EXPO - Western Sydney’s leading businesscommunity expo series has gone mobile. In 2025 WEXPO takes a new slant on connection and is going on the road with WEXPO Student Edition. On November 4 an audience of around 200 students, teachers and guests gathered at CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt to hear a very inspiring keynote presentation by Blacktown’s own Olympic medal winning diver and business owner, Melissa Wu for the first ever WEXPO Student Edition. More inside.
Melissa Wu at Cathwest Innovation College
Blacktown City
blacktown.nsw.gov.au
Blacktown City International Day of People with Disability Awards
Nominations are now open for the Blacktown City International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) awards.
The awards celebrate the people, groups and organisations who continuously strive to make Blacktown City a more inclusive place for people with disability. It recognises the work of people with disability, disability service providers, carers, and working groups of people with disability in our community.
This year’s award category - The Enhancing Inclusion Achievement Awards Category, recognises the people who have demonstrated:
•significant contribution to address barriers for people with disability
•greater equality by creating innovative programs for people with disability
•increasing the voice of people with disability.
Nominations will close at 11.59 pm on Thursday 14 November.
For more information or to submit your nomination, visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/IDPwD
Christmas in Blacktown City
Get into the holiday spirit and join us at one of our 2024 Christmas Concerts across the City!
Pack your Santa hat, pop on your best Christmas shirt and join us to spread the cheer with festive performances by local community groups, Christmas Carols, a visit from Santa and face painting.
At 8.45 pm, the Christmas tree will be lit up showcasing its magical fairy lights and vibrant decorations.
Join us at:
•Mount Druitt: Thursday 28 November from 5 pm to 9 pm at Dawson Mall, Cleeve Close, Mount Druitt.
•Blacktown: Friday 29 November from 5 pm to 9 pm in the Civic Plaza, Flushcombe Road, Blacktown.
•Riverstone: Saturday 30 November from 5 pm to 9 pm at Sam Lane Complex, corner of Pitt and Park Street, Riverstone.
Grab your quality children’s books, toys and clothes, and join us for a sustainable afternoon of swapping and donating. Bring up to 12 quality items to swap and donate extras to Dandelion Support Network to support vulnerable families.
Date: Saturday 30 November
Time: 1.30 pm or 3.00 pm start
Location: Max Webber Library Function Centre
This is a FREE event for Blacktown Council residents. To register, please visit: blacktown.nsw.gov.au/swapyourstyle
WHAT’S ON
Upcoming community events
Nursery Open Day
Saturday 9 November from 9 am to 1 pm
Blacktown City Council Nursey, Kent Street, Blacktown Nursery Open Days are provided for residents who can’t pick up their annual allocation (2 plants per household, per residential year) during weekdays. Please note, these are not additional plant giveaways. Residents can collect their 2 plants per property from a selection of native and exotic species. Nursery staff will be onsite to assist residents in selecting plants that will be appropriate for their garden. Proof of residency must be shown.
How to report online crime
Wednesday 20 November from 10.00 am to 11.30 am
Max Webber Library, corner Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street, Blacktown
More than ever, government agencies and other initiatives are working to support those who have encountered online crime and harm.
More than ever, government agencies and other initiatives are working to support those who have encountered online crime and harm such as ID theft, cyberbullying, online abuse, extortion and grooming. In this session, learn how to empower yourself and report online crime.
4Elements Hip Hop Festival
Saturday 23 November from 1 pm to 9 pm
Main Street and Warrick Lane, Blacktown
4Elements HipHop Festival is back in Blacktown for 2024!
For the community, by the community, 4ESydney continues to build global infrastructure and platform HipHop in Australia.
Enjoy music, dance, DJs, graffiti, events, workshops and more! More info to be announced.
OUTRAGE AT BANK BRANCH CLOSURE Commonwealth Bank shuts down Doonside
THE Commonwealth Bank’s announcement that it plans to close its Doonside branch has been met with outrage as local MPs, businesses, Council and residents condemning the decision.
What was to be a golden jubilee celebration for the Doonside Commonwealth Bank branch has turned out to be golden misery with the sudden closure of the branch.
Stephen Bali MP, State Member for Blacktown and local Doonside residents have expressed outrage at the lack of consultation with the community by the bank.
“CBA has demonstrated disgraceful behaviour that can be seen as nothing less than corporate bullying over the local community,” Mr Bali said.
Mayor Brad Bunting joined Mr Bali in condemning the bank's decision, saying: “Many of our residents, particularly those who lack transportation, including elderly and disabled residents, depend on nearby
branches and accessible ATMs.”
In a letter to Mr Bail, Irene Rowlands Commonweraloth Bank's Regional General Manager Customer Service Network said the bank had conducted a review and made the “difficult decision wo close the Doonside branch.”
“The branch will now become part of our Westpoint Blacktown Branch. The ATMs at this branch will continue to be available until Friday, 29 November 2024. With
this in mind, we have upgraded our nearby branches over the last few years, including Westpoint Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Seven Hills Shopping Centre,” Ms Rowlands said.
Postcode 2767 has over 23,000 residents covering Doonside, Woodcroft, Bungarribee and Huntingwood Heights with nearby significant industrial parks in Huntingwood, Arndell Park and Glendenning.
ABS 2021 data for Postcode
2767 reveals that 18.6% of the population is aged over 60 and 28.6% have long term chronic health issues.
Ironically, the banking industry is ranked as the 5th highest employer in the area. Social media channels have reacted strongly with the news of the Commonwealth Bank closure.
"When Commonwealth Bank closed the Rooty Hill branch, residents were directed to Doonside. Now, Doonside is being closed, pushing people even further away from essential services,” Mayor Bunting said.
“The Doonside closure follows a string of others in the area, including branches in Rooty Hill, Toongabbie, and Blacktown. This pattern, coupled with similar closures by other major banks, has failed to consider the needs of Blacktown’s rapidly growing population.
Across Australia, the big four banks have closed 1,446 branches since 2018, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. In
2023 alone, Westpac closed 167 branches, followed by Commonwealth Bank with 73 closures, ANZ with 72, and NAB with 63.” You can join in the campaign by signing a petition that can be accessed on change.org “Prevent the closure of the Commonwealth Bank in Doonside.”
Stephen Bali MP and local resident Nikolina Desanti are organising an 11th hour protest to be held outside the bank, 16 Hill End Rd Doonside on Monday, November 18 starting 10am.
For further information contact Stephen Bali MP office on 9671 5222 or e: blacktown@parliament.nsw. gov.au
Set in one of the fastest growing LGAs in Australia, Oran Park is a thriving, peaceful, master planned community of new homes, wide open spaces, exceptional new schools and expanding dining and retail precincts.
Premium land is scheduled to release soon and there’s a lot to fit every budget and lifestyle.
• Well positioned near the rapidly expanding Oran Park Town Centre
• Close proximity to award-winning parks, green spaces and waterways
• Easy build lots ranging from 300m 2 to 600m 2
Visit the Sales Office today and discover all Oran Park has to offer. Scan the QR code to register your interest to be informed about future land releases.
The original ad for the opening of the bank.
Wih local residents: (Left to right) Cr Carol Israel, Stephen Bali MP, Doonside Seniors Citizens Club members, Nikolina Desanti, Cr Bob Fitzgerald.
The Blacktown News is available at strategic locations throughout Blacktown LGA. To find a location near you visit our website.
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BLACKTOWN’S TRUSTED LOCAL MEDIA VOICE
COUNCIL REIGNITES BLACKTOWN CBD MASTERPLAN MP asked to intervene with Govt
THE debate over the planning for Blacktown CBD including the 2023 Council building sale was revisited at the recent Blacktown Council meeting.
Financial reports presented to councillors identified the sale of the council civic centre, village green, carpark, additional buildings including the Leo Kelly Art Gallery and a substantial portion of Kmart carpark owned by council was devalued from approximately $90M to the Walker Corporation sale price of $42M.
Cr Peter Camilleri confirmed that the council properties devaluation of $48M as well as the minimum seven and half year lease that Council has locked into with Walker Corporation will cost an additional $674,000 per year due to land tax payments.
Cr Camilleri indicated that councillors were not aware of total leasing cost to council resulting from the sale to Walker Corporation in March 2022 as other costs including utilities, maintenance had not been disclosed to councillors and has requested further information.
Councillors unanimously agreed to the need modernise the Blacktown CBD masterplan with a future report to Council, requesting the NSW State Government to provide funding and resources to support Council.
The 3-part Council resolution that received the most attention was the
request for former Blacktown City Mayor and current State Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali MP, in his capacity as Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces to intervene in negotiations between State Government and Council.
For the past two years the Blacktown News has published numerous articles regarding the vision for Blacktown Central Living District concept. See articles at Our Evolving City – www.greaterblacktownnews.com.au
Mr Bali has called for a safe and modern environmentally designed structures, with a thriving nighttime economy, improved pedestrian streetscape, additional carparking and a town square to promote festivals.
His outspoken comments raised the ire amongst some councillors, including
Cr Julie Griffiths who said: “Put your [State Government] money where it needs to be instead of flapping your gums and hold him accountable.”
Cr Camilleri also added: “State Member for Blacktown has gone out many a time with ideas.” Cr Fitzgerald said: “The good member for Blacktown would relish the challenge.”
Councillors raised concerns of the lack of funding Blacktown Council has for modernising the CBD masterplan and the lack of community consultation.
“These things [master planning] can achieve great results, but it takes money. As it has been stated many times in this chamber, we don’t have it [money],” Cr Camilleri said:
Cr Mohit Kumar and Cr Damien Atkins called for greater community consul-
tation with residents and organisations.
Mayor Brad Bunting said council needed to “get on and make a change to the city.”
Mr Bali said: “Community organisations and residents over the past few years have been holding their own meetings to reimagine the vision for Blacktown Central Living District (CLD).
“I am pleased that I can be a conduit between the residents, State Government, Council, Walkers Corporation, local businesses and property owners in delivering a central living district in the heart of Blacktown that current and future generations want for our Blacktown.
“We are stronger together and our collective success will provide the realisation and opportunities that our community so richly deserves.”
Stephen Bali MP.
Councillor Peter Camilleri.
Councillor Julie Griffiths.
Ageing well forum at Toongabbie
DID you know that almost 4000 people living with type 2 diabetes develop dementia annually?
And of the almost 1.2 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes, 59 per cent are aged 65 or over?
Learn more at a free forum by community group Healthy Living Toongabbie (HLT) called ‘Healthy Ageing: Ageing Well Through the Ages on Thursday, November 14 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Toongabbie Sports Club. From 5.30pm, you can also get a free diabetes risk assessment.
In collaboration with Western Syd-
ney Diabetes (WSD), HLT 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.
Members are dedicated to educating the community about diabetes, pre-diabetes and healthier food options and lifestyle.
President Mani Manoharan, an Endocrinologist based in western Sydney, said after a successful forum on women’s health, HLT is now
Church conducts local cleanup
WORLD Mission Society Church of God conducted a cleanup around the Blacktown area on October 27, to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Church of God.
Church of God believes the existence of not only God the Father but also God our Mother, therefore, we are motivated and want to care for communities with the heart of a Mother.
The Clean-up and Graffiti removal was a worldwide movement conducted in 175 countries to establish safe communities from crime.
The Church of God wants to raise awareness on crime prevention and carry out related movements for youths, college students, workers and citizens, who are the central figures of change.
The members will continue their works in and around Blacktown.
addressing the wellbeing of the ageing population.
“Ageing has a unique health implication which is inevitable,” Dr Manoharan said.
“HLT is bringing in experts to empower your knowledge on how to manage them with vitality and assist your family gracefully.”
She said a recent study revealed Australians with diabetes are increasingly dying from conditions not usually linked to diabetes, like dementia and falls.
Dr Manoharan said 84 people aged
65 and over out of 1000 had been diagnosed with dementia, and this is the tip of the iceberg.
“Caring for a family member who has dementia can be rewarding but also physically and mentally demanding.”
As part of the forum, experts will share insights on how to connect and find support.
Details: 6.30pm-8pm, Thursday, November 14, at Toongabbie Sports Club, 12 Station Rd, Toongabbie. Register: Sumathy.Ravi@health.nsw. gov.au Visit www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org
Survey backs mobile phone ban
THE NSW Government’s decision to ban mobile phones in all NSW public schools has improved student learning, concentration, and encouraged young people to socialise more, according to a survey by the NSW Department of Education.
One year on from the change, a survey of almost 1,000 public school principals found close to universal support for the ban, at 95 per cent, and most say removing the unnecessary distraction has improved students’ focus and reduced social isolation.
The NSW Department of Education’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation survey further found 81 per cent say students’ learning has improved since mobile phones were banned.
Since this election commitment was delivered at the beginning of Term 4, 2023, public schools across NSW are continuing to report widespread benefits.
At Riverstone High School, principal Rosemary Daubney said students are more focused during class time, and at recess and lunch are now socialising with one another. Sport is now popular, with students taking up touch football and basketball.
“In breaks, I used to see students sitting alone, looking at their screens. Now, they are playing games, touch football and basketball. They are laughing and running around, having a good time and talking to each other,” Ms Daubney said.
Patricia, 84, passes driving test
FOR an older person, loss of a driver’s licence can be devastating. It can mean severed community links, reduced family contact and diminished independence.
This was certainly the outlook for 84-year-old Patricia Fitzgerald, of Lalor Park , with her 85 birthday approaching.
In NSW, drivers wanting to keep their unrestricted driver’s licence must do a practical driving test at age 85, and then every two years, in addition to a yearly medical assessment. For many older people, 85 is a birthday they dread.
Transport for NSW figures show as of September 2024, there were 480,000 people aged over 75 still on the road with 41,000 having restricted licences. About 82,000 people over the age of 85 were still driving.
Patricia’s battle to keep her licence, and the HammondCare At Home team’s support to build her confidence, is one of many positive stories of care in the HammondCare Annual Report 2024.
Patricia’s continued use of her beloved grey Honda CRV, acquired during the pandemic, was important to maintaining quality of life.
“For me losing my licence meant catching buses, including getting my groceries on the bus,” Patricia said. Her voluntary work as a verger at All Saints Anglican Church, North Parramatta, where she regularly attends and is available to help with flowers, wed-
dings and funerals suddenly would be very difficult.
“Anything that needs doing, I’m available – but getting there by bus would take hours,” she said.
Patricia also feared the end of her continuing relationship with a cousin she had only just renewed contact with across the city at Belmore.
“I only just met my cousin for the first time recently, after I discovered we had the same great grandparents. I looked him up in the phone book, as part of my ancestry research,” she said.
Home care providers deliver a range of services to support people to live independently at home.
On this occasion, the HammondCare At Home team, led by care manager Heather Kimani, realised Patricia needed support to get through her driving test.
Pastoral Care Co-ordinator Carolyn Altman, a member of Patricia’s care team, realised something was wrong when they spoke before her 85 birthday.
Patricia said she was losing sleep and anxious with her practical test looming.
To ease her fears, Carolyn took the approach of breaking down each specific worry Patricia had about her driving test, and then together they worked through each one. One fear was she would not hear instructions clearly.
“I made sure her hearing aids would be charged and ready. I was able to reassure her that even if she did not pass, she would have other opportunities – it would not be the end of it,” Carolyn said.
Patricia passed the test with a requirement she stay within 100kms from home and avoid night driving. Patricia declared she’d had the best sleep in weeks.
She was grateful for the support of the pastoral care team. “What they did was give me the confidence to go through with the test.”
Workers gives to 17 local charities
ANOTHER $270,930 was formally distributed to 17 local charities and community initiatives by Workers Lifestyle Group today.
A ceremony was held at Workers Blacktown with Category 1 ClubGRANTS recipient organisations, the Blacktown Local Committee, Blacktown City Council and Workers Lifestyle Group directors.
Workers Lifestyle Group Chief Executive Officer Morgan Stewart said, “Community engagement and community building have been at the core of Workers Lifestyle Group’s mission since its formation as Blacktown Workers Club.”
All recipients obtaining funding through Workers ClubGRANTS distribution are engaged in local community activities.
“Our team engages at all levels of the ClubsGRANTS process,” Morgan said.
“In liaison with Blacktown City Council we make proposals to the Blacktown Local Committee and we participate in committee deliberations. We also assist groups seeking grants, particularly smaller organisations, to define and present their applications.
“We take a whole of community approach to developing Blacktown's public amenity, health and well-being.
"This year, we are pleased to give support to ease disadvantage across a broad spectrum of need as well as bring substantial community benefits to Blacktown and Western Sydney,” he said.
In late 2022 Workers Lifestyle Group committed to a $500,000 five-year program for early detection of type 2 diabetes (a significant health problem in Western Sydney) and promoting lifestyle changes that prevent its onset. The funding for the 2kg Challenge to beat diabetes is part of that program.
The previous year, WLG directors resolved to distribute $500,000 over 5 years to groups working to combat Domestic and Family Violence and assist the recovery of victims in the Blacktown and surrounding districts. Blacktown Women's and Girls’ Health Centre is a key program partner of that commitment.
The cost-of-living crisis is hitting all parts of the
country and Blacktown is not immune. Many of the ClubGRANTS recipients have community initiatives to help families make ends meet.
The Workers Lifestyle Group clubs and their
61,000 members and staff help sustain more than 100 community organisations, charities, schools and sporting groups and the estimated value of its annual contribution is $2.8M.
Workers Lifestyle Group ClubGRANTS Funding Recipients 2024
ORGANISATION
Cancer Patients Foundation
Carevan Blacktown
Dandelion Support Network
Doonside Senior Citizens Club
DRG Stitches Collection
Foodbank NSW & ACT
Love for Australia Incorporated
Rotary Club of Blacktown City Inc
Rotary Club of the Ponds
The Top Blokes Foundation
Blacktown & Districts Older Women’s Network.
Learning Links
PROJECT
Look Good Feel Better.
Feeding the community 2024.
Providing essential nursery items for cost of living.
Steady Stride Seniors - falls prevention.
Stitches & Wolkara Community Engagement Program.
Schools Breakfasts 4 Health program.
Emergency Grocery relief.
Seniors’ Christmas Lunch.
Share the Dignity.
Improving young male mental health across Blacktown.
Confident Communicators.
Western Sydney Changing Diabetes 2kg Challenge.
Blacktown Women’s & Girls
Kor-Hajer Youth Development Org
Lions Club of Blacktown City
Young Life Australia
Empower Her - Schools project.
School lunches.
Medical equipment hospital training.
Blacktown Youth Connect.
84-year-old Patricia Fitzgerald.
Above: the worthy grant recipients through the Workers ClubGRANTS distribution and right, Workers CEO Morgan Stewart.
«Don’t know if any of you have done anything where you felt super nervous before, felt like the butterflies in your stomach, feeling sick? That’s basically how I have felt my whole career in diving for
WEXPO SCHOOL EDITION
WESTERN Sydney’s leading business - community expo series has gone mobile. Now in its third year, WEXPO events have delivered national economists, Government Ministers, senior government representatives, business and community leaders in addressing issues such as health, education, cost of living and opportunities for business and community success.
WEXPO is a people led initiative that that allows community and business leaders to gather, network and residents to engage with exhibitors and learn from experts
WEXPO now takes a new slant on connection. WEXPO is going on the road with WEXPO Student Edition. This is where WEXPO links up with schools in Western Sydney for a special presentation purposed to educate students and attendees on life skills such as building resilience, success mindset, overcoming adversity and more.
Showcase speakers are prominent performers in sport, academia, community and business.
On November 4 an audience of around 200 students, teachers and guests gathered at CathWest Innovation College Mt Druitt to hear heard a very inspiring keynote presentation by Blacktown’s own Olympic medal winning diver and business owner, Melissa Wu, plus a demonstration on weightlifting from her brother, Josh. CathWest principal Paul Stenning welcomed guests and said that supporting the WEXPO Student Edition aligned with his school’s mission of enabling students to start careers and opening opportunities for jobs.
The event was sponsored by ACU
Melissa Wu in her own words
d O Patron, We've done d this is the he school –ng ach, sick? about 20 years.» - Melissa Wu.
Blacktown Campus and Dean Valentine Mukuria in her opening address urged students to dare to dream and to take on board messages from Melissa’s presentation to develop their own ambitions.
ged an s from deve
Melissa was introduced Member of Blacktown and WEXPO Patron, Stephen Bali who said: “We've done three years of WEXPO and this is the first time we're going to the school –everyone’s excited.”
Here is an edited transcript of Melissa’s presentation.
I really appreciate you guys having me here today. I'm very proud to be an Olympian, a five-time Olympian in diving someone who's local in the area, someone who not only has lived here for many years and grew up here, but also as mentioned, I own a business, I own a gym with my brother Josh who's here as well today. So, to have the chance to not only represent this area, but to now work here, help the next generation of athletes coming through, it's something I'm very, very proud of.
I don’t know if many of you know a lot about diving, it's not a huge sport in Australia, but I actually got into it. My older sister was a swimmer, so that's where I first saw it. It's not very popular, but we're working on that. But today I'm going to chat to you a little bit about my journey as an athlete in diving and some of the challenges I've overcome along the way. And I think that my experience as an athlete shaped who I was a lot.
The things that I learned from it helped me not only in my sporting career to I wanted to achieve, but now
later in life, in business, in any other thing that I encounter, the challenges along the way, the things I learned from diving have helped me with that. Whether it's sport or whether it's your job that you want to do later, whether it's music, anything that you guys want to do, the things that you learn along the way.
And I guess my overall message today when we finish would be just to never give up on your dreams to have something that you're working towards and focusing on. And when things get tough, that's part of it. In life, that's where you learn the most and keep what you want to do in sight and never give up on that.
I've been to five Olympics. My most recent was the Paris Olympic games and I'm very fortunate to have had a very long career.
So as a young athlete, I was lucky enough to have a lot of good role models and I grew up in Sydney, but then I moved to Brisbane and was training up in Brisbane with a lot of Olympians at the time. And even though I was lucky to be in that squad, it was also tough because we were basically reviewed very fre-
quently on our performances.
And even day to day in training was was nerve racking because everything you did at training; it felt like they were judging you and they were taking notes and we'd have these review meetings and you'd get told that you weren't hitting targets. And I think even at that age, so that was before then, that was probably when I was 11 or 12. It was a lot of pressure for me because I had this opportunity, and I had this opportunity to dive with athletes at where I wanted to be at that Olympic level. And seeing them every day really inspired me. But at the same time, I had this worry every day that I wasn't going to measure up.
When I first made this Commonwealth Games, I was really young. But everyone was like, oh no, you're amazing at this pint-sized little diver. And they kept telling me all these positive things. And for me, I always really struggled I think even at that age because inside my own head was telling me, oh, you're not good enough. What if you get kicked out?
Photos by Ajila Miller Gersbach and Olivia Bottom. See the full video presentation at www.wexpo.com.au
«My overall message would be just to never give up on your dreams to have something that you’re working towards and focusing on. And when things get tough, that’s part of it. In life, that’s where you learn the most.» - Melissa Wu.
Start on page 11
And then I suddenly made this event, made this Commonwealth Games where I won a silver medal and suddenly people were, I got thrown into the media and that was back in the day before social media when we just had TV and radio and things like that.
Lacking in self-belief
It was funny in my head I guess just being told all these amazing things, but then also lacking that self-belief at such a young age. And I guess that was the start of a big challenge for me that I had to work at throughout my whole career basically was having that confidence and that belief in myself to be able to perform to the level that I knew that I could.
So yeah, that was my first competition, silver medal in Synchro. This was my synchro partner. She was just a little bit taller than me. I don't think she'd probably still be that much taller than me. But yeah, we basically got thrown together for that competition. I did individual and syncro diving at that comp individual was not too bad, not my best performance, but my silver medal then was in synchro. That was a really good experience for me, even though I was really nervous.
I won quite a few international medals in Synchro individual. I was still competing, but it was very up and down for me. So that's where a lot of my success happened. At a young age in Synchro, I had to change Synchro partners between Commonwealth Games and Olympics. So, they do that fairly frequently in diving. They mix you up and you've got to work with other people.
So, this synchro partner that I had at my first Olympics, we'd competed together for probably a year or a year and a half and we'd done very well. So going into these Olympic games, even though I was so young, because I had already done a Commonwealth Games, I was still in this squad where there was a lot of pressure on me all the time. And because we'd done so well in the lead up, they basically going into Olympics said to us, you must win a medal, you must come back home with a medal.
And so going into the Olympics, I was confident in our ability to do
that, but I was definitely very nervous. I felt like anything less than a medal would be a failure. So again, going in, all the media were behind me, everyone was saying, you've got this. And when we won that medal again, everyone was saying all these amazing things and in my head was, it was a big relief for me. It was like I ticked a box.
And I think at that age I didn't truly appreciate the gravity of an Olympic medal. It felt to me it was just like my duty to kind of go there and do it for the team and then come back. And so over the years throughout my career, I was lucky to win a medal at my first Olympic games, but then I didn't win another medal until three Olympics later.
It took me 12 years to be able to win another Olympic medal after that. And that journey for me was when I think I faced a lot more of the challenges and I had to kind of work through them a lot more.
But at this age I already had some issues with competition nerves and as I mentioned, competing by myself was a big issue and I was lucky that I could do it in synchro, but that didn't last forever actually.
I'll chat with you about some of the pressures and why I struggled to perform in competition. I think some of it was to do with the training environment that I grew up in and that pressure all the time. But basically, I
Dunno if any of you guys have done anything where you felt super nervous before, has anyone woken up and felt like their stomach, like the butterflies in their stomach feeling sick?
That's basically how I have felt my whole career in diving for about 20 years on one thing that for me never got any better. I think when we care about something and you want to do well and it means something to you, that's why you feel nervous. That's why you feel these things. Your palms sweat.
If you didn't care about it and it didn't mean anything to you, you wouldn't get nervous. I think for me, when I was younger, I used to always get that feeling in my stomach in the morning and I used to always think to myself, oh, you're not ready. And all I wanted to do was just leg it down the street and just run. Or I'd be waiting on the platform to go up for my dive and I just want to run back down and go under my covers in my bed.
I had no in-between
But what I learned later was that those feelings that you feel, the nerves, all those things, it's actually, it's your body's way of telling you that you're ready. But regardless, even though that's the case, it still sometimes feels really hard.
And for me, that would be the same thing every time I would compete, whether it was at the lowest level or the highest level. I don't have an
in-between basically. What that feels like is basically when you're walking up the stairs, the time goes really, really slow for me. It might only be 10 seconds, but it feels like a lifetime. And I constantly must tell myself positive things on the way up and you start to feel your legs shaking. And then one thing people always ask me is about that moment right before I dive, what that feels like.
And literally you feel it's kind of dead silence and the crowd's watching you and then they're dead silent. And so, you literally, as you walk to the end to dive off, you'll be in this massive pool with all these people, but all you can hear is the sound of your own heart beating. And yeah, it's like this eerie silence.
And I always talk about this moment I get when I'm walking to the end of the platform and it's like in those cartoons when you have the little angel and devil on your shoulder talking, and it's this constant battle in my head of me telling myself something positive and then you have this doubt that creeps in. Maybe it's not going to go, well, maybe I can't do this. But then you have this positive thought that you're trying to counter it with. And that little battle in my head happens with me right until the end of the platform.
And then when you go to the end, you turn around, we just stand on our toes. As you saw on the video, there's a million times and I thought I was literally going to fall off or in my handstand dive, you feel your arms shaking and you're like…. not on this international stage, I can't fall off
But yeah, it's crazy. You train your whole life for this moment, but no matter how many times you do it every time in that moment, it just feels the same, just as nerve wracking. And it's like I said, it's because I care about it and I've always wanted to do well. So that's where this comes in, what I call this decide and do moment. Something I learned over the years was that, whatever happened in that last moment right before I took off in my dive would be the moment that would, I guess control what would happen.
If I let that voice in my head that self-doubt win, then that's when
WEXPO Student Edition audience.
CathWesr principal, Paul Stenning.
MP Stephen Bali thanks Melissa Wu.
«No matter what happened, if I achieved my goals or I didn’t, if I won another Olympic medal or I didn’t, I knew that looking back, if I could walk away and be happy with ever y-thing I’d done.» - Melissa Wu.
things wouldn't go well. But if I trusted myself and trusted in what I could do and tried to really reinforce that positive thought right before I took off, then that's how it would go. So, for me, I always knew as a young athlete how powerful my mind was, but I didn't always know how to control it. In in the beginning, it was strong, but it was strong, I guess more in a negative sense. And it really held me back for a long time. But over the years I learned how to get better at that and control my thoughts and try and use it to my advantage a little bit more. It's amazing in the moment when you're at Olympic games, but it's like this roller coaster and you kind of hit this rock bottom a little bit after.
Learning to perform on the world stage
And my first games, I struggled with that a lot, and I had some mental health issues and actually at the time I was living in Queensland but decided to come back to Sydney and change programs, dive with a different coach. For me, that was a massive step for me in trying to improve my mental game I guess, and how I felt about myself. But even when I moved back here, I felt a lot better in myself, but it took me a long time to get ahold of those comp nerves and that self-belief and being able to perform on the world stage.
So that was around that time then
where I really started to hate diving and I wanted to kind of quit and thought, is it really worth it?
I guess I got to a bit of a turning point where I just felt like I was doing the same things for a long time and getting the same result. I've always been a person that works hard. And so a good measure for me, and I'm someone that always loved training. I loved training and not so much competing because of what I talked about before, how nervous I would get, but I really loved the feeling of going to training.
So I got to this point in my career after coming fourth, fifth at the Olympics when I thought, okay, if I want to do another four years of this again and try again, something has to change.
I must do something a bit differently. I started seeing a psychologist who helped me really work through a lot of that stuff. A lot of it was working on me as a person, not as an athlete. We started there. So I even remember the first time that I went to him very first time, he said, right, we're just going to start with something easy.
So how you look at things makes all the difference. And it comes back to that your mind is a lot more powerful than you think it is. And the same thing could happen to you, but the way you look at it and what you take from it and how you learn
from it could be completely different. I learned to, rather than looking back at all my results that I wasn't happy with or the things I hadn't done, rather than looking at that negatively, we tried to reframe that and look at all the lessons that I'd learned along the way and all the things I could take in my toolkit to help me going forward.
And because I did it like that and I focused on me as a person, that's why all these things I learned along the way helped me then later in life, in business and these other things because we're all so much more than what we do.
We're able to do what we do because of who we are and the things that we learn along the way. And for me, that was the case. So yeah, those were some of the things that I worked on in terms of mindset shifting that being a lot more positive. And then one other thing that I also did was based, oh, sorry, I'll talk about this while we're on that.
Walking from diving happy
I think for me, learning those things, I learned from my psychologist before when I was younger, I used to think that these things on this side were the things that were going to make me very successful if I worked hard, if I focused, if I was strong, and I would try really hard and I just couldn't perform under pressure.
But when I worked with my psychologist and they focused more
on the things that were more on me as a person, I learned that these were the things that were going to make me successful. Doesn't mean that I wouldn't work hard or have all these things as well, but rather than having this, I guess hard mindset, mindset on it, I basically learned to care about myself a little bit more, focus more on these things, optimism, positivity. If I got those things right along the way, then that would ultimately help me achieve my goals rather than just hoping that if I kept doing the same thing, that I get the same result basically.
And there was a lot of times where I thought, it's not worth it. I just want to quit. I dunno if I can do this. And I think just that thing, it's the unknown. It's not knowing if I could do all the right things and keep trying, but there's no guarantee that I'll be able to do it.
And I think for me, as I got older, that really weighed down on me a lot. And I struggled with that a lot just knowing I could go through all of this and never know, but at the same time I knew that if I did everything I could do that I wouldn't have any regrets later.
And no matter what happened, if I achieved my goals or I didn't, if I won another Olympic medal or I didn't, I knew that looking back, if I could walk away and be happy with everything I'd done and know that I'd left no stone unturned, that that would make the biggest difference for me.
Students at the event.
Stepen Bali and Emmanual Martin form BREED Australia with the ACU team and right, ACU Blacktown Dean, Valentine Mukuria.
Del Rio Riverside hits the market
AFTER 45 years as a beloved, family-run business, Del Rio Riverside Resort, located on the banks of the picturesque Hawkesbury River, is up for sale.
This iconic resort, a favourite holiday destination for generations of holiday makers, has been owned and operated by the McNamara family since its founding by Bill McNamara, whose dream was to create a relaxing, family-friendly getaway for visitors.
Del Rio Riverside Resort spans a sprawling 450-acre estate with a 2km frontage to the Historic Hawkesbury River and features a wide variety of accommodation options, including cabins, villas, lodges, holiday homes, powered campsites, and unpowered camping grounds. Its facilities are a major draw for guests of all ages, offering everything from a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, water park, to an on-site licensed
caf? and bistro, children's playground, and access to water sports on the Hawkesbury River.
The resort is also known for its peaceful bushland surroundings,
offering guests an ideal mix of outdoor adventure and tranquil relaxation.
Located just 90 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, Del Rio Riverside Resort has built a strong reputation as a go-to desti-
nation for weekend retreats, family holidays, and large group gatherings. Over the years, it has been a cherished escape for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike.
After decades of success, the McNamara family has decided it’s time for the next chapter in the resort's legacy and has listed the property for sale through David Curtis, Raphael Sebban, Brad Hamilton and Trang Nguyen of Cushman & Wakefield.
In-place development approvals include the installation of 62 mobile homes, 70 holiday apartments and 12 x 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom villas, as well as a motel, helipad, chapel, and a licensed tavern.
The potential development pipeline is poised to propel Del Rio into its next chapter, reaffirming its status as a never to be replicated, one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
Riverstone Town Centre declared significant
THE Riverstone Town Centre, Marsden Park North, and Schofields West have been declared as State Significant Rezoning precincts to identify and deliver strategically important rezonings in a new policy introduced by the NSW Government.
Including these areas as part of the State Significant Rezoning Policy is a crucial step towards realising their full potential, said Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby.
The State Significant Rezoning Policy aims to identify land to address the housing and employment needs of the growing population in NSW, including Western Sydney.
It will also streamline planning efforts of local councils and the
Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, cutting rezoning timeframes by up to 200 working days. Projects assessed under these pathways will undergo a robust and thorough
Tassessment process.
Key benefits of the State Significant Rezoning include:
• Accelerated development: Streamlined planning processes will expedite the development of Riverstone Town Centre, Marsden Park North, and Schofields West.
• Economic growth: Developing commercial spaces will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs.
• Improved community amenities: New community facilities will enhance the quality of life for residents.
•Increased housing supply: New housing options will be created to meet the growing demand in the area.
The NSW Labor Government is currently delivering on a range of infra-
structure projects, which were neglected under the 12-year-old Liberal-Nationals government.
• Rouse Hill Hospital.
• Nirimba Fields public school.
• Tallawong public school.
• Tallawong/Schofields high school.
• Upgrades to The Ponds High School/Riverbank public school.
• Garfield Rd East.
• Bandon Rd.
• Richmond Rd upgrades.
Warren Kirby MP said: “For far too long, the Riverstone community has been left behind by the former Liberal Government. Our community has a lot of catching up to do from the previous Govt’s neglect, and the Minns’ Govt is delivering on our commitments”.
Eastern Creek landfill gets a boost
HE Eastern Creek Landfill now boasts of a new flare, 17 gas wells and critical gas extraction infrastructure, to hold increased volumes of biogas. This upgrade has been made possible through a $18.5M deal between LGI Limited and BINGO industries, which ensures more biogas is extracted from the landfill site to be converted into renewable electricity via a four-megawatt renewable power station.
Plans to expand the project are already under consideration, including installing battery energy storage systems and further increase in generation capacity.
The generated electricity will supply power to BINGO Industries behind the meter at their Eastern Creek Recycling Ecology Park as well as via the grid to BINGO sites in New South Wales, with surplus green electricity fed into the National Electricity Market, powering the equivalent of at least 7,000 homes each year.
To date, 45,000 cubic metre of earth
has been moved on the site allowing for civil works for the power station to commence, maintaining the target commissioning by mid-2025.
Further, the recent upgrades to the site would allow LGI to capture more gas and increase the system’s resilience. In addition to powering the renewable electricity facility, capturing and utilising the biogas also helps mitigate unfriendly odours.
LGI CEO, Jarryd Doran said the multi -million-dollar upgrades will benefit both the environment and local community around the Eastern Creek site and the broader Blacktown Local Government Area.
“As on date, 17 new gas wells have been drilled, with 60 to be completed by the end of January 2025,” said Mr Doran.
Mr Doran said LGI has been working extensively with other responsible local governments and leading private waste operators in New South Wales for more than a decade to capture landfill biogas, decrease emissions and reduce the state’s
carbon footprint.
“Our partnerships with multiple NSW councils have allowed us to reduce CO2e emissions (C02e is a unit of measurement used to standardise the climate effects of greenhouse gases) by more than 1.13 million tonnes, which is the equivalent of planting 18.8 million seedlings for the next decade,” said Mr Doran.
“Since 2013, more than 119.4 million m3 of biogas has been captured at our nine New South Wales sites, with 167,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) created.
Nationally, eight of the company’s landfill sites have produced more than 540,000MWh, which is more than enough electricity to power 93,000 homes for one year.
BINGO Industries CEO, Chris Jeffrey said the project enhances BINGO’s earlier investment of around $5M in landfill gas infrastructure and strengthens the company’s position as a circular economy leader.
“The state-of-the-art, gas extraction
LGI CEO Jaryd Doran.
infrastructure installed on site is an important step towards further reducing emissions and continuing to improve environmental outcomes for the community. More importantly, it helps towards our goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity in our operations by 2025, while achieving circular economy outcomes,” said Mr Jeffrey.
Del Rio Riverside resort.
MP Warren Kirby.
Here’s to the next 25 years of Creative Branding,
Business Success Stories and Community Engagement.
MODE MEDIA RECENTLY MARKED ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A LAVISH COCKTAIL EVENT FILLED WITH ELEGANCE, ENTERTAINMENT, AND PURPOSE.
The event, meticulously produced by their event division, Mode Events, brought together a vibrant community of industry professionals, clients, and supporters to celebrate this significant milestone.
Guests were treated to a delightful array of Asian-inspired dishes that showcased the culinary expertise of MyBella Asian, transforming the evening into a feast for the senses. The restaurant was artfully styled, creating an inviting atmosphere that encouraged mingling and connection among attendees.
Adding to the ambiance, a live string duo provided a beautiful soundtrack, enhancing the evening’s vibe. Upon arrival, guests also had the opportunity to sit for an illustrator, who skillfully captured their likeness in charming portraits, providing a unique and personal memento of the celebration.
Our host, Chris Hekeik, Founder and Chief Storyteller, was humbled by the milestone and took a moment to reflect on the history of Mode Media. He shared how the business began 25 years ago in a garage and has since evolved into what it is today. This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to resilience and innovation. Chris imparted a message of encouragement and hope for all businesses, inspiring them to pursue their visions and dreams.
The atmosphere in the room was one of warmth and excitement, a showcase of the incredible connections forged over 25 years in business. It was a powerful reminder of the value of face-to-face events and the importance of coming together to celebrate achievements and build relationships.
Mode Media also honoured all the clients it has worked with over the years, expressing deep gratitude for the brand stories that have been created, along with the friendships and legacies that have formed. These connections, which will last forever, are the foundation of Mode Media’s ongoing success.
A particularly moving aspect of the evening was the generosity shown by guests in support of Kids West charity, WITH AN IMPRESSIVE $6,500 RAISED!
Funds raised throughout the night made it possible for the charity to purchase a jaundice meter for Blacktown/ Mount Druitt Hospital, highlighting the collective impact we can have when we come together for a good cause.
Program aims to reduce water waste
THE NSW Government is injecting $35.3M into an arsenal of water efficiency programs across NSW, saving billions of litres and arming regional and metro towns with the tools they need for a sustainable water future.
This funding injection will kickstart water efficiency initiatives that aim to save 5 billion litres of water in regional NSW over the next two years, improving long term water security and contributing towards the Greater Sydney Water Strategy’s water-saving target of 38 billion litres by 2030.
The investment includes funding for the successful Regional Leakage Reduction Program which has found more than 3,000 leaks across 60 Local Water Utilities since 2022. The program has saved a whopping 7,500 megalitres of water each year, or enough to meet the annual water needs of around 37,500 NSW households.
A range of new projects will focus on residential, government, commercial and industrial water savings as well as network leakage, research and innovation, education and capacity building.
The funding will deliver:
• A boost to the Regional Leakage Reduction Program – aiming to save an additional 4,500 megalitres of water per year over the next two years
• Another round of the Washing Machine Replacement Program –helping thousands more low-income households upgrade to a more efficient washing machine, saving water and
Teasing cost-of-living pressures
• Continuing the School Water Efficiency Program – launching an online portal to help K-12 students understand the importance of being water-wise and track their school’s water use and identify leaks
• Expanding the Regional Water Loss Management Hub pilot to other
regional areas, leveraging local expertise to save another 500 megalitres of water per year
• A new industry drought preparedness program, helping businesses conduct water audits, access water savings resources and train and upskill workers in the sector
· Further water efficiency research into home water consumption using metering and AI technology, helping local water utilities boost water efficiency and streamline their services
• Continued work to deliver the water savings targets in the Greater Sydney Water Strategy and the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan, which aim to save over 40 billion litres per year
• Finding ways to better integrate water efficiency policy and strategy into planning and development.
More details on these programs will become available as projects start to roll out over the next two to five years.
For more information on NSW’s water efficiency programs, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov. au/our-work/projects-and-programs/waterefficiency
Grants open for Mt Druitt projects
HE Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) has announced a place-based open grant round to strengthen community networks across the Mt Druitt area. The grants will support a small number of established networks of three or more organisations that are already driving positive change together for children, families and/or young people.
Each network will receive up to $600,000 over three years (up to
$200,000 annually), with the aim of increasing their combined impact.
This funding comes at a crucial time for Mt Druitt, a suburb rich in cultural diversity, with 44.5 per cent of residents born outside Australia and home to one of the largest Aboriginal populations in NSW.
The area also faces significant challenges, including high levels of intergenerational trauma, postcode stigma, and economic disadvantage.
Seniors have their say at city forum
SENIORS have shared their hopes and ideas for a better community for people aged over 65 at the 2024 Blacktown City Seniors Forum.
People from 17 seniors groups were invited to Blacktown City Council’s Civic Centre on October 24 to discuss priorities with their peers and learn more about healthcare and retirement services.
Expert speakers included Wentwest GP Clinical Lead Dr Michael Crampton, Services Australia Aged Care Specialist Ruma Kathpalia, Older Womens Network board member Alice Mantel and Blacktown City Council Manager Community Michael Maxwell. They shared their knowledge and answered questions.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the ideas and feedback would shape Council services to better serve seniors’ needs.
“Council is always trying to
improve how we can help our seniors with the challenges they face, whether that is keeping healthy, feeling connected or other issues,” he said.
“We have many ways that we engage with our seniors and the Blacktown City Seniors Forum is another way we have collected feedback to guide Council decision-making.”
The findings from the forum will be compiled for a report to Council and its Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. This will help inform priorities and the allocating of resources.
The Senior Citizens Advisory Committee is another conduit for Council in obtaining the views and advice of people over 65 so it can better serve the community.
The Blacktown City Senior Citizen Awards and Seniors Festival are just two examples of Council programs and events provide recognition and help people over 65.
This funding initiative will help bolster the current efforts of community networks so their work can continue to develop, providing lasting benefits for residents.
“The Mt Druitt community is proud of its diversity, and has many local leaders working to achieve better outcomes for the people who live there,” said PRF Chief Alliances Officer Liz Yeo.
Mt Druitt’s unique challenges demand a place-based approach, where
investments are tailored specifically to the community’s strengths, aspirations, and needs.
This opportunity is about investing in relationships, leadership and infrastructure, the glue, that allows community organisations to work more effectively together.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) open October 14 – November 8, 2024 Visit: www. paulramsayfoundation.org.au
Student fee system is broken says VC
REDUCING student debt and changes to when graduates start repaying their loans are significant steps to help tackle costof-living pressures but unfinished business remains on the initial high cost of degrees, Western Sydney University said.
Responding to the Federal Government’s planned changes to the minimum payment threshold under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) and plans to reduce student debt by 20 per cent, Vice-Chancellor George Williams said the University calls for more action to deal with the overall cost of degrees.
“These are extremely welcome steps, but we urge the Federal Government to go further to fix our broken higher education system. We continue to call for immediate action to deal with the root of the debt spiral problem,” said Professor Williams.
“Reducing student debt and other changes to HELP will significantly ease financial pressure on our students, not only helping them and their families but also benefitting our Western Sydney community, which is at the epicentre of the cost-of-living crisis.
“But the system for setting student fees in
the first place is broken and deeply unfair. Today’s changes do nothing for new university students facing inflated fees.
“To ensure the doors to opportunity are open for all students and the nation tackles intergenerational inequality, we continue to call for a common-sense and fair approach to the initial cost of university degrees.
“We are encouraged by the Prime Minister’s comments that the government will ‘work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead’.
“The legacy of the Coalition’s Job-ready Graduates Package means too many arts and humanities students continue to be priced out of even pursuing their dreams.
“The fact that a three-year Arts degree now costs $50,000 is actively discouraging some students from considering or staying at university. Arts degrees are an entry point to university for Indigenous, low SES, and first-in-family students along with many women.
“Students cannot wait for a yet to be established Australian Tertiary Education Commission to potentially deal with the high cost of arts and humanities courses, we need to fix this unfinished business now.”
WSU Vice Chancellor George Williams.
Checking for wasted water.
with Michelle Rowland
BIG WIN FOR STUDENT LOANS Including here in Greenway
MICHELLE ROWLAND
EDUCATION should empower, not burden, Australians. That’s why the Albanese Government’s decision to cut 20 per cent off all student loan debts is a crucial step toward a fairer, more accessible education system that helps millions nationwide, including right here in Greenway.
In Greenway, over 22,000 people—17.2% of our electorate—are carrying Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts.
For these hardworking Australians, this reform will make a real difference.
Whether juggling rent, childcare, or daily living expenses, Greenway residents with HELP debts now have the opportunity to see their financial load lightened significantly.
From June next year, anyone with an existing student loan—whether from university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or vocational education—will benefit from a 20 per cent reduction.
For someone with the average HELP debt of $27,600, this means around $5,520 simply wiped away, freeing up that money for other vital expenses.
This isn’t just relief—it’s recognition of the importance of education and the heavy cost that can come with it.
Many Australians struggle with the added pressure of repaying loans while managing housing, living expenses, and family needs.
This 20 per cent reduction, combined with our recent indexation reform, aims to ease this burden in a practical way.
Beyond debt relief, we’re adjusting the repayment
system to allow Australians to keep more of their earnings before they start repaying their student debt.
This is a holistic approach to ease the financial strain on graduates and working Australians, allowing them to put money toward their lives and futures.
With 500,000 fee-free TAFE places, expanded University Study Hubs, and a new framework to ensure managed growth and needs-based funding for universities, we’re building an education system that works for everyone.
Reducing student debt is about more than just money—it’s about delivering real, lasting change for
Australians.
We believe in an Australia where no matter where you live or your financial background, education is within reach, opening doors to opportunity and prosperity.
Together, these reforms ensure a brighter future for all Australians, especially those in Greenway, empowering our community to build the future our country deserves.
Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal Member for Greenway and Minister for Communications. If you need assistance with any Federal issue, you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au.
Spending more on Christmas cheer
THE opening of suburban pop-up Christmas stores for 2024 is reviving the tradition of holiday decorating. Despite rising living costs, Christmas Warehouse's Retail Manager, Naomi Ramirez, anticipates families will spend a bit more on festive cheer. With stable prices amid inflation, the stores offer a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations. Ramirez predicts trends like Grinch themes and pink decor will be popular this year. Families are encouraged to visit early for the best selection.
Scheme allows for easier mediation
ANEW Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) will help people resolve disputes outside of court by allowing them to select legally qualified mediators. Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath emphasised that lawyer mediators offer unique analytical skills and subject matter expertise. The scheme sets rigorous training standards and requires ongoing professional development. It aims to provide a dignified, cost-effective alternative to court litigation, ensuring mediators adhere to strict ethical obligations.
Dementia the top cause of death
NEW ABS data reveals dementia is poised to become Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023, just behind ischaemic heart disease. Dementia remains the top cause of death for women and is now the leading cause in NSW, SA, and the ACT. With 421,000 Australians living with dementia, numbers are expected to double by 2054. Dementia Australia urges public health efforts to prevent cases and improve support for those affected.
Burnout rates worrying in this sector
PALLIATIVE Care Australia’s national workforce survey reveals rising burnout, with 44% of palliative care and 41% of aged care workers experiencing it frequently. Only 47% are satisfied with their mental health, and 46% with their physical health. However, 85% are keen on further training. CEO Camilla Rowland emphasizes the need for ongoing support to manage the emotional demands of end-of-life care. More insights will be released, with self-care resources available on PCA’s website.
Govt scraps outdated venue rules
THE NSW Government is scrapping restrictive “no entertainment” clauses to revive live music and nightlife in NSW. Outdated rules, such as limiting music genres, banning bands, or prohibiting strobe lights, have stifled venues and artists. The reforms will ease restrictions, giving venues control over entertainment and removing barriers like costly council approvals. This is part of broader Vibrancy Reforms aimed at supporting live performances, extending trading hours, and reducing red tape for licensed venues.
Building sector facing more crisis
AUSTRALIA'S residential construction sector faces a crisis as companies collapse, leaving consumers with lost deposits and unfinished homes. High immigration and declining housing starts intensify the need for new builds, but 2,832 companies went insolvent in 2023-24. Builders operate with slim margins, and consumer funds lack protection, often misused to cover other projects. Experts urge stronger regulations, like project accounts, to secure deposits, protect subcontractors, and restore confidence in the sector.
Rent increases caped to once a year
THE NSW Government will cap rent increases to once per year under new rental law reforms in NSW. The changes apply to both fixed-term and periodic leases, closing existing loopholes. Key reforms include ending no-ground evictions, easing pet ownership in rentals, offering free rent payment options, and banning fees for background checks. The reforms aim to protect the state’s 2.2 million renters, enhance transparency, and align with the National Cabinet’s Better Deal for Renters.
Half don't know they have this condition
ONE in 13 Australians over 40 have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but only half are aware of it. COPD, a leading cause of avoidable hospitalisations, causes breathing difficulties and has no cure. To improve care, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the first national COPD care standard, endorsed by 20 health bodies. Early diagnosis via spirometry and treatment, including quitting smoking and pulmonary rehabilitation, can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups
Breast cancer estimates surprising
AFTER 25 years of advocacy by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), NSW has identified 7,900 people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), surpassing previous estimates. This treatable but incurable cancer's true prevalence nationwide is higher than the previous estimate of 10,553. BCNA urges the National Can-
cer Data Alliance to adopt NSW's data model across Australia. Accurate data is crucial as treatments improve, allowing policymakers to address the growing needs of those living longer with MBC. Surprised that dementia drug was rejected
DEMENTIA Australia expressed disappointment over the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) rejection of Lecanemab, a treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Developed by Eisai, Lecanemab removes amyloid plaques to slow cognitive decline. Already approved in countries like the U.S. and UK, it was also recently rejected by the European Medicines Agency. CEO Tanya Buchanan emphasised that while not a cure, the drug offers hope and could improve quality of life for some Australians with early Alzheimer’s.
Partner violence same as sports injury
MONASH University researchers used blood tests to detect concussions caused by intimate partner violence (IPV), including cases with non-fatal strangulation. Their study, published in Brain, Behaviour, and Immunity, found elevated biomarkers in IPV-related brain injuries. With IPV frequently targeting the head and neck, early detection is critical to prevent severe outcomes. The team aims to expand their research into national programs, emphasising that IPV-related concussions are as severe as sports concussions but often underreported.
Immigration the cause of housing problems
SUSTAINABLE Population Australia (SPA) supports Australia’s fertility drop to 1.5 children per woman, countering media claims of economic crisis. SPA President Peter Strachan argues that low fertility is manageable, citing Europe's stable economic performance with similar rates. He criticises Australia’s high immigration levels— over 500,000 annually—for driving rapid population growth, overstretched infrastructure, and unaffordable housing. Strachan contends that stabilising the population could improve living standards, dismissing fears of a labor shortage as a myth.
RISKS TO FITNESS FROM ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Making informed health choices
ALCOHOL consumption is a common social activity that many people enjoy, but it can have significant repercussions on physical fitness and overall health. Understanding the risks associated with alcohol can help individuals make informed choices about their drinking habits, especially if they are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle or achieving fitness goals.
Impaired physical performance
One of the most immediate effects of alcohol consumption is its impact on physical performance. Alcohol is a depressant, which can slow down the central nervous system, leading to impaired coordination, balance, and reaction times. This impairment can increase the risk of injuries during physical activities, such as sports or workouts. Studies have shown that alcohol can reduce strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance, making it more challenging to achieve fitness goals.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes increased urination, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can significantly affect physical perfor-
mance, causing fatigue, dizziness, and decreased endurance. For those who exercise regularly, maintaining proper hydration is crucial for optimal performance. Consuming alcohol, particularly after workouts, can exacerbate dehydration and hinder recovery, ultimately impacting fitness progress.
Weight gain
Alcoholic beverages are often high in empty calories, which can contribute to weight gain. Many alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and flavored beverages, contain added sugars, leading to a high caloric content without providing essential nutrients. This can be particularly problematic for individuals trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, alcohol consumption can stimulate appetite, leading to overeating or making poor food choices, further exacerbating weight issues.
Disruption of sleep
Quality sleep is essential for recovery and overall fitness. Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, reducing the quality of sleep and increasing the likelihood of waking up during the night. While some people may believe that alcohol helps them fall asleep faster, it
actually impairs the deeper stages of sleep, leading to feelings of fatigue the next day. Insufficient sleep can hinder recovery from workouts, negatively affect mood, and diminish motivation to exercise, creating a vicious cycle that impacts fitness.
Hormonal imbalances
Regular alcohol consumption can disrupt hormonal balance, particularly in men and women. In men, excessive alcohol intake can lower testosterone levels, affecting muscle growth and fat loss. For women, alcohol can interfere with estrogen levels, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities and impacting overall health. Hormonal imbalances can significantly hinder fitness progress, making it more difficult to build muscle and lose fat.
Mental health implications
Alcohol can also have adverse effects on mental health, which can indirectly affect fitness. While some may use alcohol as a way to relax or cope with stress, excessive consumption can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings. A negative mental state can lead to decreased motivation for exercise, unhealthy eating habits, and overall neglect of fitness goals.
While enjoying an occasional drink is generally acceptable for most individuals, it is crucial to be mindful of alcohol's potential risks to fitness and overall health. Understanding how alcohol affects physical performance, hydration, weight management, sleep, hormonal balance, and mental health can empower individuals to make better choices.
For those committed to a fitness journey, moderation is key. Limiting alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and prioritizing overall wellness can help mitigate the risks associated with alcohol consumption. By being aware of these factors, individuals can enjoy social occasions while still maintaining their fitness and health goals. Making informed choices about alcohol can lead to a more balanced and healthier lifestyle, allowing individuals to thrive both physically and mentally.
Child Health and Wellbeing Nurturing in Western Sydney
Most of a child’s brain development happens in the first 2,000 days of their lives. During this time, parents, caregivers, general practitioners and anyone in a child’s life play an important role in setting the foundation for future growth and development.
Regular Well-Child checks with your general practitioner or paediatrician from birth help to keep track of immunisation and developmental progress. They also ensure children are meeting their milestones as needed. The My Personal Health Record (the Blue Book) is a great way of enjoying your child’s growth and developmental progress.
What is the Blue Book?
The Blue Book is given to new parents or caregivers at birth and is available in English and 18 other languages. Inside the Blue Book, you’ll find pages for recording your child’s milestones, visits to the doctor and immunisation records. By using this book, you can easily monitor your child’s health and ensure they are on track with their development. It also serves as a helpful resource to share with health care providers during check-ups.
The Importance of Immunisation
Immunisation is a key part of keeping your child healthy and protecting them from serious diseases. Vaccines help build your child’s immunity, which is their body’s defence against illness. The Blue Book contains information about which vaccines your child needs and when to get them.
There are a number of resources available for parents on the NSW Health First five years webpage
Healthy Western Sydney is delivered by WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network.
The Western Sydney Immunisation Bike Competition
Do you have a 12 month, 18 month or four year old who is due for their immunisations? The 2024 Immunisation Bike Competition is now open and will run until 31 January 2025.
Children who are immunised at a participating practice can enter the annual prize draw to win a bike and helmet.
Please immunise your child at a participating practice and complete the competition entr y form to join.
More than 16,972 Western Sydney children have been throughoutimmunised the campaign periods since 2011.
By staying on top of immunisations and using the Blue Book, you’re taking an important step in safeguarding your child’s health and wellbeing.
Visit WentWest’s Child and Family webpage for additional resources and information about programs available for children in Western Sydney.
with Emma Wilson
POKOLBIN HUNTER VALLEY
A gateway that won’t break the bank
IF you’re looking for an easy ‘no need to think’ weekend getaway with fine wines and a tranquil vibe, it’s hard to beat the Hunter Valley's picturesque Pokolbin.
LEISURE INN, POKOLBIN HILL
ust over 2 hours from Sydney, the Leisure Inn, Pokolbin Hill, is the perfect escape that won’t break the budget. Conveniently located at 485 Macdonalds Rd, this expansive property boasts its own Gourmet Trail Experience all within walking distance. Upon arrival, park the car and discover the nearby expansive Hunter Valley Gardens, Roche Estate and the delicious Hunter Valley Cheese Factory. Stroll over to the vineyards or rent an e-bike if you’d prefer. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
The Leisure Inn, Pokolbin Hill villas provide all that you need for a comfortable stay. The hotel recently installed EV chargers on site for any guests travelling by car and whether you require a studio, one or two bedroom apartment, you’ll be fully equipped with in-room amenities and can just sit back and relax with views of the river and the kangaroos at dusk, enjoying a glass of one of your local purchases.
GREAT ACCOMMODATION FOR KIDS
Parents should take advantage of the units with adjoining rooms and there’s attractive rates/packages from Sunday through to the mid-week, which are a steal during the popular peak Spring period. Additionally, if you want to stay in after being out and about all afternoon, apartments have a fully equipped kitchenette to rustle up an easy meal, and BBQ facilities are next to the pool. It was a fun surprise to find an impressive CD collection in the reception for guests to borrow and bathroom products to enjoy in your inroom spa. My kids are all a little older now, but I thought the Kids Explorer Pack with a T-pee and other goodies was a fun touch.
HUNTER VALLEY CHEESE FACTORY
From the moment we entered, we felt immersed in the cheese-making process. The building is contemporary with lots of light providing peaks of the magic that takes places behind the counter. It’s best to pre-book a cheese platter tasting prior to your visit to avoid missing out. Fresh, friendly and delicious. The staff are warm and welcoming with an expansive knowledge of the process of making cheese. All cheeses are made on site. Our personal favourite was Riley’s Fromage, aka ‘Angels Cheese’, the house marinade blend of local herbs and oils. I bought some to take home to make pizza/salads, but it didn’t last long. The factory’s clever cheesemaker, Dave, has just created ‘Watagan’s Hot Washed Tomme’, semifirm and aged four months with a nutty rustic flavour akin to cheeses made in the French Alps and Switzerland.
The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory is licensed (November 2024), which facilitates patrons to perfectly match their platter with tasty local wines. This venue is a must on your Hunter itinerary.
BLANCHIE’S, COFFEE AND THE HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS
Our Gourmet Trail continued Sunday morning with a full buffet breakfast at the inn’s Blanchie's on Leisure Restaurant. We were lucky enough to meet the friendly Chef ‘Blanchie’, who ensured our tummies were full and well-prepared for a day of adventure in Pokolbin. Our next stop was the Hunter Valley Gardens, adjacent to a collection of charming village shops, including cafes, clothing and local art. We grabbed a coffee and set off to explore the walking paths of the beautiful individually themed gardens, containing both native and exotic plants.
FUN SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
There are scavenger hunts and amusement rides for the kids plus an upcoming Christmas Lights Spectac-
ular November 1st through to January the 26th 2025. Take note that over 4 million lights will manifest a glowing wonderland throughout this summer. On our next visit, I’d also like to check out the nearby Aqua Golf, a fun deviation from the traditional putt putt, but on this occasion, we couldn’t be late for our cellar door bookings.
CELLAR DOOR
The cellar door experience has evolved extensively over the last 30 years. There is something for everyone today, whether it’s a classic Hunter Semillion, a soothing red blend or a healthier zero alcohol option. The McGuigan Wines story stretches over four generations of winemaking built on tradition. Walk-in visits are welcomed but it would be best to experience their wines in one of their ‘curated tasting experiences’ where their learned team will educate you on the rich history of viniculture in the Hunter and this iconic winery. The Mastercraft Cabernet Merlot pairs beautifully with antipasto. You also mustn’t miss trying the
limited release 2016 ‘The Philosophy’, which is a remarkable testimony to the elegance of this winery.
TEMPUS TWO
Just next door is the contemporary Tempus Two. This trend setting winery has broken free from tradition and offers a range of unique contemporary experiences, including their VIP Copper bar. Our charming host, Caitlin, taught us the art of how to pair wine with chocolate varietals and informed us of their new Copper Gin Series, gin made from wine spirits. The Shiraz Gin has earned extensive global awards from Singapore to San Francisco and is definitely worth trying! The non-conformist approach of Tempus Two is as refreshing as their new Tempus One Spritzers, a revitalising break from a big Shiraz on a sunny afternoon. Take your pick from passionfruit, berry or watermelon.
THE WINE HOUSE
It would be remiss not to visit The Wine House, Hunter Valley, where you can find a collection of independent family-owned winemakers all under the one roof. They offer a range of wonderful ‘wine experiences’ for all types of palettes and a unique first in Australia self-serve wine machine, akin to the popular model in Queenstown, where patrons can curate their own tasting. The Wine House benefits from sharing next door’s Roche Estate acoustics. On November the 30th, Cold Chisel’s ‘Big Five-O’ Concert will perform and if you missed out on tickets, the Wine Bar is the perfect consolation to hear the old Oz rock classics such as ‘Khe Sanh’ while enjoying a pre-paid hamper or treats from the onsite food truck. Bring it on.
with Emma Wilson
Is FIJI the best overseas holiday for kids?
WITH the end of the year fast approaching, almost half (49%) of Australian and New Zealand employees admit to experiencing feelings of burnout or exhaustion and with the festive season also known to cause stress for a lot of people, embracing Fiji Time might just be the way to help navigate this stressful time of year.
In a destination that boasts warm, sunny days throughout December and January, and as the home of some of the happiest people in the world, Fiji is the perfect escape for a stressfree and relaxed festive season. Just under a four-hour flight from Australia’s East Coast, there are myriad ways to end your year on the right note.
Royal Davui Island Resort
After a recent multi-million-dollar transformation, the resort intertwines luxury and Fijian tradition. With just 16 appointed vales nestled among the exclusive, adults-only island, privacy and serenity come hand in hand at Royal Davui.
Christmas: Guests will enjoy a long Christmas lunch on the 25th of December including a festive welcome cocktail, a Pure Fiji gift and an intimate carol performance by the staff New Years Eve: The resort will be hosting an all-white theme gala dinner looking out onto Beqa Lagoon’s scenery and featuring a live band and fireworks to ring in the new year.
VOMO Island Resort
Situated in the picturesque Mamanuca Island group, this private resort has become an oasis for guests particularly families searching for a retreat off the beaten path.
Christmas: The resort will be offering a line-up of
activities including a church service in the morning, Santa’s arrival (by water), a decadent Christmas Day feast including a Yasawa lobster; local delicacies, followed by gift giving and a performance of carols and Fijian hymns by the VOMO choir. News Eve: The kids remain a huge part of the festivities beginning with a Little Mermaid-themed show performed by the Australian Gotcha Back Productions, fol-
lowed by early fireworks and a disco in the resort’s dedicated Kids Village. While they are kept entertained, adults can indulge in a buffet spread, live band, dancing and fireworks at a Grecian-themed takeover of the Rocks Bar.
Malolo Island Resort
A rustic and intimate resort designed in a South Pacific beach cottage style, Malolo is perfect for both
families and couples. Christmas: The program includes Santa’s arrival and parade with gifts, a performance by the Malolo Band, a treasure hunt with a 3-night stay prize, festive cocktails, and a Christmas buffet dinner in the kids club or Terrace restaurant, before finishing with carols by the Malolo Resort Choir.
New Year’s Eve: A buffet dinner and foam party at the
kids pool lawn will keep them occupied for most of the night while adults will be treated to pre-dinner drinks hosted by the resort, several performances (including a fire dance) by the Ahura Dance Group, a buffet dinner, best-dressed awards and a fireworks display to finish.
For more information on Fiji visit: https://www.fiji.travel * According to a recent survey conducted by Sonder.
with Emma Wilson
Memphis ideal for young minds to explore
THE vibrant city of Memphis is well-known for its iconic music, rich history, and world-famous food scene, making it the perfect destination for a family holiday. With a wide range of museums, parks and plenty of outdoor and indoor activities, Memphis offers a variety of attractions for young minds to explore and discover.
Children’s Museum of Memphis
A great spot for families seeking fun, educational, and interactive experiences, this museum intends to inspire
children to explore, imagine and create.
The Fire Museum of Memphis
Experience the excitement of firefighting at America’s premier interactive fire museum and, quite literally, Memphis’ hottest attraction. Children of all ages can dress up in fire coats and helmets, play on authentic fire equipment, put out a simulated fire, ride on an aerial platform and slide down a brass fire pole.
National Civil Rights Museum (ages 12+)
Bring the kids to explore a
significant chapter of the U.S. at the historic Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spent his final moments. While a heavy subject to teach kids, it has been noted as one of America’s most important historical events and can be used as a dialogue-opener with the kids about oppressive racism in the US during that time. A family guide can be found on the NCRM website here.
Graceland
Introduce your kids to the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the late Elvis Presley’s legendary home. This cultural icon offers kids (and parents!) the opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Elvis, from his legendary music and lasting impact on pop culture.
Sun Studios (ages 5+)
Nicknamed The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll, the well-known recording studio offers families a thrilling journey into the history of rock' n' roll and soul music. While primarily geared towards older children and adults (ages 5+), kids can still immerse themselves in the recording process, explore vintage instruments, and discover the stories of legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
Shelby Farms Park
Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Memphis is this 4,500-acre playground, which is one of the largest urban parks in the country, five times the size of New York City’s Central Park. There’s an outdoor ropes course with ziplines, a Woodland Discovery Playground, horse-riding, and a Water Play Sprayground for those hot summer days and much more.
Peabody Ducks
For a unique hotel stay in Memphis for families, The Peabody Hotel, with its daily duck parade will give the kids something fun to watch each day. The hotel is considered to be Memphis’ grandest and most legendary hotel, and it offers a unique family package in which your family becomes honorary Peabody Duckmasters for the day.
The Pyramid
The Cypress Lodge: Inside the big Pyramid located on the Mississippi River, you’ll find a massive outdoor-inspired luxury hotel. You can “camp out” in rustic cabin-style rooms overlooking a swamp with live alligators and a variety of fish and Cypress trees, giving a true wilderness vibe.
Explore more of Memphis here: www.memphistravel.com
Wining and dining around Sydney
Did you know only 12% of Sydney restaurants and bars serve NSW wines? Why aren’t we supporting our own wine industry? You drink Italian wine in Italy and South Australian wine in South Australia. Let’s give our local wines some love.
NSW Wine Month
Come and enjoy the 4 weeklong Sydney-wide celebration of local wine from NSW’s 16 wine regions with events to savour, including pop-ups, happy hours, masterclasses and long lunches. For the full program and all the info on NSW wine month, please visit www.nswwinemonth.com.au and follow NSW Wine on social media at @nswwine. From a pop-up cellar door on the lawns of Chiswick, a Brokenwood Banquet at Luna Lu, a Dine and Stay experience at Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower’s Bar 83 oysters and sparkling to the Sydney Cellar Door festival on Tallawoladah Lawns in the rocks. Find it all during November and support our delicious local wines.
‘Pass on a HOPE to Someone’
At Harman Foundation, our mission is to empower and uplift vulnerable communities. HOPE Multicultural Hub offers comprehensive support services and a safe, transitional space for vulnerable women and their children. At the HOPE Multicultural Hub, women can safely stay with their children, who have a secure environment to play and rest, while the mothers receive the necessary support to navigate various government agencies. The Hub is open for all families in need of other support services too. This includes assistance with paperwork, such as filling out forms for Centrelink, legal aid, victim services, and more. Strategically positioned near Blacktown Station, the Hub truly lives up to its name—a place of hope and new beginnings. We invite each one extend help and join us in the mission to make a difference by volunteering, donating or participating in our events. 17, Balmoral Street, Blacktown, NSW
Operating Hours: 10am to 4pm. Available 24/7 via Helpline
1 The Hoysala Empire ruled in the south of what country between the 10th and 14th centuries?
2 In the children’s cartoon Tom and Jerry, what sort of animal was Jerry?
3 US singer/songwriter Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr was better known by what name?
4 True or false: elephant seal bulls can grow to 7m long?
5 The Scandinavian Peninsula covers which three countries?
6 Which Australian band released a remix of the ABC News theme song in 2010?
7 Before Mick Malthouse, who was the coach of the Collingwood Football Club?
8 In Roman mythology, who was the god of love?
9 In what year did Frank Sinatra (pictured) release the song My Way?
10 Not including Australia, how many countries have a flag that is only red, white and blue?
ENTERTAINMENT CROSSWORD
ACROSS
2 Big-budget adventure starring Alexander Skarsgård as the title character, The Legend of – (6)
4 2014 British drama starring Max Irons, – –Club (3,4)
9 John Ford classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara (3,5,3)
11, 25-down British actor and comedian behind fictional radio and TV star Alan Partridge (5,6)
29 Actor who plays Neil Armstrong in the 2018 bio First Man (4,7)
30 Actor who portrays Dryden Vos in Solo: A Star Wars Story, Paul – (7)
31 Superhero played by Paul Rudd (3-3)
DOWN
1 US reality series looking at plastic surgeries gone wrong (7)
No. 042
15 The voice of King Julien XIII in the Madagascar films, Sacha Baron – (5)
16 Jim Carrey’s 1997 fantasy comedy (4,4)
18 2013 drama starring Naomi Watts and Xavier Samuel (9)
20 Action movie starring Bruce Willis and his daughter Rumer (7)
21 Actor (pictured) who plays old school tycoon Reuben Tishkoff in the Ocean’s film series, –Gould (7)
23 Debate forum hosted by Jenny Brockie (7)
24 Star of the title role in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Michael – (4) 25 See 11-across 27 Actor who played Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight – Eckhart (5)
HIDDEN WORD
Insert each number from 1 to 9 in the shaded squares to solve all the horizontal and vertical equations.
12 Dystopian series based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, The – – (9,4)
2 Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway’s (pictured) 2015 comedy (3,6)
13 Actor who plays Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious franchise, Vin – (6)
Multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction.
15 Star of Shopgirl and Stardust, – Danes (6)
16 Gerard Butler action thriller, – Has Fallen (6)
17 Star of Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky, – Swank (6)
19 Star of 8-down, –Judd (6)
22 Australian TV presenter and sports commentator, – Meadows (6)
26 Black comedy starring Edward Norton as identical twin brothers (6,2,5)
28 Japanese actor who plays Hogun in the Thor movies, Tadanobu – (5)
3 Acting siblings Patricia, David, Richmond, Rosanna and –Arquette (6)
5 Series starring Esme Creed-Miles, based on the film of the same name (5)
6 English comedian, actor and author, – Brand (7)
7 Nigerian-born star of cop show Shades of Blue, Dayo – (7)
Insert the missing
8 Musical biopic based on the life of Cole Porter and starring 19-across (2-6)
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
10 Johnny Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch’s crime drama, Black – (4)
14 American musician who plays Cinna the stylist in the first two Hunger Games films, – Kravitz (5)
1. In which year was Cumberbatch born?
1980
1982
1976
1972
2. Which prestigious school did Cumberbatch attend? A. Harrow B. Eton C. Westminster D. None
3. For which series did Cumberbatch win an Emmy Award?
A. Sherlock
B. Parade’s End C. Patrick Melrose D. None
4. Which animated character did he voice on film?
A. Simba
B. Buzz Lightyear C. The Grinch D. Mowgli
AND THAT’S A WRAP FOR SEASON 2024 Planning for a bigger 2025
ALISON SHEPPARD
THE Blacktown City Netball Association (BCNA) is a vibrant and inclusive netball community located in the heart of the Blacktown City Council. Saturday, September14 brought a close to Season 2024.
Whilst the weather threw all extremes at us to try and dampen our spirits, BCNA clubs and members, as always, rallied together to make a competition out of a rainy situation. Our community's dedication and enthusiasm have driven fierce competition, and inspiring sportsmanship.
Unfortunately for our teams, one third of our Saturday competition games needed to be cancelled due to the wet weather. BCNA continues to work with the Blacktown City Council to make our courts safe and playable for all our members.
BCNA teams have competed valiantly throughout the season, achieving remarkable success at various levels. Our representative teams have displayed exceptional skill and determination, earning accolades and respect from their peers and opponents alike. The support from coaches, parents, and the community has been instrumental
in fostering a competitive, yet nurturing atmosphere.
In 2024 we saw an increased number of participants in our NetSetGo Skills 10-Week program for players aged 5-8yrs where they learn the foundation skills of netball. This is a great program to expose our future netballers to the sport we all love.
In July we held our annual Carnival which saw over 4000 people visit our courts with 139 teams competing, some travelling from as far as Bathurst. As always, the carnival was a successful day that saw over $1,200 being raised for Ovarian Cancer Australia.
This season has seen numerous highlights and achievements. From outstanding individual performances to exceptional team efforts, BCNA players have consistently demonstrated their passion and skill on the court. The culmination of their hard work was evident in the numerous victories and accolades achieved throughout the year.
We recognised our best at our Annual Presentation in October. A range of awards were awarded to coaches, umpires and players who have achieved in their chosen area or excelled in their individual teams. Award winners came from across a multitude of clubs within BCNA. Congratulations to all.
Throughout the season, we had a
number of our members attain their White, Gold, Black and National umpiring awards. We supported our representative teams at their carnivals as well as participated in Junior and Senior State Titles. Additionally, we have a number of umpires in the Netball NSW Metro League program. We continue to offer mentoring to our umpires through our programs.
Planning for our 2025 season has
www.walkfestival.com.au
already started with the aim of making it bigger and better than ever. We are committed to improving our competitions, facilities, and support systems to ensure that every player can thrive. Keep an eye out for our posts on our social channels for when registrations open for 2025. We look forward to an even more successful season. Together, we will continue to build a strong, vibrant netball community for the Blacktown community.
As a supporter of BCNA, we invite you to join us in our mission to nurture and grow the talent of our young athletes. Your support through venue access, equipment provision, or sharing of expertise, can make an impact on our community's sports development. Whether you're a local business, a sports enthusiast, or a former player, your contribution will help us continue to offer a high-performance support network and a player-focussed environment.
For more information, you can contact the association through secretary@blacktownnetball. com.au, visit the website at www. blacktownnetball.com.au or our Facebook page.
Alison Sheppard is GWS Fury Executive Representative Blacktown City Netball Association
Mia Robson receives Player of The Future Award form Deputy Mayor Bob Fitzgerald.
AI VS REAL ESTATE AGENTS
The property disruptor startup believes there’s a place for both
LOUISE DURACK
THERE’s no doubt that the new wave of artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape and offering new and radical ways of operating business. And while many business sectors in Australia may have got on board with successful implementation of AI strategies and are on the way to leveraging it to strategic advantage, there are some sectors still lagging.
AI adoption in property is up, but not everyone is on board. This was the sentiment from the recent Yardi/Property Council of Australia technology survey which found that around a third of Australia’s real estate professionals believe AI will have a ‘revolutionary impact’ on the industry. A third of survey respondents, however, had not implemented AI and an additional 28 per cent were uncertain about their next course of action.
Enter Wavie, a real estate platform which aims to revolutionise the property sales sector by allowing sellers to sell their properties without the associated high agent fees. The company is aiming to buck the trend in the Australian real estate sector, by taking things a step further with an AI agent.
However, although AI is at the core of Wavie’s business model, founder of Wavie, Andy Dunn is adamant that the technology will not necessarily totally get rid of agents, nor is that necessarily a good thing.
Started up in April this year with three permanent staff, Wavie is aiming to empower sellers to do their own home selling by giving them the tools to do it with, says Dunn.
Still in the early testing stages, the company is building an AI agent that will assist with customer enquires and negotiations regarding listings.
“She’s called Jess and sounds like a typical Aussie girl,” he says. “She can ask questions and will soon be able to speak to them on the phone, answering their questions, taking all their details and simultaneously relaying all this back to the vendor as required,” says Dunn.
Dunn says Wavie is initially targeting itself towards the mums and dads end of the market who may be selling for around the million-dollar mark and want to save a few thousand on fees.
“We’re using AI to streamline and improve the process for clients as much as we can as the technology continues to evolve,” he says.
With limited numbers of Aussie real estate businesses out there currently (and successfully) using AI, Dunn maintains a cautious approach to implementation but believes AI will eventually take a widespread hold.
“The thing is a lot of real estate agents’ time is traditionally taken up with phone calls and admin and this is what AI is especially good at covering.
“We are building our own technology which incorporates different components including AI voice using large language models like ChatGPT, meaning the AI learns from the data that we input into it.
“We have a lot of data from all the properties in our CRM systems and our AI is linked to this so that people can call and ask about any details of properties and get the information they need immediately.
“We’re basically a digital agent, just not in person, but currently just seeing if the model can work.”
Dunn is circumspect about the Australian demise of UK business Purple Bricks, a fellow real estate market disrupter which aimed to combine end-to-
end customer facing technology with agents and a fixed-fee structure, rather than a commission, to make property buying and selling more efficient. The business closed in Australia in 2019 but is still operating in the UK.
“Purple Bricks in Australia was just based on human agents who were subcontractors to the business, and that model didn’t really work in this market,” says Dunn.
“This time, with Wavie, we’re for the first time in the real estate business, using AI to enhance the overall process and we’re confident we’re going to get it right. It’s certainly not yet a perfect model which explains why we still have a lot of human interaction in the backend of the business.
“Admittedly, we’re not yet able to turn AI on, leave it and let it go, but we see no problem in getting to this stage. It just needs that human touch right now until the AI can be just as good if not better than a human, and then we’re seeing if we can get it to the stage of a full-on real estate agent.”
He says perfecting the platform and the education around it is more challenging than perfecting the AI itself.
“It’s about educating sellers that there is a different way of doing things, if you want to. The challenges with this are not really about the AI - this can be gradually built and can be adapted for evolving needs.
“Its more about changing people’s mindsets about the business model and overcoming the general distrust in real estate agents. But if we can make a slight difference and help people do it for themselves, then that will be a bonus.
“There are lots of property technology out there with AI automations to create your own listing descriptions and AI chat bots. But nobody is doing a voice model such as this.”
