Western Weekender

World War II veteran David Trist recounts his experiences at war, and his involvement in Legacy for many decades. A long-time St Marys resident, David speaks about his career in banking, and what went wrong when he organised a home loan for music great Col Joye.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Former St Marys Local Area Commander Ray Filewood had a stellar career in policing, with the local area always intertwined. He speaks to us about his role in responding to the Glenbrook Train Disaster, the Bathurst Motorcycle Race Riots and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. After more than 40 years in the police, Ray certainly has some fascinating stories to tell.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Born and bred in Penrith, Bruce Turner had a stellar career in accounting and internal auditing. In his later years, he has become an author - telling stories of Penrith's extraordinary history, and the people who laid the foundations for the modern city we have today. At its core, Bruce's story is one of a passionate Penrith family man who has watched the city grow and evolve to what it is today.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Alan Whiticker has written more than 50 books, covering everything from rugby league to true crime and biographies. Born and bred in Penrith, he has a fascinating story about growing up in a changing city, becoming a teacher and following his true passion in writing.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Gai Hawthorn is the CEO of the Penrith CBD Corporation. She has a long history in Penrith - her Dad helped build the Leonay Golf Club - and has worked for major local organisations including Panthers and The Good Guys. Gai is also a passionate charity advocate, working closely with Penrith Community Kitchen, Penrith PCYC and the McGrath Foundation. She chats about her roles in Penrith, working with Roger Cowan and how much Penrith has changed over the years.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Stanton & Taylor is the longest-running real estate business in Penrith. Director Greg Taylor joins us as we kick off series three of On The Record. Greg speaks about studying to be an accountant, how he got into the family real estate business, and how his firm has survived where others have fallen. Greg has a fascinating story to tell about surviving in a cut-throat industry, and thriving in a city he has forever called home.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take a look back at Penrith's 2023 season, which culminated in an historic NRL three-peat. Plus, they look ahead to next year at some exciting things in store for the Panthers and the NRL.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take an early look at Grand Final week, and preview the 2003 NRL decider between Penrith and Brisbane.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take a look at the 2023 NRL season for the Penrith Panthers. There's a few bold predictions, a couple of laughs and lots of footy talk ahead of the new season.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

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.