Free
weekender the western
Friday, May 19, 2023
PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPAPER
www.westernweekender.com.au
St Marys Village Shopping Centre In front of Woolworths
ST MARYS
WW51183 8am-8pm 7 Days
THE CRISIS FACILITY WE WISH PENRITH DIDN’T NEED
ANSWERING THE CALL
A new safe haven that will assist local women and children affected by domestic, family and sexual violence has opened its doors in Penrith. Emily Feszczuk reports on Page 5
Main photo: The ribbon cutting at the new facility in Penrith last week. Inset: Inside one of the bedrooms.
PARENTS, BE WARNED: POPULAR PROGRAM FACING AXE
INACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS EMILY FESZCZUK
A
popular State Government program that offsets costs of sports and recreational activity for kids could be axed at the end of next month. If Premier Chris Minns opts not to continue the Active Kids voucher program, it will be a crushing blow to not only parents but local businesses that benefit from the concept. The vouchers, which give parents and carers $100 per child so they can participate in sport or a recreational activity, are being reviewed ahead of the State Budget.
w e, 12 amari, Medium ips, 1.25L
HR and Marketing Manager at Nepean Swim and Fitness Julie Sheldrake said she was “disappointed” to hear the news that the cost-of-living measure could be cut. “We are all experiencing that cost-of-living pressure with the price of petrol, groceries and mortgage rates going up, so people don’t have as much disposable income,” Sheldrake said. “We have seen a 50 per cent increase in families reluctantly cancelling their swimming lessons over the past four to six weeks citing ‘financial pressures’.” With 10 million swimming lessons missed during the pandemic and the swim school
industry still recovering, Sheldrake fears of the repercussions for families who are no longer able to take part. “I understand fiscal responsibility and that it can’t go on forever, but recent Royal Lifesaving research shows that drowning risk is at a generational high and children are months behind on swimming tuition,” she said. “The whole industry is getting back up and running after swim teachers got other employment during COVID but take these vouchers away and we will see enrolment drop and that will affect local employment.” 339 people drowned in Australia in 2021/22, which was a 15 per cent increase on the previ-
ous year and a 24 per cent increase on the 10-year average.
Kids at local swimming lessons this week. Story continues on » p. 7
50314
WW51091
ADVERTISEMENT
UNLIMITED CLASSES
$
Only 0
64.
9
CHECK OUT THE CREW PACK FOR 4! 4 x Hake, 12 x Prawns, 12 x Calamari, 10 x Spring Rolls, Medium Coleslaw, Large Chips, Tartare sauce and 1.25L drink!
WW50314
Shop 2, 492 High St, Penrith
• YOGA & REFORMER PILATES • SAUNA/POOL • MEDITATION • GROUP FITNESS • CRECHE • OVER 200 CLASSES P/W • PERSONAL TRAINING • CAFE
LUX FITNESS
47 600 700 | 16-19 Lambridge Pl, Penrith | 78-88 Tench Ave, Jamisontown