Western Weekender

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take an in depth, light-hearted look at the 2022 NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta at Accor Stadium.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Fiona Scott served as the Federal Member for Lindsay from 2013 to 2016. In this podcast, she opens up about Tony Abbott's infamous 'sex appeal' comment and how much it impacted her, reveals unknown details about the shock 2016 election defeat and talks about how she handled the loss. She also reveals her personal journey with trying to start a family through IVF.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Born at a private hospital on High Street, Jim Mason has had Penrith in his blood since birth. He started working with Penrith City Council in 1960, and embarked on what would be a 45-year career in local government. Fresh from celebrating his 80th birthday, Jim talks about his long career, the changing face of Penrith and his involvement with the time-honoured Penrith Show - among many other local organisations.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Born in Penrith, Belinda Wollaston dreamed of a career on stage from a young age. She has gone on to perform in dozens of major musicals, eventually moving to London where she's performed on the West End. Musical theatre has taken her all over the world, but it is a life and career that began here in Penrith. Belinda speaks about how she forged a career from humble beginnings in the suburbs of Sydney, her major career achievements and being comfortable with her sexuality.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Peter Collins is the current Chair of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, which oversees Nepean Hospital. But his link with Nepean Hospital dates back several decades, when he became a key figure in installing the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Peter had a long career in politics, including as NSW Opposition Leader. In recent years, his role at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and his work to restore the historic Werrington House has seen him establish his base at Penrith. Peter details his extraordinary career, and discusses the challenges facing the local health sector.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Bernard Zuel is one of the most respected music writers in Australian journalism, best known for his 25 years with The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. But it is Penrith where Bernard learned his craft, especially during a stint with the Penrith Press newspaper in the early 1990s. In this fascinating chat, Bernard speaks about his career, the music industry, journalism and difficult confrontations with artists.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Ross Free has the honour of being the inaugural Member for Lindsay. He speaks about his time in the Hawke and Keating ministries, about Penrith's growth in the 1980s and 1990s, and about that infamous 1996 election, when he lost the seat. Ross is a long-time Labor Party member and his life in politics is both intriguing and insightful.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Colyton resident Terry Gallaway OAM has been a journalist since 1955. In this podcast, he details his remarkable career in print, TV and radio and recounts some of the stories that have stuck with him, including the 1989 murder of Lauren Hickson in Emu Plains. Terry also talks about his time at the now defunct Penrith Star, and reveals why he'll never leave the city he calls home.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Peter Lang has lived in Penrith since the early 1970s. He's worked with some of the biggest brands in Penrith, including Panthers, Penrith City Council and The Western Weekender. Peter details plenty of stories about his career in Penrith, reveals his personal demons and talks family, life and footy.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

In a special episode, we've turned the tables and our regular host, Troy Dodds, is in the hot seat as our guest. Troy speaks about his career in the media, including how he shook up the media scene of the theatre industry. Troy has guided the Weekender for the past 12 years, and has some interesting stories to tell about the paper and the media in general.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

John Todd is the Executive Officer at the Western Sydney Business Centre. He joins us to talk about his three decades in the role, his 20 years with Westpac and chats about his time in football, particularly with the Blacktown Spartans. John is a major player in the Penrith business community, and has worked alongside thousands of businesses in the region over the past three decades.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen joins On The Record to talk about her decorated career in the police force, how she first got into politics and what the future holds. She also drops a major local news bombshell!Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Tough on the field but a softie off it, Mark Geyer rose to prominence with the Penrith Panthers and won the Premiership with the club in 1991. In this episode of On The Record, 'MG' talks extensively about his rise to first grade and that incredible period in 1990 and 1991. He also speaks about the tragedy of losing team mate Ben Alexander - and reveals the unique way in which he and others coped with the loss. Mark Geyer is Penrith through and through.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Born in Canberra, Stuart Ayres has very much made Penrith his home. Stuart was elected as the State Member for Penrith in 2010, and has risen to numerous ministerial portfolios and to become the Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party. In this insightful chat, Stuart talks about his career in politics, plus reveals some of the darkest days and toughest decisions of his career. No matter what your side of politics, Stuart's story is an interesting one - and there's no doubt he has Penrith at heart.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

The Freeburn name is synonymous with business in Penrith. Matthew Freeburn currently owns and runs Freeburn Surveying, which started in Penrith in October 1951 and is the oldest family-run business in the region. Matthew is known for his passion for Penrith, and proudly declares he'll be in the city forever. This is a fascinating chat with someone who has such great knowledge of Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Penrith's night-life was dominated by one club: The Daily Planet. Matt Jones was the owner of the Planet - famous for $1 drinks, celebrity appearances and hair cuts on the dance floor. Yes, hair cuts! In a time before social media and smart phones, The Daily Planet stood tall as Penrith's social hub. In this episode of On The Record, Matt re-lives the amazing period in Penrith's entertainment history - and explains why it all ended.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Graham Chapman moved to Llandilo when he was five, and his passion for the region has grown ever since. Radio announcer, marketing expert, business owner, referee, talent manager, tourism entrepreneur... his career is as extensive as it is varied. Graham also runs the very popular Memories of Penrith and Surrounding Suburbs page on Facebook.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

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.