Western Weekender

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.