PULL OUT AND KEEP! PENRITH’S NUMBER ONE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

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THE SEEKERS CELEBRATE FIVE DECADES OF MUSICGOLDEN YEARS

NEW YEAR’S EVEPENRITH EVENTS GUIDE ON PAGE 8

GIVEAWAYSCORE A COPY OF THE HOBBIT

BOXING DAY BLOCKBUSTERSMOVIES NOT TO MISS THESE HOLIDAYS

ISSUE 116 21.12.12

121 Prairie Vale Road, Bossley Park NSW 2176

ONWHATS

GU

IDE

D I V E N E Z I A M A S K E D B A L L‘Un Ballo in Maschera’

SATURDAY 2 FEBRUARY

SUNDAY 3 FEBRUARY

7pm - 12 midnight | ColosseoA Charity Gala Ball to raise funds for the

Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA)

Contact Daniela Rapattoni on 9822 3309

4pm - 7pm | ColosseoA spell-binding and magical afternoon of

family entertainment. |

02

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Editor Troy DoddsTroy.Dodds@mediaview.com.au

FYi Advertising ManagerCameron WallaceCameron.Wallace@mediaview.com.au

Phone: 4722 2998Fax: 4731 6255

Suite 2, 42-44 Abel SteetJamisontown, NSW 2750

ContentNathan Taylor

ProductionIrene AdamsMaddy Searle

Printed at Spot Press Pty LtdFYi Issue 116

We were playing for the sheer joy of it in

those days

sell a million copies.What followed was a string of folk pop

classics including ‘What Have They Done To The Rain’, ‘A World Of Our Own’, ‘The Carnival Is Over’ ‘Morningtown Ride’ and ‘Georgy Girl’.

So, when you’ve been around for 50 years, and racked up more than 50 million album sales, you’d imagine that selecting songs for a retrospective concert could be a big ask. Not so for the Seekers.

“It really is a nice problem to have – having so many songs,” Woodley laughed.

“But we fi nd that the songs kind of select themselves. There’s always going to be songs like ‘Georgy Girl’ that must be in there, but, this time around we’re doing things a bit differently and its going to be a real audio-visual

retrospective with lots of our old clips and old footage playing on a screen, and we’ll also be telling a few stories as well – it’s going to be really fun.”

And with the benefi t of hindsight, what is it about The Seekers that has resonated for half a century?

“Uniqueness,” Woodley offered without hesitation.

W hen iconic Australian folk-pop outfi t The Seekers fi rst took to the stage at The Treble Clef in 1962, little did anyone know, the band included,

that they would one day knock the likes of The Beatles and the Stones off the charts and sell more than 50 million albums.

Nor did they imagine reaching their 50th anniversary – a milestone Judith Durham, Bruce Woodley, Athol Guy and Keith Potger celebrated in Melbourne last week.

“It really is a huge achievement,” Durham said.

“It kind of crept up on us all of a sudden so we thought we’d better do something to celebrate, so we have put out a wonderful new golden jubilee record, ‘The Seekers 50’ that is a collection of all of our hits.

“We also went into the studio earlier this year to record two new tracks – a version of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’, which has particular resonance for us and ‘Silver Threads and Golden Needles’ by Wanda Jackson.

“We’re also embarking on a special 50th anniversary tour around Australia in May next year which is going to be just amazing.”

As testament to the band’s longevity and infl uence, a celebration was held last week in Melbourne and guitarist Bruce Woodley said he was overwhelmed with the reception the band received.

“It was just amazing,” he said.“It was this big event at Hamer Hall in

Melbourne and a couple of hundred people including the Premier came along and to offer their best wishes. There were telegrams from people like Olivia Newton John and The Wiggles – it was fantastic.”

Durham said that when she fi rst stepped

on stage on that fateful night in 1962, she knew there was magic in the air, but she had no idea just how much.

“Never in a million years did we think The Seekers would become so successful and we never had our eye on the pop charts or anything like that,” she said.

“That fi rst show was a very low key affair – there would have been about 50 people in the audience and everyone in the band was sitting down. They were very humble beginnings.

“We were playing for the sheer joy of it in those days,” Woodley added.

“A lot of the time we were lucky to get paid.”

After gaining a large following in Melbourne, The Seekers released their debut album, ‘Introducing the Seekers’, but it wasn’t until the band made their legendary trip to the motherland that the fun really started.

Legend has it that the band were offered a 12-month stint on a cruise ship and when they arrived in the UK in 1964 they intended to stay for 10 weeks. However, fate had other ideas.

“The person booking our shows in the UK started us off with a few theatre and club bookings and, before we knew it we were being offered a 16-week summer season, which is pretty amazing considering we didn’t have a single out at the time,” he said.

It wasn’t too long before their fi rst single ‘Myra’ hit the UK airwaves and thanks to numerous TV appearances, The Seekers were well on their way. Their next single ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’, penned by Dusty Springfi eld’s brother Tom, gave the Seekers their fi rst UK number one and cemented them in the history books as the fi rst Aussie band to

The Seekers perform live at the State Theatre, Sydney on Monday, May 6 at 7pm. Tickets start at $89.90.To book or for more information call 136 100 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au.

SEEKERS’ UNIQUE 50 YEARS OF MUSICSTEPHEN BISSET chats with legendary Australian outfi t, Th e Seekers,

about their incredible 50th Anniversary...

03Cover Story

PENRITH PANTHERSYOUR WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

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NYE 2012Outdoor CCaarnrnivivaivaalll 3pm3pmm3p - 12.30am

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O ne of Australia’s most successful rock bands, Rose Tattoo, will be bringing their raw energy live to St Marys Band Club for an

unforgettable night of bad boy rock and roll.In the category of “cult bands” Rose

Tattoo has been at the top of the pile for years.

The Aussie rock band manages to create a raw style of blues rock with a hot mix of slide guitars, pounding hooks and a sharp rhythm. Though most bands pump out music like fast-food, frontman Angry Anderson delivers a feast of quality songs for

his fans. The best thing about Rose Tattoo is the

band can take a punch and are full of vitality, they put every kick in the face behind them and still have the energy to carry on and deliver a new quality product.

Rose Tattoo formed in Sydney in 1976 and went on to produce some of this country’s most iconic rock hits. Their most prolifi c songs included ‘Bad Boy For Love’, Rock ‘n’ Roll Outlaw’, ‘Nice Boys’, ‘We Can’t Be Beaten’ and ‘Scarred For Life’.

In 2006 they were given the honour of being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

While many of the original line-up have sadly passed on, there’s no stopping Angry Anderson whose continuing on the legacy of his beloved Rose Tattoo into the future.

Rose Tattoo are at the St Marys Band Club on Friday, January 11 at 8pm. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for guests. To book or for more information call 9623 1211 or visit www.stmarysbandclub.com.au.

I t’s hard to believe that the loveable Disney movie classic ‘Cinderella’ is 62-years-old, so to celebrate this charming tale, Ruby Productions have

decided to stage it for families this school holidays.

The stage version will be narrated by Lucy and Ethan, two loud and colourful characters from the swamps of Louisiana.

Beautiful Ella has been forced into domestic servitude by her jealous stepmother and ugly stepsisters, though she keeps a positive outlook with the help of her chatty mice friends as well as the family dog.

Then, the King decides it’s time for the Prince to get married and invites every young maiden in the kingdom to the Royal Ball.

With the help of a forgetful, but funny Fairy Godmother, Ella (now Cinderella) instantly catches the Prince’s eye. They spend the entire night together, but it is over much too soon.

As the clock strikes midnight, Cinderella races from the castle in a gallant attempt to get home before the last strike. In her haste, she loses her glass slipper on the steps of the castle. With the slipper as his guide, the Prince searches for the mystery maiden and will not rest until this fair lady is found.

Ruby Productions’ adaptation of ‘Cinderella’ is open to all ages.

‘Cinderella’ plays at the Emu Sports Club, Leonay from Wednesday, January 9 to Saturday, January 19 at various performance times. Tickets are $12.

To book or for more information call 4735 5422 or visit www.rubyproductions.com.au.

ANGRY’S FEAST OF BLUES ROCK

THE KIDS WILL HAVE A ROYAL BALL

04 Local Gigs

www.stmarysbandclub.com.au

411 Great Western Highway, ST MARYS for further information call 9623 1211

There’s something for everyone

DJ Spinning a retro mix of party favourites from80’s, 90’s, Noughties and Now!

in the Keller Lounge

Karaoke Sunday Nights

COMING SOON

RRRockk & Roolll BBaands22nd Dec - Tezza & The

Twistops

29th Dec - Mr James Band

5th Jan - On The Prowl

FREE ENTERTAINMENT

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Traditional Christmas menu with all the trimmings and seafood including crab, prawns, oysters.

ADULT $40.50, 3-7 YEARS $17.50, 8-12 YEARS $27.50 Bookings essential1st Seating 11.00am-1.00pm • 2nd Seating 1.30pm-3.30pm

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Members $25 | Non-Members/ Door $30- Limited seating- Strictly 18+

Friday 11th January 2013Doors open 8pm

from 5.30pm- Visitor $27.50, Member $26, Senior $24.50, 2-12 years $2 per year of age, under 2 FREE

with our weekly raffl es

in addition to our fabulous

regular raffl e prizes!

Christmas Hams, CCCCCCCCCCCCCCWIN

Thursdays from 6pm,

Fridays from 6.45pm,

Saturdays from 2.30pm

Sundays from 3.30pm

FREE ENTERTAINMENTIN THE KELLER LOUNGEwith Rock n’ Roll Band “MATCHBOX” + DJ till the early hours

CELEBRATE NYE WITH DINNER at BUFFET PALACE RESTAURANTSeafood, Asian, Australian, European Cuisine, Carvery, Soups & salads, Cakes & Puddings, Desserts & Ice Cream, Fresh Fruit…

RETRO FRIDAY NIGHTSFrom 8.30pm till Late

Karaok

COM

05

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I t’s that time of year again when all the festivities of Christmas are over, the presents have been unwrapped and when all the year’s biggest fl icks are about to be

released.This Boxing Day there’s fi ve major movies

hitting the Australian screens including ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ and ‘Parental Guidance’ for the families, ‘Quartet’ and ‘Les Misérables’ for the intellectual bunch, as well as the highly-anticipated prequel to the ‘Lord Of The Rings Trilogy’, ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’.

‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ is this Boxing Day’s most eagerly awaited fi lm, and stars Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, Cate Blanchet and Hugo Weaving and is directed by ‘Lord Of The Rings’ mastermind, Peter Jackson.

The movie follows protagonist Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug.

Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo fi nds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, fi rst they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever... Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” – a simple, gold ring that is tied

to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

‘The Hobbit’ has achieved mostly positive reviews out of the US and promises to excite anyone who loved ‘The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy’. It’s rated M.

‘Les Misérables’ has already been nominated for numerous Golden Globe Awards, and if the reaction by fans and critics is anything to go by, plenty of Academy Awards may well be on the cards.

The movie features one of the most highly-talented ensemble casts in a very long time – Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, ‘Les Misérables’ tells an enthralling

story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifi ce and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

This movie has all the goods for an Academy Award for ‘Best Picture’ and will probably suit the more serious movie-goer these holidays.

‘Les Misérables’ is rated M.

‘Parental Guidance’ starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler will provide you with all the feel-good laughs you’ll need this Boxing Day.

Old school grandfather Artie (Crystal), who

BOXING DAY FLICKS THAT GET THE TICKFYI entertainment guru Nathan Taylor takes a look at the blockbuster

movies headed our way this Boxing Day that you simply cannot miss...

06 Boxing Day Movie Guide

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is accustomed to calling the shots, meets his match when he and his eager-to-please wife Diane (Bette Midler) agree to babysit their three grandkids when their ‘helicopter’ parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) go away for work.

But when 21st century problems collide with Artie and Diane’s old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend and not holding your ground that binds a family together.

‘Parental Guidance’ doesn’t scream unique because there’s been many fi lms over the past 20 years that resemble this premise but when you’ve got two comedy geniuses in Crystal and Midler, you really can’t go wrong.

‘Parental Guidance’ is rated PG.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ won’t just excite the

young ones these holidays but will be every gamer’s dream seeing all the coolest video game characters come together on the big screen.

Ralph (John C. Reilly) is tired of being overshadowed by Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer), the “good guy” star of their game who always gets to save the day.

But after decades doing the same thing and seeing all the glory go to Felix, Ralph decides he’s tired of playing the role of a bad guy. He takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through every generation of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, he meets the tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch) from the fi rst-person action game ‘Hero’s Duty’. But

it’s the feisty misfi t Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, ‘Sugar Rush’, whose world is threatened when Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade.

Disney has done wonders with this fi lm and will absolutely be a sure fi re hit these holidays.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ is rated PG.

‘Quartet’ won’t be a movie you’ll take your kids to this Boxing Day but may be a good one for mum and dad.

Beecham House is abuzz because the rumour circling the halls is that the home for retired musicians is soon to play host to a new resident... word is, it’s a star.

For Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay),

Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly) and Cecily Robson (Pauline Collins) this sort of talk is common at the gossipy home.

But they’re in for a special shock when the new arrival turns out to be none other than their former singing partner, Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). Her subsequent career as a star soloist, and the ego that accompanied it, split up their long friendship and ended her marriage to Reggie, who takes the news of her arrival particularly hard.

The movie stars a classic cast of legendary actors and is directed by on-screen legend, Dustin Hoffman.

So far critics have been kind to this sweet little English comedy and have praised Hoffman’s directing ability.

‘Quartet’ will have you in stitches but will also warm your heart. It’s rated M.

07Boxing Day Movie Guide

Cnr Glebe Pl & Richmond Rd phone 4722 8180

www.penrithgaels.com.au

FULL $10 LUNCH MENU

SUNDAY RAFFLE

Starts at 7pm Tickets on Sale from 5pm

Hams, Legs of Pork, Boned Rolled Turkey

Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink (members only). 7 to choose from.

Monday-Friday Only

FREE EntertainmentSKYZ THE LIMIT

HEATWAVE

KRISTY LEE

VENUS 2

Saturday December 22nd - 7pm

Saturday December 29th - 7pm

Friday December 21st - 8pm

Friday December 28th - 8pm

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Schmidy's catering - the Best Food in PenrithThey have introduced a stylish, contemporary menu,

delivering a high standard using fresh produce.

Taste the difference, open daily for Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm and dinner from 5.30pm

IN THE MAIN BAR - FREE ENTRY

Monday December 31stNEW YEAR’S EVE

DJ CAMERON

PJ CULLEN& FRIENDSNEW YEARS IN THE JA ROOM

Members - $20 Non Members - $25Booking Essential

CELEBRATE NYE 2012 IN PENRITH

I f you can’t be bothered trekking into the city this December 31, then there’s plenty of things to do in the Penrith area to ring in the New Year. Here’s our list of

local events to celebrate New Year’s Eve…

Venue: Penrith Panthers (EVAN Theatre)Time: 8.30pmWhat: New Year’s Eve Members Free Show. The ‘Magnifi cent 7’ is a non-stop variety show featuring the songs of the seven best artists from the early years of rock and roll: Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond. This show is mesmerising with its costume changes and catchy tunes. Tickets: Members free. Call 1800 061 991.

Venue: Penrith Panthers (Aqua Golf Carpark)Time: 3pmWhat: Outdoor Carnival. Bring the whole family and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. Kids rides will be set up in the carpark suitable for a range of ages. Fireworks will be set off at 9pm as well as midnight.Tickets: Free entry (excluding rides).

Venue: Rooty Hill RSL

Time: 8pmWhat: Aussie Rock New Year’s Eve. This NYE, rock band, Australian Played, teams up with retro DJ Magoo to bring you an unforgettable way to enter 2013. Australian Played loves to rock every single gig with an impassioned show that encapsulates the Australian music scene. Tickets: Members free, Visitors $8. Call 9625 5500.

Venue: Blacktown Workers ClubTime: 8pmWhat: New Year’s Eve with Jade Hurley. Piano player and experienced performer, Jade Hurley, will perform classics from legendary artists including Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, Johnny Cash and more.Tickets: Members $45, Visitors $50. Includes dinner. Call 9830 0600.

Venue: Nepean Belle PaddlewheelerTime: 7.45pmWhat: Celebrate the New Year in luxury and style by wining, dining, dancing and cruising the night away. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Party Cruise on the Nepean Belle.Tickets: $110. Call 4733 1274.

08 New Year’s Eve

DIRTY DRIVEWAY• Driveways, Paths, Pool & BBQ areas • House Washing

• Protective & Colour Sealing • Graffi ti Removal

For a free quote call Pete on 0419 823 215or 4727 0057

Before After

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AND SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS

DEAD LETTER CIRCUS

December 22

Blacktown Workers

$7.50 members, $10.50 visitors

December 28Fitzroy Hotel$23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21

After DarkVenue: St Marys Band ClubFree entry, 9.30pm9623 1211The FrocksVenue: St Marys LeaguesFree entry, 9pm9677 7777Skyz The LimitVenue: Penrith GaelsFree entry, 8pm4722 8180The BlacklistVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 9pm4728 5200YumVenue: Kingswood Sports ClubFree entry, 7.30pm4737 4600

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22

Chris Drummond DuoVenue: Blacktown Workers Free entry, 9pm9830 0673And So This Is ChristmasVenue: Blacktown Workers$7.50 members, $10.50 visitors, 8pm9830 0673Karaoke SaturdayVenue: Kingswood Sports ClubFree entry, 8pm4737 4600

Rock and RollVenue: St Marys Band ClubFree entry, 8.30pm9623 1211Lisa Crouch & Dig ThisVenue: St Marys LeaguesFree entry, 9pm9677 7777Big Swing BandVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 2pm4728 520080’s FlashbackVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 9pm4728 5200The BanditsVenue: Rooty Hill RSLFree entry, 8.30pm9625 5500

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

The Shuffl e BoysVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 2pm4728 5200Luke RobinsonVenue: Penrith PanthersFree entry, 4pm4720 5555

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Dead Letter CircusVenue: Fitzroy Hotel$23, 8.30pm4577 3396

Juicy FridaysVenue: Penrith Hotel$10, 9pm4721 2060

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29

Dennis Demello DuoVenue: Blacktown Workers Free entry, 9pm9830 0673MacsonVenue: Kingswood Sports ClubFree entry, 8.30pm4737 4600Venus 2Venue: Penrith GaelsFree entry, 8pm4722 8180The Endless Summer Beach PartyVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 9pm4728 5200

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30

Tall TimbreVenue: Penrith RSLFree entry, 2pm4728 5200Pete VansinjanVenue: Penrith PanthersFree entry, 4pm4720 5555Jeff RobertsonVenue: Nepean RowersFree entry, 3pm4731 2255

09What’s On

B ilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of 13 dwarves, arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey “there and back again”.

They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnifi cent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

The prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit has sold millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most beloved and infl uential books of the twentieth century.

In fact, there’s no better time to get your hands on a copy of The Hobbit with the release of the highly-anticipated fi lm of the same name on Boxing Day.

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien is now available through HarperCollins Publisher in paperback format.

FYI has three copies of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to give away. For your chance to win one copy, send an

envelope with your name and phone number on the back to Weekender The Hobbit Competition, Suite 2, 42-44 Abel St, Jamisontown 2750. Entries close Friday, January 4. Authorised under NSW Permit Number LTPM/12/01138. Terms and conditions at www.westernweekender.com.au.

THE HOBBIT

BY J.R.R TOLKIEN

It is all about great coffeeFriendly service

Shop 8, Westfi eld Penrith Plaza Penrith 4721 8142

OPENING LATE FOR CHRISTMAS TRADING

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Coffee

Sandwiches

Pancakes

Cakes

Soups

Pasta

Burgers

Omelettes

Steaks

Chicken

Seafood

Gelato

Make it your meeting place Come & enjoy our great coffee

with a wide variety of cakes.

• Breakfast all day.

• Home made meals.

• Warm friendly service

The Heritage Terrace Cafe would like to wish a merry Christmas and happy holidays to all our customers who

have supported us through many years, and hopefully for many years to come.

Pasta

Bacon, eggs, tomato & toast

$995

$1695

Cake & coffeespecial

$6

Roast turkey with gravy and vegetables serving now everyday

till Christmas

4732 1505First Floor, 269 High Street, PENRITH

www.whiteswan.net.au

Trading HoursLunch: 11:30am - 3.00pmDinner: 5.30pm till Late

• Exceptional Seafood Cuisine& Steakhouse

• Indoor & Outdoor Dining

• Superior Service

• Functions ranging from Anniversaries & Christmas, Birthdays for large groups etc...

Renowned as one of

Penrith’s premier function restaurants

Reserve an Experience

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Monday night specialBuy one schnitzel variety,Second schnitzel variety

only $4

10 Book of the Week

EATING OUT

CNR NORTHERN RD & M4 ORCHARD HILLS PH: 4736 3000 INCHURCHPENRITH.COM

9AM-10AM25TH DECEMBER

TONIGHT - 7PMFRIDAY DECEMBER 21A unique, fun carols experience for the whole family

FREE EVENT• Visit from Santa• Refreshments afterwards

1084WWD22141

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

I ’ve been fortunate in my life to have travelled to some of the world’s greatest cities, and dined at some of world’s coolest restaurants. One of my favourite dining adventures was

Orlando’s The House of Blues – a restaurant chain that prided itself in not just awesome music but traditional American cuisine with a twist.

I hadn’t been able to fi nd something that quite resembled The House of Blues until I stepped inside Penrith’s Outback Steakhouse last week.

A polished dining restaurant, Outback Steakhouse prides itself on preparing 98 per cent of their food in-house.

As they say: “When you’re eating breakfast, we’re preparing your dinner”. And that statement rings true because each dish my dining partner and I ordered was freshly made, presented beautifully and tasted sensational.

As an entrée my dining partner and I got stuck into two starter dishes – the Seared Ahi Tuna and Popcorn Prawns. Both dishes packed plenty of fl avour and bite, and were the perfect accompaniment to our mains.

For my main meal I decided to go with one of Outback Steakhouse’s signature dishes, the Alice Springs Chicken – wood-fi re grilled chicken breast seasoned and topped with

honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crisp strips of bacon and melted Aussie Jack Cheddar cheese. My chicken was cooked to perfection, nice and tender. I think the bacon, cheese and mushroom topping took what was already a tasty bit of chicken to that extra level.

My dining partner tucked into the tender and juicy 8oz Victoria’s Fillet, which by all reports was absolutely beautiful.

During our meal we were fortunate enough to try one of Outback’s delicious range of mocktails and cocktails. Both beverages featured summer, fruity fl avours and gave us that sweet energy rush to keep on eating.

For dessert we couldn’t go passed the Dessert Sampler Trio, which featured three of Outback’s most popular desserts – Chocolate Thunder (brownie), Fresh Fruit Pavlova and their homemade indulgent Sticky Date Pudding.

These sweet treats were just one, two, three of the many highlights our Outback Steakhouse experience had to offer.

Make sure you get down to Outback Steakhouse Penrith as soon as you can because it’s truly world class.

Outback Steakhouse is located at 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith and is open seven days.

For bookings or more information call 4732 2577 or visit www.outbacksteakhouse.com.au.

– Reviewed by Nathan Taylor

11Dining

12

1084WWDCON

We Let the MusicDo the Talking

www.fusionfm.com.auPh 47 311678

Don’t wait until Friday!Local news as it breaks...

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44 45 46 47

48 49

50 51 52 53 54

55 56

57 58 59 60 61

62 63 64 65 66

67 68 69 70 71

72 73 74 75 76 77 78

79 80 81 82 83

84 85

86 87 88

Fill in all squares so each row, column and each of the nine3 x 3 squares contain all digits from one to nine.

ACROSS

1. Dull4. Anti-slide8. Challenge11. Grow outwards13. Business books review15. US state, ... Island17. Decorative garden pot18. Barks in pain20. Young goat21. Middle24. Audacity27. Painting & sculpture28. Duped (3,2)30. Fracas31. The other way around,

vice ...33. Undercover (venue)34. Lower in quality35. Pigments36. Call over PA39. Slum area42. First Pope44. Rectangular courtyard45. Leased out46. Track event48. Bread “skin”49. Batters50. Desire52. Lenience54. Discover55. Sticky (weather)56. Stashes57. Interrupting cough 60. Formerly62. Insuffi cient65. Gentle67. Railway freight vehicle69. Register70. Zeal72. Release, ... go73. Water grasses75. Michaelmas daisy77. Small carpet79. Worship

81. Belonging to that82. Address crowd84. Soup-serving spoon85. Cuban coins86. Fifty per cent87. Nasal cavities88. Heavy thump

DOWN

1. Night-time2. Home3. Unopened bloom4. Geek5. Of neither sex6. Pricked (boil)7. Liver paste food8. Perish9. Geography reference

volume10. North, south, ..., west12. Bitter fruit14. Embankments16. Up-and-down (terrain)19. Car crash22. Positively23. Free of bumps25. Took on board26. Income cheat, tax ...29. Offend32. Travelling salesman35. Mythical vampire37. Onward38. Long letter40. Incubate41. Lubricated42. Nectarine relative43. Mad (dog)44. Reasonably47. Movie classifi ers51. Charitable52. Ground (beef)53. Sings like Swiss

mountaineer54. Minibar58. Carved into shape

59. Monosodium glutamate (1,1,1)

61. Open-handed blow63. Removed centre from

(apple)64. Banner65. Salutes with drink66. European money

68. Circular coral reef71. Garbage72. Whip74. Lambs’ mothers76. Pats78. Castrate80. UK air force (1,1,1)83. Decay

Solution to last week’s mind benders

13Mind Benders

W ell we’ve fi nally reached the last edition of the year and for the year’s fi nal Chatter on the Box I’ve decided to run through some

of the hits and misses of 2012…

Best Australian Reality ShowThis year has to be the return of ‘Big Brother’ to our screens. Even though Nine left us without ‘Uncut’ and ‘Up-Late’ editions, this year’s ‘Big Brother’ was still pretty damn entertaining. It featured a great bunch of likeable and villainous housemates, most of the challenges were brilliant and the addition of social network interaction was fantastic. Many people criticise this show for some reason or another but have you noticed that all the harsh critics have never actually watched a single episode? I can’t wait for this to return in 2013.

Best Talent ShowIt was very hard not to give this award to ‘The Voice’. What Channel Nine did with this program was outstanding. They cast four brilliant coaches in Keith, Delta, Joel and Seal and found some really unique talent. I think what made this show was the format. The Blind Auditions and Battle Rounds were so unique that each episode had close to two million viewers, which in this day and age is unheard of. Who knows what’s in store next year for the show with Ricky Martin on board but I do know I’ll be tuning in.

Best Talk ShowHe’s someone that I’m constantly critical of but this year Rove McManus has outdone himself with his Los Angeles-based show ‘Rove LA’. While not every episode has been outstanding, they are all right up there. The way Rove gets three celebrity guests interacting and opening up during his show is clever and for once he’s not going down the cheap laughs route, which plagued his former Channel Ten show. Well done Rove!

Best Sporting SpectacleIt was hard to go past all the triumph and drama of this year’s London Olympic Games. Channel Nine did a reasonable job of producing the Olympics but Foxtel’s coverage was far better.

Best ChannelIn just its very fi rst year, Foxtel’s A&E is the best channel of 2012 without question. I’m serious, how can you not love shows like ‘Pawn Stars’, ‘Cajun Pawn Stars’, ‘Storage Wars’, ‘Hardcore Pawn’, ‘American Pickers’, ‘American Restoration’, ‘Lizard Lick Towing’ and ‘Axe Men’. Quality, quality TV right there.

Best Television InnovationWe have a tie between Foxtel’s GO app and Foxtel’s TV Guide app. Both smart device applications have changed the way I watch TV this year and I commend Foxtel for being the leader in television apps. It kind of makes paying $95 per month bearable.

The Worst of the WorstIt was too hard to pick just one, so without explanation here are my worst shows of the year: ‘Excess Baggage’, ‘The Shire’, ‘Being Lara Bingle’, ‘Anger Management’, ‘Everybody Dance Now’, ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Breakfast’ and ‘Brynne: My Bedazzled Life’.

Most Anticipated Show of 2013Chris Lilley’s new ABC1 comedy will be the one to watch next year. While 2011’s ‘Angry Boys’ was very good in parts, it was still heavily criticised for not being as funny as his previous offerings. Let’s hope Chris produces something out of this world.

CHATTER ONTHE BOXwith Nathan Taylor

Catering • Gift Shop • Function Centre

King Henry’s CourtCafé/Restaurant

74 Henry St Penrith | Ph 4721 1155 | Fax: 4722 9989www.kinghenryscourt.com.au • luke@kinghenryscourt.com.au

1083

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OPENING HOURS Monday-Sunday Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerMonday – Friday 8.30am till late • Saturday 10.30am till late

Sunday 8.30am till 3pm

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT

us on

Wishing everyone a happy & safe holiday season.

We will see you in the new year

CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR TRADING HOURS

CLOSING at 1.30pm, Sunday 23rd, December RE-OPENING at 9am Monday 7th, January

Trading hours for re-opening in January are:Monday 7th - Wednesday 9th ........9am - 3pmThursday 10th .................................9am - 3pm 5.30pm - lateFriday 11th .......................................9am - 3pm 6pm - lateSaturday 12th ..................................9.30am - lateSunday 13th ....................................9am - late

First week of trading in 2013 there is a LIMITED MENU

14 Television

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OPENBOXING

DAY

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S ix local businesses participated in a gingerbread house cook-off on Sunday morning to raise much needed funds for charity and spread

Christmas cheer. Bright and early in front of the Christmas

Tree on High Street, NAB, Mul T Security, Westfi eld, One Stop Cake, Club Paceway and Zac Homes all entered teams to see who could make the best gingerbread house.

Within two hours there were stunning houses decorated with lollies and candies; Channel Nine crossed live to the cook-off during its weather updates.

The mouthwatering gingerbread homes were put on display at Rotary’s Carols By Camdlelight at the Paceway that evening.

45 local dance students also put on a fantastic display in elf costumes and there was even a visit from the big man in red, Santa Claus – a fantastic event organised by Penrith City Centre Association.

Photos: Hillary Nathan Photography

PENRITH BAKE-OFF GOES OFF

15Social Scene

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Club Paceway, Cnr Station & Ransley Sts, Penrithwww.clubpacewaypenrith.com.au 4721 2375

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Showground MarketsEvery Wednesday From 8.30am-1.30pmMARKETS CLOSEDBOXING DAY

Club Paceway would like to wish all it’s patrons, sponsors, trainers, owners, drivers

and staff a very happy holiday season. Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year!”

We now have a

Kids Play

Area10

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ENTERTAINMENT every Saturday night

BISTRO Lunch & Dinner

RACINGEvery Thursday Night - FREE ENTRY

PARTIES & WEDDINGS3 x Function Rooms, the largest can cater for up to 300 ppl, great wedding packages available

KENO & PLATINUM TAB Facilities

CASH HOUSIE Wednesday’s From 10.30am & Friday’s 6.30pm

ECONOMY BUSTER MONDAYS$2.50 Morning Tea from 10.30am to 11.30am. Plus mini raffl es, strips of 10 numbers for only @ $2.Mothers Groups more than welcome.

FRIDAY NIGHT BADGE DRAWFirst draw 6.30pm

CCCClllppp

’’sss

RACE NIGHTThursday 27th Decembera great chance to enjoy

the racing during theholiday period