ACCIDENT: Penrith - Doonmore Street near Derby Street. Car into power pole.

A-LEAGUE: Full-time - Melbourne City 3 Wanderers 2

The Sporting Chance on Livestream

SPORT: Our very own Nathan Taylor was a special guest on new local sports show The Sporting Chance tonight. If you missed the live stream earlier from the Lapstone Hotel, you can catch it all here: http://livestream.com/BliveStreaming/theSportingChance

A-LEAGUE: Half-time - Melbourne City 2 Wanderers 1

Griffin: Trials will be huge test | The Western Weekender

SPORT: Panthers coach Anthony Griffin says the club's two trial matches against Canterbury and Parramatta will help finalise his top 17 for 2016 - http://westernweekender.com.au/2016/01/griffin-trials-will-be-huge-test/

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The Sporting Chance makes its debut tomorrow - and Weekender reporter Nathan Taylor will be making an appearance!

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FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Back in November 1961, torrential rain fell in the Nepean Valley causing flooding in Regentville and Emu Plains. Penrith received half its annual rainfall over the two days. The Nepean Power Boat and Ski clubhouse was almost destroyed in the flood. Foundation member Gino Merlolena is seen here amongst the rubble.

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NEWS: Paralympic gold medallist Jodi Elkington-Jones is Penrith’s Australia Day Ambassador for 2016 - http://westernweekender.com.au/2016/01/inspiring-athlete-backs-australia-day-in-penrith/

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OPINION: Troy Dodds says consumer laws must be changed to protect people when companies like Dick Smith go into administration - http://westernweekender.com.au/2016/01/laws-must-change-to-protect-consumers/

WE'RE BACK! The Weekender team is back on deck for 2016 - and this year, we're celebrating our 25th anniversary in Penrith. If you've got a news tip or you think there's a story we should be following, email us at news@westernweekender.com.au. If you'd like to discuss your advertising for 2016, email sales@westernweekender.com.au or call 4722 2998. Look out for our first print edition of the year on January 15. #Weekender25

Photos from The Western Weekender's post

NEWS: A factory complex has been substantially damaged by fire this afternoon. Just after 2pm fire fighters from multiple stations across western Sydney were called to Coreen Avenue, Penrith where a fire had started in one unit and spread through the roof to adjoining units. Fire fighters worked to gain access to the units and extinguish the fire. One male was assessed on scene by paramedics for mild smoke inhalation. All persons were able to evacuate the buildings safely. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. Photos: Dean Asher / TNV

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WEATHER WATCH: Penrith continues to be hit by persistent rain this afternoon, which is causing issues on the roads. * A car has collided with a tree in Shanes Park causing the tree to come crashing down and trapping the driver for nearly an hour. Emergency services worked together in pouring rain to free the male from his wrecked car. He was treated on scene by paramedics before being rushed to Westmead Hosptial in a serious condition. (Pictured) * St Marys Road at Shanes Park is closed while police from the Crash Investigation Unit investigate the above accident * The Northern Road is affected by flooding between Londonderry Road and Richmond Road in Llandilo * Stony Creek Road is closed near St Marys Road in Shanes Park. Route 674 buses are diverting off Stony Creek Road and are missing two stops between Government Road and Palmyra Avenue. * Roads are extremely wet and drivers are urged to take care and avoid unnecessary travel