Western Weekender

Greg Alexander is one of Penrith's favourite sons, guiding the Panthers to their first Premiership in 1991 and playing more than 200 NRL games for the club. 'Brandy' chats about growing up in Penrith, travelling overseas with the Kangaroos, the Grand Finals and the tragedy that hit his family in 1992. He also reveals how his media career almost never happened - all because of a concrete truck. This is an engaging chat with one of Penrith's highest profile sporting and media personalities.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ian Taylor was part of the emergence of popular Penrith radio station One FM in the 1990s, presenting the hugely successful Nights program before moving to Drive. Ian speaks about an incredible time in Penrith, how the radio station attracted some of entertainment's biggest names - and how it all came crashing down.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Kevin Crameri moved to Llandilo in 1952, and has been in the Penrith region ever since. He speaks about the changing face of Penrith, his involvement with the NSW Rural Fire Service and how his life changed in the 1970s when he was first elected to Penrith City Council. Kevin has a fascinating story to tell about Penrith, its politics and its people.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Born in Queensland, Prue Car grew up in Emu Plains and always had an interest in politics. She's now the State Member for Londonderry and Deputy Leader of the NSW Labor Party. Prue speaks about growing up in Emu Plains, her schooling and how she fell in love with Labor.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Director of WestCare Andrew Paech takes us through his extraordinary journey to Penrith and becoming one of the best-known charity advocates in the region. Andrew speaks about his career in the corporate world, how WestCare entered his life and how he escaped a 'misspent' youth to ultimately do so much for others.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

On The Record presents Penrith's stories, told by the people who made them. On this episode, Wayne Willmington speaks about his passion for Luddenham, his many business ventures, his time in the highly competitive fuel industry and how he landed in radio. Currently the owner of MY88 in Penrith, Wayne has such an interesting story to tell.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ahead of the return of On The Record, we revisit our first series in 2018. Premiership winner. Test and Origin representative. Coach. Champion bloke. Royce Simmons has done it all with the Penrith Panthers. Royce sits down with Troy Dodds to discuss his rugby league career. He talks about winning the Grand Final in 1991 and how he very nearly missed the famous match, his regrets over coaching the Panthers in the mid-1990s and the moment he describes as the toughest of his career.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ahead of the return of On The Record, we revisit our first series from 2018. Lovable Penrith character Ross Hutchison talks about his life as a dancer, entertainer, teacher, radio presenter, harness racing driver and fundraiser. He tells us how dancing essentially saved his life, takes us through the heartbreak of losing his sister in the Granville Train Disaster and explains why he gives so much of himself to others. Ross also reveals whether he’s still got a desire to enter politics.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ahead of the return of On The Record, we revisit our first series from 2018. From the Dungowan Theatre to Scott’s Auto One, John Scott and his family have an incredible history in Penrith. John joins us to talk business, family and all things Penrith in the latest edition of the On The Record podcast.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ahead of the return of the On The Record podcast, we revisit our first series from 2018. The guest in this episode is Ben Feszczuk, former Local Area Commander in Penrith. Ben talks about being born in Germany and how his family eventually settled in Penrith. He discusses some of his career highlights as well as a number of dark days – including being part of the Anita Cobby murder investigation and how the death of Jim Affleck still haunts him.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ahead of the return of the On The Record podcast, we revisit our series from 2018. Former Penrith Mayor John Thain reflects on his early life in Scotland, his school days and the twist of fate that led him to meet his wife Annette. He also reflects on the death of former Londonderry MP Jim Anderson – and why it was one of the toughest days of his life. John also talks about what the future holds for the ever-growing Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

The Western Weekender presents the On The Record podcast, featuring interviews with key people who have shaped Penrith as the city as it is today.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor talk all the news and views surrounding the 2021 NRL Grand Final between the Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds hosts Weekender Wireless as we look at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on break. A breakdown of local case numbers and locations, plus we hear from a Nepean Hospital ICU Doctor.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Western Weekender Editor Troy Dodds provides the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic in Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

The Western Weekender presents a local look at the latest COVID-19 and lockdown situation in Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Simon Williams is a High-Performance Mindset coach at Motivation & Performance Partners (M&PP), a business he founded to help aspiring athletes achieve success at the top-level. The ingrained desire to help others succeed has long been the driving force behind Simon’s work and has played a large part in shaping where he is today.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Bec Slack is the owner of local business, Cleverstuff Educational Toys, a venture she took over in 2015. It was a leap into the unknown for Bec – who revolutionised the business – shifting their products to digital platforms to make them more accessible and reinforcing the importance of education through experience. The importance of education, however, is not a new concept for Bec. Having attended Penrith High School, academics have often been a focus for her and have shaped her passion to promote learning at a young age.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Sam Arnold has represented Australia across three sporting codes and this summer was a part of the Sydney Thunder WBBL|06 championship squad. A late call up to the team – that was housed in “hub” at Sydney Olympic Park – Sam immersed herself into the experience and was able to learn and develop her game alongside some of cricket’s greats.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

It was a modest upbringing in Whalan where Mark Geyer first understood the power of love and kindness, a place where he developed a sense of putting others before yourself. “My childhood was great…I never knew that we were poor…I didn’t know Mum and Dad were working two jobs just to pay our rent…because there was so much love in the house,” Mark said. Mark’s charitable endeavours and community support have been far-reaching and reflective of his passion to help local organisations making a difference. Whilst impactful, the support is a responsibility according to Mark, and one that he is more than happy to honour.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Meaghan Potter is an artist and teacher, plying her trade throughout the Blue Mountains and beyond. Growing up in Blaxland, Meaghan completed an Honours in Fine Arts from the National Art School and has gone on to exhibit internationally in Hong Kong, and throughout greater Sydney.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Jason Dundas is a global media icon and has hosted the world’s biggest productions, both locally and abroad. Through an energetic and supportive upbringing in South Penrith, Jason was driven to shape his own path and create his future. Success, according to Jason, comes from having the self-confidence and work ethic to enable you to seize an opportunity as they arise.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

It was growing up in the greater Hawkesbury where Sara Klein uncovered the love for sport, adventure and the great outdoors. An introduction to Little Athletics at the age of 8 put Sara on the path for her career now as an elite athlete – going on to represent Australia at the 2019 World Championships in the 400 metre hurdler. It was a seven-year gap between that 2019 meet and her earlier appearance at the World Junior Championships. Whilst the hiatus was disheartening at times, Sara’s perspective enabled her to stay focused and ultimately achieve her goals.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Terrance Plowright is an internationally recognised artist and sculptor – twice awarded the Medici Medal, recipient of the Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for services to Visual Arts and numerous accolades along the way. Throughout his life, Terrance has chased opportunities to shape his journey. One of the keys to his success in the arts is to challenge himself, striving for continual development and growth.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Rheanna Lotter is a proud Yuin woman, former NSW Indigenous cricket representative and founder of Ngandabaa. Growing up in Willow Vale – in the NSW Southern Highlands – sport, culture and art have been a large part of Rheanna’s life.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Shannon Boyd is a local designer and illustrator, who has transformed his passion for art into an occupation. Growing up in South Penrith, art was intertwined into his childhood, mixed with a love for sport and adventure. Eager to learn from the best in the industry – and applying his skills through tertiary studies – Shannon has been patient in his work and continues to hone his craft in every project. “(I’ve kept) plying my trade, working on the technical things and getting the opportunity with clients to try something different and just get better with different mediums,” Shannon said. “Things have to happen organically. If you place a constraint on a goal, you are putting pressure on yourself… you are going to rush things and you are going to overthink it.” After five years in the education system, Shannon took a leap of faith, leaving his job as a teacher to pursue a career as an artist. With a few doors opening locally, Shannon was able to make the shift. Whilst it has been an adjustment, he has been able to reflect and pass on key learnings to others.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Reece Boyall is a comedian, and producer at Stand Out Comedy – a comedy club he has built from scratch. Through years of toil and honing his craft, Reece has embraced the journey and gets his gratification through extrinsic channels, making others happy through his work.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Mikayla Hinkley was born and raised in Penrith and was surrounded by sports and adventure from a young age. Her career as a professional cricketer started in the summer of 2015-16, earning a contract with the NSW Breakers, along with a spot on the Sydney Thunder roster for the inaugural WBBL season. That season saw history made as the first ball was bowled in the women’s domestic T20 competition, at Howell Oval.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Me-Lee Hay is a musician and composer, and has written scores for various television series, documentaries, feature film and commissions for Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company. In 2017, Me-Lee won a Screen Music Award for her composition in Last Tree Standing. Despite the awards and experience working alongside household names (Geoffrey Rush, Sigrid Thornton, Luke Nguyen), it is not the extraneous recognition that drives Me-Lee, but internal gratification and a genuine love for her craft.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Laura Greaves has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer globally, across newspapers, magazines and books, however it is not the accolades and awards that defines her success.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor discuss the 2020 NRL Grand Final.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Eloise Short is a textile designer and illustrator, working with some of the world’s biggest brands and creating a number of children’s books in recent times. Growing up in Brisbane, Eloise immersed herself into arts and innovation, developing a love for creativity from a young age. Through her experiences, Eloise has developed a clear perspective on her work and a commitment to always honing her craft.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Hannah Darlington was raised in Erskine Park and surrounded herself with a myriad of sports from a young age. Support and guidance from her parents ensured that there was more to her upbringing than just cricket, with a deliberate emphasis on socialising with friends and a commitment to education. Being involved with the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder squads from her teenage years, Hannah developed a sound understanding of the game and important life skills from her senior players. Experiencing the rise of women’s cricket firsthand, Hannah reflected on the impact that the WBBL had on her career ambitions. “I still remember sitting at Howell Oval for the first WBBL game – I sat there and did the sight screen with Dad and a couple of mates”, Hannah said. “Sitting there watching Sydney Thunder play the Sixers and thinking ‘I want to play for the Thunder’. It was a light-bulb moment.” One year on from that inaugural season, Hannah was a member of the Sydney Thunder squad. Biding her time, Hannah went on to make her debut last summer in WBBL|05. Leading Sydney Thunder with 16 wickets, Hannah claimed the Rookie of the Year title across the league. Further experience with Otago Sparks in New Zealand and a surprise debut with the NSW Breakers capped off a magical season for Hannah. The ability to compartmentalise and focus on the task at hand through a whirlwind season, was the key to the on-field performance according to Hannah. “I do put my success down to the fact that all my focus wasn’t on cricket. I think having the HSC there to keep my mind off cricket probably helped me to have a good season”, Hannah said. “(I would consider) what I need to get done in the present moment, and that was either study for an exam or go and prepare with Sydney Thunder.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Penrith Panthers 2003 Grand Final hero, Craig Gower, talks about his highs and lows in rugby league.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Liam Gray was raised in the Blue Mountains and developed a love for music at a young age. Surrounded by a supportive family, Liam was able to explore the intricate sounds of musical history, which he credits in his craft today. “Music played into my childhood a lot. I was really influenced by my dad’s music – he would play quite often around the house,” Liam said. “Influence is the most healthy thing there is in music and it begins at a young age.” Attending Winmalee High School, Liam immersed himself into various extra-curricular musical groups. This exposure plus his creative upbringing helped developed a strong understanding and respect for musicians who have come before him. “You have to have that (musical history) as a good starting point. If you don’t know what came before you, it’s hard to shape where you are going to take your music,” Liam said. “It’s learning what’s been done before and then figuring out a way for you to carry that forward. That’s where that individuality is going to come from.” That appreciation of music combined with years of learning have culminated in Liam’s debut album, Your Light, alongside good friends Adrian Keevill and Kalon Captain. “I’m really happy with what came out with the album. It was really true to what that music (jazz) is about,” Liam said. “It’s very live and it’s very in the moment. The true nature of that music is not really rehearsed – it’s about using your practice and musical mind to put something together.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Dylan Logue grew up in Wentworth Falls and attended Blue Mountains Grammar School. Through his upbringing and schooling years, Dylan developed a passion for creativity and spent countless hours exploring and experimenting with screen writing and film making. After high school and despite initial rejection, Dylan was accepted into the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) to study Screen Production. The experience, whilst challenging at times, helped refine Dylan’s craft and instilled a sense of resilience and promoted the importance collaboration in screen production. “I remember getting knocked back by AFTRS for their main course – it left me in the position of not doing a whole lot (straight after high school)”, Dylan said. “Once accepted, I learnt a whole lot from AFTRS, especially about teamwork and how much effort goes into getting a project made”. Beyond screen production, Dylan has also adopted fiction writing and is in the draft stage of his maiden novel, a process which started organically. Becoming an author has created an additional creative outlet for Dylan, with an element of independence and freedom channelled into his work. “I started writing the book when my friend gave me a notebook as a gift”, Dylan said. “Every morning I would get up and write a page or so. As I started writing I thought, ‘There is actually a story here’, and that became Chapter One of the novel”. Learning and personal growth remain important for Dylan and it is a sense of self-awareness, alongside theory, that he feels is key to the continual development of his creative work. “Reflection is going to be the way you learn. Once you do something sit back and think, ‘Am I happy with that? How could I do that better?’”, Dylan said. “You will learn by doing, reflection and perseverance. Those are the three things that will get you across the line”. Find out more in the latest episode of the Passion & Perspective Podcast, hosted by Jonathan Robinson-Lees.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Lisa Griffith was introduced to cricket at the age of 5. Growing up in Bathurst, in central west NSW, sport occupied Lisa’s time, and her love for cricket saw her feature in representative cricket teams through her teenage years. In 2010, whilst juggling Year 12 exams and cricket, Lisa debuted for the NSW Breakers at the age of 18. A rapid rise through the ranks, the selection came as a surprise to Lisa as she took the field with some of her cricketing heroes. “(It’s amazing) when you debut, and you see the calibre of athletes around you and you see what they’re capable of – the likes of Alex Blackwell, Lisa Sthalekar, Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy”, Lisa said. “You see the incredible things that they do and how you just want to be able to do that”. Shortly after, Lisa left the game of cricket. The pressures of work, study and being an elite athlete triggered a life-changing decision to leave her city-life behind and Lisa restarted her life on cattle stations in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Whilst many would view it as an uncharacteristic career move, leaving a sports career at the beginning, Lisa holds no regrets for the decision that she made. “I just made this really rash decision that, I’m going to go up north to the outback of Australia and I’m going to get away from here and I’m going to get away from cricket”, Lisa said. “In hindsight, as much as it was a rash decision, it was probably the best one I have ever made and one that has led me down this path of growing as a person”.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Noemie Fox grew up surrounded by sport, adventure and a love for the outdoors. A transient upbringing, travelling between France and Australia, exposed Noemie and her sister to sport and the myriad of experiences that come with it.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Jason Pospishil was born and raised in Penrith and was immersed into sport and the great outdoors from a young age. Attending St Dominic’s College in Kingswood furthered his desire to chase sport as a career and instilled a sense of determination and discipline to progress to the next level. Through his success at under-age national baseball championships, Jason received a playing contract with the Minnesota Twins organisation and went on to play three years of minor league baseball. Whilst a humbling experience, his time overseas taught him important lessons in handling adversity and self-reflection. His storied career, as a baseball player and a coach, has often been pioneering. A willingness to challenge the status quo, whilst respecting tradition, has proven fruitful. In his current role, a new journey, leading the Emeralds (Australian women’s baseball team), Jason has embraced the opportunity to make an impact. “I’m always looking at what is next, what can I work towards. That (managing the Emeralds) is an exciting challenge over the next 4-6 years that I can have an impact on,” Jason said.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Linda Swinfield has developed a resilient and respected career in art, through a journey of many different pathways. Commencing as a visual art student in 1979, Linda majored in black and white analogue photography and experimental painting at Meadowbank Technical College in Sydney. Photography has remained a constant diary for her to record events, research family, and develop ideas. Further tertiary studies complemented Linda’s practice and continued to provide different perspectives that she has applied to her work. Through her art, Linda continues to incorporate personal, traditional and collective histories to construct narratives. Linda has been able to share her knowledge with up-and-coming artists whilst holding teaching positions at high schools, TAFE and community arts centres. Educating, according to Linda, is about providing opportunities and enabling artists to recognise their unique strengths.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Josh Mackenzie was born and raised in the Blue Mountains and immersed himself into sport and the great outdoors from a young age. In an ironic turn, Josh uncovered rock climbing when he moved out of the Blue Mountains nearly a decade ago, starting his new hobby at a local climbing gym. Before too long, he was exploring world-famous climbs locally and overseas. Josh has embraced travel and unconventional adventure, continuing to discover different cultures, cycling through Europe and exploring more climbing spots around the world. The full immersion of climbing, and outdoor adventure in general, is what has drawn Josh’s interest. “It (the fear and risk) helps you get into a state of hyper-focus. You are entirely focused on that next move,” Josh said. “You are not focusing on anything more than you are doing at that exact time. It is a moving meditation.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Warning: This podcast contains offensive language. Glen Liddiard grew up in Werrington, with three older siblings and a love for the great outdoors. Sport, specifically rugby league, consumed Glen’s upbringing and proved an effective means of socialising with the local community. First playing rugby league at the age of 4, Glen often idolised his older brothers on and off the field. A chance encounter at the age of 16, following his older brother David to England (his parents), saw Glen become the youngest ever professional rugby league player in the UK, debuting alongside his brother and going on to play 28 top-flight games that season. Under the guidance of British rugby league legend Frank Myler, Glen jumped at the opportunity to have a run with the Oldham Rugby League Football Club, alongside his older brother. “He (Myler) said, ‘We’ll give you 10 quid a week to play in Reserve Grade’. That first game I scored a hattrick on the wing – I think I was just running scared! The following week Frank said, ‘We’ve picked you in First Grade’”, Glen said. Back in Australia, Glen debuted for Parramatta in 1988, alongside greats such as Peter Sterling, Peter Wynn, Eric Grothe and Brett Kenny. At a club that had dominated the past decade, it was Kenny specifically, who mentored Glen and even shifted positions (from five-eighth to lock) to cater for the new kid on the block. “I just followed Brett Kenny around at training and watched what he did. I tried to base my game around what he did”, Glen said. Despite adversity of the highest order throughout his career, Glen has maintained a clear perspective, always placing family as his first priority. Resilience, developed through immense triumphs and devastating challenges, help shape a desire to keep going, and to overcome hurdles in life and in football. A proud Biripi man, Glen now works as the Indigenous Welfare Officer at the Penrith Panthers and plays a crucial role in mentoring young players, connecting them to community and developing as people on and off the field. Success, for Glen, is seeing these young players prosper in life and return to their communities as more mature people willing to give back. “To me, that (developing life skills) is more important. If they make it in football, that’s a bonus,” Glen said.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Annie Burbank resides in the Blue Mountains and is a classically trained pianist. From an early age Annie has honed her own eclectic style of playing, with influences from the classics, great jazz pianists, and ambient styles. With a worldly experience, complemented with tertiary study in music, Annie continues to share her experiences through her musical education studio and has maintained regular gigs at iconic local venues, such as the Hydro Majestic. “I feel very privileged to be one of the people who have that tool (music) and that ability to do evoke emotion through music,” Annie said. “There are very few things that will do that, music is one of the only things. The thing I love about music is its ability to change your emotional state.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Special guest Nick Rigas from The Agency takes us through the road to recovery for the property industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Andy Nielsen is a musician, a drummer for The Lazys, a band that has exploded in the Canadian rock N roll scene. Growing up in Winmalee, in the Blue Mountains, Andy was first introduced to drumming at the age of 8 by his Dad and continued to hone his skills through his high school years. A strong respect and understanding for music and its pioneers have helped maintain a balanced perspective for Andy. “Even today I really only listen to old music. I was always interested in finding out who influenced them (musicians), and where their influences came from,” Andy said. “I always have a strong respect for musicians from the past, because they’ve paved the way for what we have today.” Embarking on his first tour straight out of school, then on numerous overseas adventures, Andy has embraced the lifestyle as a touring musician, but has a strong appreciation for what he has given up getting to where he is today. The rise of online streaming, such as Spotify and YouTube, has proven to be a tricky trade-off for Andy and The Lazys. “Like a lot of musicians, the internet has been our best friend and our worst enemy. It’s one of those necessary evils – especially as streaming became more popular,” Andy said. “As a consumer it is a lot more convenient to have all the music in the world in your pocket. It’s good in the sense that we’re able to get our music out to the world at the touch of a button, but at the same time, you are now competing with every band in the world doing the same thing.” In these uncertain times, Andy continues to think big and still has the determination that has shaped the past decade of his career. “We’re definitely chasing something and we’re on the verge of something and we all want to be there to find out,” Andy said. When reflecting on advice for others, Andy urges people to take everything that comes their way and embrace the chances in life when they’re on offer. “Never say no to an opportunity. If something comes up that doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time, it could help you develop skills later that will become a big deal. All those small gigs and that persistence and determination to play the show and to keep making progress is what helps you do the bigger shows.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ashlee Bucholtz grew up in Oaky Park, Lithgow and developed a love for art and painting at an early age. Having attended the Newcastle Art School and National Art School, she took valuable learnings as a person and an artist that helped shape her perspective. “They (art schools) teach you how to challenge yourself and to challenge your skills, to have a standard that you want to achieve,” Ashlee said. “But, also to understand that it’s okay to make a bad artwork. The more you fail the more successful you will be.” Currently residing in the Blue Mountains, Ashlee continues to develop her artwork and spends time as a part-time art educator. The focus of her work is on ambiguous spaces using unconventional colour, stimulating the sensory experience for the viewer. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PASSION & PERSPECTIVE PODCAST [INSERT LINK] At the age of 24, Ashlee was told she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Whilst confronting, the diagnosis has enabled a refined and clear focus on her life, her health and her art. “Strangely enough, it (MS) has had a good impact too – I focus a lot on my health now. I eat really well, I take more notice of my mental health,” Ashlee said. Living with MS has not hindered Ashlee’s drive to produce great art and strive for success. Success, according to Ashlee, is relative and is shaped by (What) you want to achieve as an individual. “Do you want to see yourself in regional or state-level galleries? Do you want to be winning prizes?” Ashlee pondered. “There are still some areas that I would love to see my art hanging, and some prizes I’d like to be in. I get to go to a studio most days and I’m also teaching art, which feels really satisfying.” When reflecting on her career so far, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction that shines through for Ashlee. “In retrospect, I am where I am because of all my hard work. I am where I am because I never decided to give it up.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Jarrah is a local musician who strives to share stories of empathy and compassion through powerful lyrics and intricate acoustic guitar playing. A loving and alternative upbringing in Emu Plains stimulated a passion for creativity and music. Jarrah has a strong respect for music and its history, but it is not the bright lights and fame that he longs for. It is the ability to inspire through meaningful music that motivates Jarrah. “My overall goal is to play music to as many people as I can,” Jarrah said. “(And to) write songs that have meaning for all the different situations people face in life.”Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Brenna Tarrant first had the urge to play football at the age of 9, and it was 4 years later that she started playing competitive Aussie Rules for the local Emu Plains club. With the rise of the AFLW, Brenna’s passion for the sport and dream to shape a professional career from it, has turned into reality. Last year, waiting in her school library during the AFLW Draft, there was the fear of not knowing when her name would be called and as the picks ahead of her were taken. “I felt it fading away a little bit, but you’ve got to have hope. You’ve got to think ‘If my name gets called out, I have a chance at playing AFLW’. If it doesn’t, well I have to wait another year,” Brenna said. “I was just clinging to hope really – I felt like I was hanging on by a thread.” The nerves were worth it for Brenna, after 5 years playing the game her dreams came to fruition, as the Melbourne Demons selected her as the No. 72 pick, meaning she would join the roster for the 2020 season.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Growing up with a love for sports and the outdoors, it was a trip to the local climbing gym at the age of 12 that sparked Tom O’Halloran’s fascination and imagination into the world of rock climbing. The challenge of rock climbing, both physical and mental, is what has driven Tom’s love of this extreme outdoor sport.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Growing up in Wagga Wagga, exploration and adventure formed a large part of Jodie McLeod’s upbringing. This freedom stimulated a sense of creativity, which has helped her journey as a writer and, more recently, a passion for ultra-trail marathon running.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.