through the Adopt a Tree program, which returns on Saturday, June 6. Register for a tree at penrith.city/
As our City continues to grow, it’s important that we keep cooling the city in various ways – with and for our community – and nurturing vegetation is one of the most effective and important methods. Initiatives like these reflect our shared goals in the Resilient Penrith Action Plan 2021-30 and other strategic documents. Sign up for Council’s free Bushcare Bulletin at penrith.city/bushland to learn more.
ALLY HALL
This year, Nepean Hospital marks some major milestones, including 100 years since Nepean District Hospital opened its doors, and 70 years of operations from the current Kingswood site.
Now, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) is constructing a commemorative book to showcase the hospital’s journey from small beginnings to this year’s upcoming completion of the more than $1 billion redevelopment.
Helping piece the institution’s story together is local historian and author Bruce Turner.
“Nepean Hospital has been and continues to be such a big part of my life,” Turner told the Weekender
“I’ve had relatives work there, and big family milestones there. I was born at Nepean Hospital, my siblings were born there, my three children were born there, and my six grandchildren were born there.”
The historian remembers traveling down a dirt track to reach the hospital doors when his first child was born.
“It’s amazing looking at the size of it now and the services they provide,” Turner said.
“When we were kids, if you needed to go to hospital for a specialist service, you needed to go somewhere else like Parramatta or into the city. As it’s grown, it’s drawn more specialists and medical experts out this way, which is terrific.”
The NBMLHD want to hear from community members, former patients and past and present staff to shape the book.
“Big moments like the move to the current Kingswood site in 1956, the opening of new services like the first maternity ward, responses to COVID and natural disasters,
or breakthrough innovations in clinical care like the introduction of robot assisted surgery or virtual care, are best told through personal stories,” Turner stated.
Nepean Hospital General Manager
Brad Ceely said the hospital has played a central role in the lives of people across Penrith.
“This book is an opportunity to
honour those stories and ensure they are preserved for future generations,” he said.
Those who would like to contribute to Nepean Hospital’s history on paper can submit their stories and materials online at https://forms. cloud.microsoft/r/asphxDFi8q. It’s hoped the book will be released later this year.
Δ Toastie takes flight: Next time you’re on a Virgin Australia flight, make sure you try the new Cheeseburger Toastie that has been unveiled over the past week. The toastie is filled with 100 per cent Australian ground beef, melted cheese, ketchup, mustard and a pickle, finished with a cheesy sauce. The refreshed Economy menu also introduces a new selection of buy-on-board options along side the Cheeseburger Toastie, including corn chips with zesty salsa, a golden falafel wrap, and creamy mac and cheese.
Δ CBD shop closes: Long-time Penrith CBD variety store 818 Variety Shop has closed its doors. The shop has been a staple in the Penrith CBD for many years.
Δ Mango sodas: Hungry Jack’s has expanded its Jack’d Up Sodas line-up with the launch of the new Mango Breeze and Mango Breeze with Creamer, adding a tropical twist to the popular flavoured soda range. These drinks build on the brand’s recent push into colourful, dessert-style beverages,
offering a lighter, fruit-forward option. The Mango Breeze joins an existing line-up that includes Blue Lagoon, Dirty Cola, and Strawberry Dream, continuing the trend of bold, flavoured soda combinations.
Δ New milk teas: Chatime has introduced a new line of drinks made with premium Japanese matcha, adding three new options. The new drinks – Brown Sugar Matcha, Jasmine Matcha Milk Tea, and Earl Grey Matcha Milk Tea – are served either hot or iced. The matcha used in the drinks is sourced from Japan’s Aichi region and produced from shade-grown tencha leaves. The range is now available at all local Chatime locations.
Δ Loyalty program axed: Subway Australia has confirmed that its long-running Subcard loyalty and gift program will officially close on August 31, 2026, giving customers just under three months to use any remaining Reward Dollars before they expire. If Reward Dollars are sitting in your Subcard account, now is the time to start using them!
Δ La Famiglia Kitchen has dropped a new Garlic & Herb Flatbread, now available in Coles Supermarkets. There’s three per pack.
Δ New baking mix: If you love baking and you’re into that classic Violet Crumble taste, we’ve got some good news for you. Betty Crocker has launched a new Violet Crumble collaboration, with Brownie and Cookie mixes available. You’ll find them in Coles and various independent supermarkets.
Δ Got some Source? We want to hear about store openings, new products and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au to be included in The Source.
Just 4km from the heart of Mudgee, a new chapter is unfolding at Evamor Valley –an award-winning eco-glamping retreat that is quickly becoming one of regional NSW’s most sought-after escapes.
Set across 34 hectares of peaceful working farmland, the property offers a rare combination of luxury, tranquillity and authentic country charm, all within easy reach of boutique wineries, acclaimed restaurants, and Mudgee’s thriving township.
Now under the care of Penrith locals and passionate travellers Jess and Steve, the retreat is continuing its evolution while staying true to the vision that made it so special in the first place.
Having spent years escaping the city for long weekends through regions such as the Blue Mountains, Orange, Bathurst, the Southern Highlands and Mudgee, the new owners say their love of eco-cabin getaways eventually inspired a dream of running a glamping destination of their own.
“When we came across Evamor, it just felt right,” the couple said.
“Like many Australians who joke about one day buying a pub or
changing pace completely, we often talked about creating a lifestyle business centred around travel and hospitality. Evamor gave us that opportunity.”
The property itself is immersive by design. Each eco-tent has been thoughtfully positioned for privacy and framed by sweeping rural views. Inside, guests are welcomed with refined comforts including plush king beds, luxe ensuites and carefully curated interiors that elevate the glamping experience well beyond expectations.
Outside, the experience becomes unmistakably Mudgee. Guests can soak in private hot tubs overlooking the dam, sip local wine while watching the sun disappear behind rolling hills, toast marshmallows over crackling fire pits and stargaze beneath some of the clearest country skies in the state.
Beyond the accommodation, Evamor Valley encourages visitors to slow down and reconnect. There are farm animals to feed, riverside picnic spots to discover and ancient River Red Gums that quietly tell the story of the land’s rich natural and cultural heritage. It is a destination where doing very little somehow feels deeply restorative.
The new custodians are also looking firmly to the future. Jess and Steve are currently renovating the on-site homestead to become an additional short-term accommodation option featuring five bedrooms and a separate studio with another bedroom. Plans are also underway to host intimate country weddings and relaxed rural celebrations, adding another dimension to the retreat’s appeal.
Evamor Valley has already
Switch
attracted national attention, appearing this year on ‘Married at First Sight’ as the honeymoon destination for Steven and Rachel, while also featuring on ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’.
Yet despite the growing spotlight, the essence of the property remains unchanged – a peaceful hideaway where guests can truly unwind while still being moments from everything Mudgee has to offer.
To celebrate the next phase of the
business, Evamor Valley is offering Western Weekender readers an exclusive 10 per cent discount using the code WEEKENDER10, valid until September 30, 2026.
For those craving space, stillness and a country escape that feels worlds away from city life, Evamor Valley may just be the perfect place to check in – and completely switch off.
To book your stay, visit www. evamorvalley.com.au.
You have a lot on now, let’s check on you… Your mood sets the tone. If you are short with someone, they will hesitate to approach you next time. If you are stressed, your team will feel it.
Yes, your morning is chaos, you got up at 5am and cleared 100 emails before packing three lunchboxes and negotiating with a toddler who doesn’t want to wear undies today! I hate to tell you, no one cares and you have to find a way to let all of that go before you walk into the office.
Small behaviours compound…
–Never vent downwards
–Address behaviour early
–Speak respectfully about everyone, even the idiots
–Please and thank you
This has without a doubt been my biggest hurdle as a
manager, for the most part I am pretty good at it, there’s always time to ask someone how their weekend was and thank them for a job well done. Right now, I am absolutely not in my best boss season, I’m off and it feels very uncomfortable and that’s OK, it’s just one of many seasons. Be humble, be transparent, and never be above taking feedback from your team.
I found psychological profiling very helpful, and pairing profiles with staff you work closely with. I learnt what tasks I avoid and why and have been able to implement strategies to get them done. My ADHD brain thrives on the last minute; I get very frustrated when someone interrupts that flow, so when on deadline I stay at home and complete that task.
If you want to go deeper on this one, it’s a great tool for hiring executive level staff. As my company started to grow, I wasn’t quite sure what my next hire needed to be, I did HBDI assessment, with one of our amazing chamber members. Highlighting the tasks I avoid we built my ideal GM, I read the profile and said, “I know this person!” Nikki has been my ride or die for four years, and she never would have considered this industry.
BLATCH (nee Hunter) Neva Barbara 23 Feb 1935 - 9 May 2026 of Emu Plains.
Loving wife of Jim (dec). Mother and mother in law to Lynda and Nigel, Geoff, Tony and Jane, and Mim to all their families. Beloved sister to Jim, Lorna, Hilton, Rene, Jack, and Alan (all dec). Lifelong friend to Doff (dec) and Toots.
“The last of her tribe” Neva leaves her family and friends with full hearts and cherished memories.
4933 6155
Magic Round has rarely been uneventful for the Penrith Panthers.
Back in the first year in 2019, there was that horrible 30-4 loss to the Wests Tigers. A night plenty started to doubt the return of Ivan Cleary, including Ivan himself.
It’s often been a statement game for the Panthers. A 32-6 flogging of Melbourne back in 2022. A 32-8 defeat of Brisbane last year at a time when everyone questioned the Panthers’ Finals credentials.
In 2024 they lost to the Warriors in a surprise upset. You are never quite a sure thing at Magic Round.
This year, the Panthers are matched up against the Dragons – and we all know the woes
that St George-Illawarra have faced already this season.
Plenty would argue that a magician making eight or nine Panthers disappear is the only hope Dean Young’s men have of walking off the Suncorp Stadium turf on Sunday night with the two points.
And on paper, that is definitely the case. Penrith just look way too strong across the park and barring a major incident during the game should be too good over the 80 minutes.
But if you recall, the Panthers have slipped up before.
We saw it against the Bulldogs not too long ago – a game the Panthers were expected to win by a big margin, but instead walked away with their tail between their legs.
That Roosters game last year when Penrith were the shortest priced favourites I think anyone has witnessed in the NRL era, yet
couldn’t get the job done at CommBank Stadium.
I wouldn’t be surprised if that Bulldogs game got a mention this week in the odd team meeting. The Panthers are used to being favourites, but it can’t be denied that being ‘sure things’ has gotten into the heads once or twice in the last couple of years.
Dean Young is still trying to find his feet in the head coaching role and still trying to figure out what kind of DNA the Dragons need moving forward. That makes his side somewhat unpredictable – you just never know when he might find the magic (no pun intended) ingredient that makes things click.
If this game was later in the season I’d be tipping Penrith by 50. But right now you’d imagine there’s still some hunger in this Dragons side. Still some desire, still a will to win. And to that end I think the Dragons will put
up a decent fight at least for 50 or 60 minutes on Sunday night.
They just don’t have the talent stocks to go all the way with Penrith and they haven’t been able to find the type of game that would put the Panthers under any significant pressure.
The Panthers don’t need to do anything spectacular here. In fact, quite the opposite. Be boring. Kick well, complete your sets, make your tackles. Go through the motions and the tries will come.
Come Sunday night the Suncorp Stadium turf will likely resemble a cow paddock and the crowd will probably start to filter out after a long weekend of football.
It won’t be the setting for anything spectacular, so let’s just get in there and get the job done. The Panthers will be too strong, but they must not take the Dragons lightly.
Tip: Panthers by 18.
Premiership-winning Panthers coach
Ivan Cleary dropped an almighty bombshell on the rugby league world on Wednesday afternoon, announcing he was “stepping down” from his head coaching duties when his current contract expires next season.
The 55-year-old will continue as head coach of the Panthers for the remainder of the 2026 and 2027 NRL seasons before handing the reins over to current NRL Assistant Coach Peter Wallace from season 2028 and beyond.
Speaking with the media on Wednesday, an emotional Cleary said his decision to step away from the Panthers next year wasn’t taken lightly.
“I’ve thought about it for quite a long time. I feel it’s definitely the right thing for me, my family and the club… I feel this is the right time for me to step aside,” he said.
“I would have preferred not to have a press conference… but I understand that this type of decision, in my position, has an effect on a lot of people – players, staff, corporate partners, members, fans and anyone else who cares.
“Now’s not the time for ‘thank yous’ and reflections, I still have 18 months left in the saddle.”
Cleary revealed that he had been mulling over leaving the Panthers – a club who he has won four premierships with – for quite some time. He said he was asked by the Panthers Board two years ago, and then again 12 months ago, to extend his current contract, but he had no desire to.
Cleary also confirmed he doesn’t intend to pursue another first grade coaching role in the NRL but would be open to coaching representative footy one day.
“I have no interest in coaching another NRL club. If someone thought I was worthy of a rep job, I’d consider that probably,” he said.
“It’s something I’ve started thinking about the last 12 months, which I never have before. When you’re not an NRL coach it opens up those sorts of doors, and it’s something I would consider if someone thought I was worthy of that.”
While Cleary’s incredible run as head coach of the Panthers will officially wrap up in November next year, he won’t be lost to the club altogether with discussions ongoing around an advisory role in areas such as culture and leadership.
Cleary said he would “love to do that” and utilise his skills and expertise in other ways.
“It’s time… I’m not getting any younger and I want to use the skills I have in different areas,”
he said.
“It’s more just to pivot and do something a little different. What I have learned over the past eight years here, since my return, is that I’ve got more into the leadership side as opposed to coaching, so I feel like I can add value there somehow.”
The Panthers playing group were told of Cleary’s decision on Wednesday morning, however his champion son Nathan Cleary had been aware of the news his father was set to break for quite some time.
Cleary’s impending departure will no doubt
have Panthers supporters rather nervous about what his son Nathan – who is also off-contract next year – will do in 2028 and beyond.
Cleary believes Wednesday’s decision won’t have any impact on Nathan’s future at the club.
“I don’t think so. Nathan’s been pretty clear where he stands on his future right now. I don’t think this has made a difference,” Cleary said.
Former Panthers captain and Life Member Peter Wallace will take over from Cleary in 2028 following a successful apprenticeship as Cleary’s assistant since 2023.
Cleary said
he backs Wallace, a St Marys junior, to fill his massive shoes.
“I feel really confident we have the right guy in Wal to take us forward,” he said.
“I’ve known Wal since 2013 and have been fortunate enough to bring him back to the Panthers. As a player he became captain and is a great leader. I had huge respect for him as a player and now as a coach over the past six to seven years.
“He coached our NSW Cup team to a premiership in 2022 and stepped up as our defensive coach, leading the best defence in the league over many years. He’s done an amazing job, and it will give the players a lot of confidence for what’s ahead for this club.”
“I feel confident we have the right guy in Wal”
Wallace said when he was offered to be the next head coach of the Panthers, he didn’t hesitate to accept the coveted position.
“I spoke with Ivan a week ago. I was shocked like everyone else was. He’s been a huge part of my life for over 10 years personally and professionally,” Wallace said.
“There’s no better person take over from. The amount I’ve learned from Ivan over the years as a player and as a coach… and I’ve still got 18 months with him to prepare for the role.
“I want to thank the Board for the opportunity and for believing in me and trusting me. For now, it’s business as usual.”
With just one game under his belt for the season, premiership-winner
Liam Henry is ready to give everything he has to the Panthers, one last time.
Henry was sidelined for the first third of season after an off-season knee injury, but as he was readying to return to the NRL through NSW Cup he injured himself again.
“I did my knee and then I actually did my right hammy when I was due to return, that was the problem there,” he explained.
“But all the work has been done now and it’s been really good.”
Henry slipped back into the Panthers side last week against the Canberra Raiders with ease, saying there were no questions about his knee’s ability to perform.
“It was more excitement,” he reflected.
“There are obviously nerves there every time but not from a medical point of view. I knew that everything was completely fine, I’d done the work and I was strong enough, so it was just more performance-wise. I was just stoked to be back.”
He said a chat with head coach Ivan Cleary helped him through the injury
recovery.
“It was great to have Ivan’s trust,” Henry said.
“We actually had a bit of a talk, and
he said, ‘trust the work you’ve done’.
“I’m really stoked he had the trust in me and now I’m just trying to repay that.”
This weekend the Panthers come up against the winless St George Illawarra Dragons at Magic Round, one of the major spectacles of the NRL.
“I absolutely love Magic Round! It’s a special occasion,” Henry said with a smile.
“We’re on Sunday, the last game, but it’ll be awesome to play at Suncorp Stadium, it’s unreal anytime but especially during Magic Round.”
To the disappointment of many Panthers fans, 2026 will be Henry’s last season at the foot of the Mountains after he signed a deal with the Perth Bears for their inaugural year in the NRL.
“It was just the opportunity to help start a new club that kind of drew me to it,” Henry explained.
“It’s an exciting time for the game itself, and to be part of that is very special. I’m all in on this year and I’m 100 per cent focused on the Panthers.”
In the not-so-distant future the State of Origin period will begin which will see a fair crop of Panthers donning a sky blue jumper, but Henry said it also provides a great opportunity for some Panther cubs.
“Origin is an exciting period. The boys go to play for the Blues and that’s exciting for them but it’s also exciting for the young boys coming up to step into their shoes as well,” he said.
“With the Origin period comes opportunity.”
Kick-off is at 6.25pm on Sunday.
Cleary extends lead: Penrith Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary is well on his way to winning his first-ever Dally M Medal for NRL Player of the Year. The two-time Clive Churchill Medallist now holds a handy seven-point lead after 10 rounds. Cleary currently sits on 38 points, with Warriors forward Jackson Ford in second on 31 points and teammate Dylan Edwards in third on 30 points. Despite getting very close in 2020, Cleary has never won the game’s biggest individual honour. Voting for the Dally M goes behind closed doors after Round 12. Meanwhile, Cleary has already picked up an award this season after taking home the RLPA Player of the Month Award for March.
Yeo comments surprise: While the Panthers know there will be plenty of talk about their players being linked to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, they were particularly surprised by the comments co-captain Isaah Yeo made to the Weekender and other media outlets a fortnight ago. While nobody is screaming the joint down, there were a few officials unhappy that a more reserved answer to the speculation wasn’t provided – especially from one of their most senior players.
Kids get game day experience: Local students are experiencing the excitement of live NRL for free this season thanks to a partnership between MyPlace and the Panthers Foundation, with the first groups of young fans cheering on the over the past month. More than 300 students from local schools have been on the sidelines for the Panthers home games this season already, with a few celebrating their first ever live NRL game experience.
Spotted: Injured Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny in Brisbane on Wednesday for the launch of NRL Magic Round.
Spotted: Penrith Panthers physiotherapist Pete Green shopping at Coles at Nepean Village on Monday afternoon.
Spotted: Former Panthers captain and premiership winner Craig Gower enjoying a Mother’s Day dinner with family at Sittano’s at Westfield Penrith on Sunday night.
Nathan Cleary.
Rep honours for Panthers: The Panthers are celebrating a record-breaking achievement, with 12 players and three staff members selected to represent in this year’s NSW City v Country representative fixtures, the highest number of Panthers representatives ever named across the annual competition. The milestone highlights the continued strength of the club’s elite pathways system and reflects the dedication and hard work of the club’s players, coaches and support staff in developing the next generation of representative talent. Nate Miller has been selected in the Boys NSW City U16s team, while Lilianne Hallangahu, Liannah Amete and Kayla Horvat have been chosen in the Girls NSW City U17s team, which will be coached by Panthers Lisa Fiaola Cup coach Judy May. April Gardiner has been picked in the Girls NSW Country U17s team, while Hannah Ison, Naioka Tuipulotu and Ella Walker will play in the Girls NSW City U19s side. Samantha Hanrahan will line-up for the Girls NSW Country U19s team, while Leo-Stipe Latu, Talmage Brown and Darcy Feltham will represent the Boys NSW City U18s team.
Meanwhile, Panthers Elite Pathways Coach Jono Rolfe has been appointed head coach of the Boys NSW City U18s side, while Panthers Pathways Analyst Jack Sattler will also feature as team Analyst.
No days off: A massive shoutout to Panthers Partnerships Executive and fitness fanatic Courtney Camenzuli who competed in three events last weekend – the Aquathon, Mother’s Day Classic and Red Bull Wings for Life. To make her weekend of feats even more impressive, Courtney still fronted up to work on Monday morning!
Dragons given no chance: Betting agency SportsBet are offering very juicy odds if you believe their first win of the season will be against the Panthers this Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium. At the time of publication, Penrith were $1.04 favourites while the lastplaced Dragons will earn you a whopping $11.00 if you bet on them to win. This is easily one of the most lopsided games in recent memory.
Passionate fan loses battle: It was very sad to hear of the passing of popular Panthers fan Jason Sanderson last week following a long and brave battle with illness. Jason was one of the club’s most passionate supporters, often travelling to games even during the height of his illness. Jason will be missed greatly by his family, friends and fellow Panthers supporters.
Podcast call-up: With Weekender editor Troy Dodds enjoying a well-earned break in Fiji this week, popular rugby league columnist Peter Lang joined journalist Nathan Taylor on this week’s episode of the Tension’s Running High podcast. Peter and Nathan are not only huge Panthers fans but uncle and nephew, which made for a very special episode this week. The Tension’s Running High podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and online at www. westernweekender.com.au.
After a blistering start to the season, it looked like no one could beat the Panthers. After five rounds some pundits even had them going through the season undefeated.
At one stage I think there was even a betting market on it.
Then the Bulldogs beat Penrith and not just beat them but supposedly supplied the rest of the NRL with a blueprint on how to defeat them. Rush them in defence, run hard at them, cut down their yardage game, don’t give them time to set their defensive line, spread the ball in attack and play an expansive game.
Oh and aim your attack down the left-hand side, Blaize Talagi is the weak link and that side is vulnerable, it’s young and can be stripped for numbers more easily.
Simple as that.
Or is it?
Because nothing about what is written above sounds simple.
Since the Bulldogs beat the Panthers in Round 6 they haven’t won a game while Penrith, well, they haven’t lost one.
Do I sound arrogant? I certainly don’t mean to.
The Panthers will definitely lose more games this season, but it won’t be because there is a blueprint an opposition team will follow that guarantees success.
It’s a lot more complicated than that.
And why’s that?
Because if you rush them in defence, they’ll kick long and get out of trouble via the boot of Nathan Cleary.
Oh and you better be ready to rush your
defence at Penrith the whole game. The entire 80 minutes – not just for 10, 15 or even 20 minutes.
That’ll only wound them, tick them off and make them more dangerous.
Want to run your attack at Blaize Talagi, OK do it, run at him all night if you like.
The kid will miss a few tackles, that’s true, but he’s tough and he’ll put his body in front of any player that comes at him, all freaking game and he won’t miss them all.
He made 22 tackles against the Raiders last week. His defence is getting better with each
game he plays.
You see when you follow a blueprint to help you beat any side, you risk losing your own identity as a team.
The things your side does that makes them unique and that’s how you lose your way.
The Bulldogs showed that it’s more than possible to defeat Penrith, the Sea Eagles almost did it a few weeks ago.
But Manly almost did it by playing ‘Fozball’, their own brand of football, not by following a specific blueprint.
It’s not often that Canberra Raiders coach
Ricky Stuart praises a player as much as he did Nathan Cleary in the post-game press conference last Sunday.
He acknowledged that Penrith were “a good football side” and everyone knows that one player can’t win a game all on their own but according to Stuart, Cleary comes close.
“Nathan wins that game on his own tonight,” Stuart said. “That’s how good a player he is.”
And when a journo asked him a similar question again only a few minutes later;
“So what do you think was the major difference between the two sides apart from Nathan,” Stuart doubled down.
“Nathan,” he said again and then went quiet.
The Panthers have also got one thing that a blueprint can’t ever anticipate, plan for or shut down. His name is Nathan Cleary and he’s got more tricks up his sleeve than Harry Houdini. That grubber-like bullet that he produced against the Raiders for a line drop-out was uncanny.
And there’s no blueprint for that.
Panthers prop Moses
Leota is one half of the iconic ‘Bash Bros’ with old mate James Fisher-Harris, but at home, once the final whistle has blown, he is just a loveable giant.
Leota and his wife Stella have three children – Aiva, Aria and Kyrie – and says no one is a bigger fan than them.
“They love it!” Leota laughed.
“They always go and tell everyone that their dad is Moses Leota! They are always name dropping! I hate it but they are getting better.”
30-year-old Leota credits his wife, who he has been with for over a decade, as being a guiding light across his life and career.
“At first when I was coming through it would be my parents, or my mum especially,” he reflected.
“Now, it’s my wife, she’s been there for me from the start, and she’s been my rock
in life.”
When he isn’t spending time with his kids or passing around a footy, Leota has begun to try his hand at golf.
“The family is one, I have the kids but recently I have been playing golf with the boys and trying to get into that and build a new hobby,” he said.
“I’m not any good! As with everything you start off crap, but you just got to keep practicing and get there.”
Leota – in the eyes of this writer – is a classic Mr Reliable for Penrith, you always know he is going to deliver strong hit-ups and good defence.
The one-club wrecking ball explained that building strong values and habits in his football career have translated into his real life.
“Footy has taught me to have really good habits and really good routines,” Leota said.
“I feel like if you can do that during footy and you can do it outside of footy, it sets you up for a good life.”
This bloodied image of Panthers legend Mark Geyer comes from one of the all-time thrillers between arch rivals Penrith and Parramatta.
Played on August 8 in 1999, the Eels won the contest 17-16.
It was a crazy game, with three players (Jim Dymock, Matt Adamson and John Cross) sent to the sin bin, and Ryan Girdler kicking five penalty goals in a match that featured 21 penalties all-up.
Ben Kusto kicked the winning field goal for the Eels to get them home. Geyer came off the bench that day, relishing making an impact in what was a brutal match at Parramatta Stadium.
SHARKS RABBITOHS
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Blaxland
McDonald's
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency
Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
IGA Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Dan Murphy's
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Plus Pharmacy
Raygal Landscape & Nursery Supplies
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y
Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s IGA
Erskine Park CTC
G lenbrook
Glenbrook Newsagency
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's Glenmore Park
McDonald’s Mulgoa Rise
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Abel Street C afé
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Takeaway
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen –
(Penrith Homemaker)
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
Taproom On Tench
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo IGA
Londonderr y
Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t
IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
Little Bottler
MFC Food Stores
Old Mt Druitt
RM Newsagency
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Atmosphere Gym
Ca fé Fre d
Au stralian Arms
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hog's Bre ath C afé
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Markets (Thursdays)
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Tattersalls Hotel
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
Wingsto p
World Gym
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Choice Pharmacy
Mobil Ser vice Station
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys
All Good Newsagency
Andrew s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
ALLY HALL
Where is the Green Sheep? is a formative book in many childhoods. In fact, it was this writer’s favourite story throughout kindergarten.
Now, the story by Mem Fox with illustrations from Judy Horacek has been adapted for the stage by Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
Writer and director Eva Di Cesare described the show’s beginnings as serendipitous.
“We started this company 29 years ago, and every year we read 50 to 60 books to see what inspires us and what could potentially be our next work,” Di Cesare said.
“I was on that path a couple of years ago, and I kept walking into bookshops, and
there it was – Where is the Green Sheep? – right at the front; it would hit me in the face. I would read it, and then I would look at other books, but I would come back to it again, and then I decided it was the one.
“Simultaneously, Judy Horacek was chatting with Art Centre Melbourne about doing something with the book. At the same time, I’d gone to her agent for the rights, and her agent told me I should chat with Judy.”
Horacek jumped on board as the show’s visual art director, lending an invaluable guiding hand to the immersive production that blends puppetry and animation.
“The production starts in the audience. As soon as the lights come down slightly, our three performers enter the auditorium with beautiful puppets, and they engage closely with young people for the first two minutes
of the show,” Di Cesare described.
“They are able to connect emotionally, and then when they move onto the stage, the children are with them, and it’s the most beautiful thing to watch.”
Throughout the show, the audience meets Blue Sheep who loves blue flowers, Red Sheep who loves to cartwheel in fields, Bath Sheep who loves bubbles, and Bed Sheep who loves to bounce. One of the director’s favourite characters is Scared Sheep.
“I made the decision that Scared Sheep was going to be Brave Sheep on stage because we all have both of those feelings inside us,” Di Cesare said.
“So, rather than saying you can only be scared or you can only be brave, we have a scene where a little puppet makes the decision to climb the board and dive. The music underscored by our amazing composer
Me-Lee Hay really brings those emotions out.”
The adaptation is narrated by young students from Bankstown West Public School and Waitara Public School to ensure the show resonates with young viewers.
“I sometimes describe this show as a love letter to the child I was, and I dedicate it to the child in all of us,” Di Cesare explained.
“It’s so beautiful with its feelings – and that all comes from the book. The book allowed me to write from my imagination and from my joy as a child.
“Children really connect with it, and some of them even bring the book and turn the pages as the scenes change.”
Tickets for ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’ are available on the Coliseum Theatre website. Take the kids from July 17 to July 18 for a day of delight.
Lunchtime tunes at City Park
Kick back on your lunch break with free live music at City Park in Penrith! Every Wednesday between 11am to 2pm, enjoy performances by talented local musicians while you grab lunch from nearby eateries or bring your own from home. A small number of tables, chairs and umbrellas will also be available. To see the line-up, visit www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au.
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood
Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
CLASSES AND FUN
Seniors Dance Club (Over 55s) Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Call Glenda for details on 0421 322 846.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Probus Club of Nepean
Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Emu Sports Club. New members welcome. Call 0417 267 866.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the fourth Monday of the
‘HMS Pinafore’ on stage
The Richmond Players debut ‘HMS Pinafore’ this month at Richmond School of Arts. Set against the historical backdrop of the late 19th century English Navy, the show promises a rollicking good time for audiences. The show will feature outrageous plot twists, social satire, and hummable tunes. Performances will run from May 9 to May 30. Book your tickets now!
month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am. All new members welcome.
Jordan Springs Probus Club
Fourth Tuesday of the month. 9.45am for 10am at Jordan Springs Hub. Call Keith on 9713 9038 for details.
Ropes Crossing Probus Club
Meets every third Monday of the month at Ropes Crossing Community Hub from 10am. Email ropescrossingprobusclub@gmail.com for more information.
South Creek Probus Club
Meets on the third Wednesday of the month at St Marys D&B Club. Email southcreekprobusclub@gmail.com for more information.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary
Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.
Red Cross Penrith
Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and
‘Les Divas’ at Panthers
On May 23, ‘Les Divas’ arrives at EVAN Theatre for one night of glamour and music. This spectacular all-male revue celebrates the world’s greatest divas, bringing to life the hits of
bra Streisand, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga,
Dion, and many more. Headlined by drag performer Prada Clutch, this will be a celebration of pop royalty you won’t want to miss. Book now!
volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL from 10am. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Community fundraisers for The Smith Family. Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
JP service
Located in Western Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway.
0415 625 573 for more information.
Nepean Naval Museum
Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700.
Arms of Australia Inn
Monday and Wednesday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group
Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group
First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre
Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
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.
Advertise
Who said that middle aged life couldn’t be fabulous? From co-creators Tiffany Noack and Queenie van de Zandt comes a brand-new show that explores what really happens when women hit the halfway point.
At an age where many women feel increasingly invisible, ‘Middle Raged – A Musical Meltdown’ places stories of menopause, midlife, and womanhood at centre stage. Created from hundreds of real stories shared by women across Australia, the show shines a spotlight on the riotous chaos of ageing, raging and changing.
Featuring a star-studded cast, including Queenie van de Zandt, Valerie Bader, Carita Farrer Spencer and Zuleika Khan, and an all-female live band, the production brings together iconic hits from Missy Higgins, Sia and P!nk, alongside original compositions by Gillian Cosgriff and Kate Miller-Heidke.
Promising a performance that is part comedy, part musical, and part group
therapy, ‘Middle Raged’ aims to inspire women to reconsider how they view midlife.
Through the spectacular show, women have the opportunity honour their own voice with laughter, song and sisterhood. This connection extends beyond the stage. Recognising that many women often find themselves attending events solo, ‘Middle Raged’ has introduced the Sister Seat.
Whether your friends are too busy for a night out or you’re looking to make a new connection, solo attendees can choose to be seated alongside other fabulous women who are doing the same.
Hilarious and deeply heartfelt, ‘Middle Raged’ offers an electrifying night of song and storytelling that celebrates the power and potential of glorious midlife and beyond – a shared experience that invites women to celebrate their worth and community.
Because when you’re over the hill… the view is incredible!
See the show at The Joan from July 3 to July 4. Tickets are available online at www.thejoan.com.au.
Vince Gill cements his legacy
The highly respected country music mainstay Vince Gill has been releasing monthly EPs under his ‘50 Years From Home’ project. The latest was released last week but each EP has been stunning and a great reflection of Gill’s music.
“The more I’ve done it, the more I’ve learned how to do it better – how to be more patient, where not to waste my time, what to do and not to do, to be willing to edit myself and keep digging. Experience is experience; there is no shortcut. This is what comes from doing this for 50 years,” Gill said.
Search Vince Gill on your streaming service and you’ll be able to find the already released EPs, and be alerted to each new release.
Festival returns
Strummingbird has announced its 2026 festival dates with the NSW event taking
place on Saturday, October 17 in Newcastle.
Strummingbird launched to a wildly successful inaugural year in 2025, with sold out locations and a line-up spanning international heavyweights to some of the scene’s buzziest emerging acts – including Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Treaty Oak Revival, James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Matt Hansen, Julia Cole, Wade Forster and more.
The 2026 line-up does not disappoint with Post Malone headlining, along with Bailey Zimmerman.
We’re also pleased to see Kaitlin Butts, Max Jackson and Brad Cox on the line-up.
Tickets are available now at www.strummingbird.com.au.
Track of the Week It’s no surprise to see a duet between two of country music’s biggest names rising up the charts.
Ella Langley and Morgan Wallen’s ‘I Can’t Love You Anymore’ is a brilliant song – and deserves a spot on your playlist.
1 hour, 45 minutes
The latest film from indie art house A24 is ‘The Drama’, starring Zendaya as Emma and Robert Pattinson as Charlie, a young couple on the precipice of tying the knot until a secret sees their relationship unravel.
Set in New York, the film follows Emma and Charlie as they prepare for their wedding in one week’s time.
Over a drunken, pre-wedding wine tasting with friends, a secret is revealed that sends not only their relationship, but their entire lives through the wringer.
As our characters begin to
spiral and the wheels come loose, it all leads up to the big day.
Light and quirky, ‘The Drama’ pulls in its audience through the art of storytelling. Watching the pair navigate their unique challenges while finalising details for their imminent wedding results in chaos and calamity which is both funny and difficult to watch.
In A24’s signature style, the film has an uneasy vibe that mixes with comedy and drama elements to create a well-balanced and intriguing movie. Sitting at
just over 100 minutes, every scene feels intentional with no time wasted.
Both Zendaya and Pattinson gave a spectacular
performance, once again proving their range and ability as actors. Their characters and chemistry were believable and their
reactions genuine. This film is perfectly enjoyable with laughs and awkward moments aplenty; a perfect date night flick.
However, you might find yourself asking your partner: “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”
www.hoyts.com.au
Ê After a 28-year absence, the ABC is bringing back TV series ‘Race Around the World’ next month. Hosted by Zan Rowe, with original breakout star John Safran returning as weekly judge, the reimagined series features six next-gen filmmakers travelling solo through 10 countries, delivering a new short film every 10 days, over 100 days. Working entirely alone, they will shoot, write, edit and produce each film from start to finish, before dialling in from wherever they are in the world to share it with a live studio audience. At the end of the season, the Racer with the winning score will receive their own personal project produced and funded by the ABC. ‘Race Around the World’ premiere on Sunday, June 7 at 7.30pm.
Ê The ABC is dropping a new six-part comedy series titled ‘Ground Up’ starring Sam Pang as an AFL administrator from Melbourne tasked with establishing a new Tasmanian football club. The AFL workplace comedy also features Emma Harvie, Dylan Murphy, Josh McConville, Lucy Durack and returning to her comedic roots, Marg Downey. ‘Ground Up’ will premiere on Sunday, June 7 at 8.30pm.
Ê Disney+ has announced that the fifth and final season of ‘The Bear’ will drop on Friday, June 26. The news comes on the heels of last week’s surprise release of ‘Gary’, a flashback episode of ‘The Bear’ co-written by and starring Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal that follows Richie and Mikey on a work trip to Gary, Indiana. Meantime, the final season of ‘The Bear’ picks up the morning after Sydney, Richie and Natalie discover that Carmy has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them. With no money, the threat of a sale and a torrential storm in their way, the new partners must band together with the rest of the team to achieve one last service, hoping they’ll finally earn a Michelin star. Ultimately, they learn that what makes a restaurant “perfect” might not be the food, but the people. If you haven’t seen this brilliant show yet, you’ve got a month to catch up!
Ê We’re still seven months away from the launch of the new ‘Harry Potter’ TV series, but HBO Max has already renewed it for a
second season. JK Rowling’s second Harry Potter book The Chamber of Secrets will be adapted for season two. The first season of the series, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, is due to premiere at Christmas.
Ê Netflix will screen a new three-part music documentary series about the Impossible Princess Kylie Minogue on Wednesday, May 20. ‘Kylie’ explores one of music’s most enduring icons who has consistently reshaped pop and sold over 80 million records along the way. It features new interviews with Kylie herself as well as Dannii Minogue, Jason Donovan, Nick Cave and Pete Waterman.
Ê Foxtel has added a new music channel, Vevo 80s, joining Vevo 70s and 90s, which launched last year.
Ê Good news for fans of comedy ‘Scrubs’, with the revival series on Disney+ renewed for a second season.
Your guide to the week’s television viewing
6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00 Compass 10:30 Stuff The British Stole (PG) 11:00 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 ABC News 1:00 The Assembly (PG) 1:45 Bad Company (M l) 2:10 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (M) 2:55 Grand Designs Australia (PG) 3:55 Murdoch Mysteries (PG) 4:45 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia (PG) 8:30 Patience (M v) 9:20 Gruen (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven News At Noon 1:00 Movie: “Malicious Motives” (PG) (’21) Stars: Juliana Destefano 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:30 AFL: Round 10: Sydney Swans v Collingwood Magpies *Live* From The SCG 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:15 GetOn Extra 11:45 My Reno Rules (PG) 1:20 Quacks (MA15+) 2:00 Home Shopping 6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra (PG) 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “Paris Can Wait” (PG) (’16) Stars: Diane Lane (In English/ French) 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: South Sydney Rabbitohs v Redcliffe Dolphins *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 9:55 NRL: Post-Match 10:45 Movie: “Rambo: First Blood” (M) (’82) 9:00 The Finish Line 10:00 Entertainment Tonight 10:30 Building The Dream 11:30 My Market Kitchen 12:00 Good
2:30 Kick Ons 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Desert Collectors (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 AFL: Sydney Swans v Collingwood Magpies *Live*
12:00 Chicago Fire (M) 3:00 Jabba’s Movies (PG) 3:30 Black-ish (PG) 4:00 First Dates UK (M) 5:00 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 6:30 Movie: “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” (PG) (’21) Stars: Rose Byrne 8:30 Movie: “The Ugly Truth” (MA15+) (’09) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Legend Of The Guardians: The Owls Of Ga’Hoole” (PG) (’10)
3:00 QI (PG) 3:30
I Lie To You? (PG) 4:00 MythBusters (PG) 4:50
Agent
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) 1:30 Patience (M v)
Under 5:40 Grand
House Of Games 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 5:30 Food Safari 6:00 The Chocolate Queen 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 Jamie’s Super Food 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK
(PG) 6:30
9:30 JAG (PG) 10:30 The Living Room (PG) 11:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 JAG (PG) 3:30 Bull (M s,v) 4:30 JAG (PG) 6:30 Bull (M s,v) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 11:30 Becker (PG) 12:00 Frasier (PG) 1:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 2:00 Friends (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Good Chef
12:45 Land Of The Giants (M) 2:25 Bamay 3:00 Where Are You Really From? (PG) 3:30 Worldwatch 5:35 Inside The Huddle 6:05 Over The Black Dot 6:35 Jeopardy! 7:25 NITV News Update 7:30 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
2:20 David Attenborough’s Galapagos 3:10 David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Australian Story 5:30 Landline 6:00 Kath & Kim (PG) 6:25 Tonight At The Museum (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Death In Paradise (M) 8:30 Silent Witness (M l,v) 10:15 Bergerac (M) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Scone/ Flemington/ Doomben *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 Oops I Bought A Pub! (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Day After Tomorrow” (M) (’04) Stars: Dennis Quaid 11:00 SAS - Aus Vs. Eng (PG) 12:00 Devils (MA15+) 2:00 Home Shopping 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 Great Australian Detour - Snow 1:00 Explore TV-Viking 1:30 The Hundred With Andy Lee (PG) 2:30 Scar Tissue 3:30 Tasman Trails 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 NINE News First At 5 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 NRL: Parramatta Eels v Melbourne Storm *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 9:00 All 4
STIHL Timber-
(PG) 1:00 Blokesworld (PG) 1:30 Garage 41 (PG) 2:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 3:00 Night Thunder 4:00 Frozen Gold (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:00 Storage Wars (PG)
3:00
1:30 10 Years Younger In 10 Days (PG) 2:30 Instant Hotel (PG) 3:40 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:30 Movie: “Nim’s Island” (PG) (’08) Stars: Abigail Breslin 7:30 Movie: “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (PG) (’22) Stars: Naomi Ackie
3:00 Movie: “Song Of Rapa Nui” (PG) (’20) Stars: Mahani Teave 4:25 Stompem Ground 4:40 This Is Indian Country (PG) 5:10 Treaty Road (PG) 6:00 Our Law (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M l)
3:05 A Bite To Eat With Alice 3:35 QI (PG) 4:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:30 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent Down Under 6:10 Grand Designs (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 QI (PG) 8:00 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 6:00 Nadiya’s Family Favourites 6:30 Jamie Cooks Italy 7:30 Air Fryer Diet: Lose Weight, Cook Fast 8:30 Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 10:35 Getting Grilled With Curtis Stone
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 The Assembly (PG) 3:15 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (PG) 4:10 Grand Designs Revisited (PG) 5:00 Back Roads 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass 7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Assembly (PG) 8:15 Bad Company (M l) 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show Weekend (PG)
(PG) 12:30
5:00 Religious
3:00 Escape Fishing With ET 3:30 Football: Ninja A-League Womens: Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix *Live* 7:00 Football Tonight 7:30 Football: Isuzu UTE A-League: Semi Finals: Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC *Live* 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 7:00 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 9:30 Millionaire Hot Seat (PG) 11:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 11:30 Ridiculousness (M l) 2:00 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Ridiculousness (M l)
Kitchen (PG) 3:30 A Moveable Feast (PG) 4:00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters 5:00 Behave Yourself (PG) 6:00 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 3:40 Movie: “Black Magic” (PG) (’88) Stars: Randy Cochran 4:40 Stompem Ground 6:25 NITV News Update 6:35 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand (PG) 7:25 The People Vs. Robodebt (M l) 8:30 Movie: “I Am Not Your Negro” (M l,n,v) (’16)
12:30 Movie: “Clash Of The Titans” (M v) (’10) Stars: Mark Wahlberg 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: “King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword” (M l,v) 3:30 Movie: “The Angry Silence” (PG) (’60) Stars: Richard Attenborough 5:30 The Derbyshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Airport Security: USA (M) 8:30 Movie: “A Star Is Born” (M) (’18) Stars: Bradley Cooper
1:10 Faking Influence 1:45 Black Comedy In America (M l,s) 2:40 Wine Lovers’ Guide To Australia 3:50 Worldwatch 5:55 Mastermind 6:55 The MegaBrands That Built The World 7:45 Abandoned Americana (M l,v) 8:40 Travel Man (PG) 1:45 Snackmasters (PG) 3:15 Movie: “Wonder” (PG) (’17) Stars: Jacob Tremblay 5:40 Movie: “The Addams Family 2” (PG) (’21) Stars: Oscar Isaac 7:30 Movie: “Night At The Museum: Battle Of The Smithsonian” (PG) (’09)
12:45 Movie: “The Magic Box” (G) (’51) Stars: Robert Donat 3:00 Rugby Union: Easts v Wildfires *Live* 5:00 Movie: “Evil Under The Sun” (PG) (’82) Stars: Peter Ustinov 7:30 Movie: “Air Force One” (M v) (’97) Stars: Harrison Ford
10:00 Navigating The World 11:00 Escape Fishing With ET 11:30 All 4 Adventure (PG) 12:30 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventures 1:30 Top Gear Australia (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Deep Impact” (M l) (’98) Stars: Téa Leoni 9:50 Blue Bloods (M v) 6:00 Good Chef Bad Chef 7:00 Deal Or No Deal 9:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:30 Friends (PG) 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Ridiculousness: Lexi Rivera/ Lexi Rivera II/
Wild Cooking 7:00 The Chef’s Garden 7:30 Paddock To Plate 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: A Cook’s Tour 5:00 Worldwatch 10:30 Eurovision Song Contest Access All Areas 1:10 Faithless (M l) (In Swedish) 2:10 Jeopardy! 4:15 Worldwatch 5:40 The Frontier (PG) 6:35 Abandoned Engineering (M) 8:25 Cycling: Giro d’Italia: Stage 9 *Live*
12:50 Football: Premier League: Sunderland v Manchester United *Replay* 2:50 The Summit (PG) 5:35 Movie: “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” (PG) (’04) Stars: Matthew Lillard 7:30 Movie: “Speed” (PG) (’94) Stars: Keanu Reeves
12:30 The Baron (PG) 1:40 Movie: “Johnny You’re Wanted” (PG) (’56) Stars: John Slater 3:10 Movie: “I Live In Grosvenor Square” (G) (’45) Stars: Anna Neagle 5:30 Midsomer Murders (PG) 7:30 David Attenborough’s Mammals (PG) Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Batwheels 3:00
5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Talking Tom Heroes 6:05 Spidey And His Amazing Friends 6:25 The Adventures Of
Renovation 911 (PG) 5:00 Escape To The Chateau 6:00 House Hunters International 6:30 House Hunters USA 7:30 Home Town Takeover
3/396 High St, Penrith
Mon-Fri: 5:30am-3pm Sat: 6:30am-2pm • Sun: Closed
8/92-112
- 3:30pm
Homes continue to have a significant impact in our daily lives, with our surroundings playing a powerful role in shaping mood, stress levels and overall health.
As more homeowners choose to renovate rather than relocate, design decisions are increasingly focused on longevity and liveability.
In response, minimalist design is evolving into ‘warm’ minimalism, emphasising softer palettes and layered textures over stark simplicity to create interiors that feel calmer, more functional and character filled.
“While creating a sanctuary at home is still key, the way we shape our homes is evolving, with homeowners prioritising spaces that feel warmer, more personal and better aligned with long-term living,” said Renee McGinty, General Manager Marketing, CSR.
“This shift is reflected in the finishes homeowners are choosing, with a growing focus on materials that feel restorative and grounding.”
From simple updates to more substantial renovations, CSR examines the key architectural and interior design choices shaping homes in 2026.
Materially rich walls
Walls are becoming a central canvas for expression, offering the ideal backdrop for art, design and architectural details that add depth, warmth and personality to a space. “A smooth, expertly finished plasterboard wall can serve as the foundation for textural features, integrated niches, or subtle zoning, introducing architectural interest while enhancing everyday living,” McGinty said.
Materially rich walls such as natural stone or raw timber introduce texture, weight and authenticity.
A cosy, stone clad feature wall using PGH Stone Whitehaven from the Natural Fieldstone Collection brings a layered, textural quality, working in harmony with a soft, neutral palette and pared back finishes to help create calm, grounded interiors.
Functionality and comfort
Intimate, cocooning spaces are increasingly sought after in 2026. Richer, warmer colour palettes paired with textured wall treatments are being used to soften interiors and add depth while reducing sound reverberations in the home.
Acoustic wall panels are emerging as part of this shift, valued not only for their performance but for the way they introduce texture and architectural interest to walls across
living rooms, bedrooms, offices and media zones.
Pair moody colour washes with textured wall treatments such as Soundstyle by CSR Woven Image for a cosy, luxury feel.
Architectural detail
Softly curved wall niches are emerging as an impactful architectural feature. Created using Gyprock’s premium Flexible plasterboard, niches are an accessible way to elevate walls, transforming them from a simple backdrop into an integral part of the design story.
Cornices are also seeing renewed interest as part of the move toward subtle detailing. Rather than being purely functional, contemporary cornice profiles such as the Gyprock Canto or Symphony cornices, can help soften transitions between walls and ceilings, providing a finished, cohesive look that enhances an overall sense of balance within a space.
“WALLS ARE BECOMING A CENTRAL CANVAS FOR EXPRESSION”
Light filled homes
Harnessing natural light in the home helps our mood, sleep and overall wellbeing and skylights are becoming an increasingly popular way to introduce its benefits into everyday spaces.
As the light shifts throughout the day, it can enhance design features, cast subtle shadow lines, and highlight architectural details. In kitchens, skylights are especially effective, flooding the heart of the home with light and making the space feel larger and more inviting.
Choosing a premium plasterboard such as Gyprock Plus ensures walls are smooth and clean, reducing glare and helping light to distribute evenly. This allows materials like timber, stone, and furnishings to add warmth and texture while maintaining a sense of balance and calm throughout the room.
For more details, visit www.csr.com.au.
What is so great about this property?
A spacious split-level home with modern updates, multiple living zones, undercover entertaining, drive-through garage, and future granny flat or pool potential (STCA).
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
KELLIE TICKNER
Orchard Hills
Veterinary Hospital 4736 2027
As the cooler months settle in, many pet owners assume grooming and bathing can take a back seat until the weather warms up again. However, regular grooming is just as important during winter as it is in summer – and in many cases, even more so. Maintaining your pet’s coat, skin, nails, and hygiene throughout the colder season plays a vital role in their comfort, health, and overall wellbeing.
A common misconception is that allowing a dog or cat’s coat to grow thick and unkempt will help keep them warmer. In reality, coats that become matted or heavily compacted can trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria against the skin. This can lead to irritation, painful matting and skin infections. A well-maintained coat is actually far more effective at keeping pets warm than one that is tangled and neglected.
Regular brushing at home helps remove loose fur, distribute natural oils, and reduce
As winter sport ramps up across our community, we often see a spike in preventable injuries. The good news? A few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk and keep you performing at your best all season long.
1. Manage your training load
‘Load’ refers to how much stress you’re placing on your body through training –including both volume and intensity. One of the most common causes of injury is increasing this load too quickly. It’s easy to fall into the trap of jumping straight back into the level you used to train at, but your body needs time to adapt.
For example, if you haven’t been running consistently, avoid jumping straight into long distances. Start small and build gradually week by week. This is particularly important for tendons, which adapt more slowly than muscles and are often the first to become irritated.
2. Prioritise recovery
Training breaks the body down – recovery is when it rebuilds stronger. Without adequate rest, your risk of injury increases significantly. Fatigue, poor sleep, and illness can all impact how your body copes with load.
Listen to your body and adjust your training when needed. Rest days aren’t a setback – they’re an essential part of progress.
3. Incorporate strength training
A well-structured strength and conditioning program is one of the most effective ways to prevent injury and improve performance. Aim for 2–3 sessions per week, focusing on the key muscle groups used in your sport. For example, runners and field sport athletes benefit from single-leg strength and stability work, while swimmers should prioritise shoulder and rotator cuff strength. Stronger muscles help absorb load more effectively and protect joints.
knots before they become painful. Professional grooming appointments are also important during winter, particularly for long-haired breeds or pets with thick double coats. Groomers can safely remove excess undercoat, tidy problem areas, clip nails, and identify early skin or ear concerns that owners may not notice at home.
Bathing remains important during winter too. Pets continue to collect mud, allergens, and debris on their skin and coat during daily walks and outdoor play. Using appropriate shampoos and ensuring pets are dried thoroughly afterwards helps maintain healthy skin and prevents unpleasant odours and irritation.
For some pets, however, grooming and clipping appointments can be a stressful experience. Loud noises, unfamiliar handling, clippers, dryers, or previous negative experiences can create significant anxiety. It is important not to force fearful
Experts
KASEY COLLINS One Point Health 4732 5188
4. Choose the right footwear
Your shoes play an important role in how your body moves and absorbs impact. Worn-out or inappropriate footwear can contribute to pain and injury. As a general guide, shoes should be replaced every 500–800km or around every six months, depending on use. Most importantly, choose footwear that feels comfortable and suits your activity. If you’re unsure, seeking professional advice can help you find the right fit. By managing your load, prioritising recovery, building strength, and wearing the right footwear, you’ll give yourself the best chance of staying injury-free all season long.
pets through grooming procedures, as this can worsen their stress over time and increase the risk of injury to both the pet and handler.
Instead, grooming visits should be approached positively and gradually where possible.
Reward-based handling, praise, treats, short visits, and gentle desensitisation can help many pets become more comfortable
and confident with the process. Creating calm, positive experiences helps build trust and often improves future visits.
Despite these efforts, some pets still experience severe anxiety or distress during grooming procedures. In these cases, sedation or a brief anaesthetic under veterinary supervision may be the kindest and safest option. Veterinary monitored sedation can allow grooming, clipping, nail trims, or mat removal to be completed promptly and without fear or struggling. Importantly, pets recover with little to no memory of the stressful event, meaning they are often far happier and less anxious about returning for future visits.
Regular grooming is not simply about appearance – it is an essential part of preventative healthcare.
For more information about sedation options for your pet’s grooming needs, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
GET THE CARE YOUR PET DESERVES AT ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL!
At Orchard Hills V we understand that your pet is a cherished family member why we offer comprehensive and affordable pet care ser animals across the Penrith district.
We offer:
• Vaccinations
• Radiography
• Microchipping
• Surger y
ills Veterinar y Hospital, d that your pet is a ily member. That’s t care ser vices to s district ions aphy pping
• Dental care
• Ultrasound
Contact us!
Phone 4736 2027
2027 Road Orchard Hills
49 Wentwor th Road,Orchard Hills Monday - Friday: 8am-7pm | Saturday: 8am-2pm Sunday: Open for emergencies for existing clients 9am-3pm
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
Courtesy of the Sun/Mercury/Uranus links and Mercury trining Pluto (in your sign) the buzz words this week are change and transformation. But don’t worry about trying to change (or control) those around you. Focus on yourself first. Can you be more proactive in relationships, pivot professionally or transform your physical appearance? Your motto is from birthday great, Cher, “The only thing in the world you can change is yourself and that makes all the difference.”
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
The Sun’s spending the last days in your sign (until Thursday) which provides a golden opportunity to fine-tune who you are and where you’re going. And make the most of the next three weeks, as proactive Mars charges through Taurus (until June 29). Explore, experiment and enthuse – here, there and everywhere. Quick smart! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Dylan (who turns 85 on Sunday), “There is nothing so stable as change.”
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
It’s your time to shine, as the powerful Sun/Uranus conjunction favours dazzling dreams and innovative ideas. Plus mighty Mars (in your career zone) helps you combine dazzling creativity with powerful determination. Use your fertile imagination to help manifest your preferred future via goal setting and a practical plan. Your mantra is from civil rights activist Malcolm X (who was born on May 19, 1925), “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Transformation is the name of the game this week Scorpio, as the planets push you to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of a difficult situation. A challenging close relationship has the potential to be reborn into a much more positive partnership. The mid-week Mercury/ Pluto trine will also help you release old grudges, let go of the past, forgive and forget, and finally move on. But expect some surprising secrets and unexpected hijinks along the way!
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Saturn is now transiting through your self-esteem zone (until 2028) so it’s a good time to be focused, disciplined and patient. But don’t listen to your inner critic, as it tries to undermine your confidence and shake your self-belief! Be inspired by singer-actress Cher (who turns 80 on Wednesday), “If you’re waiting for someone to believe in you, you’ll be waiting forever. You must believe in yourself.” On Saturday, share a special dream with a close friend.
MAY 22 TO JUNE 21
This week Mercury (your patron planet) makes lovely links to Neptune, Pluto and Saturn. So it’s a wonderful week to throw superficiality and procrastination out the window and instead, focus on being more creative, profound and productive. The Sun, Mercury and Uranus also hook up in your sign, which encourages you to think outside the box. Be inspired by entertainer Cher (who turns 80 on Wednesday), “If you can’t go straight ahead, go around the corner.”
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
On Monday your ruling planet Mercury hooks up with Uranus, so you’re in the mood to question, philosophise, explore and innovate as you throw out the old rule book and try something new, especially at work. Be inspired by music great Bob Dylan (who turns 85 on Sunday), “Gonna change my way of thinking, make myself a different set of rules.” On Thursday, the Sun powers into your career zone, so the next month is your time to really shine and at work.
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Mercury and the Sun hook up with Uranus in your partnership zone. So –when it comes to close relationships – it’s time to be creative, attentive, adventurous and generous. And expect the unexpected! Attached Archers – pamper your partner and show them they are still number one. Unhappily single? You could fall for someone who is way outside your comfort zone. The weekend is wonderful for creative projects, pleasure, leisure, romance and friendship.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
You’re in the mood for self-love, romance and/or friendship, as Venus makes a lovely link to Mars (your ruling planet). So it’s a wonderful week to get your hair done, buy a fabulous outfit, enjoy an indulgent facial, manicure, pedicure or massage, plus eat delicious food as you socialise with close old friends or exciting bohemian new acquaintances. The weekend stars favour short trips, controversial conversations and local community connections.
22 TO JULY 22
Have you been burning the midnight oil and now you’re suffering from burnout? Or have you been running around on autopilot, making careless mistakes? This week four planets activate your solitude zone, so slip into hermit Crab mode as you slow down, simplify your life, prune projects or organise a digital detox. Meditation, contemplation, and relaxation are a must. You could also receive creative ideas or an important message via a vivid dream.
S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23
Venus (your patron planet) moves into Cancer (in your career zone) and links up with Mars. So the focus is on being proactive at work as you nurture colleagues, clients and/or customers, and start transforming your professional dreams into robust reality. Plus – with the Sun, Mercury and Uranus linking up in your adventure zone – don’t be afraid to take risks. As birthday great Cher says, “I’ve always taken risks; you have to if you want to get anywhere in life.”
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
With Venus and Jupiter both visiting your relationship zone (and busy Mars moving into your entertainment zone) it’s a wonderful week for partnerships, parties, birthdays, engagements, weddings and anniversaries! So love, romance, friendship, socialising and celebrating are all favoured as you mix and mingle; socialise and fraternise. Then the positive Mercury/Saturn link (on Friday and Saturday) is good for goal setting, planning and problem-solving.
If I had to describe One Global Resorts Green Square in three words, those adjectives would be luxurious, comfortable, and convenient.
Resting on the outskirts of Sydney, the beautifully designed urban retreat offers luxury suites, state-of-the-art guest facilities, and a view of the growing suburb surrounding the uniquely built hotel.
Let’s talk luxury…
After parking my car in the secure underground garage on a Friday afternoon, I ventured to the hotel’s lobby where black and gold décor floods the chic space. The high contrast, timeless and dramatic aesthetic, paired with friendly and helpful reception staff, gives an instant impression of elegance and warmth.
That vibe extends to the resort’s 90 apartment-style suites. Equipped with premium bedding, private balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and classy bathrooms with back-lit mirrors, these suites are perfect for any occasion. I put that to the test by spending my first night at the resort with my partner for a romantic getaway, and my second night with a book and some Mersey Valley cheese.
Beyond the beautifully decorated suites, the accommodation provides guests with access to a heated infinity pool, a spa, a
sauna, and a gym. The pool and spa area was a personal highlight during my stay, especially as the sky turned pastel blue towards the end of the day and as the setting sun lit up the brightly coloured buildings neighbouring the resort.
All things comfort…
The five-star hotel is part of the Infinity by One Global Capital development, which is home to a ground floor retail plaza underneath the towering apartments. But that’s not the first thing you notice when you look at the building. The unique precinct, designed by architect Koichi Takada, is curvy! Inspired by Japanese minimalism, the resort features flowing lines, natural light, and organic greenery – design elements that impart calmness.
Those curves continue indoors.
My apartment was decorated with a circular dining table, a circular ottoman, curve-backed dining and lounge chairs, and a golden Lilypad artwork above the bed.
The repetitive soft edges made the room more inviting, which is why I dined in on my Saturday
night instead of exploring the dining options on the street below.
Regarding convenience...
One Global Resorts Green Square is perfectly positioned amongst eateries and grocery shops – particularly along Ebsworth Street and Zetland Avenue. But for those who want to explore the city or travel to Sydney domestic and international airports, the property offers a direct connection to Green Square train station.
I remained in the vicinity of the hotel during my stay. I had breakfast at Social Society on both mornings, where the term ‘latte art’ is a mild way to describe the frothy murals atop morning brews.
For dinner on date night, I walked to JAPASU by Sang where I shared miso glazed grass-fed lamb cutlets, an assortment of sushi, and 16 pieces of sashimi moriawase which included Tasmanian salmon, Bluefin tuna, and two types of daily market fish. The dimly lit restaurant delivered beautiful flavours and set the tone for an intimate night out. The following night, during
me-time, I strolled across the street to Woolworths to collect some cheese, crackers, and a bottle of bubbles for a cosy night at the apartment.
During the day, if you choose not to sit on the balcony or splash in the pool for hours on end, there are nearby activities on offer including Green Square Library, Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, The Grounds of Alexandria, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Carriageworks Markets, and more.
For luxury, comfort and convenience, I would not look further than One Global Resorts Green Square.
32.
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58. Diva’s
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65. Pamper
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68. Baby’s
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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: SOLAR SYSTEM
ATMOSPHERE
LIGHT YEAR PLANETS
Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about TV show mums in this week’s special trivia quiz...
1. Which animated mother has yellow skin and blue hair?
2. Which reality star is known as a ‘momager’?
3. What long-running crime procedural does mother and police captain Olivia Benson star in?
4. Which TV mother ran The Dragonfly Inn in Conneticut?
5. What is the name of Winona
Ryder’s character in ‘Stranger Things’?
6. Who was the matriarch of ‘The Brady Bunch’?
7. Who played iconic mum Tami Taylor in ‘Friday Night Lights’?
8. Who plays the ‘mother’ in ‘How I Met Your Mother’?
9. Who is the mother of Ross and Monica Geller in ‘Friends’?
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.
What You’ll Need:
– Large bowl
– Whisk
– Spatula
– Measuring cups
– Electric mixer
Ingredients:
Cake
– 1 1/2 cups Plain Flour
– 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
– 1 Tsp Baking Soda
– 1/3 Tsp Salt
– 1 cup White Sugar (I use Caster)
– 1 cup Milk (I used soy, you can swap for your preference)
– 80g Butter, melted (can swap for plant-based)
– 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
– 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
Buttercream
– 150g Softened Butter (can swap for plant-based)
– 3/4 cup of Icing Sugar
– Splash of Vanilla Extract
– 1 shot of Coffee
– Cocoa Powder for decoration
Method:
Cake
1. Preheat oven to 180°C while making batter. Grease your cake pan with oil or butter, line with baking paper and set aside.
2. In the large bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda with the whisk. Add the sugar and mix well.
3. Make a well in the
centre of the dry mixture and pour in the milk, melted butter, vanilla and vinegar. Mix gently, beginning in the centre, slowly adding in the dry mixture. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, do not over mix.
4. Pour the batter into the cake pan and gently bang it on the counter a few times to get rid of any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Once cooked, place the cake pan on a wire rack for approx. 10 minutes, then transfer cake out of the pan onto the wire rack until completely cool.
Buttercream
1. Whether you use a coffee machine or instant coffee, prepare a shot as you normally would and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Combine softened butter, vanilla and icing sugar in a large bowl and combine with an electric mixer. Mix until the buttercream is white and fluffy.
3. Once coffee is cool, slowly add small amounts to the buttercream, mixing well.
4. Spread the buttercream on top of the completely cooled cake and top with cocoa powder. Enjoy!
Well-known in the Penrith community for more than two decades, Bondys Auto Centre prides itself on good old-fashioned service and getting your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.
Bondys offers a full range of services including pink and blue slips, logbook servicing, full servicing, and general repairs. They also look after wheel alignments, wheel balancing, brakes, suspension, steering, batteries, exhaust – you name it!
The team rely on some of the latest tech-
nologies and precision equipment when testing, repairing and servicing your vehicle. They use sophisticated modern methods to make sure your vehicle repair and service is of the highest standard.
“Whether you need logbook servicing, tyres, brakes, a minor tune-up, batteries or a complete engine overhaul, we are dedicated to offering a range of quality, affordable motor repair services to get you back behind the wheel fast,” owner Matt Bond said.
Bondys Auto Centre is located at 1/33 York Road, Jamisontown. Call 4721 2500.
Story continued from » p.72
With a new coach in her corner, Sharp took to long jump like a duck to water, posting an incredible personal best jumping distance of 4.86m to easily qualify for the event in the T38 classification (athletes with cerebral palsy).
Sharp said she’s looking forward to being part of an Australian team that includes both able-bodied and para-athletes.
“I think having able-bods with us on the same team is pretty cool,” she said.
“In the World Championships and Paralympics, you don’t experience that. It will be good to get to know some of them hopefully.”
Australia have named a 24-person Para Athletics squad for Glasgow, with 16 debutants including Sharp.
Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth said the squad highlights the strength of the nation’s Para Athletics system.
“This team is a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches and support staff, who continue to drive the standard of Para Athletics higher each year,” he said.
“We’ve built a strong and sustainable pathway, and the athletes selected for Glasgow have earned their place through consistent performance and commitment.
“We’re excited to see what they can achieve on the Commonwealth stage.”
The Comm Games start July 23.
After back-to-back-to-back years of finishing runners-up, the Penrith City Softball Association’s U10 Girls Teeball team have finally been crowned State Champions.
The team of a dozen girls achieved the incredible feat at the 2026 Softball NSW State Championships last month, defeating the formidable Manly Warringah in the final 13-8.
Speaking with the Weekender, head coach Corey Lowe said there was plenty of emotion at the end of the game.
“You can tell it meant something to the kids, parents and coaching staff, who have been there for a while,” he said.
“There were lots of tears and screaming after the game. It was really emotional. I got a bit teary as well when the girls hugged me. There were lots of hugs and high-fives from the parents as well.”
Making Penrith City’s recent title win even more impressive was it was the first time in over 20 years that the club have won the U10 Girls Teeball State Championships.
“It definitely makes it more special,” Lowe said.
“They’ve also finished runners-up three years in a row in this age group, so it was good to see them finally get the win.
“Softball NSW’s records go back to 2006,
and Penrith City have never won the Teeball Girls in all that time.”
Penrith City have been training together since before Christmas, putting in plenty of work to finally get over the hump – and it paid off!
Despite being down 5-1 after the first innings, Penrith City punched Manly-Warringah straight back in the Grand Final to prevail by five runs.
“Manly Warringah are so well coached, well drilled and well disciplined, it’s no fluke they are as dominant as they are in all age groups,” Lowe said.
“I had this feeling all week that we would
win it and, despite being down after the first innings, I was still extra confident.
“I had a big chat with the girls after the first innings and said, ‘we can do the same thing to them in the next innings’, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Meanwhile, Penrith City’s U10 Boys Teeball team also enjoyed a strong State Championships, finishing runners-up.
The boys enjoyed big wins over Manly Warringah, Cumberland Nepean and Wagga Wagga, but were unable to get past Macarthur in the decider.
“The future is bright at Penrith City,” Lowe concluded.
SPORT: 15 high achieving young athletes from the Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) took time out from their sporting commitments last week, to thank Penrith Mayor Todd Carney for Penrith Council’s support of the Academy. At the meet and greet, Carney congratulated the young athletes on their achievements to date and thanked the WSAS for their dedication to athletes from across the region. “The Academy’s development programs and partnerships help make the pathways in sport more accessible and help young people in our City to achieve their dreams,” Carney said. “I also acknowledge the coaches, managers and families who put in a huge amount of time and effort to support their young sports stars.” Penrith is one of eight local government areas in the WSAS catchment and has provided long-standing support to assist the Academy deliver its valuable programs and initiatives that help nurture, empower and support young athletes. Athletes representing a diverse mix of sports such as golf, hockey, netball, softball, triathlon, volleyball and superbike expressed their gratitude for the Council’s support. Some also spoke about their aspirations and preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Carney also expressed his pride in the ongoing delivery of new and improved high quality sporting facilities across the Penrith Local Government Area that continue to provide opportunities for sportspeople to thrive. “Penrith is home to many sporting greats across a variety of sports. From the world’s most successful paddler of all time, Jess Fox, to rugby league champion, Nathan Cleary, and a long list of others,” Carney said. “Council has a 15-year road map for the future provision of sport, play, recreation and open space across the City which is delivering high quality playing fields, courts and amenities required for athlete development.”
RUGBY: The Penrith Emus have celebrated their first win of the season, defeating Georges River 38-17 in Round 4 of the McLean Cup. The Emus scored six tries to three in the convincing win at H.V. Evatt Park last Saturday afternoon. Penrith will aim for back-to-back victories when they tackle Blacktown this Saturday at Nepean Rugby Park. Kick-off is at 3.15pm.
BASKETBALL: The Penrith Panthers have had a disappointing weekend of results in Round 6 of the NBL1 East Men’s and Women’s competition. Penrith’s men’s team were unable to back up last week’s win, losing to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders 76-61. For the
third straight week, Simun Krpez top scored for the Panthers with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Penrith’s women’s team fell to the Spiders 92-61. Panthers star Hannah Griffin was huge once again, tallying 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the heavy defeat. Both teams will play two games this weekend – the first against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday and the second against the Centre of Excellence on Sunday.
NETBALL: Giants Netball remain winless in the Super Netball
their latest loss coming at the hands of the Melbourne Mavericks last Sunday at home. The Giants were thumped in front of their home fans 60-41, however there were encouraging performances across the court particularly from defender Erin O’Brien and midcourter Hope White. The Giants will hit the road this Saturday when they meet the Queensland Firebirds at Nissan Arena.
NETBALL: Congratulations to Penrith Netball junior Paige Hadley, who made a successful return to the court after giving birth
70-56. Hadley proved to be the story of the night with teammate Maddy Turner praising the Diamonds midcourter for her quick return to the court. “A lot of people are like ‘Oh, she’s come back so quick’, but she probably did more pre-season sessions than some of us,” Turner told Fox Sports. “She’s definitely put in the work. She had this dream and spoke about it, and made it happen, and I’m so proud of her.”
NETBALL: Round 3 of the Netball NSW Premier League competition took place at Netball Central last week. Panthers Netball’s U23s team went down to the Sutherland Stingrays 54-40, while Panthers’ Opens team also lost to the Stingrays 58-49. Both teams will take on the UTS Randwick Sparks in Round 4.
AFL: The GWS Giants are back in business, prevailing over the Essendon Bombers 103-89 last Saturday afternoon at Engie Stadium. The win marked a triumphant return to western Sydney, 50 days and five different venues since the Giants last played at their home ground. It was a long-awaited homecoming for a side that had not graced the turf at Sydney Olympic Park since their Round 2 thriller against St Kilda. GWS will aim for back-to-back wins when they meet the struggling West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium this Sunday.
AFL: The Penrith Rams are finally back in the winner’s circle, narrowly defeating the UTS Bats 53-51 in Round 5 of the AFL Sydney Men’s Division 2 competition. The Rams were down by 22 points at the end of the third quarter before enjoying a huge comeback in the fourth to win. The Rams will look to keep the winning going when they battle the East Coast Eagles this Saturday at Bruce Purser Reserve. Meanwhile, the Penrith Ramettes have gone down to the Camden Cats 21-6 in Round 5 of the AFL Sydney Women’s Division 2 competition. The Ramettes will take on the Parramatta Goannas this Saturday morning at Gipps Road Oval.
RUGBY LEAGUE: Round 7 of the Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield competitions took place last weekend. In the Ron Massey Cup, St Marys enjoyed a tight 22-18 win over local rivals Penrith Brothers. In the Sydney Shield, St Marys were too good for Penrith Brothers 30-24.
GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan@westernweekender.com.au. You can also direct message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.
Talented Cranebrook athlete Layla Sharp will achieve her sporting dream in the coming months when she represents Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The 18-year-old will make her Commonwealth Games debut when she contests the Women’s Long Jump event during the prestigious July 23 to August 2 competition.
Speaking with the Weekender following the official announcement, the T38 athlete was excited to finally tell people she made the team.
“I’ve known for quite a bit but I had to keep it confidential until they officially announced it,” Sharp said.
“I was only allowed to tell some close family and friends, but I’m super happy.”
Sharp has been an excellent track and
field athlete for many years, but it’s her selection in long jump that took many people by surprise.
Well-known for her running and sprinting, Sharp has only been focusing on long jump since October last year when she realised that event would be her best shot at qualifying for Glasgow 2026.
“I looked at my chances for Comm Games in the sprint events and I still had a fair bit to work on, it was a bit unrealistic,” Sharp admitted.
“Then I saw an opening in long jump and I was confident I could get there if I trained hard for it. I’ve always wanted to compete in long jump, but my other events would often clash with it.
“After the World Championships in India last year, I decided to give long jump a shot to hopefully make the Comm Games team and its paid off.”
