Blacktown News - February 2023

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CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

DEFENDING NSW Football Champions, Blacktown City FC, have announced a long-term partnership with Walker Corporation as their principal partner for both the Senior Men and Senior Women. “The Walker attitude of seeing an opportunity where others simply see a challenge, is the same vision we have to build on the reputation, history and culture Blacktown City has developed over our 70-year history”, said Blacktown FC Executive Chairman Bob Turner. “We could not ask for a better partner to support our future growth. The commitment of Walker to Western Sydney will not only stimulate the city of Blacktown, but their community spirit will lead to Blacktown City utilising its players and coaches to establish a free development

program with a goal to spread the Blacktown City word and find the next Matilda or Socceroo."

Walker

Corporation Executive Chairman Lang Walker said his team is proud to continue its strong support for Western Sydney and its communities. More: page 7 .

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Walker Corporation links with Blacktown Cty FC as principal partner

From left, Bon Turner Blacktown FC, head of marketing at Walker Corporation, Nick Marshall-McCormack , David Gallant, CEO and Robert Vellar, Special Projects Manager

Bob Turner

Is your house number clearly visible?

Do

It’s important for emergency services to be able to find properties quickly and easily.

Make sure any plants are neatly trimmed so they do not obscure your house number. If your number is not visible from the street, consider getting larger numbers from a local hardware store.

Cool centres continuing to operate this summer

We will be opening up Cool centres on days the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issues a ‘severe’ or ‘extreme’ heatwave warning this summer at:

• Tregear Community Centre

• Doonside Community Centre

• Marayong Community Centre

• Blacktown Uniting Church

• Bidwill Uniting Church

• and more.

Cool centres are places you can go if you are unable to keep cool at home during hot days.

Look out for our Cool Centre signs and keep an eye on the Council’s Facebook page as we announce when and where Cool Centres will be opened throughout the summer season.

To find out more, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/beattheheat

DISABILITY TRAINING VICTIM OF A FUNDING DEBACLE Unique service faces closure

AUNIQUE service that provides training to people with disabilities to help other people with disabilities is on the verge of closing due to a funding debacle.

The State Government says it is no longer their responsibility to fund Assistive Technology Australia (ATA) and is passing it onto the Federal Government.

ATA operates from Westpoint Blacktown and provides both specialised training that is offered nowhere else in Australia Including accredited courses on how to design living spaces for people with disabilities. Inside the unique space that is Assis-tive Technology Australia and right, CEO Robyn Chapman.

The service also serves as a showroom where people with disabilities can try out designs and products - therefore allowing them to be in control when dealing with salespeople.

Robyn Chapman, ATA CEO said: “We are completely independent of suppliers and allow people with disabilities to browse through various products on offer to see what suits them. We assist people to find the right item that will work for them.

“They are then empowered to negotiate directly with the supplier without the fear of being sold products that they don’t need or sold items that don’t suit them.

“This is a win for the people with disabilities because they remain in control,

a win for Government for not wasting money on useless items, and it allows the NDIS to operate more effectively and efficiently.”

A client comment by email said: “Thank you very much for having this centre. My visit was very useful. I learnt so many practical and helpful tips. All my questions were answered patiently and with the level of details needed; more over I spent a pleasant time! I

Town Centre Living

Live at the Park

Oran Park has a new land release positioned less than 500m from the Town Centre!

O ran Park is constantly evolving, so now is the time to take advantage of everything this great community has to offer. Here’s what you can look forward to while living at the Park:

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

• 160km of paths and cycleways for you to explore parklands, playgrounds and sporting fields

oranpark.com.au

ATA’s nationally accredited course on AT remain the only courses in Australia and are also offered in other countries.

was treated very respectfully and with great care. The needed information was printed for me and my visit was very successful. “

ATA also offer nationally accredited courses for occupational therapists to plan and deliver complex home modifications to meet the needs of people with disabilities. ATA is the only provider in Australia offering these courses.

Stephen Bali MP for Blacktown said: “This is classic buck passing between State and Federal Government when changing policy direction and not looking at consequences.

“A uniquely vital service is about to be shut and all that is required from the State Government is to fund it for six more months so the funding arrangements can be finalised with the Federal Government.

“Obviously common sense is not too common when in this case it comes to government policy and supporting vital initiatives for people with disabilities.”

• An award-winning skate park and splash park which includes flying foxes, table tennis tables, basketball courts, a ninja warrior course and a parkour course

• Oran Park Library

• Meeting friends and family at Oran Park’s major shopping centre, The Podium

• New dining experiences at the Oran Park Hotel, Atura Hotel and food precincts within The Podium

• State-of-the-art Leisure Centre which houses a 50m indoor Olympic pool, gym, four basketball courts, sauna and more

• Jobs close to home within the Town Centre and nearby Western Sydney International Airport

• World class fiber optic networks with high-speed internet

• An integrated health hub for your wellbeing needs

• Good public transport with a current rotation of buses and a future train station

• A fresh new start in a masterplanned community

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of securing a lot close to the Town Centre.

Above: ATA in action and CEO, Robyn Chapman.

Blacktow N

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ISSUE 23 |

February 2023

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Support Partner

The Blacktown News is the official media partner of Blacktown FC.

$100M for Garfield Rd upgrade

GREATER Blacktown will enjoy a hefty portion of the NSW Government’s $1B investment in Western Sydney roads as part of the WestInvest Fund.

Projects featured in the funding round include $200M on Elizabeth Dr at Kemps Creek and $100M on Garfield Rd at Box Hill

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this major investment in the road network would keep people moving, reduce congestion and boost flood resilience.

“Western Sydney is booming and we are making sure that families who live across this fast growing region have the very best roads and infrastructure to keep them moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This $1B investment in critical upgrades to major roads across the region is a game changer and will make sure that Western Sydney continues to grow and thrive.

“We are backing Western Sydney communities by making their roads safer, making sure they spend less time and getting tradies and other business to where they need to go quicker.

“This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Western Sydney, which includes targeted cost of living measures including toll relief, $16B for critical transport infrastructure, more than $480 million on local hospitals and health services, and the construction of new schools.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said: “The increased productivity which results from

which benefits every single person across NSW.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads

Natalie Ward said the improvements were also targeted to improve flood evacuation routes for families in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and around Pitt Town.

“We are working towards widening Garfield Rd East to a four-lane divided road, providing a flood evacuation route

with increased capacity as well as a better connection to the communities of Marsden Park, Box Hill, Richmond, Schofields and Rouse Hill,” Mrs. Ward said.

The funding will support a range of significant road projects across 15 Local Government Areas, including:

• $200m for safety improvements on Elizabeth Dr at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

• $100m to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley; $100m to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Rd East between Piccadilly St, Riverstone and Windsor Rd, Box Hill;

• $600 m for roads infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government Areas, to be determined.

Unfair, says local MP

Stephen Bali, MP for Blacktown said: “Why is it that for Western Sydney residents to gain NSW Government investment that the M4 is sold and we are left paying expensive tolls for the next 40 years.

“Was anything sold in the northern suburbs to fund the massive upgrades to schools, railway stations or community facilities? No, it was all funded by the State budget so why are people of Western Sydney treated as cash cows? It is just not fair.”

Blacktown in party mode

BLACKTOWN will be in party mode for two weeks in May when the 2023 Blacktown City Festival is staged. It gets underway on Saturday, May 13 and ends on May 28. It

promises to be a fun fortnight of events in and around Blacktown City. All the favorite events are returning for another year, plus several exciting new events added to this year’s program. Events

will be held at various locations around the Blacktown LGA. For more information, go to the Blacktown City Festival website here: www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/festival/Home

VIEW OUR ONLINE GIFT GUIDE

If you’ve thought of them this Valentine’s, we have too.

Artist impression of an upgraded Garfield Rd at Box Hill.

Awards to our finest citizens

THE husband-and-wife team of Bill and Karyn Borg are the heart of soul of Junior Rugby League in St Clair and they have been rewarded for their years of service with The Medal of the Order of Australia.

Bill may never have played a game of League himself, but he loves the game and was Club Secretary for the St Clair Comets Junior Rugby League Club for 32 years.

Mr and Ms Borg were at the centre of the boom in footy in the region with the number of teams jumping from 18 to more than 50 in just a decade.

Bill was also honored with the naming of the Bill Borg Mini Field at Peppertree Reserve in Erskine Park back in 2010.

Melvin Gray

After three decades with the Rotary Club of Blacktown, former club president Melvin Gray has been rewarded with an Order of Australia Medal.

Mr Gray is President of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City and is also a bicycle rider who has participated in many rides over a number of years, raising funds for ARH.

His tireless efforts have previously funded PhD Partner PhD Scholarships and much more. He is passionate about ARH and he sits on the District ARH Committee.

SES Leader

Unit Commander of the Blacktown SES Barry Wademan was awarded an

Emergency Service Medal (ESM) in the Australia Day Honors list.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York congratulated him on receiving the ESM.

“This prestigious award is an opportunity to recognise the dedication and tenacity our emergency services person-

nel uphold through volunteering and helping keep their communities safe,”

Commissioner York said.

“These awards highlight outstanding Australians who have gone above and beyond for their community and nation,”

City winners

A dedicated community volunteer, an inspiring First Nations youth leader, a passionate local environmental advocate and a vital flood recovery hub – have been recognised in this year’s Blacktown City Australia Day Awards Council recognised four outstanding recipients at its Australia Day awards ceremony attended by the Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley AC KC.

The 2023 Blacktown City Australia Day Awards were awarded to: Citizen of the Year - Yusra Zafar, Young Citizen of the Year - Emma Hoskins, Environmental Citizen of the Year - Melvin Gray and Community Event of the Year - Northwest Business Chamber Flood Pop Up Shop.

WSROC celebrates 50 years

THE Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

It was established in November 1973 to represent the communities of Western Sydney and to advocate for the residents of the region.

Western Sydney is home to over two million people and is projected to reach four million by 2041.

WSROC represents five member

councils, including Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Cumberland City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, and Liverpool City Council. Over the last 50 years, WSROC has been successful in advocating for a range of issues affecting the residents of Western Sydney, including urban planning and management, public transport, roads, infrastructure, economic development, environment, employment, and community services.

Some of WSROC's campaigns and initiatives over the years include the ‘Beds to the West’ campaign, the creation of the University of Western Sydney, the creation of the Greater Western Sydney Economic Development Board, the creation of a Minister for Western Sydney in the NSW Government, the authoring of ‘Contemporary Australia –A Regional Cultural Strategy for Greater Western Sydney,’ and the securing of $5B for Western Sydney infrastructure.

The Still Standing Program is a light exercise program to help reduce the risk of falling over.

Falling can be very dangerous as we get older, and the Still Standing Program aims to reduce the risk of falling and associated hospitalisation. This program helps you complete low intensity (light) exercise whilst under the supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

The exercises completed during the classes include:

9 Exercises to build leg strength.

9 Balance exercises to improve balance.

9 Mobility exercises to improve how you move.

9 Reflex exercises to help sharpen the mind.

The Still Standing Program is free and includes:

9 Initial assessment with Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) plus home exercise program designed by AEP with free exercise bands

9 12-week supervised group exercise program with AEP to be completed over maximum 16 weeks.

9 Tea and coffee provided after each class

More FREEExercise Classes for Seniors!

Blacktown City Australia Day Award Winners with Nic Newling, Australia Day Ambassador; Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales; Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM.

WALKER CORPORATION JOINS AS MAJOR SPONSOR…..

As Blacktown FC launches 2023 season

DEFENDING NPL NSW Men’s Champions, Blacktown City FC, has announced a long-term partnership with Walker Corporation as their principal partner for both the Senior Men and Senior Women.

Walker Corporation’s value of “living for the challenge of transforming places,” aligns with the philosophy of Blacktown City FC to create a sporting icon for the city it represents, said Blacktown FC Executive Chairman, Bob Turner.

“The Walker attitude of seeing an opportunity where others simply see a challenge, is the same vision we have to build on the reputation, history and culture Blacktown City FC has developed over our 70-year history,” said Mr Turner.

“We could not ask for a better partner to support our future growth. The commitment of Walker to Western Sydney will not only stimulate the city of Blacktown, but their community spirit will lead to Blacktown City FC utilising its players and coaches to establish a free schools development programme with a goal to spread the Blacktown City FC word and find the next Matilda or Socceroo.”

Walker Corporation Executive Chairman, Lang Walker, said his team is proud to continue its strong support for Western Sydney and its communities.

“Sport unites communities and that passion and drive from Blacktown City FC and its fans to be the best, aligns with what we stand for at Walker,” Mr Walker said.

“Our goal is to help Western Sydney flourish with great communities and workplaces and to do that properly, it’s vital to invest in cultural, education and health outcomes across the region.”

At their recent season launch, Blacktown City FC outlined their partnership with the new owners of Blacktown City Sports Centre, Momento Hospitality.

CEO of Momento, Marcello Colosimo, has wasted little time since acquiring Lily’s Function Centre and Blacktown City FC’s home late last year.

Renovation staerted immediately to revamp the facility to The Star Hotel and Event Centre, The Star will become the home for post-game celebrations and events for Blacktown City FC.

“We are excited to revamp both the function centre and stadium and with Blacktown City FC we have an ideal partner to profile both organisations,” said Marcello Colosimo.

“Our philosophy is also to give back to the community and together we have de-

veloped a Grass Roots Training Program to provide first class training for those not fortunate enough to participate in NPL or SAP football. The goal is to identify potential talent and offer scholarships to the proven Blacktown breeding ground through Momento.”

Momento has allowed Blacktown City FC to seek a naming rights partner for their home ground. Blacktown City FC and Momento are delighted to announce that Landen Property Group has agreed to a long-term commitment for Landen Stadium.

With a portfolio of work across the state, Landen currently has three major projects in Blacktown. Sharing a similar philosophy to Walker and Momento to build and give back to a community, Landen Director, Rashed Panabig, said the company was honoured by the opportunity to contribute to the future of Blacktown City FC.

Blacktown City FC’s first home game

for the 2023 season was on February 5 in a Grand Final replay against Manly. Game time is 5pm. The Women com-

mence their second season at the senior level at home on Sunday, March 12 against Marconi.

Top is both Senior Men & Women + coaches, Managers and sponsors.

Below left is Nick Marshall-McCormack on the left, middle is David Gallant and on the right Rob Vellar.

Stephen Bali MP.

Morgan Stewart – CEO Workers Club.

New Life Member Ken Schembri and Mark Crittenden. Anna Ivanovic backup Goal Keeper for the Senior Women with Mark Crittenden.

$20 loaded schnitzels

Southern Italian • Tropicana • Classic Parmigiana

Lunch & Dinner

Wednesday & Thursday

Available from Wednesday 1st February

Conditions apply. Members only. Valid until Thursday 23rd February.

Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope celebrates 20 years

BLACKTOWN Leisure Centre Stanhope has marked an exciting milestone and celebrated 20 years of service to the community.

A community celebration and family fun day was held at the Centre at the weekend to mark two decades since the facility opened to the public.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “Over the past 20 years, Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope has welcomed more than 16 million visitors.

“Over 8 million people have used the pool facilities and 6 million have come here for their health and fitness.

“With another 1.5 million people coming to watch sports events and attend functions, this truly is a centre for all.

“What a monumental role this Centre plays in the life of our local community and in the wider region

“Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope is a classic example of what Council can provide for communities. Council is currently campaigning for change to NSW Government policy on developer levies that should be able to fund vital community infrastructure that supports the lifestyles of Blacktown City residents.”

An estimated 6,000 people attended the weekend’s celebration and made the most of free swimming on the day

The celebrations featured water slides, face painting, a petting zoo, live music and a super-sized birthday cake.

Tucker (Honorary

Incorporated), Maureen King, Cecelia Ang (Stanhope Catering Team Leader), Cr Dr Singh, Cr Green, Kevin Jones (Manager Key Venues), Cr Quilkey, long-serving staff member Marie Simpson, Cr Chettipally, longserving staff members Joselyn Askew and Amanda Mann and Joy Bourke (Manager Library Services)

Councillor Chris Quilkey welcomed everyone to the party and was joined by Councillors Moninder Singh, Allan Green and Livingston Chettipally with special guest Maureen King, 1st President of the Stanhope Residents Association, who played a big part in the opening of the centre in 2003.

The Centre is Council’s flagship leisure facility and offers a range of health, aquatic, leisure and recreation programs and services. Among these are: pools, a gym, 4 court multi-sport stadium, tennis courts, squash courts, spa and sauna.

Six years after the centre opened, it was expanded to includes the Dennis Johnson Library, an extended gym, squash courts and social lounge.

Pictured (left to right): Yvonne

Secretary of Blacktown Tennis

NEED FOR MORE SERVICES AT MOUNT DRUITT HOSPITAL Edmond Atalla fighting for additional services

MOUNT Druitt Hospital is a vital healthcare facility for the people of Mount Druitt and Western Sydney.

This public hospital services a diverse patient population and is dedicated to providing high quality care to all those who require its services.

A key advantage of Mount Druitt Hospital is its focus on patient care.The hospital works closely with patients and service providers to ensure that patient needs are met and that they receive the best possible treatment and support.

Edmond Atalla MP continues to be a strong supporter of the Mount Druitt Hospital and its staff.

“When I was first elected as the Member for Mount Druitt in 2015, I learned that the government allegedly had plans to scale back the vital services being provided by the Mt Druitt hospital and to transfer those services to the Blacktown Hospital and beyond. I was greatly disappointed by this short-sighted assessment of the needs of a fast growing and ageing population.

“I organised a public rally to protest against this terrible decision and although the hospital lost some vital services, together as a community, we were able to prevent the large-scale removal of services.

“I also facilitated senior medical specialists to meet with the Minister for Health, in order that he could hear firsthand the real concerns these frontline

service providers face whilst trying to provide the best possible care for their patients.”

The scale back of services and facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital continues to have a significant impact on the community it services and has resulted in longer waiting times for patients as well as decreased access to necessary medical services and potentially decreased quality of care.

The need for increased services and staffing at a hospital such as Mount Druitt should be considered based on several factors, including population growth, an ageing population with

increased health care needs, changes in disease patterns and demographics together with advancements in medical technology.

As increased demand for services puts strain on Blacktown Hospital’s existing capacity and resources, it is more important than ever that our decision makers recognise the potential that Mount Druitt Hospital has to offer.

“I am pleased that Mount Druitt Hospital continues to provide a world class Palliative Care Unit; is home to a new Dialysis Centre and has increased elective surgery capacities. However, there is still much more to do and I continue to fight

for the hospital to be returned to a fully functioning hospital with state of the art equipment to service our community, Mr Atalla said.”

The staff and doctors of the hospital are extremely dedicated to their patients and naturally seek a commitment that Mount Druitt Hospital will continue to grow its service abilities for the benefit of all.

Standing up for Mount Druitt

I am privileged to have been your local NSW Member of Parliament representing the Mount Druitt Electorate.

During my time as your elected Member, I have worked hard to represent my community and am pleased to have been able to contribute to the delivery of some much needed projects, such as:

 Upgrade to Mt Druitt hospital emergency department

 Dialysis Centre at Mt Druitt Hospital

 MRI Machine at Mt Druitt Hospital

 Expansion of services including elective surgery at Mt Druitt Hospital

 Upgrade of Rooty Hill Railway Station, including a multi storey car park

 Construction of a new police station

 Construction of a new Fire and Rescue Station

 Improvements to dangerous traffic intersections

Recently we have also succeeded in securing funding for some much needed local projects, such as:

✔ Construction of a new Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) at Shalvey - $25M

✔ Renewal of the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre - $40M

✔ Establishment of a First Nations Community Centre$19M

✔ Upgrade of Mount Druitt Dawson Mall - $22M Construction commenced

I am seeking your ongoing support to continue to represent the Mount Druitt Electorate at the forthcoming NSW Election on 25th March 2023. I will continue to advocate for the upgrade of the Francis Road Overpass including Rooty Hill Road North to four lanes, an increase of services and additional beds at the Mount Druitt Hospital and to advocate for a “Renewal Program” of social Housing stock.

Edmond Atalla

Edmond Atalla MP Member for Mount Druitt

Mount Druitt MP, Edmond Atalla – fighting for better health care.

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

A PASSIONATE FIGHTER FOR THE AREA

Stephen Bali driving opportunity

STEPHEN Bali MP is recontesting the State seat of Blacktown at the March 25 elections.

Mr Bali is known as a passionate advocate for the local area and regularly featured in the Blacktown News on issues such as diabetes, health, small business, environment and was on the organising committee for WEXPO 2022 (Western Sydney Expo) held at Blacktown Workers Club.

Stephen Bali is a local. Three generations of Balis have lived in Doonside for the past 64 years with his father Charlie serving as an Alderman and Deputy Mayor on Blacktown Council (1977-87).

Stephen Bali MP said: “I grew up in a family that focused on serving the community. We were involved in various activities such as St Vincent De Paul, Red Cross, Clean Up Australia Day through to serving on various community Boards including SydWest, Business Advisory Board or currently with The Better Foundation raising money for Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals.”

Mr Bali has had a diverse work life including small business consultant, accountant, university lecturer and union official.

Stephen Bali served on Blacktown Council from 2004 till 2019 including as Mayor from 2014-2019.

Mr Bali had the baptism of fire in his

SUCCESS

mayoral role from 2014-16 dealing with SBS produced Struggle Street unwarranted attacks on Mt Druitt; Liberal councillors attempt to change the name of Blacktown; reversing a Liberal controlled council’s decision to close Mt Druitt pool, increased the pension rate discounts, and stopped the privatisation of childcare centres.

“We successfully dealt with all these challenges by involving the community. I introduced suburb by suburb community meetings as well as laying the foundation for transformational projects to provide opportunity for all residents of Blacktown City.”

These transformational projects led to the planning and delivery of the Aus-

Stephen Bali MP has successfully been involved in the following projects or policy changes:

✔ Doonside Station upgrades

✔ $20 million upgrades to sporting facilities

✔ Blacktown Rd / Prospect Highway upgrade

✔ Grace’s Place – world’s first homicide victims support centre for impacted families

✔ $70 million renewal for Blacktown Swimming Centre

✔ New policies introduced to stop waste incinerators in Sydney

✔ COVID Pfizer vaccination hubs during lockdowns

✔ Helping over 4,500 residents with their inquiries and challenges over the past 4 years

tralian Catholic University establishing a multi-faculty campus in Blacktown; new Animal Rehoming Centre (Glendenning); Sport and Health recovery facility at Rooty Hill; Warrick Lane redevelopment including an underground car park and commercial centre.

2017 Stephen Bali was elected to NSW Parliament and there was no time to wait as he hit the ground running by presenting a private members Bill into parliament to stop waste incinerators and presented an 11,000-signature petition

to have lifts installed at Doonside Station.

Whilst the Liberal coalition Government rejected Mr Bali’s Labor Bill to ban incinerators, the Liberal Government however did recently announce policy changes that stops incinerators in NSW except in four identified regional areas.

Stephen Bali MP said: “there is still uncertainty with the Liberal Government policy as the Eastern Creek incinerator proposal is still before the courts.

“Doonside Station lift construction has started with completion in the next few months.

“Key issues for the next term of Government are to upgrade schools, protect TAFE, provide more staffing at our hospitals, schools and police; provide better services to address homelessness, domestic violence, youth support, mental health and suicide.

“These issues have been left neglected by 12 years of Liberal Government inaction in Blacktown City. It is time for a Labor Government to deliver services where it is truly needed to drive opportunity for all!”

ELECTION COMMITMENTS

Time for Change. Blacktown has not received its fair share to address the challenges of the local area.

A Chris Minns Labor Government will:

✔ Employ more teachers, nurses, fire fighters, police and support staff in the Blacktown area

✔ Improve funding for increased services including Blacktown Women’s & Girls Health Centre

✔ Improve access to TAFE courses

✔ Improve rental protections for tenants

Introduce grants for local sporting clubs to improve participation

Fund new and expanded pre-school programs in Blacktown

Increase road funding for Blacktown

Stephen Bali MP with local residents.

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

WARREN BRINGS TENACITY AND ADVOCACY

Businessman’s first tilt at Parliament

Mr Kirby, 51, says his decision to put himself forward as a candidate follows what he describes as 12 years of failure by successive Liberal NSW Governments to deliver enough day-care, schools, hospitals, parks, public transport and other essential amenities.

“Unfortunately, after 12 years in office, Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals have stopped listening to our community. NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns and his team have spent the past 2 years traveling the state and listening to the challenges people are facing and have developed a positive plan to give NSW a fresh start,” Warren said.

Warren has hit the ground running, already out in the community at transport stations, shopping centres, and out doorknocking.

“What I’m hearing every day from people across our community is that our schools are at capacity, we are still waiting for the twice-promised Rouse Hill Hospital, traffic congestion is getting worse, and families are hurting under rising cost of living pressures.”

Warren grew up in Schofields, raised his family in Riverstone and now lives in Quakers Hill. Like his grandfather and his own children, he attended Schofields Public School.

His advocacy for vastly improved local community infrastructure and services extends much further: spending

5 years as Vice President of the North West Business Chamber and two years in a similar role with the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre.

After many years as a professional photographer, he helped create two digital content providers and over the past decade has gained further insight into the needs of the local business community with his successful photographic studio operation,

Warren has seen our area transformed from acreages and farms to new suburbs. He’s seen the opportunities and challenges that come with this

change, and he’s seen the promises made election after election that then aren’t delivered.

That’s why as the Vice President of the North West Business Chamber he’s worked with our Federal Member Michelle Rowland MP to advocate for a mobile phone tower in The Ponds and to prioritise the building of Rouse Hill Hospital with an emergency department, which he nominates as one of his biggest passion points.

But he no longer wants to work from the sidelines. Warren knows we need better state representation and that’s

why he is running for Parliament at this election.

“We will end the talk and finally start work on the Rouse Hill Hospital – including an emergency ward. We’ll ensure it caters for the needs of young families, including maternity and paediatric wards as well as an emergency department.”

“I’ll bring my trademark advocacy and tenacity and ensure we build this hospital, just as I’ll continue to work with the Chris Minns Labor team and our federal member Michelle Rowland to deliver the infrastructure and services the Riverstone community deserves.”

/A FRESH START Warren for Riverstone

Warren Kirby is a local resident and business owner who understands local issues.

For 12 years Riverstone has not received its fair share. Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals have stopped listening to our community. A Chris Minns Labor Government will:

� Commit $700m to build Rouse Hill Hospital with an emergency dept, maternity unit and 300 extra beds

� Deliver more local schools to tackle the massive overcrowding of campuses across the electorate

� Convert 10,000 temporary teachers to permanent positions to address teacher shortages

� Put an end to the historic underfunding of public schools by creating a $400 million Education Future Fund

� Establish a permanent and ongoing Literacy and

WARREN KIRBY

A FRESH START FOR NSW Labor for Riverstone

Warren Kirby at a recent chamber meeting and meeting local residents.

Authorised by Bob Nanva, Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch), Level 9, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY COMES FIRST Sameer wants positive change

SAMEER Pandey is the Labor Candidate for Winston Hills in the upcoming March 25 State Elections. Sameer says “It would be an honour to represent this area in the NSW Parliament”

Sameer is currently second term as a Councillor for City of Parramatta. Sameer has held this position since 2017.

In January 2022, Sameer was elected to serve as Parramatta’s Deputy Lord Mayor. Sameer also brings valuable private sector experience as a small business owner in the areas of technology and education, and previously as head of IT for an international health research company.

Sameer’s qualifications include a Master of IT at the University of Sydney and Master of Legal Studies from UTS.

Sameer joined politics for a simple reason – to serve the community. Sameer was inspired to do more after seeing the power of positive changes from previous Labor Governments. Sameer has lived with his family in Western Sydney for 19 years.

Located between the fast-growing cities of Parramatta and Blacktown, the long-term infrastructure needs of residents cannot be forgotten.

There is demand for improved

services like hospitals and schools to support better quality of life.

Sameer has already secured commitments from Labor Leader Chris Minns to fast-track upgrade of Darcy Road Public School, upgrades of Northmead Public School and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School. More local announcements will be coming.

Sameer brings a proven track record of working diligently with all stakeholders, including schools, police, charities, sporting organisations, businesses and faith

groups. During his five years on Council, Sameer has initiated and contributed to reforms in many areas such as:

• Improving safety around schools: where Sameer has engaged with many local schools and P&Cs to improve student safety and creating pedestrian crossings

• Building a better health system: Sameer was one of first to work with Westmead Palliative Care Group, campaigning for a dedicated palliative care ward at Westmead Hospital.

• Supporting businesses and local employment: Sameer has initiated several programs to welcome and assist local businesses; also leading push for people with disability, war

SAMEER PANDEY

A FRESH START FOR NSW

veterans and First Nations to be supported for employment within Council.

• Parks, environment and heritage: Sameer campaigned to save Willow Grove and have initiated a program for digitisation of heritage, one of the first of its kind for Councils in NSW. Also pushed for a local Sportsground Strategy and increased tree canopy to create greener suburbs.

• Caring for the vulnerable: Some of Sameer’s work to improve inclusivity includes auditing all footpaths in Parramatta CBD and ensuring all Council facilities are accessible for people with disability. During COVID, Sameer donated 100% of his two months of Council fee to community organisations. Sameer has also raised funds for Cancer Council, Parramatta Women’s Shelter and Sanfilippo Foundation among many others.

Sameer says: “My diverse professional, education, social and political experiences will help me in good stead should I be elected. For our community, I firmly believe that better is possible.

“I believe we can do better in health, education and transport. Better in supporting our local businesses. Better for the most vulnerable. Better in caring for our many inspirational elderly and in providing opportunities to our next generation – our youth.“

Authorised

Seeking positive change: Sameer Pandey – Labor’s candidate for Winston Hills.

with Michelle Rowland

WORK STARS ON THE PONDS TOWER

Crucial infrastructure secured

„ MICHELLE ROWLAND

WE know that access to good, reliable mobile service isn’t a luxury, or a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity in the 21st century.

Many Greenway residents will remember our community-led campaign for a mobile tower in The Ponds – a suburb where mobile service is simply not up-to-scratch, despite being less than an hour drive from the Sydney CBD.

After months of campaigning and a petition that garnered hundreds of signatures from local constituents, we finally forced the NSW Liberal Government to change course and agree to construct a new tower in The Ponds.

The tower, to be constructed by Optus, will have coverage equipment from Optus, Telstra, TPG and Vodafone so the tower can service a range of customers.

I am thrilled to inform our community that I visited the Jonas Bradley Reserve site last week and works on the

tower are finally underway.

The residents of The Ponds have waited so long for this crucial piece of infrastructure, and I sincerely thank them for their patience.

This outcome is the culmination of advocacy from our community and shows what we can achieve when we work together.

I will certainly keep the good res-

idents of The Ponds updated on the progress of the construction for this crucial piece of infrastructure and will not stop fighting for this tower until it is operating for residents and local businesses.

Michelle

Rowland is Minister for Communications

Federal Member for Greenway. Visit: www.michellerowland.com.au

Michelle Rowland planning the new tower.

DAY THE QUEEN CAME TO TOWN Mt Druitt Hospital turns 40

DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

WHEN Queen Elizabeth 2 and Prince Phillip came to Mt Druitt 40 years ago it was the biggest occasion in the history of Western Sydney.

Students vividly remember the oncein-a-lifetime occasion, standing outside their school as Her Majesty passed by.

So, it was a unique day in 1982, when Mt Druitt hospital as it is known today, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Flash forward 40 years and the hospital has just celebrated its 40th anniversary of that momentous occasion “when the Queen came to town”.

And the children of Mount Druitt Hospital Childcare Centre sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mount Druitt Hospital watched by 300 current and former staff, community members and volunteers.

They enthusiastically reflected on the last 40 years of the Hospital which has always been filled with a great sense of community spirit.

The event included a smoking ceremony performed by Order of Australia Medal recipient Uncle Wes Marne and speeches from guests including Mayor of Blacktown Tony Bleasdale.

A huge birthday cake, complimentary food trucks, community stalls and the unveiling of a 26m long mural by Aboriginal artist Danny Eastwood.

The hospital’s journey began in 1975 with the establishment of the Mount Druitt Poly Clinic now known as Mount Druitt Community Health Centre- to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population in the Blacktown local government area.

Forty years on, the hospital continues to play a pivotal role in the Mount Druitt community, providing excellent healthcare in the heart of one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW.

This includes medical assessment, rehabilitation, surgical, paediatrics and one of Australia’s best palliative care services. It also has a 24-hour emergency department.

“We are celebrating this incredible hospital and the great services it provides,” Mayor Tony Bleasdale said.

An incredible journey

“The hospital itself was iconic because the growth of Western Sydney was quite incredible at that time and required the support of another hospital in the community.

“The growth of our community continues today with a city that now has 400,000 people – the largest population in Western Sydney.”

Local community member and Mount Druitt Hospital Ladies Auxiliary treasurer

Dulcie Harrison was on the first hospital planning committee and has played a leading role in helping to raise more than $1m for Mount Druitt Hospital during the last 40 years.

“I am passionate about serving the people of the Mount Druitt area as are all who volunteer and we will continue to do whatever we can to continue to raise funds for much-needed equipment for our Mount Druitt Hospital,” Dulcie said.

“The people of Mount Druitt have also been so generous with donations of craft and handmade items, showing just how much people do appreciate this hospital and the community in which they live.”

Acting general manager of Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital Brad Ceely thanked Dulcie and the auxiliary for “the amazing contribution” their fundraising efforts make.

“In the last couple of months, we’ve been able to spend over $100,000 on equipment,” he said.

“The connection we have with our volunteer service is really strong and

Mount Druitt is one of the very few hospitals still in metropolitan Sydney where the kiosk services are provided through the volunteers.

“I think it’s an excellent demonstration of how we’ve really maintained that community connection here with the western Sydney community.”

Aboriginal Elder Julie Jones said she had been a patient in the hospital on several occasions.

Community consultation the key

“This is where I came after my first heart attack. I wouldn’t be here without the enormous support and medical care from hospital staff which was absolutely sensational and I of course made a full recovery and I’m still here today.

“As a community member who comes in here quite often and as a patient over many years, it’s been really comforting and a positive impact for us to be able to go in and see the same familiar faces year after year which testifies to what a very special place this is,” Julie said.

An event highlight was the unveiling of a meaningful mural painted on the wall situated between the Emergency Department and the main entrance of Mount Druitt Hospital by Aboriginal artist Danny Eastwood, with help from John Weeks.

The 26m long mural took two weeks to complete and was created as a welcoming token for the community to acknowledge the role of the hospital within the culturally diverse community.

The mural includes kangaroos, emus, medical staff, circles which represent the departments within the hospital and hand prints which represent the diverse cultures of Western Sydney.

“The reason I have painted kangaroos and emus is because they don’t take a backward step – they represent the doctors who won’t take a backward step until they find a cure or find a way to help their patients,” Danny said.

FOOTNOTE: During preparations for the event, staff uncovered a piece of history – the official ceremonial booklet from the original opening event in 1982. Mount Druitt Hospital was the result of an extensive analysis of the booming suburbs of Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill and St Marys in the 1980s. The first patient of the hospital was Mrs Margaret Adams of Blacktown, who was admitted on September 14.

Acting CEO Brad Ceely, artist Danny Eastwood and Mayor Tony Bleasdale.

Official opening of Mt Druitt Hospital by the Queen supported by Premier Neville Wran (Photos courtesy Western Sydney Health).

Dulcie Harrison has devoted 40 years to volunteering.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT PROGRAMS Workers backs leave mandate

BLACKTOWN-based Workers Lifestyle Group has praised the Fair Work Commission for mandating 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave for all businesses, introduced on February 1.

The group, which operates the Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports clubs plus Workers Hubertus at Luddenham, led the industry a decade ago by including Safe Family Support Leave in employment agreements with staff.

“Since 2017 we have offered 10 full days of Safe Family Support Leave to our people and we are gratified this now becomes the national standard,” said Workers Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Morgan Stewart.

“But so much more remains to be

done to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.

“That is why since 2021 we have been funding a five-year, $500,000 commit-

ment to local domestic violence support services.”

Recognising the distress and difficulty caused by domestic and family violence, Workers Blacktown in 2013 introduced three days of Safe Family Support Leave so employees could seek help from support services and, where necessary, attend court appointments.

The entitlement was raised to 10 days annually four years later in 2017.

“We offer assistance to any of our people suffering from domestic violence and, as a community-based organisation, we are now promoting that support to our community,” said Mr Stewart.

In the same spirit, Workers Lifestyle Group two months ago launched Western

Sydney Changing Diabetes, a community-based campaign to curb the high incidence of diabetes in Western Sydney.

That is also a five-year program, supported by $500,000 donated by Workers Lifestyle Group, in partnership with community health initiative Western Sydney Diabetes.

“We support our people, our members and our community and we partner with other groups that have deep and compassionate local connections,” Mr Stewart said.

Workers Lifestyle Group $500,000 commitment to local domestic and family violence support services assists Blacktown Womens and Girls Health Centre, Harman Foundation, Youth Insearch Foundation, Learning Links (Resilient Kids program) and Indian Crisis & Support Agency.

Healthy living BBQ at Toongabbie

THE community is invited to a free community barbecue to learn more about diabetes prevention and healthy living.

In collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), community group Healthy Living Toongabbie (HLT) is holding a ‘Healthy Eating, Healthy Life’ barbecue at Civic Park in Pendle Hill on Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.

HLT is a community-based organisation dedicated to educating the community about diabetes, pre-diabetes and healthier food options.

It was formed four years ago by a group of passionate Toongabbie health professionals, businesspeople and residents concerned at the high number of residents in their community with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person becomes resistant to insulin or their pancreas can no longer able to produce enough insulin to counteract the food eaten.

Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in long term health complications

including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage.

HLT President Shanthini Seelan, a GP at Bridgeview Medical Practice in Toongabbie, said HLT is focused on improving type 2 diabetes awareness in the community.

“We are a unique blend of community-minded citizens united by a common goal - to defeat diabetes together,” Dr Seelan said.

“We focus on the grass roots level, bringing about diabetes awareness in the community and providing easily applica-

ble solutions to do this.

“Armed with this knowledge, the community will be better prepared to take on this serious and life-threatening disease.”

There will be a free healthy barbecue, information stalls and free activities such as yoga, Zumba sessions, health experts talks and health-related trivia.

Diabetes is preventable and manageable through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose levels if needed.

Dr Seelan said the day is an opportunity to have talk to residents to encourage them to make a difference to the health of their community.

The Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) initiative is led by Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WentWest) to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.

Details: 10am-1pm, Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Civic Park, Targo road, Pendle Hill. Registration from 9.30am.

Visit www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org

It’s LIMBO for local music lovers

STAYING at home for extended periods of time during Covid proved to be a blessing in disguise for ‘Hitori Dake’, a musician and a Blacktown resident, who is all set to release his album ‘Limbo’ next week, on December 9, to major streaming platforms.

The former IT professional, whose last job role was that of a teacher’s aide at the local high school, confesses that he never really had ambitions to release an album.

“It was always just a self- indulgent process which I found very rewarding,” says the 54-year-old Hitori, who named the album after adding the final track called LIMBO.

“I thought it was a great fit and aptly

describes my feelings during the last few years of my life,” he says. Health issues had forced him to spend most of his time indoors and with the onset of Covid in 2020, he decided to concentrate on music alone.

“During this period, I turned to original music, something I hadn't done for over a decade. I explained to family and close friends, it was a necessary distraction during my self- imposed isolation at home,” he said.

Soon, he chanced upon a website ‘Fiverr’, which allowed him to source session musicians and producers from different parts of the globe. Hitori has been able

to use them on all tracks of his album, so much so that each part was done by someone from some part of the world.

The album LIMBO is a result of over

80 songs being written and recorded since January 2020. Hitori Dake’s music style ranges from Rock Ballads to Pop to Hard edgy Rock.

Even while working full-time, Hitori always had a passion for music and over the years has played in both originals and cover bands. He is the owner/singer of the Matchbox Twenty tribute show based in Sydney (for nearly 15 years).

In 2008, he launched his debut album. ‘Hitori Dake’, the musician’s pseudonym, means ‘only one person’ in Japanese. Hitori thinks it is quite appropriate, given that his is a solo venture and this would be his way to show tribute to Japan, a country that he truly adores.

Hitori Dake, a musician and a Blacktown resident.

HLT President Dr Shanthini Seelan and Dr Thava Seelan, GPs at Bridgeview Medical Practice in Toongabbie, and vice president, Endocrinologist Dr Manimegalai Manoharan, are looking forward to the yoga and Zumba sessions.

CEO Morgan Stewart.

Who’s leading our CBD design?

THE December 2022 of the Blacktown News opinion piece by Stephen Bali MP for Blacktown, People led design for Blacktown CBD has started a conversation on expectations of what a Central Business District should look and feel like.

Stephen Bali raised the concept that with 45 acres or 180,000 square metres of land that is owned by three major organisations and that there is an opportunity to create a Central Living District (CLD) in Blacktown.

The need to develop community space, safe environment, the ability to live, work, study and play in our CLD is essential for the future success of this City and development of our commercial and lifestyle aspirations.

Across the world there are many examples of town squares, boulevards and spaces that allows the local culture to thrive where people come together.

This the first in a series of articles that

captures opinions from prominent community leaders on their views regarding designing the future of Blacktown.

Elfa Moraitakis is the CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services based in Blacktown.

SydWest delivers quality services for refugee resettlement programs, youth, elderly programs, DV support and various multi-cultural service across our region.

Ms Moraitakis said: “Almost 200 different cultures live in Blacktown, and they can bring a wealth of international experience on what friendly and vibrant spaces look like.

“For any design to be successful and fully utilised it needs to be presented to the community for feedback. We now have an opportunity to ask residents what they want their local environment to look like. An environment that will be safe, friendly and will allow our diversity to showcase itself through activities and entertainment.

“We need true community consultation to drive a people-initiated design and have a City with a soul.”

Satish Kumar is the proprietor of A2Z Accountants, practicing in Blacktown CBD and involved with various charity organisations including Aid Foundation.

Mr Kumar said: “We need to make our Blacktown CLD a safe place for people to feel

comfortable to be part of.

“The more people that enjoy and use Blacktown CLD will lead to more restaurants and businesses moving in that encourages developers to build quality living apartments.

“Can anyone today really say that they feel safe and comfortable in Blacktown after dark?

“Our local government area will have more people living here than in Tasmania, so we need our local CLD to be a beacon of aspiration for the community, a design that isn’t a traffic nightmare.

“Blacktown City is on the cusp of an exciting future. It’s time to reimagine the future of Blacktown.

The development of the CBD will hold the key to our future.”

Have your say on the future development and progress of Blacktown CBD: email: info@greaterblacktownnews.com.au

We need backlogs cleared: Mayor

DEVELOPER levies have been capped by State Government policies and Blacktown Council’s hands are tied when it comes to providing community centres, swimming pools and libraries to new communities, says Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Tony Bleasdale.

“The NSW Government is piling 260 thousand residents into new parts of Blacktown City which have no community infrastructure,” Mr Bleasdale said.

Residents need the NSW Government to restore the ability of councils to build basic facilities for communities in new housing precincts, he said.

Blacktown Council is leading a campaign to address infra-

structure backlogs over more than a decade in precincts which are absorbing vast amounts of Sydney’s population growth.

“Existing facilities are over capacity and the NSW Government took away Council’s ability to build any new ones. They have sent huge numbers of new residents to live here without basic facilities that everyone else in NSW takes for granted,” Mr Bleasdale said.

In the past these facilities were paid for by levies on land rezoned for housing. When land is rezoned, its value goes up enormously, creating windfall gains for the previous land-owner.

A small part of that ‘lottery win’ used to be contributed to

pay for facilities such as pools for the new communities.

The NSW Government changed this in 2010 to cap the number of levies raised–no matter how much the land value went up. Councils cannot now use levies for any buildings or community infrastructure, Mr Bleasdale said.

“As a result, Blacktown City has a backlog of facilities like pools, libraries and leisure centres that is now over $525 million,” Mr Bleasdale said.

“We demand they fix this NSW Government-created problem now. Or if they won’t, we’re calling on Chris Minns and Labor to commit to fixing it if they win the election in March.”

Elfa Moraitakis and Satish Kumar.

I QUIT … AND NOW I REGRET IT When resigning isn’t the answer

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

AT the height of the pandemic, many Australians quit their jobs to start a new job but now they are suffering "resignation regret"

And 2023 promises to be the year this becomes a major issue.

According to Christina Foxwell, leading life and business coach and prominent self-help author, tens of thousands of people jumped out of their secure jobs in 2022 to pursue a life of ‘doing what they love’ in response to the pandemic blues.

And now many are experiencing resignation regret.

“Resignation regret is real and many people are facing it. I regularly coach executives who are feeling burnt out and want to walk away from their jobs but the first thing I always talk about is – can we develop up a system to help you make things better rather than jumping ship,” Ms Foxwell said.

“Often by developing up a strategy to address concerns and issues, managers

can turn things around and go on to achieve much more in their roles and careers, with higher levels of satisfaction as well. They thank me for helping to guide them through their work challenges, rather than encouraging them to cut and run.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people didn’t seek advice and just threw in their job during the pandemic thinking they would find something better or enjoy more freedom setting up their own business. Sadly, the grass is not always greener, in fact, often it is brown on the other side, or it starts out green and quickly dies.”

Ms Foxwell has been working with managers, executives, business owners and board members helping them to hone their leadership style and overcome career and workplace challenges and she said resignation regret was going to be one of the biggest career issues of 2023.

“My advice is simple. Don’t get upset and depressed about your circumstances, act and start the new year on a positive note,” Ms Foxwell said.

“If you feel like you have made a mistake leaving your job or a particular industry during the pandemic, put things right in 2023. Make 2023 the year of reset, rather than regret. Do the things you need to do to put your career and your life back on track.”

Energise your social media

The first thing you need to do is to energise your social media presence.

Update your CV

There are plenty of creative design platforms online that enable you to create impressive CV formats.

Connect with others

Resetting your career takes effort, but it also requires connections and networks.

Get moving

How is your health? Mental and physical health are always important, but especially so when you are feeling down.

FOOTNOTE

Ms Foxwell has just released her latest book, 'Glass Angel', which not only explores her difficult upbringing, it also provides readers with insight into how she turned her life around through employing the right mindset.

in Closing the Gap Playing a Role

Western Sydney is proudly one of the largest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in the nation.

Unfortunately, many community members are managing high rates of psychological distress1, and long-term health conditions impact almost 90% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 55 years2

WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN), has made supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health a top priority. Working with the local community and organisations around Western Sydney, WentWest aims to improve health literacy and accessibility to holistic, community-based, culturallyappropriate care. WentWest is incredibly proud of the work of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community partner organisations, who are making a significant positive impact in the region.

Marrin Weejali Culturally-Safe Counselling

Since 1996, the Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation has provided culturally-safe counselling and referral services for Aboriginal community members affected by drug and alcohol misuse or mental health challenges. Marrin Weejali provides counselling, group therapy, referrals and transition assistance, health support, case management and community work. In 2021-22 over 390 clients were supported by Marrin Weejali3 To

3 WentWest Annual Review 2021/22.

* Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client

Baabayn Reconnecting with Community

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation connects Aboriginal community members to services that help them recover from trauma, reconnect to community, and build a sense of self-worth and confidence. Baabayn has strong contacts in the community and prides itself on providing a welcoming environment where individuals and families can heal. The organisation runs activities, drop-in support and counselling sessions, idea-sharing conferences and cultural Healing Circles for community members.

For more information, call Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation on (02) 8608 6054

Karri* is a young Aboriginal mother who came to Baabayn for support with one of her children. She began counselling sessions to address her child’s behavioural issues but has since continued counselling to recover from her own trauma. Karri has joined other programs at Baabayn and reports feeling more confident in her parenting skills, has more self-belief and identifies more strongly with her culture.

Luke* is a 60-year-old Aboriginal man who has attended The Shed for several years for health, wellbeing and legal services. He is one of the Stolen Generation and was taken from his family at a young age. The trauma still lives with him, but The Shed gave him a supportive space to share his story with a community of like-minded people.

The Shed A Safe Space to Connect

The Shed is a welcoming community environment that supports Aboriginal community members by connecting them to mental health, health, housing, financial, disability, legal and cultural services. In 202122, nearly 3,000 people were supported by The Shed, with over 1,000 of those seen by a case worker .

To find out more, call The Shed on 1300 550 099.

This place broke the monotony of being on a disability pension…I feel much more at home here than going to the medical centre. After meeting and talking to people, I realised I wasn’t alone…I suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder from being taken away, and it comes in waves. You might wake up and have a miserable morning, but coming here, life is not so bad

- Luke

Find out more

To learn more about other Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander health services in Western Sydney that support Western Sydney children and families, visit wentwest.com.au/aboriginal-health

AMERICA’S WILD WEST STILL A WILDERNESS

Aussies choosing to GO WEST

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THE western United States is once again becoming a favorite with Australian travelers according to the latest statistics.

Around a million of us will ‘Go West’ in 2023 to tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, Anaheim, Aspen and San Francisco. And unless you are a confident, competent driver, you will take a tour to these regions and sit back and enjoy the spectacular views.

However, driving yourself is the best way to see it with hire cars relatively cheap. If you look at the accompanying breakout you will immediately notice that prestige cars are almost as cheap to hire for a week from LA International as small cars.

The reason for this is fuel usage with a litre average price at $US1.00 or $US3.82 per gallon according to www. globalpetrolprices.com

However I would rather the larger car for its space and safety and pay the extra fuel for a V6 compared to the more economical four cylinder models. You have to pack all your gear in the car and keeping it in the boot, or trunk as Americans call it, is safer than leaving it on the back seat,

The drive from LA to Las Vegas is easy once you clear the city traffic, however you could deter to Palm Springs for a day or before continuing to ‘Sin City’ for a few nights.

From Vegas you are heading east on the original Route 66 to a town called Williams which is a real Old West town. In Williams you can attend a real gunfight with real guns firing blanks.

Squirrels are a nuisance

Williams is the terminus for the Grand Canyon railway which runs right to the edge of the Canyon – try getting that one through a NSW Council!

From Williams, the road is an easy drive through the Ponderosa Pines to the national park.

Now, the West is still wild in places, with people still perishing in deserts like Death Valley, mountain lions appearing in unlikely places and black bears always a worry. At the Canyon it is the squirrels that are a big nuisance, and they will grab cameras, phones and bags.

Looking out across the vista, you finally get an idea how big the Grand Canyon is, running for 400km in big

curves with hundreds of off shoots along the way.

Much of the Canyon is still the wild, wild west and is under the control of the traditional Native American tribes.

I would allow a couple of nights at the Canyon just to take it all in and see it at sunrise and sunset.

From here you have a choice. If you are fan of Western Movies, you can head south east to Flagstaff, Tucson and Tombstone. On the hand, I would recommend driving back to Vegas and head to Valley of the Fires and Zion National Park.

Zion is as picturesque as the Grand Canyon and reminds me of the MacDonnell Ranges of our own Red Centre. From there you drive further east to the high-

light of the road trip- Monument Valley. You’ve seen it in many Western Movies and even in ‘Forrest Gump’ but nothing prepares you for its awesome grandeur in real life.

From here, some Australians head back to LA via the stunning National Parks of the region to the south, while others head for Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Wherever you choose to go, you will find this part of American a surprising region of great beauty and friendly locals… and wild.

Hire car rates in USA dollars for one week:

(From Los Angeles International Airport)

SMALL:

• Chevrolet Spark $502

• Ford Fiesta $540

MEDIUM:

• Hyundai Ascent $495

• Nissan Altima $506

• Toyota Rav 4 $545

• Toyota Corolla $533

LARGE:

• Buick Regal $507

• Chrysler 300 $506

• Chevrolet Impala $604

Mercedes Benz GLC $853

• BMW 3s $772 Mustang Cabrio $696

Spoiler Alert - 5 Stars

Michael (Jim Parsons) is a socially awkward TV-obsessed journalist, writing about shows for TV Guide.

ON a night out, he meets Kit (Ben Aldridge) - a much more outgoing personality, with a tonne of cool, hip friends, but also a man who has yet to tell his parents he is gay.

The two start dating, and their loving relationship is explored. The years pass, and their relationship comes under strain. Then the defining moment occurs; Kit discovers he has cancer, and the pair have to stand strong together as they try to beat it.

Directed by Michael Showalter, Spoiler Alert spoils its ending in the first minute or two of its runtime, showing the ending spectacle in all its traumatizing quietude and clinical pain. But the fact that we know where this story is going, never makes it hurt less, or make it any less engaging.

Parsons and Aldridge are tremendous as the leading duo. Parsons, still playing reasonably to type but different enough to his most well-known role, is lovably affable, weird, quirky and kind.

Aldridge, playing more of the ‘fuck boy’ vibe, while also coming across as deeply in love with Parsons’ character.

They are ably supported in particular by Sally Field and Bill Irwin, playing Kit’s parents Marilyn and Bob. Both are so wonderfully charming, that you really feel as if the four are a real family by the end. Field and Parsons have a beautiful back and forth dialogue, founded on their character’s love of running.

For a film that is so clearly, from the

off, about a cancer tragedy, it spends remarkably little time focused on that element. Instead, Showalter is comfortable luxuriating in the relationship between these two remarkable characters.

He doesn’t rush the meet, the first real date, the first sexual experience, the first time at each other’s apartments. Sure, he skips over plenty of details in relation to their respective careers, lives,

etc. but all in service to the relationship between the two of them.

Perhaps most impressive is the restraint shown in the collection of trauma facing these two. Too often, films like this feel the need to pile on drama after drama. A lesser film wouldn’t have restrained itself to just a troubled relationship and a cancer scare.

It would have had Kit’s parents

against his relationship with Michael, career drama for each, and perhaps even a hate crime involved. It may even have couched the events in a historically remarkable event related to their sexuality.

But Spoiler Alert is too good for that. It recognises that the elements on display here are more than enough drama for any normal couple. And that’s what Michael and Kit are, above all else - a normal couple.

They’re heartwarming in their love, absolutely hilarious when joking with each other (this movie will make you laugh much more than Bros), and ultimately completely heartbreaking when they drift apart from one another - first, across the city, and then across a much greater, more ethereal divide.

Spoiler Alert is one of the most beautiful, heartbreaking romances you will ever see, and is a must see for anyone interested in having a real experience in the cinema.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

Knock at the Cabin - 3 Stars

ERIC (Jonathan Groff) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge) are holidaying with their adopted daughter Wen (Kristen Cui) in a remote cabin in the woods, without phone reception.

Their idyllic stay is interrupted by four visitors - Leonard (Dave Bautista), Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird), Redmond (Ruper Grint) and Ardiane (Abby Quinn).

These visitors tie the family up, and tell them that they are harbingers of the apocalypse. They give them a choicethey can either willingly choose to kill one of their own family here in this cabin, or the entire world will be destroyed and everyone in it, with the trio left to wander the earth alone for the rest of their life.

M. Night Shamylan directs this taut thriller, which to its credit is both self-container and tightly wound. There’s little extraneous here, which makes it feel fast-paced and deserving.

He also has a lot of fun playing with the claustrophobic elements of this cabin; the space feels small, and this is aided by the constant tightly framed close ups

of the actors. We really feel how tight the space is; the danger of proximity, despite the woodland setting.

Groff and Aldridge are spectacular in their respective roles; the comfortable, calm and quietly spiritual Eric next to the angry, scared Andrew. Bautista is also remarkable in the film, calm and impos-

ing throughout.

The remainder of the four horsemen here make less of an impact - Grint’s appearance is mercifully brief, unexplainable-accent-forward, and impactless, Quinn is overly and oft-times annoyingly grating, and Amuka-Bird similarly OTT.

The real star, however, is Kristen

Cui as the young Wen. Wen’s incredulous performance is the perfect foil to the events unfolding on screen. She is a fantastic barometer for the audience; recognising that what we are seeing is ridiculous, but buying into it at the same time.

Ultimately, these films rely heavily on the plot, and while this one is interesting and certainly more successful than something like Old, it also feels overtly religious and a little disappointing. The plane scenes are fantastic, but the rest of the world ending horror is a little bit meh. The conclusion, when it comes, fires like a damp squib more than a culminating punch.

That being said, Knock At The Cabin is a perfectly fine thriller, with enough scares, an engaging enough story, and a suite of enjoyable performances, to make it worth your time in the theater.

Reviews by Jacob Richardson Creative Director | Film Focus www.filmfocusau.com

This taut thriller eschews a lot of the more violent tropes in favor of its intriguing premise, but wraps everything in a religious gauze that feels odd and, at times, contrived.

Mazda ups the price of its 6 sedan and wagon as 20th Anniversary variants arrive

„ MATT BROGAN

MAZDA has increased the pricing of its Mazda6 medium sedan and wagon range by between $420 and $1120 effective from the first quarter of this year, now commencing from $35,540 plus on-road costs.

Additionally, the Mazda6 sedan and wagon line-up now includes Mazda’s 20th Anniversary ‘6’ flagship, the variant issued to celebrate two decades and 144,000 sales of the nameplate in Australia.

It sits atop the Mazda6 range locally and is priced from $53,635 + ORC in sedan format and $54,935 + ORC for the wagon.

Based on the range-topping Atenza, the commemorative model is offered in Artisan Red or Rhodium White metallic paint, features 20th Anniversary badging on the front guards, a high-gloss silver grille, and high-gloss silver 19-inch alloy wheels.

Tan Nappa leather and Leganu synthetic suede upholstery are said to provide the cabin with a “rich, dignified feel” while the front-seat head restraints are also embossed with the 20th Anniversary logo.

As the current-generation Mazda6 enters its fifth update, the model receives a minor upgrade to the Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine available in higher grades, with power rising to 173kW (+3kW) at 4250rpm. Torque remains unchanged at 420Nm.

Turbocharged models also have recalibrated shift logic for the six-speed automatic transmission, offering what Mazda says is more direct upshift response that will “provide drivers with a more direct and intuitive connection to the engine’s torque”.

Across the range, all Mazda6 grades get power steering tweaks to provide “more tactile feedback at medium and high speeds”, Mazda says, while the driver assist tech offered on GT SP and Atenza variants is enhanced with semi-autonomous Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS).

Touring variants also now receive wireless device charging and wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.

Visually, the Mazda6 range is largely unchanged, save for the addition of gloss black signature wings on the front and rear of the GT SP grade. The Mazda6 GT SP wagon further gains gloss black roof rails.

Finally, Atenza grades now arrive as standard with black Nappa leather.

A premium paint charge of $795 applies for Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Grey and Machine Grey

exterior finishes.

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Mazda6 range recently, Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, said the special edition car is a tribute to the significance of the nameplate Down Under.

“For many years,

the Mazda6 has captivated driving enthusiasts with its clever mix of dynamics and style, to the point where it was our best-selling model behind the Mazda3 in the mid-2000s,” he said.

“Mazda6 retains a loyal following of fans, and the 20th Anniversary Edition is a special nod to those customers who share our passion for driving for the fun of it.”

2023

First factory right-hook Corvette Z06 lands in Australia ahead of customer deliveries

„ MATT BROGAN

THE first factory-built right-hand drive Corvette Z06 to arrive Down Under has been revealed by General Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) this week ahead of a series of activations planned around the country through out the year.

Arriving almost 70 years to the day since the very first Corvette was unveiled in New York on 17 January 1953, the hardcore Z06 combines Chevro let’s new naturally aspirated LT6 5.5-litre V8 engine with flat plane crankshaft design and thunder ous 8600rpm redline.

The Z06’s widened wheel track is met with improved braking capabilities; the model offers larger 370mm front and 380mm rear rotors when compared with the standard Stingray. The front discs are grabbed by six-piston Brembo calipers.

GMSV says the Z06 features the largest wheels ever offered on a production Corvette measuring 20 inches in diameter at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The forged aluminium wheels are finished in a ‘Spider’ design and are said to provide “surefooted grip to get power to the ground”.

Victorian manufacturer Carbon Revolution produces the Z06’s optional factory-fit carbon-fibre rims, as featured on the show car GMSV has imported along with a raft of cosmetic, comfort and performance upgrades.

Inside, the tech-laden, driver focused cockpit is said to relay all of the vehicle’s necessary driving data quickly and concisely.

“This new Z06 is indicative of what customers in Australia and New Zealand can expect from a MY24 Z06, as we will be offering 3LZ trim as standard,” said GMSV director Greg Rowe.

“This includes a steering wheel beautified with carbon-fibre, shift paddles made from carbon-fibre, sueded microfibre on the upper interior trim, leather-wrapped interior door panels and in-

strument panel, as well as GT2 bucket seats with Nappa leather upholstery and carbon-fibre garnish.

“Our new show car also features the Z07 Performance Package, which makes it even more eye-catching and enhances its performance prowess thanks to the addition of larger brakes with carbon-ceramic rotors, carbon-fibre aerodynamic elements, unique suspension tuning, ultra-performance tyres as well as optional carbon fibre wheels.

“The Z06 will be on the road around

Melbourne and surrounds over coming weeks and

Corvette fans and performance car enthusiasts alike are welcome to stop and grab a photo when they see this amazing new model.”

The Z06 lands in Australia just days after Chevrolet released details of its new electrified Corvette, the E-Ray hybrid.

Promising all-season performance and composure – and a blistering 0-60mph (96km/h) time of 2.5 seconds – the third C8 model combines Chevrolet’s 6.2-litre LT2 small block V8 – devel-

oping 370kW at 6450rpm and 637Nm at 5150rpm – to drive rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, with electric propulsion adding 119kW and 170Nm to the front wheels.

Total system power is rated at 488kW with battery energy sourced from a tunnel-mounted 1.9kWh lithium-ion unit. Chevrolet quotes a quarter mile (0-400m) time of 10.5 seconds – a tenth quicker than the Z06.

GMSV has yet to confirm if the Corvette E-Ray will be offered in Australia and New Zealand.

TOP 5 FOODS TO AVOID FOR FAT LOSS Focus on the basics FitnesS

„ ADAM SIMPSON

SORRY to disappoint you, but there aren't any foods that you need to avoid for fat loss.

You can eat any food that you like and still get results. However, if you want results you must start educating yourself on proper portion sizes and learn how to eat certain foods in moderation.

Too much of any foods can lead to you consuming excess calories and that will hold you back from getting results. There is no silver bullet so stop looking for one, instead focus on getting the basics right most of the time and you will get results.

1. Control your total calories consumed.

2. Eat foods high in protein.

3. Moderate how much processed food you eat.

4. Eat a diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

5. Drink mostly water.

What to avoid instead

If you truly want something to avoid getting you results. Avoid people who tell you these things.

Anyone who mentions "Biohacking" for results.

People who believe in one dietary

protocol being superior to others without understanding why that particular dietary protocol works.

Anyone who tells you to cut out whole food groups from your diet.

People pushing extreme dietary measures that are not sustainable long term

Keeping the Calories Down with your Cheese Platters!

One easy way to make sure you blow out your calories is by overindulging on a cheese platter. Don't get me wrong I love a cheese platter just as much as the next person. But if you have a weight loss goal and you are trying to keep your total calories in check. It is important to be mindful of how many calories you are consuming. It can be really easy to mindlessly consume way too many cheese calories in a sitting and then make it that much harder to get to your goal body weight.

I have broken down the different aspects of a cheese platter and given you lower calorie options to choose from. Making these simple swaps is going to save you a bunch of extra calories and will mean you can still enjoy yourself.

"Lower" Calorie Cheese

Options per 100grams

Cottage Cheese - 96 Calories (a slightly weird option on a cheese platter)

Cambembert - 300 Calories

Brie - 332 Calories

Blue - 352 Calories

Higher Calorie Cheese

Options per 100grams

Cheddar - 400 Calories

Parmesan - 432 Calories

Lower Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Tzatziki - 119 Calories

Hummus - 166 Calories

Higher Calorie Dips per 100 grams

Olive Dip - 450 Calories

Spicy Capsicum - 461 Calories

French Onion - 500 Calories

Lower Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Cashews - 553 Calories

Pistachios - 557 Calories

Almonds - 575 Calories

Higher Calorie Nuts per 100 grams

Brazil Nuts - 656 Calories

Pecans - 691 Calories

Macadamia - 718 Calories

Lower Calorie Fresh Berries per 100 grams

Blackberries - 43 Calories

Raspberries - 53 Calories

Blueberries - 57 Calories per

Higher Calorie Dried Fruit per 100 grams

Dates - 220 Calories

Dried Apricot - 241 Calories

Banana Chips - 519 Calories

Lower Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Prosciutto - 145 Calories

Pastrami - 147 Calories

Higher Calorie Cured Meats per 100 grams

Cabanossi - 304 Calories

Mortadella - 311 Calories

Salami - 336 Calories

Lower Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Wafer Crackers - 395 Calories

Sakata Rice Crackers - 396 Calories

An alternative would also be to load up your cheese platter with:

Celery - 14 Calories

Carrot - 41 Calories

Higher Calorie Crackers per 100 grams

Sao Biscuits - 460 Calories

Jatz Crackers - 468 Calories

Lavosh Crackers - 477 Calories

If you are looking to keep the calories down with your cheese platters just read the label and see what options come out at the lower end of the scale and then make your choices from there. Example to make the lowest possible Cheese Platter

Camembert and Blue Cheese.

Tzatziki Dip.

Cashews and Pistachios. Raspberries and Blackberries. Prosciutto.

Wafer Crackers with Celery and Carrot.

Adam Simpson is lead trainer and founder at Repetitions Group fitness and Personal Training. Visit: www.repetitionspt.com.au

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Tennis partnership grows stronger

AS the Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis event draws to a close in Melbourne, together Blacktown Council’s Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope and Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (BTI) continue to build on the popularity of tennis in the local community and produce tennis stars of the future.

Blacktown City Mayor, Cr Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “It is wonderful to see our tennis centre working collaboratively with BTI over such a long period, providing our residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds with the opportunity to play tennis and become the best they can be.”

BTI (formerly Blacktown & District Tennis association) was formed in 1924 and has a long history of promoting tennis to the local community.

Since the Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope opened its16 plexi-cushion courts in 2016, Council and BTI have worked together with Tennis NSW to create programs and competitions for all ages and abilities.

Over the years, BTI and its coaches have been responsible for a number of highly ranked junior and adult players and Elton Stoney, Tennis Team Leader at Stanhope is continuing a fine tradition of focusing on junior development.

BTI coach, Geoff Brackin’s focus on youth led to unprecedented success at both state and national level and produced multiple national age and junior ranked players, such as Donna McIntyre, Chris Reardon, and Truscott Lee.

Former BTI member, Garry Thoroughgood, reached number two on the International Tennis Federation singles rankings in 2011 and played as a representative for Australia in the World Team Championships in Austria in 2012.

Since 2016,Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope has been ‘home’ to BTI’s competitions and the partnership with the Centre sees BTI members benefiting from discounted access to the courts and other centre services throughout the year.

Yvonne Tucker, BTI Honorary Secretary said “We want to encourage everyone in the Blacktown local government area to play tennis. Our partnership with Council in providing tennis playing and caching opportunities will, I hope and believe, see some of our young people go on to star at the Australian Open in years to come.”

Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is open 7 days a week for casual use, training and competition.

Elton Stoney, team leader of Blacktown Tennis Centre, Stanhope and Yvonne Tucker, honorary secretary at Blacktown Tennis Incorporated.

Enjoy life while staying connected to your Blacktown community, your local sports, your family and friends... every day.

Exclusively for over 55’s and located next to Workers Sports Club, Parkside Lifestyle Community will commence construction soon.

To receive progress updates and an invitation to events, register your interest at parksidelifestyle.com.au