Western Weekender

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.

In the latest episode of Weekender Wireless, Troy Dodds takes an in depth local look at Coronavirus and its impact on Penrith. We look at the latest local numbers, the outbreak at Newmarch House and discuss the new contact tracing app launched by the Federal Government.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Josh Lalor is a professional cricketer who has represented New South Wales, various Big Bash League clubs and, more recently, relished a stint playing in the Caribbean Premier League. The past decade has been a dynamic and fast-moving experience, juggling a cricket career, work career and a young family. Having twice been de-listed from the New South Wales contract list, Josh has had to maintain resilience and perspective in the face of adversity.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds presents a new episode of Weekender Wireless, focused on the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on Penrith. We've got the latest local numbers, plus an update on the situation at Newmarch House nursing home in Caddens. Weekender Wireless delivers a dedicated local look at Coronavirus.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Whilst always having a love for the written word, it was an inspiring encounter at high school where Jack Hunter knew there was an audience for his writing. The support and backing of teachers, friends and family have helped Jack follow and develop his passion. Over the past decade, Jack has hit many milestones and accomplishments. A local author from the Blue Mountains, Jack has produced four books and regularly contributes online. However, the successes have been tempered by a series of challenges and realisations.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds hosts a new Western Weekender podcast, with specific focus on the impact of Coronavirus on Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

The Western Weekender looks at the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on Penrith.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the Penrith Panthers' 2020 NRL season.Visit www.westernweekender.com.au or download The Western Weekender App.