Where the West Things Are

Thursday, 23 October 2014

If you haven’t already noticed by now, us WestThings crew are extremely passionate about western Sydney life and culture, but nothing makes us prouder than finding out when a well-known Australian had actually grown up and spent the early years of their life in the western ‘burbs. Suddenly, there becomes a compulsive need to brag to all of your friends that this famous person actually lived so close to you, they could’ve practically been your neighbour! And you also feel like, wow, never doubted the potential of our local residents, but I also never thought my own suburb could ever produce anyone this famous either #pride. So that’s why we’re immensely honoured to call these famous faces of Western Sydney our own. Did you grow up in the same suburb as these distinguished Aussies?

1. Anh Do stand-up comedian and host of ‘Anh Does’

Grew up in: Cabramatta

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2. Rebel Wilson comedic actress (Bridesmaids, Pitch Perfect, Super Fun Night)

Grew up in: Kenthurst, Castle Hill and Parramatta

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3. Joel Edgerton producer, screenwriter and actor (Star Wars II Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, The Great Gatsby)

Grew up in: Blacktown

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4. Toni Collette musician and actress (Muriel’s Wedding, The Sixth Sense, United States of Tara)

Grew up in: Blacktown

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5. Greg Page lead vocalist and yellow wiggle of The Wiggles

Grew up in: Northmead

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6. Chris Bath presenter for Seven News, and host of Seven’s Sunday Night

Grew up in: Auburn

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7. Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small radio presenter on Nova FM

Grew up in: Penrith

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8. Kate Ritchie radio presenter on Nova FM and former TV actress (Home and Away)

Grew up in: Campbelltown

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9. Jelena Dokic professional tennis player

Grew up in: Fairfield

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10. Harry Kewell former association football player for the Australian national team

Grew up in: Smithfield

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11. Mark Schwarzer Socceroo goalkeeper and world cup player

Grew up in: Richmond

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12. Michael Clarke Professional cricket player and captain of the Australian cricket team

Grew up in: Liverpool

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13. Laura Dundovic beauty pageant titleholder for Miss Universe Australia 2008

Grew up in: Pennant Hills

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14. Rick Springfield musician and singer-songwriter

Grew up in: Wentworthville

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15. Delta Goodrem singer-songwriter, pianist, and mentor on 'The Voice Australia'

Grew up in: Baulkham Hills

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16. Calum Hood, Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, members of Australian pop rock/pop punk band, '5 Seconds of Summer'
Grew up in: Riverstone

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17. Lukas Bellesini, Paul Eric Merciadez, John Len Ruela Pearce, Samson Corsay Smith, Solo Tohi, members of Australian pop group, 'Justice Crew
Grew up in: Fairfield district

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18. Marlisa Punzalan recent winner of X Factor Australia, 2014 Lukas Bellesini, Paul Eric Merciadez, Grew up in: Glendenning

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Friday, 19 September 2014

If you’re anything like us stereotypical westies, you’ll be at your local pub or restaurant on a Friday night, after a long day of hard yakka, pondering, should I get the steak or the schnitty today? One thing’s for sure. When that waiter comes along after you’ve finally decided what to order, you’ll ask him this life-long question, “Ay can I get chips instead of the salad mate?”

How about, NO you may NOT! You betta down that side salad! Actually, lemme serve you a whole plate full of greens instead as a form of torture for never choosing the vego option! How you like them brussels sprouts!?!

Kidding, I would never actually subject someone to such horrible treatment as downing a plate of brussels sprouts, but could you imagine if the waiter at the restaurant had replied saying, “Sorry… There are no more fries, we’ve sold out.” ABORT. ABORT. Biggest real-life nightmare ever since you discovered McDonalds discontinued their shaker fries, right? Would you take a chance on salad this one time?

The problem is, the poor veggie options never get a chance to be chosen because that pathetic side salad or miniscule sprinkle of garnish over the corner of your plate, has had such a bad rep over the years. You’ve also been traumatised by greens ever since your were a kid, holding back the tears when your mum practically shoved the broccoli down your throat at the dinner table. Doesn’t help either that Marge Simpson sang that song about not making friends with salad. Don’t wanna be that loser.

But you gotta toss the salad-hate aside people! Step outside that schnitty and steak comfort zone, and give the greens another chance, because you’ll be surprised by the vast variety of actually delicious vego choices we have here in the west. We’ve actually helped you take the first step by compiling our top fave vego eats. I promise none of this standard salad or boring brussels sprouts! But if you really wanna continue being that salad-snob I suggest you stop scrolling now. Don't even think that the closet-vegetarian in you hasn't the slightest chance of coming out. Because I don’t think you’ll be able to handle how you feel after seeing the foodporn we have lined up for you today!