Western Weekender

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Katy Hannouch - GM Community Engagement, and Royston Douglas - GM First Nations Engagement, at Western Sydney International Airport explain their roles and achievements with the project.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, talks about what the airport will mean for the west, and why it's an exciting time.

Born and bred in western Sydney, Heath Davis went from Western Weekender journalist to top Australian filmmaker. He's the man behind hits such as Broke, Book Week and the recent festive smash, Christmess. Heath chats to us about what inspires his movies, the issues facing the Australian film industry and reveals what's next.

When Panthers became the 'World of Entertainment' in the 1990s, Max Cowan was the marketing genius working his magic behind the scenes. His father Roger - Panthers CEO for 40 years - left an incredible legacy, and ensured the Cowan name was synonymous with both Panthers and Penrith. In this first episode of On The Record's fourth season, Max opens up about his life and career, and speaks of Roger's time at Panthers - from the highs of his vision coming to life, to the lows that had a devastating impact on his life. This is a must-hear Penrith tale. Search 'Western Weekender' wherever you listen to podcasts, or stream/download below.

As the founder and CEO of Jim’s Group, Jim Penman created one of the biggest franchising businesses in the world. A passionate, dedicated and unique business person, Jim joins us to share insights into what drives success and happiness. With many Jim’s franchises in Penrith, the business has come a long way from the early days of Penman himself mowing lawns.

2003 Panthers Grand Final hero Luke Priddis opens up about his rugby league career, including his fractured relationship with NRL super coach Wayne Bennett. He also reveals how he almost left Penrith at the end of the 2004 season, and speaks about his life after football - including with the Luke Priddis Foundation. It's a fascinating chat with some never-before-heard stories about his celebrated footy career.

David Bradbury was Penrith's youngest ever Mayor, then became the Federal Lindsay MP and rose through the ranks of Australian politics. Now back in Australia working with KPMG, David talks about his time in politics, his decade working in Paris and why he loves being back in Penrith. And he answers an inevitable question: would he ever make a political comeback?

From humble beginnings, Karen McKeown has shown strength and preservice throughout her life - and now sits as the State Member for Penrith. Karen speaks about growing up not knowing her mother and being raised by her beloved grandmother, about her schooling and university and how she first got into politics. She gives us an insight into both Council and State Politics, and gives us insight into her future plans.

For 30 years, Cathy Craig has helped the most needy in Penrith through her work at Penrith Community Kitchen. She’s dedicated her life to helping others, and along the way has raised a family and run a family business. Cathy speaks to us about her long tenure with the Community Kitchen, and why she doesn’t see herself stepping back any time soon.

Eric Cuckson left an incredible business legacy in Penrith and St Marys. His business, W.E. Cuckson & Sons, was more than just a place to work. Eric's daughter Barbara - a successful business owner herself - joins us to talk about growing up in St Marys in the 1950s, and her family's impact on the region. It's a fascinating trip back in time to a time long forgotten, but remembered so fondly by many.

Steve Carter was part of Penrith's legendary 1991 Premiership-winning team. For more than two decades, he was the most capped Penrith NRL player of all-time - a record eclipsed only recently. Steve talks about his career, life after footy and so much more in this special one-on-one chat.

Season five of On The Record kicks off as we go one-on-one with Fred Hastings. Fred is the voice of harness racing in New South Wales, including at Penrith which has become like a second home to the western Sydney born and bred race caller. We talk to Fred about his life and career, and get some insight into what it takes to be a race caller.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor wrap up the 2024 NRL season, as they reflect on Penrith's incredible Premiership win. Plus The Masked Panther calls in with a scoop!

In this edition of Tension's Running High, Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the 2024 NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne. We chat with Liam Henry and Paul Alamoti as they prepare for their first Grand Finals. And we debate all the issues surrounding Grand Final Week.

We chat with Isaah Yeo ahead of his record-breaking appearance for Penrith on Saturday night, plus Nathan Cleary pays tribute to the club's inspirational leader. Troy and Nathan also preview the Preliminary Final this weekend between Penrith and Cronulla, and reflect on the 2003 Grand Final in Remember When...

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor reflect on Penrith's win over the Roosters last weekend, and preview this weekend's semi finals. Plus they remember the bizarre sacking of Ivan Cleary back in 2015, and discuss Isaah Yeo's looming milestone.

Mitch Kenny joins us on the eve of the Finals, plus we preview Penrith's clash with the Roosters. And in Remember When, we look back in the 1985 Finals.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview Penrith's clash with Gold Coast, plus share memories of Penrith Park ahead of the farewell celebrations this weekend. Plus Sunia Turuva joins us for a chat and we remember Penrith's biggest ever win and biggest ever loss.

We preview the Panthers v Rabbitohs Friday night showdown in Penrith, plus Luke Garner joins us. And after back-to-back losses at a crucial time of the year, are the Panthers GONE? Plus in Remember When, we reflect on the 2014 NRL Finals series and THAT win over the Roosters.

Part one of our Farewell Penrith Park coverage, as we look at the venue's history. We catch up with Izack Tago, preview Penrith's clash against Canberra and discuss the 14th rugby league Immortal. Plus in Remember When, we remember the Penrith career of Darryl Brohman.