Western Weekender

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.