Businessman Greg Evans, who founded The Western Weekender newspaper, has passed away.
He had a significant impact on Penrith – serving as a Councillor, running a number of businesses and forming part of the ‘Footy Five’ in a dramatic period of Panthers’ rugby league history.
Evans was a key figure in ensuring the Panthers stood alone in the National Rugby League, fighting against a proposed merger with Parramatta in what was an at times bitter chapter for Panthers behind the scenes.
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He founded The Western Weekender in 1991, believing the perception of Penrith being presented by major media organisations was unfair.
It is a legacy that remains today, with the Weekender – which has undergone several ownership changes since Evans’ departure from the business in 2008 – currently in its 34th year of publishing.
The Weekender defied expectations and became a force as an independent publication, eventually outlasting its News Limited and Fairfax competitors to become Penrith’s market leading newspaper.
“We acknowledge the passing of Greg Evans and pay tribute to the legacy he has left in the shape of The Western Weekender – which looks vastly different today than it did when it launched in 1991, but still retains much of the intent and desire from those early days,” said Weekender Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.
Evans founded Penrith local radio station Kick FM in 2007, luring Jason Bouman and Amanda Flynn to head up its breakfast show. The station proved short-lived, going off air at the end of 2008. Evans was also the owner of the Sydney Spirit basketball team.
He had long split his time between Thailand and his beloved Penrith, and had been battling illness for some time.
Evans’ life – both professionally and personally – was not without its controversies and missteps, but much of what he created in Penrith will remain as part of his legacy.
“Evo was one of life’s great characters, and certainly one of Penrith’s,” said long-time friend and current Councillor, John Thain.
“Evo had a great sense of humour and was good company.
“He had a go in a business sense and was successful in his home town. The father of The Western Weekender.
“My condolences to his family and friends – we will miss him.”
Former Western Weekender Editor, Bernard Bratusa, said Evans was a “true friend”.
“Greg will and should be remembered for all of the GOOD things he did for both Penrith and the people he proudly called mates,” Bratusa said.
“Evo always looked at his ‘glass of life’ being half full, offered a helping hand to anyone in need, and focused on the positives he was blessed with, particularly his family, Sheena, Monique and Michael, and friends.”
Evans will be farewelled at a private service organised by his family.
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