Western Weekender September 11 2025

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World champs set to be a winner for Penrith

Excitement is building ahead of the ICF Slalom World Championships, which will be held in Penrith from September 29.

Ticket sales are strong and athletes have started arriving this week, basing themselves in Penrith ahead of the action-packed event at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Hotels like Astina Suites, the Pullman and Mercure are all full of athletes and officials.

It’s a poignant time for Penrith to host the World Championships given it’s 25 years since the Sydney Olympics, when the Whitewater Stadium put the city on the map.

Host Organising Committee Chair Richard Fox said the countdown was well and truly on to the six-day event.

“It’s hectic as you can imagine –there’s lots to do still and teams have started to arrive this week,” he said.

“There will be a rush by September 20. Most of the athletes will be here by then as that’s when the official

training period starts. We’ve got infrastructure starting to be built, we’re selling tickets and building up the excitement – there’s lots of work going on there.”

The event has been well supported in the corporate space with Grant Thornton, Western Sydney Lakes and Panthers all recently

announced as partners. All levels of government are also supporting the event.

For the first time, Western Sydney Lakes will offer unprecedented access through a series of activations across land and water. These small group experiences will run during September, culminating

during the championship events, giving a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the remarkable landscape in western Sydney.

World Championships attendees can gain unprecedented access to both elite water sports competition and participatory experiences in their own backyard, further show-

casing the site as a recreational destination.

Fox expects the hype around the Championships to build in the coming weeks, and tickets to be hot property once things get underway.

“It’s a six-day event so people will hear about it on the Monday and want to go later in the week,” he said.

“I think we’ll see that effect happening. It’s a big venue, there’s lots of space.

“It’s the first time we’ve had something of this scale since 2005 and the Olympics before that. It’s not going to happen for some time again either so we’d encourage everyone to come out.”

The Championships were thrown a curveball last month when one of its biggest drawcards in Jessica Fox underwent surgery to remove a tumour on her kidney.

Fox missed the final World Cups of the year but is still a chance of competing at the Championships.

“She’s taking things one step at a time,” Richard Fox said.

Tickets to the event are available at www.sydney2025.com.

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From The Editor’s Desk

Troy Dodds

Long live suburban Finals

The short memory of the glorious sport of rugby league is at it again, wearing a pair of rose coloured glasses in the process.

I know I’m in the minority here but I’ve got no problem with Shark Park being used as venue for a Final this weekend.

I can remember the crowd of 15,408 that watched Penrith beat Manly at Allianz Stadium in 2017, the stadium more than half empty despite being two Sydney teams.

Cronulla were forced to take their week one Final against the Cowboys to the same venue that weekend, with just 16,115 turning up despite the side being defending Premiers.

The following year 17,156 turned up at the 80,000-seat Accor Stadium to watch the Panthers play the Warriors in the opening weekend of the Finals. 65,000 empty seats.

In all the moaning about Shark Park this week we’ve forgotten why we went to this system in the first place.

When you have a Finals series that goes for four weeks, attracting huge crowds in the opening weekend is always going to be difficult. People hold on to their cash, hopeful they’ll be able to spend it in the weeks to come if their team stays alive.

There will always be the odd anomaly where you’re locking fans out.

There’s a small part of that story though that is good for the game; the fight for access and the importance of membership critical.

Asking Cronulla and Roosters fans to travel to Allianz, Accor or CommBank this weekend would have delivered us one thing: empty seats.

I guarantee you the crowd would not have been much bigger than what will pack into Shark Park on Saturday night.

The travel, cost and difficulty of parking or transport, cost of tickets and overall effort to get there would have been tossed aside in favour of watching with mates or at home in the comfort of your lounge room.

Save the big stadiums for week two and three, and the Grand Final.

Suburban stadiums should have the green light for week one.

The build-up to a Final at Penrith Park was one of my favourite weeks of the year.

INDEX

The adrenaline of fighting for tickets on Monday, the excitement around the town during the week, the feeling of game day.

It’s something the big stadiums will never deliver and the NRL will change this policy at its own peril.

Oh, and for those who love to reminisce about how in the old days, everyone packed into the SCG or SFS for the Finals and it was part of the euphoria of making Finals.

It’s one of the great rugby league myths.

In 1988, the first year of the SFS, the two week one Finals attracted crowds of 25,327 and 19,259. In other words, the stadium was half empty.

It was not an anomaly.

In 1989, the stadium was more than half empty for the Canberra versus Cronulla clash, while Balmain up against Penrith fell more than 10,000 short of a sellout.

“Let week one be a win for the members, the fans who turn up through miserable winters”

Ah, but you’re forgetting about the glory days of the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Oh, how we packed in like sardines back then.

Not quite.

In 1987 the two week one Finals attracted crowds of 22,134 and 15,852.

In a venue that holds 50,000 people.

A year earlier, 17,597 watched Balmain play Manly at the SCG in the opening weekend.

Now you’ll find years where crowds were better, for sure.

But overall, you’ll find the story the past tells is that week one Finals rarely sold out at the bigger venues.

And so we have this system, where every

now and again there will be a venue – like Shark Park – that seems a little out of step to host Finals.

The problem does not exist with the vast majority of NRL teams, so it’s not the full blown drama some like to make it out to be.

Of course the biggest games of the year deserve the biggest and best stadiums.

But that should start in week two and three.

Let week one be a win for the members, the fans who turn up to venues like Shark Park through miserable winters and deal with ageing facilities and challenging amenities –loving it at the same time.

I admit I don’t like Shark Park. It’s on the bottom of my list of NRL venues I want to go to.

But I’m also not a Sharks fan.

The loudest critics of the Shark Park Finals match this week weren’t either.

And the journos and opinion givers fighting so hard against Shark Park this week all go to the footy without paying for a ticket, have a reserved car spot and sit in a media box where someone hands them sausage rolls and little sandwiches.

They quite often lack the perception of what the fans actually want, or the challenges they may face around budgets and access.

Leave the system as it is. For its odd flaws, it’s the best one we’ve got.

And another thing...

The expectation we have of Penrith after winning four straight titles has taken the gloss off what is one of the most remarkable regular season fightbacks in history.

To be last after Round 12 and make the Finals is extraordinary.

Given the rings on his fingers it will not go down as one of Ivan Cleary’s greatest achievements, but it should.

The side had well and truly lost its mojo in the depths of the season.

For Cleary to be able to turn that around, still with the difficulties of the Origin period and player drain thrown in, is remarkable. No matter what happens in the Finals, the team’s achievement to make the post-season after the first half of the year is something we should celebrate.

HOSPITAL MILESTONE

Stage 2 redevelopment of Nepean Hospital expected to open late next year

This is the incredible photo that shows the enormous scale of the ongoing upgrades to Nepean Hospital.

Construction of the new seven storey building at the hospital reached its highest point in recent weeks, a major milestone for the Stage 2 redevelopment.

The Stage 2 redevelopment will deliver a major expansion and upgrade of health services and facilities for Nepean and Blue Mountains communities, and will feature a new adult intensive care unit, additional inpatient beds, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, clinical support services including pharmacy and in-centre renal dialysis services, and staff education and training facilities.

The new hospital building will also feature a welcoming new main entry and seamlessly connect to the existing 14 storey hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1, enhancing access to health services for patients, visitors and staff.

“It is exciting to see the structure of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 building rise from

the ground and reach its highest point,” said State Penrith MP Karen McKeown.

“When it opens, it will provide Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with enhanced health facilities, closer to home, ensuring our hospital meets the future health needs of our growing region, now and into the future.

“The project is also providing a boost to the local economy during construction, with around 270 workers inducted on the site, to date. It’s also creating opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors, providing valuable skills and training opportunities for more than 20 apprentices.”

A new Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre, the first of its kind in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, will be located near the main entry of the new building and provide a dedicated and culturally safe space for Aboriginal consumers, carers and their families.

The top level of the building will include a new, purpose-built palliative care unit, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life

Care program. The new palliative care unit will offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest

quality of care.

With the concrete structure now complete, work will progress on the formwork, internal fit-out, services installation and building exterior.

Construction for the Stage 2 building is expected to be completed in late 2026, and will open to patients, staff and visitors following an operational commissioning period.

LAW and ORDER

Police Snapshot Legal Matters

St Marys: Alleged stolen goods found in suspended driver’s car

A man will face court after a vehicle search revealed a raft of headaches for the suspended driver.

About 4.15pm on Thursday, September 4 police were patrolling Glossop Street, St Marys. Police have sighted a motor vehicle and followed this vehicle, after police were given certain information.

The vehicle has pulled into the car park of a shopping centre on Charles Hackett Drive. Police have activated their warning devices, and the vehicle has stopped. Police spoke to the driver, a 30-year-old St Marys man, and he was asked to produce his licence.

It is alleged he informed police that he was “suspended”. The man was asked to step out of the vehicle and he was arrested.

The vehicle was searched and it is alleged located in the vehicle were numerous small re-sealable plastic bags and a set of scales. Located in the boot was a set of bolt cutters and Milwaukee tools and batteries with another person’s initials on them.

The man was charged with numerous offences and will appear in Penrith Local Court on September 18.

Kingswood: Man arrested after frightening situation in shop

About 8.40pm on Thursday, September 4 a man has entered a fast food store on Bringelly Road, Kingswood.

It is alleged the man was under the influence of a drug. Whilst in the store it is alleged staff have given him food and drinks for free. It is alleged whilst eating he was walking around the store and talking incoherently.

It is alleged he located a black set of push bike handlebars that had been left in the store and asked staff if he could have them.

Staff agreed. It is alleged he has taken the handlebars and swung them around and walked in and out of the store. It is alleged when he was outside, he has told a passer by that he was going to rob the store.

He has returned inside, and it is alleged he informed the staff that he was going to kill someone.

It is alleged without warning the man then stated he was robbing the store and stated to the staff, “give me all the money”, whilst still swinging the handlebars.

Staff have contacted Police. Police were given a description of the man, and a 42-yearold Lethbridge Park man was located nearby. He was still in possession of the handlebars. He was searched and it is alleged methylamphetamines were located on him.

COMPILED BY EMILY CHATE WITH DANIEL MCKINNON

He was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with ‘demand property with menaces with intent to steal’ and ‘possess prohibited drug’.

He will appear in Penrith Local Court later this month.

Cranebrook: Woman three times over limit

About 9.20pm on Thursday, September 4 police were patrolling Sherringham Road, Cranebrook.

Police have stopped a Ford Ranger for a random breath test. Police have had a conversation with the driver, a 47-year-old Cranebrook woman.

It is alleged when speaking with the woman, Police could smell alcohol.

The woman was breath tested which proved positive. She was arrested and taken to the Penrith Police Station where she underwent a breath analysis that returned a positive reading of 0.162.

The woman’s licence was suspended on the spot and she was charged.

She will appear in Penrith Local Court on October 2.

St Marys: Party pooper turns violent

About 8.00pm on Sunday, September 7 a group of males were a unit block in Wilson Street, St Marys.

It is alleged the men were having a social gathering. It is alleged when two more visitors have attended the address and walked up the driveway, a 37-year-old Hassall Grove man has yelled at the men and told them to keep the music down.

The men have walked to the unit they were attending and entered. About 9.25pm it is alleged some men from the gathering have walked another friend down the driveway as they were leaving.

It is alleged the 37-year-old was seen outside the unit block, holding a knife. It is alleged the 37-year-old has verbally abused the men, was waving the knife around and pointing it towards the men from the gathering.

It is alleged one of the men from the gathering has started to record the 37-year-old on his phone. It is alleged the 37-year-old man has picked one of the other men and threatened to stab him. All men from the unit gathering have backed away from the 37-year-old and gone inside their unit.

They have contacted Police. The 37-year-old was identified and arrested. He was charged with a number of offences.

He was bail refused and will appear in Penrith Local Court in October.

DISPUTE ABOUT CO-OWNER REAL ESTATE – WHAT IS A SECTION 66G APPLICATION?

A section 66G application is a legal process under the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) that allows a co-owner of real property to ask the Supreme Court to force the sale or division (partition) of the property when the co-owners cannot agree on what to do with it.

When does a section 66G application arise?

This process is typically used when:

• Two or more people own a property together (as joint tenants or tenants in common).

• There is a dispute or deadlock – one or more co-owners want to sell or divide the property, but the others do not agree.

These disputes arise in a number of scenarios including relationship breakdowns (divorce, end of business partnership), inheritance disputes, or when one co-owner simply wants to convert their asset to cash by selling their share.

How does the process work?

Attempt to reach agreement:

Before commencing court proceedings, you should write to the other co-owner/s proposing a sale of the property or offering to sell your share.

This step demonstrates a genuine attempt to resolve the dispute without litigation and will be looked on favourably by the Court.

Also, if agreement can be reached without the intervention of the Court, you could save tens of thousands of dollars.

Application to court:

If no agreement is reached, any co-owner can apply to the Supreme Court of NSW for an order under section 66G.

The court process

The Court will consider the application. This will involve the parties attending a court case and usually having to provide affidavits (written statements) about the circumstances of the case for the Judge to consider. In most cases, unless there is a strong legal reason not to, the Court will grant the order. The main exceptions are if there is a binding agreement between the co-owners not to sell, or if selling would breach a legal or fiduciary duty.

Appointment of trustees

If the order is made, the Court appoints independent trustees (often professional insolvency practitioners, lawyers or accountants) to take control of the property and sell it on behalf of the owners. The Court usually orders that the “trustee” can charge for their work, often many hundreds of dollars per hour, adding to the cost of selling the property in addition to usual conveyancing costs, marketing cost and real estate agent’s commission.

After the sale

After the sale, the trustees pay out any debts (like mortgages), pay their own fees, and legal costs and pay the real estate agent their commission. The remaining money is then distributed to the co-owners according to their share in the property. Adjustments may be made for things like one co-owner having paid more towards the mortgage or improvements.

Section 66G is a good tool that enables the sale of a property were co-owners cannot cooperate – however in almost every case it will cost you far more than if you can reach agreement due to the involvement of lawyers, Court costs and hourly rates payable to the trustee/s appointed to sell the property.

WARM WEATHER ON THE WAY

More warm weather is on the way following a return to chilly mornings this week.

After yesterday’s heavy rain, Penrith will reach a top of only 18 degrees today (Thursday) and 20 tomorrow.

But the weekend is looking brighter with tops of 23 degrees on Saturday and 25 degrees on Sunday.

And in a sign spring is well and truly here, tops of 27 degrees are expected on Monday and 29 on Tuesday.

Very little rain is expected over the next week.

SES crews have been warning locals to prepare for what is expected to be a busy storm season ahead.

11 September 2025

An open letter to NRL CEO Mr Andrew Abdo and ARLC Chairman Mr Peter V’landys

Dear Andrew and Peter

On behalf of a very proud Penrith community and rugby league fans in Western Sydney, I am again writing to call on the NRL to celebrate the game in its heartland.

Last year I wrote to you in the weeks leading up to the mighty Penrith Panthers winning their 4th consecutive NRL Grand Final. This year we’ve watched as the team climbed the ladder from last place in Round 12 to make yet another Finals Series. This recordbreaking team has the chance to again write yet another chapter in the history books

Western Sydney loves rugby league, however the weeklong festival of events and activities can’t be enjoyed when they are centred around the eastern suburbs. Circular Quay, Martin Place and Bondi Beach are too impractical to celebrate the game for the next aspiring Nathan Cleary or Brian To’o. These activities need to come to hard working members, fans, volunteers and community of Western Sydney.

Not to be outdone, Penrith City Council has its own ‘premiership’ winning venues ready to host activations for the fans of Western Sydney. Our new Gipps Street Recreation Precinct is a national multi-award-winning sports precinct that is delivering high quality sport and recreation infrastructure for the community, and you’re welcome to host a festival of events and activities.

Council is here ready to help celebrate our team and Western Sydney. The invitation is there for the NRL to celebrate the Panthers, to celebrate Western Sydney and to celebrate rugby league, will you join us?

Yours sincerely

COUNCILLOR TODD CARNEY PENRITH MAYOR

Administration

Civic Centre, 601 High Street.

Queen Street Centre, 207-209 Queen Street.

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

PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 council@penrith.city

Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at

Services 4732 7777

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

Freecall 1800 022 182

Meeting Dates

Monday 15 September – At (Extraordinary Meeting)

Monday 22 September – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via

penrith.city.council

penrithcouncil

penrithcitycouncil penrithcitycouncil

penrith.city visitpenrith.com.au

Council Briefs

● school holidays!

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

Come down and get your face painted, enjoy arts and crafts, and spend some time outside with active games and live music.

No bookings required and the activities are free!

Find out more at

● Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking to be in the passenger seat and supervise your child or younger sibling when they’re logging their hours for their Learners.

That’s why Penrith Council and Transport for NSW have partnered to run a free online workshop on Wednesday 17 September from 6.30-8pm on Microsoft Teams to provide you with some of the best tools and tips when it comes to Learner Driver supervision.

Find out more at

● Council is teaming up with Transport for NSW to deliver two free Safe Towing Workshops on Wednesday 24 September.

These interactive sessions will feature expert presentations and practical demonstrations covering key topics such as Gross Combination Mass, correct loading techniques, towing capacity and road rules.

Bookings essential at

● Are you ready for an emergency?

Next week is EmergencyRedi Week, a timely reminder to download the free Get Prepared app and create your emergency plan.

With disasters becoming more frequent, getting prepared has never been more important. This easy-to-use app helps you store important documents and offers practical tips to stay calm, identify risks, choose meeting places, and access support during an emergency.

Visit for helpful resources and information to support your planning and preparedness.

Development Applications

The following Development Applications have been received by Council:

• Cubitic Projects Management Pty Ltd

53 Gunyah Drive, Glenmore Park

DA25/0624

Construction of a drive through take away food and drink premises including signage

Contact: Jodie Schembri on 4732 7449

Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025

• CCL Development Pty Ltd

53 Gunyah Drive, Glenmore Park

DA25/0632

Construction of terrace dwellings x 6 and Torrens title subdivision x 6 lots

Contact: Alexandra Pearce on 4732 7757

Closing Date: Sunday 28 September 2025

Nominated Integrated Development

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

• CCL Development Pty Ltd DA25/0634

Lot 5001 DP 1312559 & Lot 702 DP 1275647, 2183 The Northern Road, Mulgoa

Proposed Torrens title subdivision into 2 residue lots, bulk earthworks and construction of temporary construction haul road (Glenmore Park Stage 3 – Stage 13, Highland Views)

The proposed development is Integrated Development. The development application seeks concurrent approval from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The development application referred to in this notice and supporting documentation may be inspected on Penrith City Council’s DA Tracker at in the period from Monday 15 September to Sunday 12 Octboer 2025.

Any person may, during the exhibition period, make a submission in writing to Penrith City Council in relation to the development application. Where a submission is made by way of an objection, the grounds of objection are to be Council’s reference number DA25/0634.

Please contact Jacqueline Klincke on 4732 8391.

Hospital to review processes after refund delays emerge

TROY DODDS

Nepean Hospital says it is reviewing refund processes around selffunded private patients after it was revealed some were waiting months to get their money back.

Kahla Newton pre-paid for an elective Caesarean section delivery and accommodation fees as a private patient at Nepean Hospital earlier this year, but the total funds were never used as she was ultimately transferred to a private hospital after unexpectedly going into labour.

“I followed hospital policy to request a refund, submitted all required paperwork, and waited,” she said.

“It has now been 20 weeks since my daughter’s birth. Despite repeated calls, emails, and even personal assurances, I still have not received my money.”

Newton finally received her refund this week after the Weekender made enquiries to the hospital.

A Nepean Hospital spokesperson told the Weekender the refund process was currently under review.

“Nepean Hospital is currently reviewing refund processes to minimise delays and ensure self-funded private patients obtain a refund in a timely manner,” the spokesperson said.

“The hospital aims to initiate the refund process once all medical documentation has been coded, health funds payments are made if any are due and once all medical billing has been completed.”

“We understand delays such as this may

Public Notice

contribute to unnecessary financial strains, and we apologise for the inconvenience this can cause.”

Newton said the hospital must do better in the future.

“As a nurse and former staff member, I know how hard frontline staff work. This is not about them,” she said.

“This is about a hospital bureaucracy that is failing its patients, ignoring its obligations, and withholding money from vulnerable new parents in times of financial crisis.”

Section 154 Roads Act 1993 – Proposed Road Lease

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Penrith City Council proposes to lease the council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1: Part Chatsworth Road St Clair, located on the corner of Explorers Way and Ashwick Circuit St Clair. The location of the road is

General Manager, Penrith City Council to PO Box 60, Penrith NSW 2751 or council@penrith.city, within 28 days of the date of this notice.

For all enquiries: on 4732 7777 or Tara.Braithwaite@penrith.city

Q: Why aren’t elephants easily offended? A: They have thick sin.

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

cupboard prize

The Family Home explores the secrets to creating a happy, comfortable and stylish family home. Drawing on more than two decades of parenting experience, authors and parents of five, Courtney and Michael Adamo, share how to shape a home that reflects your personal style while evolving with the needs of a growing family.

With stunning photography of homes of all shapes and sizes, from sprawling spaces in California and Byron Bay to inner-city London pads, Courtney and Michael offer thoughtful, practical tips for creating a home that sparks imagination, encourages independence, and brings the whole family together.

In Courtney’s own words: “At its heart, The Family Home feels like two things to me. First, it’s an extension of our 20-year parenting journey – a heartfelt reflection on everything we’ve learned about creating a happy, cosy home for our family. And second, it’s a generous bundle of inspiration, with stunning photography of more than 24 unique family homes, each one filled with warmth, creativity and thoughtful ideas.”

Whether it’s clever storage for the shoes that pile up by the door, meaningful ways to display children’s artwork, ideas for shared bedrooms or making the most of small spaces, The Family Home is full of thoughtful, achievable solutions for real family life.

With so many practical tips including how to tread more

paceway winners lucky

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

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 stunning heritage home with green roof and pink picket fence is located on the corner of Princess Mary Street and Sainsbury Street, St Marys.

lightly on our planet by making considered choices at home, this beautiful, inspiring collection in The Family Home shows how children’s and parents’ needs can be seamlessly integrated into the home.

Available in bookstores now through Hardie Grant Books.

The Weekender has three copies of The Family Home to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with ‘Family’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, October 3 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www.westernweekender. com.au or Weekender reception.

bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.

Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-

way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!

This week’s lucky winners are: 0451, 0666, 1034.

The suggestion that the NRL should have moved the Warriors v Panthers game because of the All Blacks was a stinker. You don’t let other sports dictate your schedule.

It’s good to see some different and promising retailers opening on High Street including a new fruit shop and independent supermarket. A new deli s coming soon too.

Club adds Brell House

The St Marys Diggers & Band Club will open Brell House in October following a $20 million redevelopment.

The new 900 capacity venue combines family-friendly features like a playground and dedicated Teen Cabanas with flexible spaces suited to everything from casual dining to weddings and community gatherings.

More than 200 dedicated on-site parking spaces and large-format TV screens will make it a priority destination for sport and entertainment.

The venue is an extension of the existing club, which retains its name.

“We wanted a venue that feels like the living room of the west, a place where people can celebrate milestones, grab a meal with family, or enjoy live music close to home,” said CEO Marlene Shipley.

Brell House will also provide a major boost to local employment, with dozens of new jobs created across hospitality, food and beverage, and events.

Food will be a major focus, with seasonal menus offering pub favourites and modern share plates. A curated entertainment program will also showcase local performers, reinforcing Brell House as a hub for culture and connection in the west.

“This project transforms a much-loved site into something new, while still keeping its heart in the community,” Shipley said.

“It’s about creating opportunities, building pride in St Marys, and making sure locals have a place they can truly call their own.”

The food offering will be run by award-winning team Mitchell Davis and Gavin Gray of Great Eats Co.

Brell House, located on the corner of Hall Street and Mamre Road, officially opens this October.

The State Government has introduced legislation which will pave the way to deliver on its election commitment to remove worksite speed limits outside construction speed hours where it is safe to do so.

Currently, construction speed limits remain in effect outside of construction hours.

The government says while some road and lane closures do warrant ongoing speed reductions for the purposes of safety it is not uncommon for drivers to have to slow down on an unobstructed road for work that is not taking place.

It is expected the new Standard will be finalised by the end of the year following consultation with stakeholders, with the new system implemented next year.

VEHICLE SALES SITE APPROVED

Penrith City Council has approved a Development Application (DA) to change a vehicle repair station on Batt Street in Jamisontown to a vehicle sales premises.

The site is at 74-76 Batt Street, with work to make the change to cost less than $30,000. No building works are proposed apart from new concrete paving which will be installed within the front setback area for display of vehicles. The building will be repainted, and new signage installed.

Council gave the green light to the project this week, declaring it had no unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural or built environments.

EDINGLASSIE PROGRESS

An exciting new chapter began at Uniting Edinglassie Emu Plains last week when the sod was turned for Stage 2 of the retirement home’s redevelopment.

Uniting NSW.ACT’s Director Property and Housing Simon Furness explained this next stage will deliver an inclusive retirement living community designed to meet the growing demand for seniors’ housing in the region.

“This next stage will deliver a new and contemporary retirement living village, perfectly complementing the award-winning residential aged care home delivered in Stage 1, which has been supporting residents since it opened in 2021,” Furness explained.

“Stage 2 of this project will see 147 independent living apartments built, creating a vibrant seniors’ community alongside the 100 resi-

“We’re creating a special place where older people can stay connected and live confidently at home with support as their health and wellbeing needs change,”

Burton said.

“To facilitate this, support services will be introduced within the new village. If someone needs more assistance, our onsite team will be there to lend a hand with personal care, cleaning and meal preparation.

“It’s all about finding that happy medium between independent living and support.”

The new development – being delivered in partnership with Growthbuilt – will also ensure the social needs of residents are met.

“At Uniting, we understand that social connection is key to living a happy, meaningful and fulfilling life, reducing the risk of loneliness,” the CEO stated.

“That’s why the new Edinglassie Village will include a clubroom

a café, a hair and beauty salon, a chapel, manicured gardens, consulting rooms for medical and allied health professionals, and a multi-purpose space.

“We’re passionate about delivering housing and care solutions that truly put people at the heart of what

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

we do, in the places they love and choose to live, such as right here in Emu Plains,” Burton said.

“We hope the new Edinglassie Village will be a shining example of what’s possible when contemporary, thoughtful design blends with a holistic, compassionate approach to support. As the first signs of spring begin to bloom around us, today’s ‘turning of the soil’ symbolises new beginnings, and our shared commitment to a bright future.” Stage 2 of the redevelopment is expected to reach completion in 2027.

Music that moves you at Eisteddfod

After a quick lesson on how to play ‘La Bamba’ on the piano, the Weekender spoke with Piano Convener Barry Wilkins and City of Penrith Eisteddfod Society President Sari Erasmus-Hickey from the bench in front of the ivories.

The artistic experts explained the high level of talent amongst young pianists in Penrith, and how it feels to tap the keys.

“Music should move you,” Wilkins started.

“I say to my students all the time that you can’t just get up and play notes, you have to move people.

I use the expression, ‘Paint on people’s ears’.

“My students must be able to feel the music first and express

something, and that’s what the Eisteddfod affords young people; the competition gives them the opportunity to be demonstrative and to express art.”

The Society President, who has a passion for speech and drama, continued Wilkins’ point.

“It takes you away,” Erasmus-Hickey explained.

“Whatever difficulties you’ve had during the day or however tired you are, when you start rehearsing and practicing your art, you feel rested before you know it.”

The pair agreed that the Penrith Eisteddfod plays a vital role in fostering young talent in the region.

“One of our goals as a society is to offer children of this area the opportunity of public performance,” Wilkins stated.

“It’s the 40th anniversary of the

City of Penrith Eisteddfod, so we’re very privileged to be part of that and we want to promote the cultural arts within the Penrith district and give people the opportunity to advance.”

One such person that used the competition as a steppingstone was Simon Tedeschi, who has since become one of Australia’s most renowned classical pianists and has been praised as one of the finest artists in the world.

“He is a former winner of the Penrith Eisteddfod, and he will perform on October 18 with our other prize winners. That’s a great feat for us to bring a concert pianist of that calibre to Penrith,” Erasmus-Hickey exclaimed.

And based on what the two organisers told the Weekender, more Penrith students will follow in Tedeschi’s footsteps.

“There is a very high standard of talent amongst students in Penrith,” Wilkins said.

“If they’ve entered the Eisteddfod, they soon find out all the other participants have also done a lot of work and are outstanding performers,” Erasmus-Hickey continued.

“Really, the Eisteddfod builds the caliber. The talent’s there, but the work still has to happen.”

See the full program of events on the Penrith Eisteddfod website at https://penritheisteddfod.com.au.

Mayor’s News

The weekly views of Penrith’s Mayor

Penrith cheers on the mighty Panthers

It’s been a strong NRL season for the Penrith Panthers. As we head into another year of finals footy, our entire community is throwing its support behind the team.

After five Grand Final appearances and four consecutive, nail-biting Premiership wins, Penrith City Council congratulates the mighty Panthers on securing a top eight spot. We thank the team for always fostering community spirit and embracing the positive, can-do attitude of our City and its people.

We are a proud sporting City and the Panthers are fantastic representatives for Penrith, both on and off the field. Every match, the team brings our residents together and the players give it their all, for their teammates and fans.

Away from the game and training sessions, the Panthers are often spotted in the community, taking their kids to school like so many of us, and exploring the City with their families and friends – enjoying a meal at a local café or walking along the Nepean River where they stop to chat with supporters.

Their sportsmanship and skills inspire the next generation of NRL and NRLW

stars. We especially see it on weeknights and weekends, when many of Council’s sporting fields across our Local Government Area are full of young male and female footballers, playing at grassroots level through to representative sport. We’re also calling on the NRL to celebrate the game more in its heartland –Western Sydney, and particularly Penrith City.

The sport is reaching new heights in our City too, literally, with the Penrith Stadium redevelopment underway. The site that officially opened as Penrith Park in 1885 is being transformed by the State Government into a modern sports and entertainment venue that will provide further sporting pathways, meet the needs of our growing community, and enhance the overall experience for fans.

Last week’s win secured 7th position at the end of the regular season, and the Panthers will take the field this weekend for the first round of Finals against the New Zealand Warriors.

Good luck, Panthers – our community is cheering you on!

CR TODD CARNEY Mayor of Penrith

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS

Find out how you can support your paper at www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge.

Rightsizing at the Right Time

ONE NIGHT ONLY

16th September 2025, 5pm – 8pm

Visy Dior Hotel , Castle Hill .

Join Stockland Halcyon Gables and two of Australia’s most sought-after financial and well-being commentators for an inspiring evening of economic insights, lifestyle tips and real-life advice on your next chapter.

Design your next chapter with confidence — discover how to choose a home that suits your lifestyle today and into the future, make informed financial decisions that o er flexibility and freedom, and enjoy a simpler, more social way of living in a supportive, like-minded community

Scan the QR code to register your seat.

Featuring special guest speakers:

Dr. Darren Morton is an award-winning lifestyle medicine expert who will inspire you with fun, practical tips for staying healthy, happy and active in your next chapter

Michael Pascoe, a financial commentator with five decades of experience, brings wisdom, clarity and a touch of wit to the big questions about money, markets and the future.

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An exclusive Highland Views release.

Offering aspirational living at the top of the ridge, this new release features a curated selection of land lots, positioned for privacy, natural light and aspect.

Each lot has been designed for those seeking a refined lifestyle and the perfect foundation for a home of serenity, st yle and enduring value.

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Footy jerseys spark an important conversation

Nepean Hospital participated in Jersey Day last week to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Donation Specialist Nurse Jodie Cowell was one of the staff members taking part, hoping to spark important conversations.

“The main thing I want to get across is that we need to speak about organ donation,” Cowell explained.

“In my role, when I sit down with a family and they can recall that they’ve had a conversation with their loved one about organ donation or if I explain that their loved one has registered to be a donor, that decision to donate becomes so much clearer and removes uncertainty in an already difficult and sad time.”

Jersey Day started with teenager Nathan Gremmo in 2015.

When the 13-year-old was critically injured in an accident, his organs saved the lives of six people – five young adults and a baby.

The Gremmo family established Jersey Day in his honour, hoping that every September 5, when people wear their favourite jerseys to work and school, they

will spark conversations about organ and tissue donation.

“We need to create awareness about organ donation, and Jersey Day is something fun and familiar,” Cowell stated.

“All the hospitals in our local health district supported Jersey Day, and all our staff wore their jerseys.

“We also had a massive jersey hanging up in the entrance of Nepean Hospital in the hopes of sparking conversations about donation.”

Cowell acknowledged that the conversation around death is uncomfortable, but necessary.

“It’s the same as talking to your families about whether you want to be cremated or buried – just throw in donation at that time,” Cowell suggested.

“Around Australia right now, there is about 1,800 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant with more the 14,000 people on dialysis. There will always be a need for organ donation.

“Something fun like Jersey Day might take the pressure off that confronting conversation.”

It takes one minute to register to save a life, and you can do that online at www.donatelife.gov.au.

Right time to downsize?

As more locals approach retirement, many are rethinking what it means to downsize.

A growing number are choosing modern over 60s land lease communities – a housing model that provides the financial security of home ownership, the potential for capital growth, alongside the freedom of low maintenance living, all within a connected community.

This shift reflects a statewide trend: by 2031, one in four NSW residents will be aged 65 or older and with this change comes growing demand for communities that support independence, wellbeing and lifestyle aspirations.

For Cherri McConnell, the decision to move into Stockland’s Halcyon Gables community – a resort-style land lease community and the first of its kind for Stockland in New South Wales – the choice was clear.

“We’d been exploring options for a while, but nothing truly spoke to what we wanted until we came across Halcyon Gables. It was the only place where we didn’t feel like we were giving something up – it felt like we were gaining something

better,” McConnell said.

“It’s a big lifestyle change, but a really good one. We know we’re going to have everything we need right at our doorstep. We’ve already

met other homeowners and there’s this shared sense that the future is going to be bright.

“At Halcyon, our home is truly ours. We can sell it, stay in it, pass

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Da-Mell Air Conditioning & Heating has been keeping homes comfor table for over 50 years, with friendly ser vice locals trust .

We’re on the lookout for air conditioning apprentices ready to learn the trade and be par t of a great team.

it on – whatever feels right for us. That level of independence really matters.”

Stockland Halcyon Project Director, Ken Franklin said the Hills is a hotspot for this generational mindset shift.

“Downsizers in The Hills aren’t just looking for a place to live – they want wellbeing, financial confidence and a lifestyle that reflects their values. Over 60s communities like Halcyon Gables offer that balance in a way retirement villages can’t,” Franklin said.

Once complete, Stockland

Halcyon Gables will span 12 hectares and comprise 231 architecturally designed homes with a range of centrally located resortstyle facilities, including a wellness centre with a heated mineral pool, gym and sauna, pickleball courts, bowling green, and a recreational clubhouse featuring a library and Gold Class-style cinema.

To help locals navigate this next chapter, Stockland is hosting a free community event, Rightsizing at the Right Time, on Tuesday, September 16 in Norwest.

The event will explore the practical, financial and emotional

benefits of rightsizing, with expert insights and real-life stories to help people make confident, informed choices.

Guests will hear from leading financial commentator Michael Pascoe, who will bring insight and humour to the big questions about money and markets, and award-winning wellbeing educator Dr Darren Morton, who will share practical advice for staying healthy, happy and active.

Halcyon Gables is nestled within Stockland’s masterplanned community, The Gables, located in Sydney’s north-west the Hills district. This community offers convenient access to the Sydney Metro Northwest rail line and Norwest Business Park. Spanning approximately 75 hectares of green space, The Gables features a planned four-hectare lake, 16 kilometres of cycling and walking paths, parks, schools, a future town centre, and upcoming childcare facilities.

Register for the event at https:// www.stockland.com.au/halcyon-communities/nsw/halcyon-gables/news-and-events/events/ rightsizing-at-the-right-time-event.

Δ Maxibon’s Stranger twist: Maxibon has jumped on the ‘Stranger Things’ bandwagon with a new specially themed ice cream drop. Crafted for chaos, the Upside Down Bon challenges everything you think you know about how to eat a Maxibon. Both ends have been flipped, with a brand-new black biscuit on one side, and an all-new red choc coating on the other. Each bite is an unexpected yet familiar twist because in the Upside Down, rules don’t just bend, they shatter. It has a white choc flavoured slab loaded with cookie crumbs, sandwiched between two chocco biscuits on one end and dipped in red choc with cookie crumbs on the other – this treat is as strange as it is deliciously snackable. It’s out in stores now, but only for a limited time, so be quick.

Δ New KFC proposed: KFC plans to open a new 24-hour restaurant in North St Marys. A Development Application (DA) has been submitted to Penrith City Council, proposing the fast food restaurant at 87 Glossop Street. The site is currently used as a caravan retailer.

Δ Percys on air: Triple M will be at Percy Plunkett on Friday morning as they get behind the Panthers ahead of the NRL Finals. Pop down to Percy Plunkett nice and early to see the Triple M team and you might even score a free coffee!

Δ That’s not Gold: We’ve got some bad news for Maltesers Gold fans out there. The product appears to have been dropped from the Maltesers product line. We noticed them disappearing from shelves a few weeks back –now they’re no longer listed on the Maltesers website. We will miss you, Gold.

Δ Tex-mex delight: Popular tex-mex offering Smoking Gringos (pictured above) is coming to High Street. They’ll open at 390 High Street, near Elton Chong, in the near future. The location was previously occupied by Broaster Chicken and Burger 31, and has been empty for some time. Smoking Gringos has always had a strong Penrith connection, operating various pop-ups and a location at Kingswood several years ago. Renovations to the High Street shop are currently underway.

Δ Fanta fun: Fanta has dropped some new Halloween packaging across its range, including a new flavour – Chucky’s Punch. “This Fanta partnership is all about celebrating the spine-tingling excitement that horror fans live for. We’re excited to bring these horror icons to life in a way that’s both collectible and delicious. This limited-edition release gives Aussie horror lovers a great way to embrace their favourite infamous characters this Halloween with cans that are as bold and unforgettable as the icons themselves,” said Martyn Ferguson, Senior Director of Marketing at Coca-Cola Australia and New Zealand.

This photograph shows a performance at the old Q Theatre in Penrith.

It’s a performance of ‘Lock Up Your Daughters’, based on the 1730s comedy, ‘Rape upon Rape’, by Henry Fielding.

It became a musical that was adapted by Bernard Miles.

The Q Theatre production was directed by Doreen Warburton, and designed by Arthur Dicks.

It was the Q Theatre’s first play in Penrith in 1977.

This photograph shows a scene with a number of performers on stage.

(Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

STOPPING THE QUIET MONTHS! BUSINESS

For small business owners, cash flow can be unpredict able. One quiet month, a sudden expense, or a shift in customer demand can quickly impact the bottom line. That’s why multiple revenue streams aren’t just a “nice to have” – they’re essential for stability, growth and long-term success.

Reduces financial risk

Relying on one source of income leaves a business vulnerable. If that product, service, or key client slows down or disappears, revenue can take a sharp hit. Diversi fying – whether through new products, online offerings, or subscription models –spreads the risk and ensures other channels keep money coming in.

Maximises existing skills and resources

Small businesses often have untapped skills, equip ment, or knowledge that can be monetised. A café

Building a healthier Penrith

Penrith is about to experience a powerful shift in the way health, movement, lifestyle, and community come together.

At the heart of this revolution are two world-class fitness destinations:

STRONG Pilates and The Yard Gym.

The two facilities have been brought to our region by the passionate team at 44 Management – including partner Billy Pech, managing partner Adriana Ngo, and partner and studio manager Nikki Hatton.

“We’ve been in the fitness industry for over 20 years as either consumers or entrepreneurs,” Pech began.

“We saw a real gap in the Penrith market, and we knew we could bring something special.

“We want to be part of the community, and we want to create safe and welcoming environments in convenient locations for locals.”

STRONG Pilates will be opening soon at Westfield Penrith, joining The Yard Gym at the busy shopping complex.

It will provide a dynamic training method that fuses reformer Pilates with high-intensity, low-impact strength and conditioning to deliver amazing physical results while protecting joint and muscle health.

It will also boast a creche, infrared sauna mobility area, a protein smoothie bar, and The Grounds Coffee.

“The STRONG method is unlike

anything else on the market,” Pech explained.

“It’s science-driven, it’s intentional, and it’s designed for longevity.”

Meanwhile, The Yard Gym is a boutique strength and conditioning space catering to all age groups and fitness levels with cultivated, modern, and lifestyle-oriented

training to elevate physical and mental health.

The gym specialises in RIG training, which focuses on developing power, strength and muscular endurance through functional and hypertrophy training, as well as TURF training, which was designed to improve cardiovascular endurance, boost overall physical fitness, and enhance athletic performance.

With a focus on mindset, movement, and meaningful results, 44 Management isn’t just launching gyms in the region – they’re building a healthier Penrith.

“We see ourselves as facilitators of health. Our spaces are designed to help people on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle with the option of choosing STRONG Pilates or The Yard Gym,” Pech finalised.

“We’ve brought what we believe to be the best and the fastest-growing fitness brands in the world to Penrith. We know it’s special, and we know we’re different. We’re here to inspire change; one workout, one person at a time.”

Find The Yard Gym at Westfield Penrith next to Commonwealth Bank and keep an eye out for the opening of STRONG Pilates on September 13.

A1 AAA ARDV ARK BUDGET GARDEN

FOOTY!

match preview

the finalword

At one stage during the year it looked like the only chance Penrith had of using a passport in September was for some well-deserved rest in Bali or Fiji.

But an incredible resurgence in the back end of the year means the Panthers are headed to Auckland this Saturday for a showdown with the Warriors.

The Greg Alexander Cup, if you’ll allow it.

The Warriors were on track to be one of the great stories of the season for much of the year, but the loss of halfback Luke Metcalf – at one stage seemingly on track for the Dally M Medal – proved too much.

As a result the Warriors lost their hold on the top four and now face a sudden death clash, with question marks over their depth and an overall feeling they’ve run out of puff.

But this has been a weird and whacky season and the Finals will almost certainly deliver us some unexpected results.

Ivan Cleary got what he wanted to get out of last week’s match against the Dragons. It wasn’t clinical but Penrith never looked like losing and at least they got a fair fight from St George-Illawarra who were up for the contest and refused to go away.

Meanwhile, Andrew Webster would have preferred a victory over Manly but he wouldn’t be too disappointed with the end result. The Sea Eagles always felt in control but the Warriors still found points and fought to the 80th minute – something you need to do if you’re any chance of toppling Penrith.

There is a lot of talk about the Panthers and winning the competition from outside the top four. There is no doubt it’ll be an entirely different situation for Penrith, who have been used to playing week one Finals at their beloved Penrith Park in front of a sellout home crowd, and have been granted a rest in the second week during this Premiership run (except for 2021).

In the end Ivan Cleary’s option to rest 16 players against the Bulldogs likely did cost his side a home Final – if you presume Penrith would have won that night.

Whether that was a genius move or a fatal error will somewhat be decided this week.

Once Penrith is through this weekend, it’d be the same situation regardless in terms of venues and opponents.

I expect the Warriors to come out hard. As much as James Fisher-Harris’ departure from Penrith was amicable and there was no bad blood, he’d still like nothing more than to prove a point against his old mates.

The Warriors finished the regular season with the highest average completion rate of any team in the NRL. That shows you that under Webster, their discipline has improved significantly – silly errors was a Warriors trait for years.

Penrith is only just behind though in a share

of second spot – which means you should expect a high quality game of football with very few errors on Saturday.

It will make every dropped ball, every forward pass, every set restart and every penalty so much more critical.

As much as I think Penrith have New Zealand’s measure on paper, there is a real intimidation factor there. The Warriors crowd will be as vocal and as loud as it has ever been.

Ivan Cleary knows a little bit about that, and the preparation may need some of his wisdom from his Warriors days this week.

Get on the edge of your seat Panthers fans –we’re back where we belong, at the time of year we dominate.

The hurdle this year is bigger, but this is a footy side that has jumped them when others wouldn’t even attempt to. It’ll be close, but I think Penrith find themselves still alive after the 80 minutes. Tip: Panthers by 8.

panther rumblings

COACH WINS BEST DRESSED

! Coach srubs up well: Ivan Cleary took home The Masked Panther’s unofficial Best Dressed award at the Merv Cartwright Medal, in the men’s category anyway. Cleary was looking very schmick in a tux at the event, matched only by his beautiful wife Bec. They both shone on the black carpet.

! Touching honour for Merv’s son: Merv Cartwright’s son Michael made the trip down from Queensland to present the award named in his father’s honour to Nathan Cleary on Tuesday night. Michael, who played one game for Penrith in 1994, spoke glowingly about his father’s legacy at the Panthers before presenting the big award of the night.

! Penrith’s NRLW push: The Panthers have confirmed they’re pushing for inclusion in the NRLW competition in 2027. The Board made their position clear to ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo last week.

! Early start for Finals launch: The NRL again held its Finals Launch in the city this week, choosing the Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo to hold its major media event in the very early hours of Monday morning. The Panthers sent co-captain Nathan Cleary bright and early for the event. As much as we understand there’s a lot of media based in the city, it still baffles

me why the NRL never hold season launches, Finals media calls and Grand Final events in western Sydney – the lifeblood of the game.

! No late Laurie deal: Any chance of Daine Laurie signing a deal with Penrith for next year appears to have gone out the window. Laurie was included in the departing players presentation video at the Merv Cartwright Medal

on Tuesday night. Laurie wants to stay at the club and there was the odd whisper around that a late deal could emerge, but that’s all gone quiet now.

! Cogger’s return: While it hasn’t been formally announced, Jack Cogger (pictured) will return to Penrith next year on a three-year deal. It’s a surprisingly long-term arrangement for Cogger, who will play second fiddle to Nathan Cleary in the role occupied by Brad Schneider currently. There’s talk that Cogger didn’t quite fit in at Newcastle, but he was well liked during his previous tenure at Penrith.

! Spotted: Daine Laurie at Percy Plunkett doing a coffee run for the rest of the first grade squad last week.

! Members hit up: Members were sur-

prised to cop an email before the regular season had even ended about renewals of season tickets for next year. Surprisingly, the price has gone up. I say surprisingly because it’s been a tough slog for many fans to make the trek to Parramatta this year – there had been some hope the club would retain existing prices for next season to cushion the blow. Confirmed in the renewal email was that CommBank Stadium would host one extra game next year, with the Vegas match coming back into the local schedule.

! Spotted: The ‘Panthers Cup’ being run as a Trackside (electronic racing) event last Saturday before the Panthers v Dragons match. Flanno and Gutherino ran first and second –the only thing they ended up winning that day.

! Board interest: Which rugby league journalist, who has a long history with the Panthers, is considering a tilt at the club’s Board next year?

! Scoop confirmed: I told you a few months back that there was a push from some within Panthers for the team to wear their Las Vegas jersey for the Finals. And it turns out the club had every intention to do just that, until they drew the Warriors this weekend. The jersey clash means the Panthers will wear their pink jersey on Saturday afternoon.

! Council gets behind Panthers: Penrith City Council is getting behind the Panthers for the Finals with numerous banners up across the city. You’ll spot them everywhere from the Civic Centre to the Joan, Ripples at St Marys and Penrith and the Woodriff Gardens tennis courts.

! Spotted: Nathan Cleary doing his best to make a quick exit from the Merv Cartwright Medal on Tuesday. It was slow going however, with plenty of photo requests from sponsors.

CELEBRATING A STELLAR SEASON

Champion Panthers halfback

Nathan Cleary was the toast of Penrith on Tuesday night, winning the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal for the third time.

The 27-year-old was named Penrith’s Player of the Year at a glittering ceremony held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre.

Cleary was presented the Medal – his first since 2021 – by Michael Cartwright, son of Penrith’s founding father Merv.

“I’m super grateful, and I’m super grateful for all my teammates – I definitely wouldn’t have won any of these or wouldn’t be the player I am today without those guys,” Cleary said.

Cleary also thanked his parents Ivan and Bec, and his partner Mary Fowler for their support.

“Thank you to my parents, I would not be the man I am today without them,” he said.

“My partner Mary, she’s in England at the moment, but her unwavering and unconditional support, I just love her for that.”

Cleary played in 19 games for the Panthers this season, scoring five tries and kicking 67 goals. He also

tallied 15 try assists and 15 line break assists to become Penrith’s MVP.

Earlier in the night, Cleary’s game-winning charge down try against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 17 was voted Try of the Year by the fans.

Other big winners during the evening included try-scoring machine and winger Tom Jenkins, who picked up two major awards within hours of being surprisingly dropped by coach Ivan Cleary for Saturday’s Elimination Final.

Jenkins was voted the Members Player of the Year, while he was also bestowed the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination.

“Firstly, a massive thanks to John – this is such a big award and something that I don’t take lightly,” he said.

“It’s such an honour to receive this.”

Panthers CEO Matt Cameron awarded premiership-winning forward and all-round nice guy Scott Sorensen the Club Person of the Year Award for his strong work ethic and leadership over the past five seasons.

“I’m speechless at the moment,” Sorensen said.

“It’s very humbling to receive this. I’m a bit lost for words, to be honest. It means a whole lot.”

Promising forward Luron Patea was named the Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year after 13 NRL appearances across two seasons.

Jenson Tuaoi was awarded the Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, while Luke Sommerton was NSW Cup Player of the Year and Harmony Covacich won the inaugural NSW

Women’s Premiership Player of the Year.

Former Panthers skipper Kevin Kingston presented Junior and Senior Education Awards to Jirah Liddiard and Matt Eisenhuth.

The Panthers also revealed their Finals hype video at the ceremony, centred around the ‘Never Before’ concept, a nod to Penrith’s quest for a fifth straight title and their mission to do it from outside of the top four, which hasn’t never been achieve in the NRL era.

celebrity tipsters

TIPPING WINNERS CROWNED

Two local accountants have been crowned joint winners of the Western Weekender’s 2025 Celebrity Tipping Competition.

Ross Fowler from Ross Fowler & Co. and Juliet De Silva from Synergy Accounting couldn’t be separated after the 27 rounds of NRL action – finishing on 263 points apiece.

The final round of the regular season was full of tension and excitement with Fowler, De Silva and Donna Hildon from Supremacy Funerals level on 251 points heading into last Thursday night’s blockbuster between Brisbane and Melbourne.

While Hildon ultimately finished in third (259 points) after dropping four games last weekend, Fowler and De Silva only missed two tips, with the match between the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans proving the most critical.

Had the Tigers held on to win, Fowler would have been crowned the sole winner of the competition, however the Titans fought back not only for outgoing coach Des Hasler and retiring halfback Kieran Foran but also for De Silva, who went against the odds and tipped them to victory.

“Great finish to the comp!” De Silva said.

the Tigers game – but like so many games this year, it went down to the wire!” Fowler, who has won the Weekend’s Celebrity Tipping Competition in the past, said to be a great tipster, you need to do your research and if in doubt, always pick Penrith.

“I thought Ross was home with

does it again.

“Always back the Panthers,” he said proudly.

“Also, wait until after 4pm when the teams are announced before choosing.

“Home and away considerations is very important too. Certain teams don’t travel well.”

As part of their prize, Fowler and De Silva won tickets to the 2025 NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 5.

TALAGI’S SEASON HAS A CHERRY ON TOP

When he was weighing up whether to leave Parramatta last year, Blaize Talagi had a list of pros and cons to help make up his decision.

While playing in the halves alongside four-time premiership winner

Nathan Cleary was certainly on there, one of the other items on his ‘pro’ Panthers list was playing Finals footy.

In his first season at the club, the 20-year-old’s dream of playing in the NRL Finals will finally be realised on Saturday over in Auckland, New Zealand.

After 19 games with the Eels during his rookie year, Talagi will play his 20th game with the seventh-placed Panthers in a blockbuster Elimination Final against the sixth-placed Warriors.

Speaking with Extra Time ahead of the biggest game of his young career, Talagi said he can’t wait to experience Finals footy for the first time.

“It’s been a pretty big year for me… it’s come along so quick,” he said.

“This will be my first Finals Series, I’m looking forward to it!

“Finals is the pinnacle of club footy, and this was something I was looking at when I wanted to make a switch,

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so to be in this position now, I’m just grateful and I’m looking forward to it.”

While he’s never played this deep into September before, Talagi is well aware that Finals footy is a different beast. Thankfully, he’s got more than a dozen teammates on Saturday that know what playing at this time of the year is like.

“I know Finals is a different game, but I have a lot of faith in this squad, and I think we can do something really special,” Talagi said.

“I’m a pretty cruisy guy, I don’t really get too nervous but it will definitely be different out there. The atmosphere over there in New Zealand is pretty good and I can’t imagine what it will be like for a Finals game.

“I think having those senior boys around, who have been there and done that, will help us young guys. Being able to look at them and see how they just prepare and carry themselves on the field gives me a lot of confidence to do my own thing.”

When the Panthers fly out to Auckland on Thursday, it will be the second time this season they have stepped foot on New Zealand soil.

Earlier this year, minus five State of Origin stars, the then ninth-placed Panthers sprung one of the upsets of the season – defeating the then thirdplaced Warriors 28-16.

Talagi said he remembers that victory against all

odds like it was yesterday as it was the third game of their incredible nine-game winning streak.

“I do remember that game well without our Origin boys,” he said.

“It was ‘next man up’ mentality and everybody did their job that night. It was a big win for us, and I think that helped save our season.”

Unlike the last time they met, the Panthers will go into this weekend’s game as heavy favourites against Andrew Webster’s men.

The depleted Warriors have lost games to the Sea Eagles and Eels in consecutive weeks – both teams who this week celebrated Mad Monday.

Talagi said he’s not surprised all the money is being put on his team, but he’s not letting Penrith’s favouritism cloud his judgement of just how tough the game across the Tasman will be.

“I guess that’s sort of what happens being at this club and the things that we’ve done this year, but I don’t think me or any of the boys will pay attention to that. We know what we’ve got to do,” he said.

“I think this week will be about looking – not necessarily at the opposition but – at ourselves and looking at the things that we need to work on.

“Last week against the Dragons was an overall good performance. There were a few periods where we let them back in, but we’ll learn from that and improve. I think it was a good game to have going into Finals.”

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player of the year

finals previews

TOSS A COIN: THRILLING BATTLES FOR

Storm v Bulldogs

AAMI Park

Friday, September 12, 7.50pm

The Finals kick-off with a real head-scratcher.

Despite sitting in the top four, neither Melbourne or Canterbury would be happy with their form heading into the Finals.

The Storm have lost two in a row, including that surprising thrashing at the hands of the Roosters a fortnight ago.

The Bulldogs meantime offered very little against the Sharks last Saturday and only stumbled their way to beating a reserve grade Penrith side a couple of weeks back.

Attack has been Canterbury’s problem all year and last week’s performance certainly sounded alarm bells. Lachlan Galvin may well emerge as the superstar Phil Gould has praised him to be, but there’s still so much more work to do on his game.

Both of these sides will likely look at their last battle against each other only a few weeks ago.

The Storm gritted out a victory, while the Bulldogs could have easily won and would look at that performance as the benchmark they need to reach on Friday night.

The big question is whether Melbourne can win the competition without Jahrome Hughes. Most sides who have lost their halfback would

Plus, with the creative Cameron Munster at five-eighth, there’s still plenty of upside to the Storm’s halves.

As much as I could see Melbourne turning it on and winning by a big margin, I think the most likely scenario is another tight win.

Tip: Storm by 6.

Sharks v Roosters

Shark Park

Saturday, September 13, 7.50pm

The Sharks only narrowly missed the top four yet it is the Roosters everyone is talking about.

And while nobody can deny the terrific form of Trent Robinson’s side at the back end of the season, I feel like Cronulla are flying perfectly under the radar and could give this competition a real shake.

Cronulla have been a consistent Finals team of late but always seem to limp out of the Finals, so nobody gives them a serious chance at winning the competition.

But they have a strong pack and can score points from anywhere. They were also boosted this week with Nicho Hynes cleared to play despite initially facing a suspension.

For Hynes, a real chance emerges for him to own a Finals series. There has been a feeling that he’s been unable to own big matches and big moments in his career so far.

But after a solid regular season he now has the opportunity to lead Cronulla deep into September.

The Roosters meanwhile just ooze class all over the field. James Tedesco has turned back the clock and is having one of his best seasons,

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OPENING WEEKEND OF FINALS FOOTY

while their pack is mobile and damaging.

Seriously, would anyone rule out the Roosters winning the whole thing from eighth? They are experienced campaigners, and Robinson knows his type of football better than anyone.

I honestly can’t split this one –but I’m going to back Tedesco to have a belter.

Tip: Roosters by 1

Raiders v Broncos

GIO Stadium

Sunday, September 14, 4.05pm

If GIO Stadium had a roof, it may not have existed after the Viking Clap this Sunday.

The atmosphere in the nation’s capital will be absolutely electric for this showdown, without doubt the game of the weekend.

Canberra has been the most consistent side all season, defying the critics to win the Minor Premiership on the back of a young side that is fitter than any other team in the comp.

Credit must go to Ricky Stuart for preparing this team so well before the season and throughout the year. Not only did the Raiders have to travel to Las Vegas but their schedule in the first place was tougher

than anyone in the NRL, and yet Stuart guided them through it without an issue.

But Stuart is not the only coach in this match who deserves applause.

Appointed at the end of last year in a shroud of controversy, Michael Maguire has guided Brisbane back to the top four and has them playing the right kind of football at the perfect time of year.

It feels like that while Maguire has brought his own style to Brisbane, he’s also adapted to the Broncos way of doing things and found the perfect balance. The result is a side that is singing into September.

The most obvious x-factor here is Reece Walsh.

He’s having a run of form that is nothing short of brilliant at the moment, and if that continues this weekend it could spell trouble for the Raiders on Sunday arvo.

As much as I think Brisbane on a dry track is dangerous, I think Canberra can get the job done here on the back of a huge crowd, a terrific atmosphere and the confidence gained from the year that has been.

Tip: Raiders by 4.

panther memories

Brad Izzard was one of the toughest players to ever pull on a Penrith jersey, but the end of his career was somewhat sad – and tinged with controversy.

He made his debut back in 1982, toiling away and eventually being rewarded with Premiership success in 1991. He even scored a try in the season decider against Canberra.

A four-time New South Wales representative, a neck injury caused Izzard significant grief in the 1992 season. In the end, doctors discovered it was a degenerative condition, and he was forced to have surgery.

Doctors raised concerns to Penrith management that Izzard should not play on – that he risked paralysis if even the simplest of tackles went wrong.

Panthers boss Don Feltis made the tough call to bring the curtain down on Izzard’s career.

Izzard was angry, and the pair famously didn’t speak for several years.

Izzard unknowingly played his last game for Penrith on Saturday, July 11, 1992 in Darwin of all places. He scored a try in Penrith’s 24-20 win over South Sydney.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SINGLES

Hakki Kazan Division 1

Hamish Nielson Division 2

Zain Merchant Division 3

Robert Mason Division 4

Arush Patravali Division 5

Joseph Mangaser Division 6

THURSDAY NIGHT DOUBLES

Courtney Cook Division 1

Justin Towell Division 2

Malakhai Tumia Division 3

THAT SEPTEMBER FEELING...

The journey to the 2025 NRL Finals has been a tumultuous one for the four-peat defending Premiers. At one stage during the year, it looked like their season was over when they found themselves in last place after 12 rounds.

How they even finished in seventh position at the end of 27 rounds is testimony to the team’s resilience, their inner belief and strong culture and work ethic.

All the values that the Panthers have built their incredible success on over the last six years.

In fact, Penrith’s form over the second half of the season has been nothing short of sensational.

The Panthers finished their last 13 games with 10 wins and three losses. This included two golden point losses and a loss when they rested 16 players from their first grade team.

It’s the type of momentum which gives Penrith more than just a good chance of making it through to the big dance once again.

For the preview of this week’s Elimination Final between the Warriors and Panthers

check out Troy Dodds’ match preview on page 31.

For my preview of the remaining Finals games, keep reading.

Qualifying Final – AAMI Park –Friday, September 12

Kick-off 7.50pm Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

A month ago, this would have been the match of the round, however over the last few weeks both sides have fallen off their perch due to injuries and have lost form at the wrong end of the season.

The Storm will have to win without their Dally M halfback Jahrome Hughes and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, while the Dogs have been in all-sorts since changing their half and hooker eight weeks ago and mucking up what was until then, a winning formula.

I’m going to give the win to the Storm simply because they’re playing at home and they get their best player Harry Grant back. I’m expecting him to be the difference.

Tip: Melbourne Storm

Elimination Final – Sharks Stadium – Saturday, September 13

Kick-off 7.50pm

Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters

This one should be one hell of an arm wrestle. Both teams are in good form with the Roosters being the more flamboyant with the ball. The Sharks received a massive boost when their star halfback Nicho Hynes was spared a trip to the judiciary, while the Chooks are also expected to be at full strength. I’m going with the Roosters in this one. They just have a bit more to offer in attack but I’m not expecting either side to blow the other one out of the water.

Tip: Sydney Roosters

Qualifying Final – GIO Stadium – Sunday, September 14

Kick-off 4.05pm Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos

What an absolute ‘bobby dazzler’ this game should be. While both teams can defend, I’m expecting anything but a low scoring, grinding affair.

What I am expecting is plenty of speed and attacking flair right across the paddock. With both sides boosting fullback weapons like Reece Walsh and Kaeo Weekes, there are going to be plenty of breaks made from the back. The team which can capitalise on these breaks, will decide the winner. For me it’s the Green Machine all the way!

Tip: Canberra Raiders

A CELEBRATION NOT TO BE MISSED!

As Australia enters Spring, countries in East and Southeast Asia enter Autumn, which brings with it the Moon Festival – a celebration giving thanks for the harvest and honouring friends and family.

In commemoration, the annual Cabramatta Moon Festival is scheduled for September 28 to showcase breathtaking lion dance displays, captivating live cultural and musical performances, mouth-watering cuisine, and vibrant family-friendly activities.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the event has brought tens of thousands of people together.

“The Cabramatta Moon Festival reflects our city’s heart; inclusive, creative, and communi-

ty driven. Council, sponsors, volunteers, and the business community have supported this event over the last 25 years, and I look forward to seeing it grow even brighter in the years to come,” he said.

One of many festival highlights is the lantern parade led by the moon goddess Chang’e and the archer Hou Yi.

According to Chinese legend, there was once ten suns scorching the Earth until a heroic archer named Hou Yi shot down nine of them to save humanity. He was rewarded with an elixir of immortality.

When that elixir was endangered, Hou Yi’s wife Chang’e consumed it and ascended to the moon, becoming the immortal moon goddess forever separated from her beloved husband.

Hou Yi continued to honour Chang’e by leaving fruits, cakes and other offerings on a table outside for her. This evolved into the

tradition of offering mooncakes during the mid-Autumn festival.

“Our state is home to people from more than 300 different ancestries, and festivals are a wonderful way of fostering greater understanding and bringing us all together,” said Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper.

“It’s exciting to see grassroots events like food festivals, performances and other cultural celebrations grow into national attractions. This creates a real groundswell in community harmony.”

Another festival highlight will be the National Lion Dance Competition going from September 27 to 28 in Cabramatta Town Square.

“We’re making history with the Australian-first National Lion Dance Competition, bringing elite teams from across the country to the heart of Cabramatta to battle it out for glory,” Mayor Carbone said.

This headline attraction will see 19 teams from across Australia showcase a captivating display of agility, strength, and choreographic precision in pursuit of a national title.

“Lion dance is more than performance, it’s history in motion offering performers a chance at showcasing a centuries-old tradition brought to life with modern intensity,” Mayor Carbone explained.

“We’re proud to be the home where that legacy takes centre stage, and welcome spectators from far and wide to come along and witness these dynamic groups put their incredible skills to the test.”

Festivities kick off at 11am with food and market stalls, rides, free kids’ activities, and live entertainment.

Find out more about the festival online at www.discoverfairfield.com.au/cabramoonfestival.

12 - 14 SEPTEMBER

Tench Reserve, Nepean River

THINGS TO DO

School of Rock comes to The Joan

Penrith Musical Comedy Company presents ‘School of Rock:

The Musical’ from September 12 to 20 at The Joan. The high-energy show follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn as he poses as a substitute teacher and turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band. Packed with original songs and all the heart, humor, and rebellious spirit of the movie.

BARGAIN BUYS

Op Shop at Kingswood

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

BUSINESS

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce

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

Penrith CBD Corporation

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

CLASSES AND FUN

Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong

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

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Nepean Riverlands Probus Club

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

Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club

Meets on the fourth Monday of the

Community fundraising event Relay for Life is on this weekend, raising vital money for Cancer Council’s research, prevention, and support services. It’s a chance for the community to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience, carers, and to remember loved ones lost. The event will be at Harold Corr Oval on September 13 at 9am. Relay for Life returns this weekend

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

Probus Club of Nepean

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

Ropes Crossing Probus Club

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

St Clair Probus Club

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

Penrith Lions Club

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

Penrith Hospital Auxiliary

Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Call Trish on 0421 414 012.

Red Cross Penrith

Meetings held the second Thursday

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

Penrith NASHOS

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

Nepean Evening VIEW Club

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.

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.

At the movies...

REVIEW

The Conjuring: Last Rites

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ is the final epic battle to close out the ‘Conjuring’ universe. Being a long time fan of this franchise, I was eager to witness the case that allegedly made Ed and Lorraine Warren hang up their crucifixes for good.

The story has two plots, one centred around the relationship between Lorraine Warren and her daughter Judy, and the other detailing the paranormal activity taking place at the Smurl family residence. These two storylines collide when an object from Ed and Lorraine’s past pulls them into a battle against the devil once more.

The story itself is engaging to watch, however I would’ve liked more focus on the Smurl family haunting rather than Lorraine and Judy. Their story is meaningful and adds an emotional element to the film, which I appreciate, however I was there to be scared – and I was.

Just going into the cinema knowing I’m about to watch a ‘Conjuring’ film sends a chill down my spine. This was the first ‘Conjuring’ film I had seen in a cinema, and the experience did not disappoint. Though the jump scares were predictable, that doesn’t mean they weren’t scary.

This franchise does a great job of building tension and scaring you

even when it’s expected. The visual effects were well done and assisted in creating the overall feeling of fear and confusion the characters experienced in the film. Some aspects of the film however seemed needless and at points silly, and left me wondering why I needed to see a porcelain doll contort and transform into a giant

version of itself. All in all the film was entertaining and had me engaged the entire way through.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga put on a stunning performance once again as Ed and Lorraine Warren, their chemistry palpable.

I feel they’ve truly brought the stories of the Warrens to life and have inspired a generation of

people to learn about their cases, real or otherwise.

When it comes to movies dealing with the occult, you have to take them with a grain of salt. There is controversy surrounding the Warrens, but if you suspend your belief, it doesn’t take away from the experience of the film.

– Madeline Dantier

www.hoyts.com.au

WAYNE’S W RLD

with Wayne Tunks

WAYNE TUNKS CAN BE HEARD WEEKDAYS,

Wayne’s World this week is dedicated to my Mum, Lorraine. This Saturday is her 80th birthday and I want to start the celebrations early. She is an incredible woman, and a brilliant mother, and has been through more than anyone deserves over the past few years. From breast cancer to a leg ulcer that won’t heal, her health has not been good, and this past year we have attended way too many funerals. So I wanted to celebrate this woman who I love with all my heart.

This is an 80s music column, so I’m going to celebrate her by chatting about the 80s tunes she loves. I have a Spotify playlist I made for her that we sometimes put on in the car. I always find it quite funny how parents end up hearing the music their children like so often, that they end up becoming fans. I played music so often

growing up that it couldn’t help to infiltrate the minds of my parents and make them fans.

One such song is ‘Teardrops’ by Womack and Womack. My Mum is a huge fan of this 1989 dance floor

filler. She would never have heard this song if I didn’t always have music shows on during the weekend. She loves it so much that when I recently asked her to request a song for my brekky show, she picked this one. When I hear it, I think of her, and that is a good thing.

She’s also a big fan of Diana Ross’ number one smash, ‘Chain Reaction’. From the same era, she loves the Pet Shop Boys cover of ‘Always On My Mind’; and she’s a big fan of The Bangles, ‘Manic Monday’ being her favourite. Then of course, there are the Mum favourites, ‘Save Your Love’ by Renee and Renato and ‘Could I Have This Dance’ from Anne Murray, songs that I have great affection for because they remind me of her.

Happy 80th birthday Mum, may the day be filled with love, laughter and good music. Love, Wayne. xxx

COUNTRY CORNER

Wyatt’s emotional new track

Singer, songwriter, and musician Waylon Wyatt has released his heartfelt single ‘Wishbone’, via Music Soup/Darkroom Records. With the new track, Wyatt embarks on an exciting chapter of new music, and an upcoming expansive 35+ date headline tour across the United States.

Nearly all the dates have sold out, including Waylon’s hometown shows in Fayetteville, AR – and he’s recently announced a line-up of openers for the tour, including Dom Ellis, gabrielle hope, Elizabeth Nichols, Angel White, Colton Bowlin, and Jack Van Cleaf.

‘Wishbone’ is a sentimental guitar waltz, chronicling despair and dissipation of optimism after a heartbreak.

Download now on all the usual services.

Kingswood is back Multi-Platinum and Gold ARIA-certified, ARIA-nominated, and 4x Golden Guitar-nominated powerhouse Kingswood are back with their latest single, ‘Lovin’ A Girl’ – a heartfelt, guitar-driven ode to classic Country Rock. With over 90 million global streams and a career spanning more than a decade, Kingswood have solidified their status as one of Australia’s most enduring and genre-defying bands. Known for seamlessly straddling the line between rock and country, the band’s new release plants its boots firmly in the dust of Americana, echoing the musical spirits of Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

‘Lovin’ A Girl’ taps into the golden era of American songwriting – equal parts nostalgic and emotionally nuanced. With ringing guitars, warm harmonies, and a story steeped in the tension between desire and guardedness, the track explores the delicate dance of love and self-preservation.

Get it now on all the usual services.

TV Guide: September 12 – 18

Your guide to the week’s television viewing

3:00 Intolerant Cooks

3:30 Grand Crew (PG) 4:05 Movie: “Ron’s Gone Wrong” (PG) (’21) Stars: Jack Dylan Grazer 6:15 Movie: “The Bad Guys” (PG) (’22) Stars: Sam Rockwell 8:30 Movie: “A Man Called Otto” (M) (’22) Stars: Tom Hanks

September

Saturday 13

2:30 Better Homes And Gardens 4:00 The Yorkshire Vet (PG)

5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Flemington/ Rosehill *Live* 5:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue

6:00 Dog Patrol (PG) 6:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country

3:25

12:30 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 1:00 AFLW: Round 5: Collingwood v Sydney *Live* 3:00 Rides Down Under 4:00 Counting Cars (PG) 4:30 AFLW: Round 5: GWS v Western Bulldogs *Live* 6:30 AFL: Pre-Game 7:00 Storage Wars (PG)

ABC National News

4:35 Waabiny Time 5:00 Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward (PG) 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:30 Dreaming Big 8:00 Movie: “Satellite Boy” (PG) (’12) Stars: David Gulpilil

The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Jamie’s American Road Trip 8:30 A Lake

Farmshop 9:30 Gourmet Farmer 10:00

Nguyen’s

9:00 The Living Room (PG) 10:00 JAG (PG) 12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:45 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:30 FBI International (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 3:30 Ghosts (PG) 4:00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Friends (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (M l,v) (’14) Stars: Kenneth Branagh

3:30 NITV News

3:35 BBC News At Ten 4:05 France 24 International News 4:35 PBS News Hour 5:35 If You Are The One (PG) (In Mandarin) 6:40 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)

2:30 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 Seinfeld (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The Legend Of

*Live* 10:30

12:25 My France With Manu (PG) 1:30 Conjoined Twins (PG) 2:40 Starstruck (PG) 3:55 America’s Got Talent (PG) 5:35 Movie: “Babe” (G) (’95) Stars: James Cromwell 7:30 Movie: “Angels & Demons” (M v) (’09) Stars: Tom Hanks

4:05 The Lake Winnipeg Project (PG) 4:30 Movie: “Off Country” (PG) (’21) Stars: Zoe Walters 5:00 Hunting Aotearoa (PG) 6:00 Amplify (PG) 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Big Backyard Quiz (M)

3:30 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 4:15 Richard Osman’s House Of Games 4:45 MythBusters (PG) 5:30 George Clarke’s Old House New Home (PG) 6:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 7:05 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:35 QI (PG) 5:30 Marcus In The Med: Mallorca 6:00 Lorraine Pascale: Baking Made Easy 6:30 Rick Stein’s India 7:40 Cheese: Searching For A Taste Of Place 8:40 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:40 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:30 David Attenborough’s Galapagos 3:25 Grand Designs NZ (PG) 4:10 Martin Clunes - Islands Of The Pacific (PG) 5:15 Antiques Roadshow 6:10 Britain’s Great Cathedrals 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Austin (PG) 8:00 The Family Next Door (M) 8:50 I, Jack Wright 6:00 NBC Today 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 Behind Behani (PG) 1:00 My Kitchen Rules (PG) 2:30 The Voice (PG) 4:30 Border Security - International (PG) 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Voice (PG) 9:00 7News Spotlight (PG) 10:00 24 Hours In Police Custody (M l) 11:00 Crime Investigation Australia - Most Infamous (MA15+) 12:15 Repco Supercars

Away (PG) 3:30 The Voice (PG) 5:30 Gold Coast Ocean Rescue (PG) 6:30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 10:30 Bones (M)

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

2:55 Worldwatch 5:00 The Story Of (PG) 5:30 Mastermind (PG) 6:30 Athletics: World Championships: Day 1 *Live* 11:30 Cycling: La Vuelta: Stage 20 *Live* 1:50 We Are Sexual Beings: Curious Australia (M l,s)

11:30 Deal Or No Deal

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

12:00 Seinfeld (PG) 1:00 Tennis: Davis Cup: Australia v Belgium *Live* 7:00 Movie: “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (PG) (’12) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 9:00 Movie: “Cowboys & Aliens” (PG) (’11) Stars: Olivia Wilde

2:30 Building Alaska (PG) 3:30 New Neighbourhoods 4:00 House Hunters International 4:30 The Garden Gurus 5:00 House Hunters USA 5:30 Our Farm Next Door 6:30 My Lottery Dream Home 7:30 Escape To The Chateau

1:15 Explore 1:30 Rugby Union: Wallabies v Argentina *Live* 4:00 Rugby Union: Post-Match 4:30 Movie: “The Bridge At Remagen” (PG) (’69) Stars: George Segal 7:00 Athletics: World Championships Tokyo: Day 1 *Live*

3:50 Movie: “Yothu Yindi Tribute Concert” (PG) (’13) Stars: Gumatj Dancers 5:00 Movie: “Nat King Cole: Afraid Of The Dark” (PG) (’14) Stars: Nat ‘King’ Cole 6:40 NITV News Update 6:50 Waterworld Africa (PG) 7:40 Aerial Australia (PG)

9:30 What’s Up Down Under (PG) 10:00 Pat Callinan’s 4x4 Adventure (PG) 11:00 Navigating The World 12:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Pooches At Play 4:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 5:00 I Fish 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v)

6:00 Deal Or No Deal 8:00 Frasier (PG) 10:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 11:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:00 Ridiculousness (PG) 3:00 Frasier (PG) 4:00 Friends (PG)

Marion Grasby’s Flavours: Heart And Home 8:00 Malaysia Gourmet With Justine Schofield 8:30 Rick Stein’s Long Weekends 9:35 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover 1:50 Motorsport: World Superbike Championship: Round 9 *Replay* 2:50 Jeopardy! 4:50 Worldwatch 5:50 Alone Sweden (PG) (In Swedish) 6:40 Athletics: World Championships: Day 2 *Live* 11:30 Abandoned Engineering (PG) 9:50 Movie: “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (PG) (’12) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 11:50 World Endurance Championship Highlights 1:00 Tennis: Davis Cup: Australia v Belgium *Live* 8:00 Movie: “Honest Thief” (M) (’20) Stars: Liam Neeson

8:50 Athletics: World Championships Tokyo: Day 2 *Live* 1:05 Getaway (PG) 1:35 Dad’s Army 2:15 Edgar Wallace Mysteries (PG) 3:30 Movie: “Alexander The Great” (G) (’56) Stars: Richard Burton 6:30 M*A*S*H (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

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The Young And

Restless (PG) 1:30

(M v) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30

(PG) 5:30

(PG) 7:30

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

5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Peter Rabbit 6:00 Octonauts

On Me” (M l,v) (’89) Stars: Morgan Freeman 1:30 FBI International: (PG) 2:30 JAG (PG) 4:30 The Living Room (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 FBI International (PG) 11:15 CSI: Vegas (M v) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)

1:00

(PG)

(PG) 2:55 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG) 3:25 Grand Designs (PG) 4:15 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Antiques Roadshow 6:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30

9:30 Windy

News Update 7:00 Athletics: World Championships: Day 5 *Live* 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Freddy And The Eighth 5:30

Noon News 1:00 Movie: “Killer Stepmom” (AKA ‘A Stepmother’s Secret’) (M) (’19) Stars: Julia Terranova 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Home And Away (PG) 8:30 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK (PG) 9:30 Why Bridges Collapse (PG) 12:00 NRL: National Schools Grand Finals: Central Coast Sports College v Marsden State High School *Live* 3:30 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Athletics: World Championships Tokyo: Day 6 *Live* 11:30 Chicago Med (MA15+) 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo (PG) 3:30 10 News: Afternoon 4:00 Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News 6:00 10 News Plus 7:00 Deal Or No Deal (PG) 7:30

8:30

6:30

Nathan Taylor

TV NEWS

Ê An old favourite is returning to our screens on Tuesday night that’s sure to evoke plenty of memories. I was lucky enough to see the first two episodes of 10’s new look ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen’ and I absolutely loved it! For a long time 10 has been the home of comedy in Australia, and this would be up there with the funniest shows of the year! Comedian and actress Anne Edmonds replaces Shaun Micallef as host, and I must say she’s probably the best thing I’ve seen on Aussie TV all year! Knowing very little about her up until now, Anne very well could be Australia’s new funniest woman after watching this – where has she been hiding all this time?

Anne is joined on the show by Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z team captains Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Anisa Nandaula. Each week, they’ll be joined by guest panellists who’ll help them represent their generation in the fierce competition of pop culture questions, viral-worthy challenges and nostalgic throwbacks that will hilariously test their general knowledge. One particular challenge in the first episode called ‘Ya Mum’ had me and my wife in stiches. In-fact all the challenges we saw were terrific and easy to play along with at home. If I had one criticism though, it would be Gen Y captain Tommy Little. I’ve never found him very funny in the past and nothing changed my mind watching this. He makes a few cringe remarks in the episodes

that I saw, which even had the others on set looking quite shocked. When the legendary Hughesy isn’t laughing at your jokes, that should tell you something, Tommy! But overall, what a return for ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen’! I’m glad it’s back and we definitely need more fun shows like this on Australian television. Entertaining for all generations, ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen’ premieres this Tuesday, September 16 at 7.30pm on 10.

Ê Romantic adventure drama series ‘Robin Hood’, starring Aussie actor Jack Patten in the title role, premieres on Sunday, November 2 on Stan. The 10-part series also stars Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Lauren McQueen as Marian, Lydia Peckham as Priscilla of Nottingham, Steven Waddington as the Earl of Huntingdon, and Connie Nielsen as Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Stan’s ‘Robin Hood’ brings a modern energy to the classic tale of the roguish outlaw hero who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, and the epic love story between him and a courageous and daring Marian.

Ê New Disney+ series ‘Chad Powers’, starring A-lister Glen Powell, will premiere on Tuesday, September 30. Eight years after an unforgivable mistake nukes his promising college football career, hotshot quarterback Russ Holliday (Powell) tries to resurrect his dreams by disguising himself as Chad Powers – a talented oddball who walks on to the struggling South Georgia Catfish.

Ê Chrissie Swan will host the new ‘Healthy, Wealthy & Wise’ when it premieres on Seven later this month. Chrissie will be joined by a team of expert presenters spanning food, home, money, health and travel. It will feature both studio-based segments and stories filmed on location around Australia.

Ê Even though we haven’t seen the first season yet, ‘The Golden Bachelor’ hosted by Sam Armytage is looking for singles for season two. If you’re in your 50s and 60s and looking for love, apply now at www. goldenbachelorcasting.com.au. ‘The Golden Bachelor’ premieres on Nine later this year.

$1.2 BILLION WORTH OF HOUSING FOR MULGOA

Mirvac has announced its latest residential masterplanned community, Everdene, Mulgoa – a landmark development set to deliver approximately 1,200 homes, along with expansive parks and active open spaces, in the rapidly growing Nepean region.

Valued at $1.2 billion, the community will provide muchneeded housing to support the expanding population of western Sydney.

Strategically located only minutes from the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport and the Aerotropolis precinct, Everdene, Mulgoa is primed for success and will offer almost 4,000 residents unparalleled access to tens of thousands of new employment opportunities and economic growth in the area.

Stuart Penklis, Mirvac’s CEO of Development, Residential and Commercial Mixed-Use, said Everdene, Mulgoa is set to become the residential heart of western Sydney, offering a rare opportunity to live in a community that brings together a broad range if lot sizes, quality homes, expansive green spaces, and a lifestyle designed for the future.

“We’re proud to introduce Everdene, Mulgoa – a community that will truly define modern living in western Sydney. Set in one of the most exciting growth corridors in the country, the community combines the comfort and connection families are looking for with the natural beauty and everyday convenience they value,” Penklis said.

“With the Western Sydney International Airport set to open in 2026 and key parts of the Aerotropolis on track for completion

by 2027, residents will be at the heart of a once-in-a-generation transformation. This is more than a new address – it’s a gateway to opportunity, lifestyle, and long-term value.”

“IT’S A GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITY, LIFESTYLE AND LONG-TERM VALUE”

With family at its heart, Everdene, Mulgoa will feature a junior cricket oval and AFL field, two full-sized football (soccer) pitches, tennis and basketball courts, a children’s playground, and walking paths that connect to native bushland corridors. Mirvac’s General Manager for Residential Development in

NSW, Warwick Bible, said that at the heart of Everdene, Mulgoa will be a proposed community centre and café, designed to serve as a vibrant gathering place for locals and families.

“Overlooking the proposed nature play zone and water playground, this space will be for families to come together, connect, and engage with the wider community. It’s more than just a facility – it will offer residents a welcoming environment to relax, socialise, and enjoy everything this incredible neighbourhood will offer,” Bible said. The first release of land lots is scheduled for mid-September 2025. Lot sizes will range from 300sqm to 700sqm, with larger rural lots starting from 2,000sqm. Many lots will offer a ‘bring your own builder’ option to encourage flexibility and home customisation.

SPACIOUS, OPEN PLAN LIVING. DON’T MISS IT!

What’s so great about this property?

A modern two-storey home with open-plan living, stylish kitchen, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Quality finishes, ducted air, and a private alfresco make it move-in ready.

Who does this property suit?

Perfect for families, first-home

buyers, or investors seeking space, modern style, and convenience near schools and shops.

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

Londonderry offers semi-rural charm with suburban convenience, good schools, parks, and easy access to Penrith and Richmond.

has a real Real Estate, her enthusiasm and drive is reason she

Jocelyn Marrian hasareal passion for RealEstate, her enthusiasm and drive is the reasonshe has joined @realty

How Jocelyn helped Home Owners get their Best Results!

Good knowledge

Jocelyn provided an excellent and professional service in theselling of the house. Jocelyn was very knowledgeable, and her communicationwas excellent. Jocelyn made the process of selling the house seamless.I would highly recommend her service.

the selling house her communication was excellent seamless I service

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and worked in the network of friends industry that all property, Jocelyn is passionate she is committed to delivering what she her clients the best

Jocelyn has lived andworkedin the Penrith area for over 30yrs with an extensive networkof clients and friends. In an industrythat is all about property,Jocelynispassionate about people, sheiscommitted to deliveringwhatshe promises and getting herclients thebest results!

What SetsUsApart?

Sets Us Apart?

@realty i sa modern and forward thinking rea le stat ea genc yt hat is growing every day, b ringin gaf resh upgrad et oa n industry t hat ha s been largely unchanged for severa ld ecades. The bricks an dm ortar model of agencies requiring as hopfront is g one.

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t e c h s a v v y . A r m e d w i t h t h e l a t e s t t e c h n o l o g i e s e v e r y @ r e a l t y a s s o c i a t e h a s c c e s s t o a c o u d - b a s e d a d m i n i s t r a t i v e s o f t w a r p a c k a g e p r o v i d i n g c o m p l e t e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t y o u r p r o p e r t y a n d

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t h e a b i l i t y t o u p d a t e y o u r p r o p e r t y ’ s d e t a i l s o n l i n e a n y w h e r e , a n y t i m e

T h e o n c e p t o f @ r e a l t y r e v o l v e s a r o u n d t h e i n d i v i d u a l r e a l e s t a t p r o f e s s i o n a l T h i s m e a n s @ r e a l t y a s s o c i a t e s a r e n o t u r d e n e d b y t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s t h a t a r e c o m m o n i n o s t r e a l e s t a t e o f f i c e s , o r i s t r a c t i o n s t h a t c a n c o m e w i t h a b u s y f f i c e I n s t e a d H e a d o f f i c e

The c oncep to f@ realty revolves around the individual real estat e professional. Thi sm eans @realt ya ssociates are not b urdened by the requirement st ha ta re common in m ost real estate offices, or d istractions t hat ca nc ome with ab usy o ffice. Instea dH ea do ffice o ffer sal arge t eam focused on ou ra g ent ss upport with Admin, M arketing, IT, legal ,f inanc e a llowing th eA gent st ow ork in th eb est interest of Y OU, th ec lient. Contact J ocely nM arrian on: 040 516 4446 https://www.ratemyagent.com.au/real-estate-agent/jocelyn-marrian

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JocelynMarrian is atrue gem andI highly recommend hertopeople lookingto buy or sell

Jocelyn made the whole experienceapleasure she had great communication and her understanding of themarket and what we could do toothe property to bring it from thepastto the present and more appealing to potential buyers.Her level of care and professionalism took us from being nervous to excited even taking time out off hoursto answer calls andquestions thatI had.The staging of houseand furniture choicemade it feel warm and inviting With theadvertisement and photos in the lead up to theopen house wastruely amazing On the day of The open home there wasagreat turnout and Jocelyn gotusagreat result on the firstday the house wason the market. I will recommend Jocelyn Marrianto anyone lookingtobuy or sell.

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Jocelyn Marrian a true and I her to people looking to experience a pleasure the market we too the the past to buyers Her professionalism hours to and questions that I had The house and choice made the advertisement the open was truely amazing The was a great got us a great on first day was on market recommend Marrian to looking to buy sell by

Exceeds Expectations

We chose to useJocelyn to sell our property after having previouslybought our property through her and having been impressed by her communication, skills and expertise. Jocelyn has gone above and beyond to help us through thesaleprocess. Her communication is frequent and thorough and ensures we know what is happening every step of the way. She ensured our propertywas in its best position to sell andsold aboveour asking price on the first open house.Jocelyn has been exceptionally supportive throughout the sale periodwith both ourselves and the purchasers and has gone beyond her role to ensure that everyone hadwhatthey needed and knew each step of the process and whatto expect. Would 100% recommend using Jocelyn

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use Jocelyn property after previously bought her expertise Jocelyn gone beyond to us the sale process and ensures every of way ensured our property was in to and sold above our price house Jocelyn sale period with has her had what they each process what to expect 100% by and efficient

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Ourproperty sold after the first openhome.Jocelyn even got the price aboveour expected sale price. She worked hardtoget the deal done even with the issues regarding our areas reputation of land issues.Our land /property is not effected but still caused afew massive hurdles. Jocelyn made everything easy and accommodatedus with ourbusy work/life schedule. Alot wasdone behind the scenes and Ican’t thank her enough for allthe effort she has putin. If your looking for someone to sell your property with efficiently and no fussI highly recommend Jocelyn

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EGGS ARE BACK ON THE MENU CUT AND PASTE EVOLUTION!

If you’ve been told to avoid eggs because of high cholesterol, you’re not alone. For decades, eggs were considered off-limits for heart health. The advice was simple: steer clear, and you’d protect your cholesterol levels. But recent research is challenging that long-standing belief.

A 2024 study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting found that people consuming up to 12 eggs a week did not experience higher cholesterol compared to those who ate fewer than two. Even more surprisingly, this held true for individuals with diabetes and high cholesterol – groups typically advised to limit dietary cholesterol. The study suggests that eggs, in moderation, are far less harmful to blood cholesterol than once thought.

As a dietitian, I meet many clients who feel confused – or even guilty – about enjoying eggs for

breakfast. Here’s the truth: the cholesterol in food has far less impact on blood cholesterol than previously believed. Instead, the main dietary culprits affecting heart health are saturated fats, trans fats, and overall eating patterns. Eggs are also nutritionally valuable. They provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins such as B12 and D, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. Beyond nutrients, eggs are affordable, versatile, and highly satisfying, making them an excellent choice for many people. The key is to consider the whole plate,

LAUREN DAVIDSON

OnePointHealth 4732 5188

not just one food. If you’re managing high cholesterol, eggs can absolutely be included in a heart-healthy diet. Pair them with fibre-rich foods such as wholegrain toast, sautéed spinach, or avocado. Cooking methods matter too – poached or boiled eggs are better options, and swapping butter for olive oil can help reduce saturated fat intake.

The bottom line? Eggs can safely be on the menu – even if your cholesterol is high. With balance, variety, and a focus on whole foods, they can be part of a nourishing, heart-smart lifestyle that supports both enjoyment and longterm health.

My daughter was frustrated that Windows only stores one clipboard item and asked if tools were allowing multiple entries. For decades, Cut, Copy, and Paste have been crucial for moving text. Yet, Windows’ clipboard had an evident weakness: it only held one item at a time.

Windows 11 introduced Clipboard History, letting users save up to 25 items and sync across devices. However, it’s not enabled by default. When I discovered it, my workflow improved. Now, I keep 10 daily items ready to

paste. There are a couple of ways to activate it. The easiest way is to use a shortcut Key.

1. Press Windows + V.

2. If Clipboard History is off, you’ll see a prompt. (see picture)

3. Click Turn on.

It can also be enabled by going to

• Start  Settings  System  Clipboard  Clipboard History  On

One other thing I would suggest doing is syncing the Clipboard History across devices. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut for this.

• Start  Settings  System  Clipboard  Clipboard History across your devices  On

To activate the Clipboard History, you press Windows + V and click on the item you want to paste.

Windows 11’s Clipboard History allows users to:

• Store up to 25 items (text, HTML, small images).

• Pin frequently used snippets for persistence.

• Sync across devices using a Microsoft account.

The Experts

• Clear history or disable sync for privacy. While the Clipboard History tool doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that commercial tools offer, it will work just fine for most people. The tool additionally allows you to pin items in your clipboard history permanently. It also has tabs for Emojis, GIFs and Kaomojis (text-based emoticons). Select a tab, scroll through the sizable selection, and then select it to paste it into your document.

If you do need more features, search online. Some of these tools include ClipClip, Ditto, CopyQ, Clipboard Master and Clipdiary. I have used ClipClip before and found it easy and intuitive. Worth a go!

FINANCIAL IMPACT OF AGED CARE DECISIONS

Australians are living longer so it is becoming more prevalent for people to enter an aged care facility in their later years.

For anyone who has been through this process, you’ll know that the aged care system is complicated. Furthermore, decisions around aged care also impact on Centrelink means testing. I would recommend seeking advice before commencing.

The first step is the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) evaluation. This can be performed by any health care professional who is a member of the ACAT. This is to determine the eligibility for care.

Once you are determined eligible the next step is finding a home. There is a government website myagedcared.gov.au that provides a list of all aged care facilities, their costs and a brief description of their rooms and services. This should assist in finding an appropriate facility.

The financial aspects of the

aged care facility are where the complexity lies. Upon entering an aged care facility there is an upfront accommodation payment. This is referred to as the retirement bond. This payment is means tested, and in some cases only a contribution will be required, not the whole amount. This retirement bond is refundable. In the event that you are assessed to pay a bond, but are not able to do so, you will be required to pay an ongoing daily payment. This payment is not refundable.

The ongoing cost has three components. A basic daily fee, a means tested care fee and additional daily fee. The basic daily fee is the same for everyone and is currently $49.07 a day. The additional daily fee is for additional services and is to pay for benefits or small luxuries. Foxtel subscription would be an example of an additional service. Some facilities have a suite of included services for a set fee, others allow you to choose what

additional benefits you would like and charge accordingly.

The means tested care fee is based on a combination of an income and asset test. Unlike Centrelink, where the income and assets are tested separately with the lower result counting, the aged care means tests aggregates both the income and assets tests combining the assessment for each.

Further complicating the means test is the treatment of family home; the home is not

counted for means testing if an acceptable person is remaining in the home. Normally this is the spouse, but also includes carers and dependent children. The money used for the bond does not count for means testing.

A good financial planner will be able to assist in being as efficient as possible in arranging your finances to limit age care costs and maximise Centrelink entitlements. The key is to seek advice before commencing the aged care process.

EXPLAINER: COMMON EYE PROBLEMS IN DOGS

Just like people, dogs rely heavily on their vision to navigate the world. Healthy eyes are vital for their safety, confidence, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, a range of eye problems can develop in dogs –some minor and easily treated, others more serious and potentially leading to blindness. Recognising the signs early and seeking veterinary advice is key to protecting your dog’s vision. Here are some of the most common eye conditions seen in dogs:

Conjunctivitis – Conjunctivitis is one of the most frequent eye problems in dogs. Signs include redness, inflammation and discharge. It may be triggered by bacterial or viral infections, or environmental irritants such as smoke or pollen. Because it can be contagious, prompt veterinary treatment is important.

Cherry eye – Dogs have a third eyelid that helps protect and lubricate the eye. In some young dogs and certain breeds, this eyelid can prolapse, creating a red, swollen lump in the inner corner of the eye – commonly called ‘cherry eye’. Surgical correction is often required to prevent long-term problems.

Cataracts – As dogs age, the lens of the eye

may become cloudy, resulting in cataracts. Mild cataracts might cause only slight vision impairment, but severe cases can lead to blindness. In addition, cataracts can predispose dogs to painful conditions such as glaucoma. Surgery to replace the lens is the only long-term solution.

Glaucoma – Glaucoma is caused by poor drainage of fluid from the eye, leading to a dangerous build-up of pressure. This condition is extremely painful and can cause irreversible blindness if not treated quickly. Symptoms include a cloudy or bulging eye, dilated pupils and tearing. Treatment may involve medication or surgery.

Entropion – Entropion occurs when the eyelids roll inward, causing eyelashes or surrounding hairs to rub against the cornea. This leads to irritation, excessive tearing, and sometimes corneal damage. Certain breeds, especially short-nosed and large dogs, are more prone. Surgery is often needed for permanent correction.

Dry eye – Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye happens when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears. This results in irritation, thick discharge and sometimes

painful corneal ulcers. Treatment usually involves artificial tears and medicated drops.

Corneal ulcers – These are injuries to the outer surface of the eye, often caused by trauma or ongoing dry eye. Dogs with corneal ulcers may squint, paw at their eye, or produce watery discharge. Left untreated, ulcers can worsen and threaten vision.

Eye problems in dogs can progress quickly. If you notice redness, squinting, unusual discharge, or changes in your pet’s eyes, contact your vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment not only relieve discomfort but can prevent permanent vision loss.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s eyes, call our experienced veterinary team at Orchard Hils Veterinary Hospital on 4737 2027 for advice and treatment.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2025

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week Saturn puts stress on financial matters, so it’s not a good time to borrow funds, invest, go on a shopping spree or lend money to others. You’re liable to make financial decisions based on your emotions, which are fluctuating wildly. Especially on the weekend, when the Venus/Uranus square boosts your tempestuous side and you do something surprising involving marriage, family or friendships. Whatever happens, expect the unexpected!

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Are you stuck in a rut? Uranus shakes up your comfort zone … which could make you feel confused and uncomfortable! Try to view any upset constructively, as it forces you to view a current situation from a totally different perspective. And you may find a financial matter or a domestic project requires much more planning than you originally thought. That’s OK. Concentrate on enjoying the long and winding journey, rather than just focusing on the destination.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

The week leads up to the Sun/Saturn square on Sunday, so motivation will be low and impatience high. And the more you try to assert your authority and independence, the more stressful and frustrating things will be. Just remember – you can’t be the boss all of the time. Calm down and recalibrate Lions! If you are more consultative, then the week will run more smoothly. Tuesday is the best day to catch up with like-minded folk in your local community.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

With Mars hibernating in your seclusion zone, do you feel as if you’re going nowhere? The stars are testing your stamina and patience, so don’t give up. Friday’s Mercury/Pluto trine helps you tap into your bountiful reserves of inner strength as you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and set a new course (especially involving home and family). Your motto is from birthday great, Leonard Cohen, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

An unreliable friend or a questionable acquaintance could lead you astray, so keep your realism radar set on high and avoid getting caught up in dubious schemes (especially involving finances). Only accept the advice of people who you know well and can really trust. Venus visits your relationship zone from Friday until October 13. Attached Fish – find special ways to romance your sweetheart. Singles – look for love with a versatile Virgo or a caring Cancer.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

From Monday to Thursday, you could feel doubtful or disappointed as Saturn and Neptune dull motivation and confuse communication. Then your confidence starts to return, as Friday’s Mercury/Uranus and Mercury/ Pluto trines boost innovative thinking and creative ideas. Personal projects, holidays and friendships are also highlighted. Your motto comes from movie icon Lauren Bacall, “Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.”

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Friday looks lively, as the Mercury/ Uranus/Pluto links propel you into an exciting new world of possibilities. You’re pursuing a challenging personal project with extra creativity, passion and purpose, but a partnership or friendship requires more clarity. Avoiding complex issues won’t make them magically disappear, so it’s important to communicate your intentions clearly. Especially when it comes to a romantic relationship or a joint venture.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Most Archers are adventurous, free-wheeling folk. But life will be a bit more restrictive this week (especially at home and/or work) as disciplined Saturn opposes Mercury and the Sun. So smart Sagittarians will think before you speak, and plan before you act! Tuesday is the most social day of the week, as you visit a friend or catch up with your extended peer group. And then Friday favours innovative joint ventures and local community connections.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

Tuesday is the best day of the week, as the Venus/Mars link boosts romance, flirting, friendship and creativity. Then Wednesday through to Sunday looks tricky, as Saturn puts stress on a work relationship or Neptune confuses a personal partnership. Life will be easier if you communicate clearly and accept personal responsibilities with a smile. Your motto is from movie star (and birthday great) Sophia Loren, “Always be surrounded by people that you like.”

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

It’s going to be a confusing week so try to keep your Crab cool. Avoid spreading unsubstantiated gossip and blurting out things that you’ll later regret. Take the time to check the facts thoroughly. The more discreet and diplomatic you are, the better the week will be, but it’s definitely a delicate balancing act. If you are too obliging and say ‘yes’ to everyone and everything, then you’ll be overwhelmed and find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew!

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

The overall message is patience, as the Sun and Venus visit your solitude zone. Rest, relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation are just what the doctor ordered. If you look to the future with a positive attitude, then fabulous opportunities will manifest – eventually. With Mars and Mercury in your sign, you must stand up for what you believe in. Be inspired by actress Jada Pinkett Smith (who turns 54 on Thursday), “Don’t allow anyone to dictate who you are.”

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Tuesday’s Venus/Mars vibes favour researching a topic that has always fascinated you and socialising with work colleagues. On Wednesday and Thursday, Saturn (your ruling planet) opposes Mercury, and then on Saturday, Saturn opposes the Sun. So you’re in for a challenging time and extra responsibilities, especially involving family, education, travel and/or communication. Clever Capricorns will roll up your sleeves, put your head down, and get to work.

1.

26. Constructs (building) 29. Sturdier

32. Compass direction (1,1,1)

35. Word jumble

37. Demanded

38. Summoning up (feelings)

40. Chilean mountains

41. Valleys

42. Undo (trousers)

43. More protected

44. Shows terror

47. Collapsed (of economy)

51. Sometimes, once in ... (1,5)

52. Genuflects

53. Identifying

54. Dog breed

58. Fourth month

59. Soviet Union intelligence agency (1,1,1)

61. Sister’s daughter

63. Even

64. Stood on hind legs

65. Australian lizard

66. Sleazy grins

68. Goes out

71. Pluckier

72. Nocturnal insect

74. Underdone (steak)

76. Smashes into

78. Covet

80. Distinguished visitor (1,1,1)

83. White ... sheet (2,1)

uniquely.

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

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

Word Search

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

Theme: SNAKES

ANTIVENOM

BROAD HEAD

CAMOUFLAGE

COMMON

CONSTRICTOR

DANGEROUS

DISTINCTIVE

GRASSLANDS

LENGTH

MARKINGS

PREDATOR

RAINFORESTS

REPTILES

TERRITORY

TREES

VENOM

WOODLANDS

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about rugby league Finals in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. Who did Melbourne narrowly beat in a Preliminary Final to advance to the 1999 Grand Final?

2. Who kicked a memorable field goal to help Penrith

2015 Finals clash with the Cowboys, who would eventually go on to be Premiers?

4. Where were the week two Finals held in 2021?

5. Who did Penrith beat in a

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

Honesty and reliability are two traits hard to find in a business these days but you can expect all that and more from the team at Mobile One Auto Repairs.

Located at Forrester Road in St Marys, Mobile One Auto Repairs has been in business for an amazing 28 years, and has the reputation to go along with it.

“We’ve been here for a long time and have a very loyal customer base,” co-owner Debbie Bartolo said.

Mobile One Auto Repairs offers a range of high quality services including general mechanical repairs such as brakes, lubes, exhausts and tune-ups, plus registration checks and log book servicing without losing

your new car warranty. They offer a limited pick up and drop off service, are flexible with appointments and very competitive with their prices.

But perhaps the best aspect of Mobile One Auto Repairs is their incredible customer service ethic. No longer will you leave the mechanic not knowing what repair work your pride and joy has undertaken and why.

“If a part is no longer working we’ll show the customer what is wrong with it and they are even welcome to take the part home,” Debbie said.

“We try and educate customers because there’s nothing worse than not knowing what you’ve paid for.”

They are at 6/176 Forrester Road, St Marys.

MOTORING WITH GARY WORRALL

Eclectic electric grows KIA EV range: Time to power up!

Kia has come a long way in the last 30 years, from an automotive sideshow to a powerhouse manufacturer producing some of the fastest cars in the Australian market.

With global regulations pushing manufacturers down the electric vehicle path, KIA has responded with a full suite of models to meet the new rules.

The EV5 is a medium-large, high riding SUV in the mould of the traditional long roof station wagon beloved by generations of Australian drivers.

While there are rounded edges to ease air around the body it remains a blocky design, with a scalloped bonnet leading into the reclined windscreen, while the roofline gently angles down at the rear.

I am not a fan of ‘flat nose’ fronts, they seem to be the hallmark of EVs, airflow is still vital for cooling systems, can we please have a grille again?

a definite high-tech retro vibe going on.

The tech is everywhere, all lighting is LED, the 12.3” driver’s display, with camera feeds for lane changes, another 12.3” touchscreen for the infotainment unit, a 5” screen for the climate control system, along

with a thick-rimmed heated three spoke steering wheel, heads-up display, powered and heated front massage seats and heated outboard rear seats, to name just a few items. There is room aplenty, and the seats are comfortable, I loved the extendable leg support for tall driv-

ers, but I struggled with the driving position, despite the height and reach adjustable steering column. Even at full extension, I found the wheel too low and too close to the dash, forcing me to move the seat forwards and crowding my arms and legs.

The eight speaker Harman/ Kardon audio unit rocked hard, pumping My88 around the cabin, the wireless phone charger let me access the also wireless CarPlay effortlessly.

While the front seats look cool, not having a central storage bin was annoying, it meant wallet and house keys had to go in a tray under charger/cup holder unit, making them hard to reach when we did the coffee drive through run.

I loved the adjustable cabin lighting, yep, deep purple, love the band, love the colour!, with 64 to choose from, there is something for everyone.

The climate control worked well, KIA has a ‘driver only’ option for the fans, but it just meant the system worked harder, trying to cool the whole car through a single set of vents.

Pillar-mounted vents for rear seaters worked well, until the passenger reclines their seat and the back blocks the vents.

Luggage space is good, but a day with my two-year-old granddaughter and her pram filled the floor space, shopping had to fit in the gaps.

There is very little that will keep pace with a modern EV, and the GT Line is no different, despite weighing more than 2.3 tonnes, including 575kg of underfloor batteries, the EV5 will do 0-100km/h in under 7 seconds.

Add full regenerative braking, capturing energy as you slow down, and the 0-100-0 sprint can be done in an organ-displacing 12-13 seconds, brutal, but oh-so-effective. That is racetrack fast, in a car that retails for less than $80k, always make sure seatbelts are tight and treat the accelerator with respect. Despite the 20” rims, there is enough sidewall to soften the ride, the suspension is compliant, even with that 2.3 tonne mass, there was no jarring or jolting from overly stiff shocks and springs.

Our test car was the top-spec GT Line, with long range battery and twin-motor all-wheel-drive, using a single speed direct drive transmission.

Finished in an attractive pale blue ‘Frost Blue’ with Starry Black roof, a GT Line only colour combination, sitting on 20” rims and 255/45 tyres, although the rims reminded me of frisbees!

The interior is GT Line exclusive also, a two-tone black and white artifical leather, despite only being a two-seater, the fronts were reminiscent of a 1960s bench seat Valiant, although at the cost of a centre console.

Coupled with the steering columnmounted gear selector, the EV5 has

KIA engineers have mastered the electric power steering, while light it is not vague or sloppy, you can place the car exactly where you want, every time.

The seats are too flat to inspire a lot of fast cornering, even with the wellsorted ride and handling you are aware of the weight through tight corners, there is slight understeer, but without causing concern.

Thanks to constantly evolving battery technology, in standardised testing the EV5 has a 470km range, we didn’t match that, but did get over 400km from a charge.

The big challenge for EVs and PHEVs remains ‘other end’ charging, the ability to recharge at your destination, before the return trip. If you are doing short trips, or have charging access, it’s not an issue. Did I like the EV5? Yes, it was comfortable, quick enough to grab your attention, with lots of gadgets, which I love, even if a bit sterile. If you are looking for a solid fiveseat wagon with plenty of space and speed, then it is worth a look.

Australia Post puts stamp on Ford Sales slower but confidence high

As Ford Australia celebrates its 100th anniversary, Australia Post has come to the party with a set of four commemmorative stamps.

Each of the stamps celebrates an iconic car from Ford’s history, starting with the first ever car built in Australia, the Model T, through to the last V8 Falcon of 2016.

“As we celebrate Ford Australia’s Centenary, we’re excited to collaborate with

Australia Post to commemorate four notable models from the past 100 years,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

The Model T, built from 1925, was celebrated for making motoring accessible, firmly stamping its place in history.

The XP Falcon made headlines in 1965 as it completed a gruelling 112,000 km (70,000 mile), nine-day durability track test at Ford’s

You Yangs proving ground near Geelong, and was the first Australian car to win the Wheels ‘Car of the Year’ award.

The XA Falcon GT was the first fully Australian-designed and -built Falcon when launched in 1972, the GT was the poster child of 1970s Australian muscle car culture thanks to back-toback Bathurst wins.

Falcon’s swansong after over half a century on sale, the FG X XR8 was the final series of V8-powered Falcon to roll off the Broadmeadows assembly line between October 2014 and October 2016.

“We’re honoured that Ford has found a place in the lives of so many Australians through the decades, and this new collectable stamp range is a keepsake for all fans that bleed blue.

“As we look to the next 100 years, these four models are a reminder of our roots, and how Australian motoring continues to evolve,” Birkic said.

From

Maintaining

With both Toyota and Isuzu continuing to dominate their respective sales markets, casual observers could be forgiven for thinking nothing changed during August.

However, with a definite cooling of sales of both passenger vehicles and the commercial van and truck market, as well as significant movement within the topselling brands, the industry remains in a state of flux.

While the overall market increased over August 2024, the break-up by segment demonstrates the ongoing evolution of Australian vehicle buying habits.

For the first time, Chinese brands have established a solide position in the top 10 nationally, with GWM (7th), BYD (8th) and MG (10th) all showing big gains.

Sales of traditional passenger cars, particularly sedans and wagons, continued to fall as more buyers chose SUV models.

Comparing July and August sales for both classes with the same periods in 2024 shows passenger vehicles dropped to 13.5 per cent of the market in July (17.4 per cent 2024) and 13.1 per cent in August (15.4 per cent 2024).

At the same time SUV sales comprised 61.2% of the market in July (56.9 per cent 2024), although they fell slightly to 60.2 per cent in August (57.5 per cent 2024).

Powertrain choices are also changing, year-on-year, with 21,788 hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in August, compared to

20,258 in 2024.

While petrol-powered vehicles remained the top choice, with 39,991 units, this was down from 42,017 the previous year, diesel power grew to 31,611 sales in August, up from 29,271 in 2024.

These results can be skewed by the change in models offered by manufacturers, particularly in relation to more hybrids entering the market.

It is also unclear how sales of ‘mild’ hybrids, such as Toyota’s HiLux and Prado, are classed, with their reliance on diesel for most driving, compared to models like Hyundai’s Kona Hybrid, where electric drive is the dominant mode.

BOYES WEARS GREEN AND GOLD

Story continued from » p.72

“Given the circumstances, the race almost comes second. It’s almost a free hit for me to just go over and have a good experience,” Boyes said.

“All the big names will be there including the reigning 800m World Champion Marco Arop. I’d love to have him in my heat, to race against him.

“Obviously, he’d beat me, but it would still be awesome to be that close to these professionals.”

The 2025 World Athletics Championships will take place in Tokyo in Japan from September 13-21, and will be broadcast live on both SBS and the Nine Network.

Toby’s a real star

Sports Star of the Year Awards to be held this Friday night

NATHAN TAYLOR

Berkshire Park athlete Toby Camilleri won’t let anything get in his way from competing – not even a torn shoulder.

The 19-year-old javelin thrower tore his labrum back in March, which should have seen him miss the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth just a few weeks later.

But with plenty of courage and determination running through his veins, Camilleri was able to compete – securing a well-deserved silver medal in the Men’s U20s Javelin event.

“When I tore my labrum in my right shoulder, I was advised not to compete at Nationals but, if you know me, I didn’t like the sound of that,” Camilleri told the Weekender

“I worked with my physio and coach closely to prep my body as much as I could to compete.

“I ended up coming second at Nationals, winning my sixth medal there overall. My throw was alright considering how I was feeling, the distance wasn’t too bad. I was just happy I was able to compete.”

Following his surprise showing in Western Australia along with other results across the season, Camilleri was selected in the Australian U20s Team to compete at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, which is a tiny island nation off The Philippines.

Penrith on cusp of historic win

NATHAN TAYLOR

Following a hiccup in the opening weekend of the AFL Sydney Finals, the Penrith Rams have battled back to officially qualify for the Men’s Division 2 Grand Final.

After Manly Warringah smashed them by 43 points in the Qualifying Final a fortnight ago, the Rams will once again do battle with their old foes when the two sides meet again this Saturday afternoon at Blacktown International Sports Park.

The Rams qualified for the decider after beating the East Coast Eagles 57-43 in last Saturday’s must-win Preliminary Final at Bruce Purser Reserve in Rouse Hill.

Speaking with the Weekender, Rams coach Kevin Kirk said the match against the Eagles was a lot tougher than he was anticipating.

“It was pretty close all day. I think there was only a point in it for most

of the afternoon,” Kirk recalled.

“I think our boys pulled away at the end, they had a strong desire to get the job done and give themselves a chance this week.

“Full credit to the Eagles, it was a high-quality game. It was quite enjoyable to watch.”

But standing in the way of another flag for the Rams are the Wolves from Manly Warringah, who have been sitting idle since late August waiting for their Grand Final opponent to be decided. Kirk said he’s expecting another close contest between the two sides on Saturday.

“They did have our measure the last time we played them but we have beaten them this year, so if we can do it once we can do it again,” he said.

“The boys are looking forward to trying to redeem ourselves from our first final. I think it will be another close game. The boys have earned the opportunity to be there and if

Camilleri said representing Australian for the first time at a major international competition was a dream come true.

“It was a development tour, so they only took an U20s team to what was an Opens competition,” he said.

“They had an Athletes Village, a mess hall where all the countries mingled – it was a really cool experience.

“It was also great being able to hold up the Aussie flag after the event. Being able to walk out and represent your country, I loved every second of it.”

Despite being up against some stiff competition – throwing against men much older

than him – Camilleri secured a bronze medal in the Javelin with a huge throw of 59.32m.

“There were 14 sports played over the space of three weeks, and the Australian team took 20 over for athletics. I was fortunate to be the chosen javelin thrower,” Camilleri said.

“I was up against other Pacific nations like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji and I finished with the bronze, which I was pretty stoked about.

“Two PNG blokes finished first and second, and they were 26 and 29-years-old. It was a great experience!”

Tomorrow night at Penrith Panthers Leagues Club, Camilleri will battle it out for the title of Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Senior Sports Star of the Year.

The Sydney University student said winning the monthly prize of $700 came in very handy.

“It’s the biggest help when it comes to travel, equipment and medical expenses,” he said.

“I was battling quite a few injuries this season, so the $700 helped cover those costs.”

Toby Camilleri’s PVSF Senior Sports Star Award is all thanks to sponsor Penrith Panthers Leagues Club.

PVSF Senior Sports Star of the Month winners take home $700 each for their efforts.

If you know someone who has achieved in their chosen sport, send in your nomination. Nomination forms are available at www. pvsf.org.au.

we’re there, we’re a chance.”

If the Rams manage to get the job done and beat the Wolves this weekend, it will be Kirk’s third first grade premiership with the club – a huge achievement for the game in western Sydney.

Kirk said he’s confident his side will be better prepared taking on the Wolves on this occasion.

“Coming into that first Final against them we had a bit of rain in Penrith in the preceding fortnight, which prevented us from training how we would have liked to due to the condition of the ground,” he said.

“Coming into this one, we’ve got a couple of more games under our belt, we’ve been training our normal way, so hopefully that will assist us come Saturday.

“This will be my third Grand Final. We’ve won the previous two and hopefully we can make it three. It would be nice, wouldn’t it?”

SPORTS SHORTS

Emus stick with Wickenden

RUGBY UNION: The Penrith Emus have confirmed that head coach John Wickenden will return in 2026. Following a standout debut season that saw the Emus finish in fifth position in the Meldrum Cup, Wickenden has extended his stay at Nepean Rugby Park. “As a former player at the club, John knows the history of the club and brings a deep understanding of what makes the Emus unique. That perspective, combined with his leadership, is helping to drive positive change for the future of the club,” Emus President Adam Fletcher said. In other rugby news, the Emus will celebrate 60 years of Penrith Rugby this November at their Club Presentation Night and 60th Anniversary Dinner. The special occasion will be held on Friday, November 7 at the Penrith RSL Function Centre. Tickets cost $100 + booking fee per person and include a three-course meal, drink on arrival and live entertainment. To attend, visit penrithemus.iwannaticket.com.au.

RUGBY LEAGUE: St Marys will take on the Wentworthville Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup Grand Final, to be held this Saturday afternoon at Leichhardt Oval. The Magpies qualified for the decider following a 26-10 win

over Ryde-Eastwood last Saturday. St Marys finished the year as Minor Premiers and enjoyed last weekend off while their prospective opponents battled it out. With a host of former NRL players in the team including Michael Jennings and Bryce Cartwright, St Marys will go into Saturday’s Grand Final as favourites, however the Magpies are on fire of late – surviving three do-or-die matches to reach the decider. Tickets to this Saturday’s Grand Final are $10 for adults and entry is free for kids under 12. Kick-off is at 3pm. Unfortunately, the Saints won’t contest the Sydney Shield Grand Final after they were eliminated by Manly Leagues 30-18 in last Saturday’s Preliminary Final. St Marys opened the scoring through Zac Duclos in the second minute before Manly scored five unanswered tries to put the result beyond doubt. The Sydney Shield Grand Final will be contested between Manly and Wentworthville at 1pm this Saturday, also at Leichhardt Oval.

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Penrith Panthers have fallen short of back-to-back victories, going down to the Newcastle Knights 16-12 in Round 10 of the Harvey Norman’s NSW Women’s Premiership. The game was tied 4-4 at half-time, before the Knights put their foot on the gas in the second half. The Panthers scored two late consolation tries, but it wasn’t enough. Penrith will tackle the Canterbury Bulldogs

in the final game of the season this Saturday morning at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub.

FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced that all locations for the 2025 Spring Holiday Clinics have now been confirmed, with programs set to run right across western Sydney this September School Holidays. From Penrith to South Windsor, the clinics will give young footballers the perfect opportunity to stay active, sharpen their skills and experience the game the Wanderers way. Running from Monday, September 29 to Thursday, October 9, the Wanderers Holiday Clinics are designed for boys and girls of all abilities, with a range of specialised programs also available for advanced players, aspiring goalkeepers, and girls looking for a football environment of their own. The club will also continue its Inclusion Clinics in Rooty Hill, creating opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy the game in a fun and welcoming setting. With sessions delivered by qualified Wanderers Academy coaches, participants can expect a full day of football development – from skill-building activities to small-sided games – all in a supportive environment that encourages learning, teamwork and fun. To find your nearest location, visit wswanderersfootball. com/programs222/holiday-clinics.

AFLW: The GWS Giants remain winless in 2025, defeated by the Gold Coast Suns 52-33 in Round 4 of the AFLW competition. In a battle of the winless northern teams, the Suns dominated in the middle against the depleted Giants at People First Stadium last Saturday. The Giants finished strongly, but the 33-point three-quarter-time deficit was always going to be too much to reel in as the Suns prevailed by 19. The Giants, who currently sit in last place, will battle the Western Bulldogs this Saturday at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

ARCHERY: Congratulations to Penrith City Archers, who successfully hosted the 2025 NSW State Target Championships last weekend in Werrington. The two-day competition featured many local archers of all ages, with several of them enjoying excellent results on the big stage. Established in 1964, Penrith City Archers is always actively recruiting for new participants. If you or someone you know is interested in trying something new, visit www. penrithcityarchers.com.au or call 0415 362 052 to organise a Come & Try session.

BASKETBALL: Basketball NSW has announced the launch of the Waratah Masters League, a new competition set to commence this month. The Masters League has been established to provide ongoing playing opportunities for athletes who wish to remain active in the sport of basketball, continue competing at a high level, and enjoy the social and community benefits that the game offers. The competition will be contested across seven rounds, hosted by associations throughout Sydney. The Penrith Panthers will have an Open Women’s team and a Men’s 40+ team competing in the BNSW Masters League. Round 5 of the competition will be held at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre on Sunday, November 9.

GET IN TOUCH: To make a submission to ‘Sports Shorts’, email Nathan.Taylor@ westernweekender.com.au. You can also direct message the Weekender on Facebook or @wwpenrith on X.

3 WEEKS TO GO

SPORT

PATIENCE AND PAIN

After a year that saw him suffer two of the most serious injuries of his career, local athletics star Luke Boyes is just happy to be racing again.

The 21-year-old former Emu Plains Little Athletics Club member boarded a plane yesterday, bound for Tokyo where he’ll represent Australia at the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

A record 88 Aussie athletes will head to the Japanese capital and former Olympic city, marking the nation’s biggest team ever assembled for a global championships.

After missing out on a spot at the Paris Olympics last year by an agonising 0.03 seconds, Boyes said he worked extremely hard to have the opportunity to run the 800m in Tokyo.

“World Champs is the big event this year – all roads lead to Tokyo,” he told the Weekender

“This will be my first World Champs and I’m pretty excited!

“Missing out on Paris last year was shattering, that took me a while to come back from. But I came back with a vengeance. Every year features a major championship, so if you miss out on one, you go for the next one.”

And that’s exactly what Boyes did, however he admits he may have worked himself a little too hard to qualify for Tokyo.

“Coming back from the disappointment of Paris, I was so determined to work hard and I was just so angry about everything that I picked up Osteitis Pubis (pubic bone

joint inflammation) at the end of Novem ber,” Boyes revealed.

“I had pretty severe symptoms but I got lucky. I was only out six or seven weeks whereas I know people that have been out one to two years with that injury.”

The former Penrith High School student battled back from Osteitis Pubis to go on to compete at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth. However, before his race, he picked up yet another major problem.

“I was in a fair bit of pain at the National Championships. I was struggling to walk before the race, and after the race I had this really bad pain in my back,” Boyes said.

“It turns out that I fractured my sacrum, which is my lower back.

I’ve never been in so much pain in my whole life. That injury took me out another 12 weeks, so I missed the entire European season.”

Luckily for Boyes, he managed to fight through the pain and have the run of his life at Nationals, finishing in third place and setting a new personal best time of 1:44:50.

The result in the 800m was enough to see him qualify for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Boyes, who was speaking on the phone from a staging camp in Cairns, said he couldn’t wait to represent Australia again especially after everything he’s endured.

Story continues on