Macarthur Advocate - March 2023

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STUDENTS IN NASA

Designing their own international experiments

STUDENTS from Western and Southwestern Sydney will design their own experiment to be conducted on the International Space Station in 2024. NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy has joined high school students from the region who are part of Powerhouse: Future Space to launch their next mission. It’s all part of the Lang Walker Family Academy In-Schong three-year program. It has been providing students from the West and South West Sydney and regional areas with ground-breaking technology, advanced educational opportunities and exposure to international scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. More: page 3.

Tales of the supernatural

New football record in Macarthur

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NASA INSPIRED DESIGN THINKING Students in space experiment

STUDENTS from Western and South Western Sydney will design their own experiment to be conducted on the International Space Station in 2024.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy has joined high school students from the region who are part of Powerhouse: Future Space to launch their next mission,

It’s all part of the Lang Walker Family Academy In-Schools Program and Powerhouse: Future Space in collaboration with Magnitude.io and the NSW Department of Education which is in its second year of a three-year program.

It has been providing students from the West and South West Sydney and regional areas with ground-breaking technology, advanced educational opportunities and exposure to international scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.

The 2022 mission ‘Carbon Farmer’ used scientific inquiry to teach students about importance of the carbon cycle on Earth and in space.

This year, students will use NASA-inspired design thinking techniques to plan their own space and Earth-based experiment between February and August and pitch their ideas to a panel of experts during the 2023 Sydney Science Festival.

The winning design will be selected for ground trials and active experiments on the International Space Station in early 2024.

The guest for the launch event Ms Melroy was one of only two female commanders of NASA space shuttle missions. She went on three space shuttle assembly

Town Centre Living

Live at the Park

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

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

• A variety of schools and future tertiary institutions

• Multiple pre-school and day-care centres

• Pedestrian-friendly streets, creating easy access to amenities

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

oranpark.com.au

East Hills Girls Technology High School, Arthur Phillip High School, Jamison High School, Seven Hills High School and Casula High School with the distinguished leader to hear her inspiring recollections from an outstanding STEM career.

Ms Melroy also offered advice to students on their experiment proposals for the mission, followed by Q&A.

“We are thrilled to be a participating school in the Powerhouse: Future Space program and supporting the launch of the 2023 mission. It has been a rewarding journey to see Future Space students applying their learnings from the world-class immersive STEM education program to prepare an actual space mission on the International Space Station,” Principal of Hurlstone Agricultural High School Christine Castle said .

missions in 2000, 2002 and 2007 to help build the International Space Station.

She is also a pioneer for the Australian Space Agency, having spent a significant amount of time in Australia, inspiring the future of space undertaking.

Powerhouse connected 150 students from Hurlstone Agricultural High School,

“The Lang Walker Family Academy is excited to have Pamela Melroy to launch the next mission for the Powerhouse: Future Space program. Inspiring students in Western Sydney and regional NSW by connecting them with industry experts and providing hands-on experiment opportunities is at the core of the program.

“It is exciting that this year students can apply their learnings to design their own experiment which will be conducted both on-ground and on the International Space Station,” Head of Lang Walker Family Academy Sophie Poisel said.

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

• Oran Park Library

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

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

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

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

• World class fiber optic networks with high-speed internet

• An integrated health hub for your wellbeing needs

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

• A fresh new start in a masterplanned community

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

Pioneer for space agency

Students deigning the future.

ISSUE 3 | March

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Support Partner Local Business Awards in Campbelltown, Camden abd Wollondilly.

New football record

AFTER an interrupted three seasons, the Macarthur Football Association is on track for a new participation record, with over 900 teams registered for the upcoming Winter Competition.

The key message to those that are planning to play but are yet to register – act quick to avoid disappointment.

Spots are filling fast across the 23 local clubs spanning Wollondilly, Camden and Campbelltown.

Boys and girls turning five at any stage in 2023 are eligible to join a team and play in a modified 4 v 4 format.

The MFA offers Girls-only teams playing in modified Girls-only competitions from U6, as well as mixed teams for those that prefer that option.

Players and teams are graded based on ability to ensure the best participation experience can be offered.

Players progress from 4 v 4 (U6/7), 7 v 7 (U8/9), and 9 v 9 (U10/11 and U12 Girls) before they graduate to the full-size field.

While team nominations have closed, some clubs are still advertising vacancies to fill their squads.

A full list of team vacancies can be found on the MFA Website: www.macarthurfootball.com.au

The MFA is also recruiting new match officials to help cope with the increased demand this season.

There are plenty of Referee Courses currently on offer and, as further incentive to pick up a whistle, the annual Referee membership fee for new referees will

be heavily subsidised by the Association. Match fees for Referee have also been increased significantly, making it even more rewarding to officiate our great game.

To find a Referee Course visit: www.mdfra.com.au

The Winter Football Season kicks-off from Friday, March 31, 2023 and continues through to the end of August, with Grand Finals held in the early weeks of September.

BRIEF

Camden joins Energy Group

CAMDEN Council has recently joined the Western Sydney Energy Program, which aims to lower community energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

The program is a collaboration between eight Western Sydney councils, coordinated by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

It focuses on four areas of activity: renewable energy transformation, transport, supporting communities, and facilities and precincts.

WSROC President Cr Barry Calvert said the program had saved councils $24m to date and highlighted initiatives such as the rollout of 52,200 new energy-saving LED streetlights, which are expected to save 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.

Camden Mayor Cr

Therese Fedeli said it was important to work hard to look after the environment and help residents live happily and comfortably and helping to lower community energy costs would go a long way in achieving that aim.

South West Sydney expands

BONNYRIGG has become a major growth centre in South West Sydney with more than 3000 new homes being bult under the $835m Renewal Project.

The State Government funded development is moving into its next delivery phase in stages eight to 11, following the appointment of a development partner to deliver 275 more homes including 65 new social homes.

Minister for Planning and Homes

Anthony Roberts said 702 dwellings, including 256 social homes had already been completed in earlier stages one to seven of the state-significant urban renewal project.

“This is an ambitious project that is transforming the former Bonnyrigg social housing estate in Western Sydney to become a vibrant, mixed-tenure precinct, by taking 833 ageing social properties and creating 3000 new homes for residents, 900 of which are dedicated for social housing,” Mr Roberts said.

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the State Government was committed to creating secure communities for the state’s most vulnerable.

“We are not only investing in housing where it’s needed most, but we’re creating a safe place for people to live and work. This precinct is providing more than just a roof over people’s head,

it is providing a new community centre, open space, and town centre with a village green so residents can thrive,” Ms Maclaren-Jones said.

The project also makes great use of the existing Parramatta to Liverpool Rapid Bus Transitway which runs nearby.

Following a competitive procurement process to the market, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) appointed Sydney-based developer Traders In Purple to deliver the next stages of the Bonnyrigg Renewal project.

LAHC Chief Executive Simon Newport said the Bonnyrigg Renewal showed how partnerships could deliver more homes for the community.

Central focal point

“We were able to secure $26.4m of Commonwealth funding through the National Housing Infrastructure Fund, which unlocks critical infrastructure such as improvements to the road network that are crucial to delivering this type of project,” Mr Newport said.

“When all levels of government, community housing providers and industry come to the table with a shared vision to deliver more and better homes for the people who need it most, we can achieve great things and the transformation underway at Bonnyrigg is a shining example of that.”

As part of the earlier stages of the renewal project, Landcom has also managed the construction and completion of a $7m 841sqm community centre, using funds from LAHC under its voluntary planning agreement with Fairfield City Council.

Fairfield City Council Mayor Frank Carbone said the new community centre would be called ‘The Hub @ Bonnyrigg’ and it would become a central focal point for all aspects of community life for local residents, with a large hall for social and cultural activities, meeting rooms, a kitchen and play areas for children.

Council will own and manage the new facility moving forwards.

“The Hub @ Bonnyrigg (Dhanawi) will allow people to come together to meet and celebrate, with fully accessible facilities and a community garden. We are proud to have worked together with LAHC to design and deliver this facility for our community,” Mr Carbone said.

The transformation of the Bonnyrigg Estate is a major 30-year project that will be delivered over 18 stages, creating 4,275 jobs and delivering homes for more than 9,000 residents.

Works on the latest stage of the development are set to start in April.

For more information, please visit www.dpie.nsw. gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greatersydney/bonnyrigg-estate

Housing growth in Bonnyrigg.

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

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

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

SPECIALISING IN BEST AIR CONDITIONING Politech has family support

„ POLITECH SPECIALISES IN BEST AIR CONDITIONING

WITH over 20 years’ experience, Politech Air Conditioning Services is a family-run and owned business located in Camden.

Politech specialises in high quality air conditioning and refrigeration servicing, maintenance, and installation for domestic, commercial and industrial spaces across Sydney and Greater NSW.

The Politech team are leaders in their trade, choosing to work with Australian made products and manufactures and renowned for their expertise, trustworthiness, reliability and knowledge which sees clients return time and again.

Conscious of their footprint on the environment, Politech is committed to working to ensure Australians carbon footprint is decreased with sustainable and energy efficient products.

In 2022 Politech were the proud recipients of the Camden Local Business Award for Best Trade and Services.

As a family-owned business, Politech knows how important it is to build quality relations and that starts with good communication and good service.

They pride themselves on having ‘long-last’ clients who are always happy

with what they offer. You can expect the very best HVAC services when you choose Politech.

And our passionate Politech team has more than 20 years industry experience, which is why they understand the

importance of an indoor environment that is both comfortable and functional.

Politech offers economical and efficient air conditioning solutions suitable for any home or building, from established dwellings to new homes and

factories or warehouses.

The industries they service include: domestic, commercial, industrial and facilities maintenance.

Visit www.politech.com.au to learn more.

Vote for your favourite business

The Macarthur Advocate is proud to support the Wollondilly Local Business Awards as media partner. Voting for the 2022 awards is now open - until April 2, To vote for your favourite business simply scan the QR code on the advertisement to be linked to the businesses’ voting page.

www.thebusinessawards.com.au | www.macarthuradvocate.au

Macarthur

We are a local family owned business producing with another local family Premium Artisan Salami using the best quality premium Australian Pork.We also utilise a range of local game meats and have a delicious range of game salami including Kangaroo salami,wild boar salami and venison salami. All Of our salami is filler and gluten free and we are certified by the coeliac society.

I also love to support other local small producers with products that compliment our delicious salami range to make the perfect charcuterie. These products include Jerky,Biltong,pork crackle organic cheese,olives,quince paste and lavosh .

QR code attached with words - Scan the QR code to vote for us in the Wollondilly Local Business https://artisandelishsalami.com/ We

PH: 0417 464 719 PO Box 10, Oakdale NSW Facebook & Instagram: @soulreplenishtherapy

I Jack Moss the director and owner have been in the industry for over 10 years in the automotive industry.

My business opened 6 years ago.

Im a panel beater and spray painter by trade. Im also certified to do Paint protection film, vinyl wrapping and window tinting.

I have many certifications in ceramic coating company’s.

I also own Autotriz Australia , a ceramic coating company I train people and teach them how to apply and on sell.

My other company is FDI chemical supplies what is our in house chemical cleaning range.

we are a family owned business I provide many services so people can grieve I offer readings and healing and I have crystals in my shop so people can purchase I am a one stop healing shop I am a psychic medium I been communicating with spirit for over 13 years now. I am greatful I can do what I do I have amazing reviews on Facebook I have on going client support

I have a range of Beauty services from laser, waxing, Facials, Tinting, Eyebrow lamination, Eyelash lifts and spray Tanning. I specialise in Acrylic Nails including looking after your Natural Nails. I have been a Masters Technician for 25years and will cater for All your Nail care treatments for each individual with a range of products to help you achieve what ever your after weather its for a wedding, special occasion or you would just like to grow your nails.

Shop 3 Emmett Street, Tahmoor Phone: 4683 2575 cathm498@gmail.com www.cathysnailsandbeauty.com.au

I am a remedial massage therapist located in my home clinic in Oakdale. I am level 2 Reiki trained and completed courses in myofascial release cupping, anatomy of stretching and treating conditions such as TMJ, Hip pain & dysfunction, and sciatic pain. I love helping people and love helping them focus on their health and moving better. I see a lot of women come through my clinic who are burnt out, not looking after themselves and not knowing how to. My goal is to guide women on making themselves a priority and focusing on themselves regularly so they don't burn out. Helping them clear any negative energy and practice self care.

Scan the QR code to vote for us in the Local Business Awards

I produce specialty jams, marmalades, preserves, pickles, relish, chutney, sauce, cakes and cookies. As well as seasonal products such as Christmas Cakes, Traditional Plum Puddings and Gingerbread Houses.

I hold cooking workshops teaching people to make Christmas puddings, as well as scones and strawberry jam.

„

THE LEGEND OF FISHER’S GHOST Tales of the supernatural

DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

THERE aren’t too many places around the world that can claim a ghost as its most famous citizen, but that’s certainly the case in Campbelltown district.

Most locals have heard of the Fishers Ghost Festival held every November, but the actual story behind the troublesome spirit and how came to haunt the famous bridge will never be fully known.

As a young boy I remember my father driving me over the bridge on trips to my Auntie’s place at Bowral but I never saw anything spiritual. There was talk in those days - the 1960 s- that the ghost still haunted the bridge and so I begged my father to do a night trip, but sadly it never happened.

Now I have read any stories and claims about the famous spiritual citizen of our region but this is the actual story according to a brochure by the Communications and Marketing Department of Campbelltown City Council-

On the Evening of June 17, 1826, a man by the name of Frederick Fisher, left his home in Campbelltown and was not seen again.

ick Fisher, the appearance of his ghost, the arrest of five men and the eventual hanging of one.

Frederick George James Fisher was born on August 28, 1792. By his early twenties he was a shopkeeper, unmarried, but thought to be the father of two children. Either innocently or deliberately, Fred Fisher obtained forged bank notes through his business for which he was arrested and tried at the Surrey Gaol

On the evening of June 17, 1826, Fred Fisher disappeared and George Worrell announced Frederick had sailed for England because he was concerned about a forgery charge recently made against him.

Three weeks later after Fred Fisher's disappearance, George Worrall sold Fisher's horse and personal belongings, claiming Fred Fisher had sold them to him before he set sail.

Several local townspeople became suspicious and on September 17, 1826, George Worrall was arrested on suspicion of Fred Fisher's murder.

Worrall claimed he had not murdered Fred Fisher, but that four other men had in fact committed the crime. All four men were then arrested.

One month later, October 25, 1826, two young boys were returning home across Fisher's farm and noticed bloodstains on a fence. On closer investigation, a lock of hair and a tooth were also found.

A local constable searched the area to no avail and decided to call in an Aboriginal tracker from Liverpool. On testing the water from puddles in the area, the tracker announced, 'white fellow's fat here.' Fred Fisher's remains were found lying in a shallow grave on George Worrall's land.

But what of subsequent events and sightings around the district?

Well, it has been suggested that Farley invented the ghost story as a way of concealing some other speculated source of his knowledge about the whereabouts of Fisher's body, but this cannot be confirmed.

The ghost story may have originated from an anonymous poem in 1832 which fictionalised Fisher and Worrall. The poem, "The Sprite of the Creek!", has since been identified as the work of James Riley (1795-ca.1860), who would republish it with explanatory footnotes in 1846 under the pseudonym "Felix".

The legend of Fisher's ghost then entered popular folklore and the creek beside which the body was discovered is known as Fisher's Ghost Creek, although it has now been converted into mostly a storm water drain.

Very little physical evidence in Campbelltown, if anything, is left to reminder us of the brief life of Frederick Fisher.

All traces of the house where he lived, a storeroom and brick building he built, his farm and the fence (or possibly bridge) where his ghost appeared have all disappeared. Even the location of his grave has been lost to history.

Records associated with the court case surrounding the murder of Fred Fisher give us some idea of where these sites were. There are also articles written about the appearance of the ghost in the years following the reported sighting.

The festival

The Festival of Fisher's Ghost dates to 1960 and is organised by Campbelltown City Council.

On a night almost four months later, a wealthy and respectable Campbelltown farmer, John Farley, stumbled into a local hotel in a state of shock, and claimed he had seen the ghost of Frederick Fisher.

The ghost according to John Farley, had been sitting on the rail of a bridge and had pointed to a paddock down the creek, then faded away.

He was pale, with a blood dripping down his face from a head wound. He let out a loud moan, raised his arm and pointed in the direction of a nearby creek.

The body of Fred Fisher was later discovered by police in the paddock where the ghost had pointed.

Now, many residents believe the ghost of Fred Fisher haunts the Campbelltown Town Hall.

The legend of Fred Fisher has captured the imagination of generations. The sequence of events leading up to the subsequent trial - the murder of Freder-

Delivery on July 26, 1815, and sentenced to 14 years transportation to Australia.

By 1822 Fred Fisher has served half his sentence and applied for a ticketof-leave and permission to purchase property.

Among other properties, Fred Fisher secured a farm at Campbelltown. His neighbor was a man named William George Worrall, known to be an honest and industrious man.

Argument over money

In 1825 Fred Fisher and a local carpenter, William Brooker, had an argument over money, whereby Fisher pulled a knife. William Brooker was not badly hurt; however Fred Fisher received a light prison sentence.

Worried about his property, Fred Fisher gave George Worrell Power of Attorney during his imprisonment. Fisher served his sentence and returned to town a short time later.

George Worrall sat for trial in a criminal court on February 2, 1827. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging on February 5, 1827.

On the scaffold, Worrall confessed he had murdered Fred Fisher by mistake, thinking him a horse in the wheat crop, however, this confession was never believed by the locals.

All traces have disappeared

It is thought George Worrall had assumed when he had been appointed Fred Fisher's agent, all Fisher's property belonged to him. On Fisher's release from prison, George Worrall murdered him to fully obtain his property.

What then of John Farley's Ghost story? Why was it not used at the trial? Apparently, any tales of the supernatural were not permitted in a Court of Law and could not be used as evidence against the accused.

Fred Fisher was buried in St Peters graveyard by his brother, Henry, however, no headstone was ever erected.”

So, there you have it….or so it seems.

During that period, the legend of Fisher's Ghost experienced an unexpected rise in popularity, fueled by Sydney radio stations and crowds gathered at Fisher's Ghost Creek hoping to spot the famous Ghost. Around 1500 Sydneysiders showed up to wait for the ghost’s appearance. This ‘ghost watch’ continued throughout the late 50s.

Campbelltown Councillor, Greg Percival suggested combining the town festival and the legend and in 1960, the Festival of Fisher's Ghost was born. Funds raised from early festivals went towards the building of an ambulance station in Campbelltown.

It utilises the legend of Fisher's Ghost, to promote community togetherness and the varied activities of a diverse population in an array of creative forms. It is promoted as an energetic, lively and colorful celebration of Campbelltown City's history and its people.

The annual 10-day festival is celebrated in Campbelltown every November and. includes a parade through Queen St, the Fisher's Ghost Art Award, Fun Run, Street Fair, Carnival, Craft Exhibition, music, competitions, open days, children's events, fireworks and the Miss Princess Quest.

Sources- Campbeltown City Council, Wikipedia, Debbie Johansson author, Campbelltown Library.

CREATING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Our leaders play a key role

SCHOOL leaders play a crucial role in shaping the education system and in turn, the future of our nation.

These key individuals have a profound impact on students, teachers and the broader community. In this editorial, we will explore the importance of school leaders in Australia and how they contribute to the country's educational landscape.

First and foremost, school leaders are responsible for creating a positive learning environment. They must establish a culture of respect, inclusion and diversity, which allows students to thrive.

A school's culture sets the tone for the entire institution and is essential in promoting academic success, student wellbeing, and social and emotional growth.

School leaders must also have a clear vision for the future. They must set high

expectations for students and teachers and establish goals and objectives that align with these expectations.

The vision must be communicated effectively to all stakeholders, including parents, teachers and students. This ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal, which ultimately leads to improved academic outcomes.

In addition to creating a positive learning environment and establishing a clear vision, school leaders must also be effective managers. They are responsible for overseeing the school's operations, including the management of finances, resources, and personnel.

They must also ensure that the school complies with all relevant regulations and policies.

Furthermore, school leaders play a critical role in recruiting and retaining talented teachers. They must create a supportive and nurturing environment that attracts high-quality educators and fosters their professional growth. By doing so, they can improve teaching quality, which has a direct impact on student outcomes.

Communicators

School leaders must also be effective communicators. They must be able to engage with parents, teachers and the broader community to promote the school's achievements and address any concerns or issues. Effective communication fosters trust and strengthens the relationship between the school and its stakeholders.

School leaders are instrumental in promoting innovation and change in education. They must be forward-thinking and willing to embrace new ideas and technologies that can enhance teaching and learning. By doing so, they can improve the quality of education and prepare students for the future.

In conclusion, school leaders are critical to the success of Australia's education system. They play a pivotal role in creating a positive learning environment, establishing a clear vision, managing resources effectively, recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and promoting innovation and change.

Without effective school leaders, the quality of education in Australia would suffer and students would not reach their full potential.

Therefore, it is essential that we invest in our school leaders, provide them with the support they need and recognise their vital role in shaping the future of education in future Australia.

SCHOOL LEADERS 2023 JOHN THERRY CATHOLIC COLLEGE

School Captains

At John Therry Catholic College, we value student leadership in all forms. We recognise the need for leadership in the academic, spiritual, wellbeing, diversity, house spirit and sporting realms, and our 2023 student leadership team focus on embedding these aspects into College life. We recognise their work, support their individual growth as leaders and celebrate the areas they champion in our community.

We wish our 2023 student leadership team well as they work and lead through 2023.

Vice Captains

House Captains

WINNERS OF THE NSW NATIONAL PARKS PHOTO COMPETITION

More than 8,000 entries received

NOT often does a story start with mountain spas, marsupials and the milky way but photographs of these three wonders are some of the winners in the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service’s inaugural photo competition.

Describing the five winning entries as simply awe-inspiring, the Head of National Parks, Atticus Fleming, said more than 8,000 entries were received, an overwhelming response to the competition in its first year.

“The fact that we had so many entries representing hundreds of different species of plant and animal, and more than 250 national parks, just reinforces how

much the community love our parks,” Mr Fleming said.

“We received entries from amateurs and professionals, and all showed us their appreciation for our protected areas and the native plants and animals that call them home.

“Due to the huge number and high calibre of entries in our most popular category, Landscapes and Vistas, we decided to award joint winners and both are so very deserving of the accolade,” Mr Fleming said.

The five winners were selected across four competition categories by a panel of talented guest judges, Chris Bath, Edwi-

na Bartholomew, Rae Johnston and James Valentine.

“The winning photographs have a wow factor that inspires you to visit national parks. They give you a sense of the beauty of the Australian bush and the vastness of nature,” Ms Bath said.

The winners will receive prizes valued up to $2,100 each for a holiday in one of the superb cabins and cottages in a NSW National Park.

To stay up to date with next year's competition, join the Naturescapes mailing list via the NPWS website.

Landscapes and Vistas

Joint Winners: Summer Solstice Sunrise at Wallagoot Gap, Bournda National Park by David Rogers AND Deep Space, Warrumbungle National Park by Ben Heaton

Highly commended: Balls Pyramid, Lord Howe Island by Ava Kirkby

Animals and Plants

Winner: Breakfast with Friends, Wollemi National Park by Allan Cronin

Highly commended: Hitchhiker, Willi Willi National Park by Anthony Murphy

Enjoying Nature

Winner: Love under the Milky Way, Yuraygir National Park by Lisa Russo

Highly commended: Ascending Crater Bluff, Warrumbungle National Park by Gavin Kellett

Remote Country

Winner: Mountain Spa, Mount Kaputar National Park by James Hastings

Above and below - some of the winning images.

Women’s Health: Embracing Equity

Armed with a mission to assist every woman to make informed decisions about their health, this year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity”. Ensuring women receive quality, timely health care has a ripple effect on their families and communities.

Heart-felt Action

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Australia and across the world. Every day, 109 Australian women have an acute coronary event, such as a heart attack or stroke, and every year, 22,000 women die from cardiovascular disease (CD).

To change these statistics, it’s important to have regular heart health checks with your doctor. The earlier that heart disease is detected, the earlier that it can be treated and managed. In Western Sydney, the Cardiology in Community initiative provides access to GPs, specialists, pharmacists and health care tools, to deliver early interventions and cardiology management to support your needs.

Speak to your GP about a heart health check today.

Heart Health Tips for Women

Life-saving Scans Free Mammograms

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women in Australia and more than one in seven women in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Despite this, half of women aged 50-74 are not having their recommended two-yearly mammograms.

Early detection and treatment significantly improves breast cancer survival rates. The most effective screening tool for detection is a mammogram. BreastScreen NSW offer free mammograms to women aged 40 years and over, particularly targeting women aged 50-74 years. A GP referral is not required. Visit wentwest.com.au/breast-cancer to find out more.

Cervical Screening

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and the best way to stay healthy is to have regular cervical screening tests as part of your women’s health checks. The five-yearly Cervical Screening Test is a simple procedure and free to all women.

Find out more at wentwest.com.au/cervical-screening

Navigating Motherhood

Becoming a mother is life-changing, and while it is a time of great joy, it also introduces new stressors and challenges. One in five mothers with children aged 24 months or less has been diagnosed with depression, and more than half were diagnosed during the perinatal period.

Getting help early is the key to developing a healthy bond between a parent and baby and moving towards a more enjoyable and fulfilling parenting experience.

WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, commissions St John of God’s Raphael Services, a perinatal program that includes psychiatryled therapy and support for parents from conception through to their baby’s second birthday. The program provides free counselling and support for parents and families through the emotional challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood. Their services are also available for parents going through prenatal testing and pregnancy loss.

Read more at wentwest.com.au/support-for-parents

Travel trends are changing

„ DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

YOU will find Aussies battling up the slopes of Everest or trudging through sleet and snow in the Antarctic on any given day.

And you will hear our distinctive voices on a cable car in San Francisco, walking with elephants in Africa or standing on London’s Tower Bridge. Today’s travellers have a whole world of experiences to savor, with Tourism one of the world's largest and fastest-growing industries Its development is influenced by a wide range of factors.

Some of the key trends shaping the future of travel include:

Sustainability: As awareness of environmental and social issues grows, travelers are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of their travels on the world. They are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices. This is leading to a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, including options like eco-lodges, wildlife conservation and voluntourism.

Experiential travel: The trend of experiential travel is all about creating memorable, meaningful experiences that go beyond just sightseeing. Travelers are seeking out unique and authentic local experiences, such as cultural immersion, adventure activities and local cuisine. This trend is driving the popularity of "slow travel," which allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and environment.

Technology: Technology continues to play an important role in the travel industry, with new tools and platforms being developed to make the travel expe-

rience easier, more convenient, and more personalised. This includes everything from online booking platforms, virtual and augmented reality, and AI-powered travel assistants. The rise of these technologies has also made it easier for travelers to research and plan their trips, as well as share their experiences with others.

Health and wellness: The trend of health and wellness tourism is growing

rapidly, as people become increasingly focused on living healthier, more balanced lives. This includes everything from spa and wellness retreats to adventure and fitness-focused vacations. Travelers are seeking out destinations that offer opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating, and stress-relief, as well as opportunities to connect with nature and unplug from the modern world.

Domestic travel: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are opting for domestic travel over international travel. This trend is expected to continue as people seek to avoid the uncertainty and potential risks of international travel. Domestic travel offers a safe and convenient alternative, with many countries offering a wealth of unique and

diverse travel experiences within their own borders.

Value for money: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are being more mindful of their spending and looking for ways to get the most value for their money. This has led to a rise in budget-friendly travel options, such as camping, road trips and self-catering accommodations. Additionally, travelers are seeking out destinations that offer a high quality of life at a lower cost of living, such as smaller cities and rural areas.

Safety and security: In the current climate, travelers are understandably concerned about their safety and security, both at home and abroad. This is leading to a rise in demand for travel options that prioritize safety and security, such as private tours and tours with small groups. Travelers are also looking for destinations that have strong health and safety protocols in place, such as mandatory COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.

Purpose-driven travel: More and more travelers are seeking out travel experiences that align with their personal values and beliefs, such as eco-friendly travel, voluntourism, and cultural exchange programs. This trend is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world and to connect with others on a deeper level.

Hyperlocalism: The trend of hyperlocalism is all about connecting with local communities and experiencing the unique culture and traditions of a particular place. This includes everything from homestays and local tours to community-based activities and events. Hyperlocalism is helping to support local economies and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Cocaine Bear - 3 Stars

AFTER all, this is a movie where a black bear snorts mountains of cocaine and eats a significant number of people. Nevertheless, Cocaine Bear is still a perfectly acceptable time in the theatre.

A drug lord drops tonnes of cocaine from an airplane above Blood Mountain, and dies in the process of parachuting to retrieve it.

The littered cocaine is found by a pair of kids skipping school to take pictures of the waterfall in the national park, but it has already been found by a black bear. The white powder makes the bear blood-crazed and vengeance fuelled, and it begins a steady rampage of killing, or grievously wounding, a series of park goers.

Directed by Elizabeth Banks, Cocaine Bear has an odd sort of emptiness about it. Sure, there are plenty of laughs, and a heap of gory, cocaine-fueled bear attacks, but the story around it and the characters populating that story feel so incredibly at odds with the actual conceit on display, that you get this sense of wondering emptiness.

The characters across the board are just strange cardboard cutouts. The plot for each of them - including a Fargo-esque park ranger, a Speilbergian single-mum family, ADONIS Ray Liotta starring drug side-plot - never really connects, or feels lived in the same way that the world of this cocaine bear does.

It’s frustrating, because there are a bunch of great actors on display here; the stories just never really gel together. When the film does succeed though, it succeeds in spades. Predominantly, this is when we are dealing with the bear gruesomely attacking the various people in his park. Banks has plenty of fun playing with horror and thriller tropes, with Jaws seemingly a large inspiration.

But as the film ratchets up, she also ratchets up the gore. Her pacing with the bear itself is incredibly on point and engaging. Plenty of laughs are to be had from that bloody mess, but also plenty of yelps of fear and excitement.

It’s a shame that her sure hand with the titular beast of this story doesn’t extend to its human counterparts. If it had done, we may have a bit of a cult classic

Creed III - 3 Stars

on our hands a la Snakes on a Plane. As it is, Cocaine Bear is a perfectly acceptable Sunday afternoon watch, but perhaps wait until it hits Netflix or Foxtel; there’s little staying power in this one.

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

Creed III doesn’t come close to touching the heights of the original Creed, or the first two Rocky movies, but it’s a perfectly entertaining film that hits hard on occasion.

ADONIS Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is happily retired off the back of multiple world heavyweight title fights. His wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson) is settled into her role as a producer, rather than a performer, of music, and his daughter is happily settled at school. At least, that’s how it seems.

The reappearance of old friend Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors) into Creed’s life, after an extended stretch in prison, shakes things up. After Creed gives Damian a title shot, he discovers a different side to the man.

To stop a tyrant, Adonis will have to reckon with his own past, learn to talk about his feelings with his family, and ultimately beat the hell out of Diamond Dame Anderson.

Michael B. Jordan himself steps into the director’s chair here, and you can both feel his emotional connection to the material and the role he has played twice before now, and his unfettered and new director take on the material.

From a structural standpoint, the movie does at times feel overlong and untethered. These films in this franchise

follow a formulaic approach, but it hits consistently; initial intro, gets a shot at a big fight, loses, somehow gets another shot and has to find something in themselves to win.

Creed III is a bit odd in that Adonis never gets that middle section. He’s already a title winner, living a great life with his family.

Anderson reignites old trauma, but when Adonis goes up against him we haven’t really seen the two duke it out yet. It leads to a very off-balance picture, that in many areas doesn’t stack up.

That being said, Jordan’s directorial flair takes the fight scenes up a notch. He brings an anime sensibility to the brutal bouts that makes the punches hit harder,

makes the energy more electric, and the whole in-ring thing fresh and unexpected.

Jordan continues to do well in his work as Adonis, particularly in those emotionally intense scenes here. The unsteady hand he shows with some of the family parts of the movie, and some of the out-of-the-ring boxing content, is much surer when it comes to the poisoned friendship between Adonis and Damian.

Majors is fantastic as Damian. He is brutal, vulnerable and intense, and his performance is so incredibly different and diverse from his recent work as Kang in the MCU. He continues to solidify his presence as the soon to be greatest actor of his generation.

Ultimately, Creed III is a perfectly serviceable fight film, that hits the hardest when it takes its biggest swingsparticularly around the trauma between Adonis and Damian.

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

The drug-fueled mayhem on display here always seems remote, distant and not quite as chaotic as it should be.

Chery leaves ‘cheap and cheerful’ to rivals as $30K Omoda 5 opener excludes on-roads

„ PETER BARNWELL

RECENTLY relaunched Chinese car brand Chery has announced pricing of its initial, two-variant, Omoda 5 small SUV line-up with the base grade pitched at $29,900 plus on-road costs and the higher-spec Omoda 5 EX at $32,900 + ORC.

The company had indicated last month that it would launch on March 23, with drive-away pricing but is now describing the official Omoda 5 launch as in “the first half of 2023” and pricing is not drive-away.

At launch, both variants have a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a more powerful Omoda 5 EX+ 1.6 turbo and EX+ 1.6 turbo AWD using a seven-speed dual clutch auto scheduled to arrive in the second half of the year.

Battery electric versions are not due until the first half of 2024.

The Omoda 5 is up against a swag of sharply priced small SUVs including GWM’s Haval Jolion from $28,490 driveaway, Kia Seltos from $29,500 + ORC, Mazda CX30 from $30,290 + ORC, MG ZS from $22,990 drive-away, Mitsubishi ASX from $23,990 + ORC, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from $31,490 + ORC, new Subaru Crosstrek from $34,990 + ORC, new Nissan Qashqai from $33,890 + ORC, Suzuki Vitara from $26,490 + ORC, Toyota C-HR from $31,715 + ORC and even the new Corolla Cross from $33,000 + ORC.

In a media statement, Chery’s factory-owned Australian outpost said the Omoda 5 range “will fulfil a brand promise to deliver style, substance and incredible value to Australian new-car buyers”.

Chery is one of China’s biggest automotive brands and, under its wholly OEM-owned reboot in Australia, will sell its vehicles through a 40-strong dealer network.

The company says the initial Omoda 5 line up is “feature-packed” and offers “market-leading value with a long list of premium features and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating”.

Entry level Omoda 5 variants arrive with “style, safety and technology features”, including a 115kW/230Nm

1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, CVT nine simulated stepped ratios, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and daytime running lights, keyless entry with push-button and remote engine start, cabin pre-heating and pre-cooling, noise-re-

ducing windscreen with “silent” wipers, synthetic leather seats and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.

On top of that, the base variant has a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, one-touch power windows for all doors, ambient lighting (front of cabin), a twinscreen digital dash with 10.25-inch driver display plus 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, eight-speaker Sony stereo and “Hello Chery” voice control.

Seven airbags are standard

Stepping up to the EX gains red brake callipers and design flourishes, “Omoda” puddle lighting, ambient interior light-

ing (front and rear), heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power-adjust passenger seat, powered tailgate, powered sunroof and a 360-degree aroundview camera.

From a safety standpoint, both Omoda 5 models pack a full suite of high-tech safety systems, including lane change assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, forward collision

warning, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition with speed limit information and speed control assist, driver monitoring system and emergency lane keeping.

Seven airbags are standard, including front, side, curtain and a front-centre.

The Omoda 5’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine returns a claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km and can run on the cheaper regular 91 RON fuel.

Chery has matched key small SUV players such as MG, Haval and Kia by backing the Omoda 5 with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty plus seven years of roadside assistance and seven years’ capped-price servicing.

The Chery Finance product – underwritten by Branded Financial Services –will be available for customers either on a self-serve basis online or at dealerships.

“Chery’s brand philosophy is to put its customers first, which is exactly what the Omoda 5’s pricing strategy aims to do,” said Chery Australia CEO Andy Zhang.

“We want as many people as possible to experience this feature-packed SUV, and we want to provide true value in the Australian new-car market.

“The Omoda 5 delivers on both counts, with its competitive pricing and a long list of premium features across two seriously well-equipped trim levels.”

More affordable entry point to petrol-electric GWM SUV range arrives from $36,990

„ MATT BROGAN

GWM has introduced a new entry point to its hybridised Haval Jolion SUV range in the form of the basegrade Lux, which hits dealerships priced from $36,900 drive-away, taking the number of variants now available within the range to six.

Powered by a familiar 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, the GWM Haval Jolion Lux delivers combined outputs of 139kW and 375Nm while returning a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litres per 100km. CO2 emissions are posted at 122 grams per kilometre. The quoted figures are achieved using 91RON standard unleaded petrol.

The hybrid model’s electronically controlled DHT unit is said to provide the Jolion with “excellent acceleration and performance from low speeds with increased efficiency and power at higher speeds” to deliver a driving experience GWM says is “similar to that of a battery electric vehicle”.

Like many similar hybrid vehicles, the Jolion can operate in a variety of modes including EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Regeneration, with the DHT unit adjusted to offer maximum efficiency across all speed and load conditions, regardless of the drive mode selected.

Like the petrol-powered Jolion Lux, the Hybrid variant features a strong equipment list but is differentiated by

the same grille treatment and wheels found on the Jolion Ultra Hybrid, as well as blue trim on the headlights and model-specific badging.

Standard safety equipment for the Jolion Hybrid includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and crossroads detection, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection & Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

New variants on their way

Paint choices for the model remain the same as the mid-grade Ultra Hybrid: Hamilton White, Golden Black, Glacier Blue, Smoke Grey, Azure Blue and Mars Red.

According to GWM Australia, first shipments of the new Jolion variant are already en route Down Under with stock available in showrooms nationally in the coming weeks.

All GWM Haval Jolion variants are backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance and capped-price servicing bundle. The battery pack of the HEV duo is warranted for eight years.

GWM sold 8,217 examples of the Jolion (including petrol and petrol-electric variants) in the last calendar year, placing the vehicle in seventh position within the SUV Small under $40K category.

In 2022, the popular seg-

ment was topped by the MG ZS with 22,466 registrations ahead of the Mazda CX-30 (13,891 units), Mitsubishi ASX (12,753 units), Hyundai Kona (11,538 units), Subaru XV (9,090) and Kia Seltos (8,504).

The top 10 was rounded out by the Toyota C-HR (7,977 units) and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (5973 units).

2023 GWM Haval Jolion pricing*:

Premium (a) $28,490 -

Lux (a) $30,990 -

Ultra (a) $33,990 -

Lux Hybrid (a)....... $36,990 .... New variant

S (a) $36,990 -

Ultra Hybrid (a) $39,990 (-$1000)

*National drive-away price.

Regards exercise, is walking enough?

„ THE CONVERSATION

WE all know we need to exercise to stay fit and strong, stave off disease and maintain a healthy weight.

Walking is the most popular physical activity undertaken by Australian adults. It’s free, easy, and can be done almost anywhere.

Walking leads to a remarkable reduction in the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, arthritis, depression, anxiety and insomnia, and premature death from all causes.

The health benefits of walking stem from the changes that occur in our body systems as a result of exercising. For some of these health conditions, fitness has been shown to be a particularly important factor for prevention.

The term fitness is quite often used to describe aerobic fitness, but having a high level of fitness actually refers to all components of health-related physical fitness which includes muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, and of course aerobic (or heart) fitness. So is walking enough in terms of the exercise we need?

Aerobic fitness

An analysis of studies on walking showed it improves aerobic fitnesswhich is technically the ability of the heart to get oxygen to our muscles and how effectively our muscles use that oxygen.

But to be effective, walking needs to be of at least moderate intensity, which means an intensity where you’re able to notice your breathing but can carry on a conversation without noticeable pauses between words. For many, this is a brisk walk.

Greater improvements in aerobic fitness can be achieved when walking at a vigorous intensity, where you can converse with a friend, but it will be interrupted with noticeable pauses between words to take a breath.

The good news is that you don’t need to walk at a vigorous intensity for health or aerobic fitness benefits.

Walking at a moderate intensity will increase your aerobic fitness and, more importantly, your endurance (the ability to carry out activities for longer with less fatigue).

This is because it allows your body to burn fat more efficiently, improves delivery and use of oxygen in the muscles, and improves mitochondria density and efficiency (these are producers of energy in our body), all leading to greater capacity to undertake tasks with less fatigue.

Walking briskly for 30 minutes five days per week can improve aerobic fitness. Each walking bout doesn’t need to be long though; walking for ten minutes three times per day is as beneficial as walking for 30 minutes in one go.

Strength

Walking is not a strength-based exercise, but if you haven’t exercised in a while, you’ll notice gains in leg strength as a result of regular walking.

Although benefits in strength are modest, research shows walking 30 minutes five days per week at a moderate intensity helps to prevent sarcopenia (age-related loss in muscle size and strength).

You can increase the demand on your lower body muscles, bones and tendons to keep them strong by introducing hills, choosing to take the stairs, walking on undulating terrain, or even carrying a comfortable backpack.

But maximum strength gains will come from introducing some form of body-weight or gym-based resistance training exercise.

Flexibility

Walking does not lead to significant gains in joint flexibility, but walking regularly does have positive effects on your joints. Weight-bearing exercise, including walking, increases lubrication and delivery of nutrition to your joints.

Research shows that walking regularly reduces pain and disability for adults suffering from knee arthritis; and moderate intensity exercise can protect against the development of joint degeneration.

Body weight

Moderate intensity walking can prevent weight gain and assist in maintaining a healthy weight in as little as 150 minutes per week. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 250 minutes or more exercise to lose a modest amount of weight, but the more you do, the more you’ll lose.

There are plenty of reasons to walk, we’ve been doing it since the dawn of time, well before the first gym opened. Walking is an organic, natural, gluten free, fat free, toxin free, meditative experience that delivers far more health benefits than most other decisions you’ll make today.

www.theconversation.com.au.

Authors: Megan Teychenne is Senior Lecturer, Physical Activity and Health, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University. Clint Miller is Lecturer, Clinical Exercise Physiology, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University.