16 minute read
Blacktown Workers
ONE OF BLACKTOWN’S TRUE PIONEERS Council honours construction giant
BLACKTOWN City Council has recognised the enormous contribution of well-known Blacktown City entrepreneur and giant of the construction industry, Bill McNamara OAM.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM awarded the Key to the City to Bill for his role in shaping the landscape of Blacktown City over the course of 60 years.
Mayor Bleasdale said: “Bill has played a pivotal role over many decades in helping transform Blacktown City into the modern city it is today.
“Thanks to his knowledge and foresight, Bill led the way in the 1970s with the biggest single development in Blacktown, Westpoint Shopping Centre.
“He was not only a businessman but a true community leader and gave generously of his time to his community.
“As Mayor of Blacktown City, it is a great honour to present the Key to the City to Bill for his unparalleled innovation and community service.”
The McNamara family has been part of Blacktown City’s history for the past century, when Bill’s family moved to Riverstone from Western NSW in the 1920s.
Born in 1927, Bill attended Riverstone Public School before completing his secondary schooling at Auburn High School, where he received his Intermediate Certifi cate.
Bill recalls that it was during his school days that he wanted to become a builder and remembered fi xing structures and nailing iron onto fowl sheds that had blown off in the wind.
He became an apprentice carpenter at Riverstone Meatworks, signing up for fi ve years with the Riverstone Meat Company and attending Granville Technical College.
In 1950, Bill and his wife Pat built a home at 22 Hunter Street, Riverstone. In 1953, the McNamara Group built an offi ce and joinery in Riverstone Parade–one of the fi rst factories to be built in that industrial area. The McNamara Group delivered and was responsible for many large developments that have shaped both Blacktown and Western Sydney over the past 50 years. The McNamara Group was responsible for WestPoint Shopping Mall at Blacktown and Marketown Shopping Centre at Riverstone, Mount Druitt High School, Riverstone Schofi elds Memorial Club and Blacktown Aquatic Centre, which are landmark building projects in Blacktown City. Bill and his team also built the Del Rio Resort on the Hawkesbury River and many important buildings in Parramatta–the McNamara Centre, the Octagon, the United Permanent building, the Parramatta Cultural Centre, the J.A. Fleming Stand at Rosehill and the Riverside Theatres.
Bill turns 95 this year and continues to work and serve the Blacktown City community to this day.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) with Key to the City recipient Bill McNamara OAM (centre) and Councillor Julie Griffiths (left) at Blacktown Aquatic Centre’s 60th anniversary celebration.
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MINISTER Michelle Rowland celebrates
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
Michelle Rowland. Michelle Rowland’s resounding win in the seat of Federal seat of Greenway was a result of “Communication and community concern” and “becoming a better me”..
Ms Rowland celebrated and claimed victory at the Blacktown RSL and is now Federal Minister for Communications in the Albanese Government.
She led Liberal candidate Pradeep 48.8% to 29.8% at the close of counting, increasing her healthy margin by another 2.9%
With her young family beside her at the lectern and surrounded by supporters from many ethnic backgrounds who voted for her, Ms Rowland said since 2019 there had been “a lot of soul searching, a lot of changes and a lot of growth in me personally.”
Ms Rowland, who has held the seat since 2010, said the ALP had succeeded with the way it communicated with people.
She said groups who would not normally align themselves with the ALP in the past came together in a community led result.
“We have done so to connect with people and make our community a better place,” she said.
“We have had bushfi res, fl oods and the pandemic and the toughest lockdown restrictions of just about anywhere else in Australia and that meant being a member of Parliament required you to be something new.”
Ms Rowland became the “something new“ that the community of Greenway required.
“The last three years almost to the day, I decided to become a better version of myself and I decided to put a diff erent kind of eff ort into the people of Greenway.
“As a result, this result demonstrates that was the right decision.”
“However that was not executed by me, it was executed by you,” Ms Rowland said pointing toward her supporters.
Ms Rowland said rather than calling it a campaign, it was communication, and it was a dialogue, it was “a real sense of community concern.”
“The fi nal thing I would like to say tonight is ‘we have a mandate in Greenway to do things better’,”
Ms Rowland’s main campaign policies included: • Creating a better future for all • Investments in secure, local
Western Sydney jobs. • Better infrastructure. • A plan to make things here, in
Australia. • Cheaper energy. • Better local living. • Enhanced mobile coverage. • Mmore affordable childcare.
Crackdown on shonky advisors
PROFESSIONAL advisors who promote tax avoidance strategies will face tougher penalties under new legislation passed in Parliament.
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the reforms represent a signifi cant enhancement to the integrity of the NSW taxation system.
“For too long dishonest operators have managed to get away with leading others into tax avoidance arrangements without any penalty,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Under the new laws that will change. If you are promoting tax avoidance schemes you will be penalised.
“While we recognise that most taxpayers and their advisors do the right thing, there remains a small number of people who don’t. We make no excuses for cracking down on dishonest tax advisors. The new laws are meant for them.”
The promoter penalty rules will extend to anyone who promotes or attempts to market a scheme for avoiding NSW taxes.
The consequences for promoters are signifi cant with penalties more than $1.1 million for an individual and $5.5 million for a corporation.
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The Guthrie Project
Blacktown Workers Club staff at a previous sleepout.
Sleepout support for women’s centre
BLACKTOWN Workers Club is hosting the CEO and Co Winter Sleep Out on June 23 to raise funds for the Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre (BWGHC).
The goal is to raise $40,000 on the night. Not only is it a chance to raise much needed funds, but it is also the chance to enjoy a unique experience under the stars.
BWGHC is a community-based centre which provides accessible health and wellbeing services for women and girls in Blacktown LGA regardless of their income.
They provide emergency crisis intervention and support for women and children, including domestic violence counselling and case management, emergency backpacks, food and overnight accommodation.
The centre also provides transport to and from destination then back to the centre for further assistance.
Women and children going through Domestic and Family Violence are at risk of homelessness which is a huge factor that may impact their wellbeing.
You have to be registered to take part in the Sleep Out. All participants will pay $50 and the donation includes a T-shirt and beanie to wear on the night.
Throughout the night, you will learn about BWGHC and how they aid girls, women, and their children, especially those in need of emergency accommodation so they are not left homeless.
There will be light entertainment and you will receive dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Once the offi cial proceedings have concluded, you will be left to experience the night in the cold.
With the weather predicted to be cold, participants should make sure they wear warm and comfortable clothing, bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. Electronic items such as mobile phones, tablets and cameras are welcome to capture your experience.
To register, go to Workers Blacktown web site for details. If you can’t go but wish to donate, please visit Workers Blacktown or follow this link: https://www.mycause.com.au/events/ceocowintersleepout Questions should be directed Tina Maamari on 9830 0613 or tmaamari@bwcl.com.au
Calvet re-elected WSROC President
COUNCILLOR Barry Calvert (pictured), the Deputy Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council, has been returned for a fourth term as President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC.
WSROC is the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, and advocates on key issues of value to Western Sydney communities. More than a million people live in the six WSROC council communities.
The WSROC member councils are Blacktown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Cumberland City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Lithgow City Council and Liverpool City Council.
Councillor Calvert was re-elected as at WSROC’s President at its Board Meeting held at Blacktown Civic Centre.
As President, Councillor Calvert chairs the WSROC Executive which sets region-wide priorities and strategies for the WSROC Board and provides organisational direction to WSROC’s Chief Executive Offi cer and staff .
Councillor Calvert said he was delighted to be re-appointed as WSROC President and for the opportunity to continue the pursuit of WSROC’s priorities.
“It is an honour to take on this role again, to work with the WSROC Executive and staff ,” he said.
Time to get out the skateboard
BEAUMONT Hills on the northern fringe of Greater Blacktown is to get a new $4m parkland beside the elevated Northwest Metro rail line.
Among its features will be a skateboard park and a bike riding facility.
The 1ha block adjacent to Windsor Rd and will provide a vital recreation area for residents of the rapidly growing region.
Residents will soon have the opportunity to test out their training wheels, nail a couple of ‘kickfl ips’ or take a leisurely stroll, with the stateof-the-art park on its way.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the site on Windsor Rd was set to be transformed thanks to the $4m investment.
It is part of the NSW Government’s $150M program to secure and improve green space across Greater Sydney.
Artist impression of thje project. “The feedback has been invaluable in helping shape what will soon be an incredible asset that is close to homes and community facilities, including the Caddies Creek Sports Complex,” Mr Roberts said
“Along with plenty of space for recreation and play, the park will feature a new bike pump track, a skate plaza, public art and 60 new trees.” Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the new park would also incorporate the archaeological heritage site of the White Hart Inn. “Parks play an important part in people’s lives – they are places to gather, play and refl ect, so we’re thrilled to be delivering what will be a diverse, community-oriented and resilient public space,” Mr Williams said. The new Beaumont Hills Park is one of eight being created or upgraded in Greater Sydney under the Parks for People program.
Construction of the park will begin later this year in collaboration with The Hills Shire Council.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/parksforpeople
Libraries launch book of lockdown stories
BLACKTOWN City Council Libraries has launched a special book compiling 50 stories of life during COVID-19 lockdowns, in partnership with a local author.
Council worked with Quakers Hill storyteller Emie Roy of ‘The Stories Untold’, the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Westpoint to publish the book, The Light at the End of the Tunnel.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the book documented an unprecedented time in history and its eff ects on the local community.
“We know Blacktown City residents were hit especially hard by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions for an extended period of time,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“I congratulate Emie Roy and all contributors for making this important project happen.”
The book features anecdotes, refl ections and experiences from lockdown as well as hopes for a post-lockdown future and was offi cially launched at a special event at Bowman Hall last week, with more than 150 guests in attendance.
Emie Roy said, “The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been released after 10 solid months of work and it is here that the journey of the book begins.
The book is available to borrow from Blacktown City Council’s libraries.
Curator and storyteller Emie Roy (right) with Dr G K Harinath, Chairman of Multicultural NSW (left), at the launch of the ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’.
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Shani backing female apprentices
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
Mt Druitt plumbing apprentice Shani Staples is the face of a new campaign encouraging women to take up learning a trade through an apprenticeship.
Shani and her fellow female apprentices want more women to try their hand in a traditional trade to increase women in the construction sector.
Shani is studying a Certifi cate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt and is one woman paving the way for more females to break into trade industries.
“The plumbing industry is incredibly rewarding and off ers a hands-on environment which is fastpaced and no two days are the same,” Ms Staples said.
“Many people are unaware of the scope of work that a plumbing trade covers, so if a trade is something you’ve ever considered, now is the time to give it a go.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was investing in fee-free and low-fee apprenticeships and traineeships to help address industry needs, including Built for Women, a program designed to boost female participation.
“We want to make it easier for women to access the skills they need for a fi rst job, a new job, or a better job,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NSW Government’s infrastructure investment is providing great opportunities for women to pick up the tools and enter a dynamic and rewarding industry.”
Recently released data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research shows that female apprentice and trainee numbers are booming across the state, with a 91% surge in commencements in the year to September 2021.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Built for Women program had supported close to 5000 free training places for women in trade-related work, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics.
“Greater diversity makes our workplaces stronger and a secure and fulfi lling future awaits women who choose a career in trades,” Ms Taylor said.
The two ministers visited Shani at work recent-
ly as part of the State Government promotion. Plumbing apprentice Shani Staples talks with the Minister.
Technology to reduce homelessness
TECHNOLOGY is being used to better connect people in need with services as the NSW Government looks for new ways to reduce homelessness.
A new custom-built mobile app is being rolled out to help match outreach workers with the homeless.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Journey on Home app is an important initiative to tackle street sleeping acrossNSW.
“The Journey on Home app means homelessness outreach workers have a client’s history in the palm of their hand,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“This enables outreach workers to connect people to services on the spot, which is critical to supporting the homeless into more permanent accommodation. Staff will have visibility and information on hotspots and locations where there is evidence of people sleeping rough to help them better plan their patrols.”
The app is part of a $2.3M investment in technology which is helping to deliver the Premier’s Priority to halve street homelessness by 2025.
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GAME TIME
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PET
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MICHELLE ROWLAND
How Afghan women typify our diversity: 18
GRANT Hews has a great reason to be inseparable from his best mate and savior, Echo the Maltese Terrier. You see, Echo saved Grant’s life when he fell into a diabetic coma and when Grant was admitted to Blacktown hospital, the pair were lost without each
other. And we all know the healing power of an animal, a power that should never be underestimated. The heartwarming story begins in late December when Grant was diagnosed with COVID-19 and other underlying health issues at the hospital. More: page 6. Grant owes his life to mate Echo
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Blacktown doctor Jana Pittman competes in SAS TV.
SAS JANA
BLACKTOWN Hospital’s famous Olympian Dr Jana Pittman has swapped her stethoscope for a grueling survival challenge in the latest series of ‘SAS’ TV on the Seven Network. Jana’s roller coaster ride of triumph, defeat, failure and success throughout her life makes her ideal for the rigorous format of the show. The 38-year-old dual Olympian is one of the 18 celebrities who will be subjected to extreme physical and psychological testing on the upcoming military-style show. More page 5. WESTPOINT backs domestic violence fight: 3 Mayor calls for local vaxx clinic: 6
Sub-branch answers calls for support: 10
Why Blacktown is tops for property investment: 14
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Blacktown Snapshot
395,000
population
18.81 billion
regional economy
4.6%
average economic growth
24,990
registered businesses
143,259
local jobs 1