Photo: Peter Thorpe, Penrith RSL Camera Club
Blacktown Walking Festival supporting Youth Mental Health
BY NOEL ROWSELL
CHRIS Barton hosted his annual Walking Festival at Blacktown International Sports Park over the 12-13 April, with more than #500 people attending over the 24-hour period to walk 50km, 100km or their own chosen distance, to help raise funds for combating ‘Youth Mental Health’.
“To date, we have raised $50,000, with a final realistic target of $75 000,’ said Chris.
“All funds to go to Youth Mental Health in Western Sydney.
“Former Australian Olympian Melissa Wu was the Ambassador for the event and also completed the 100km walk, along with myself and 6 other walkers.
“120 participated in the 50km event and we had Blacktown City Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Brad Bunting and Bob Fitzgerald, Warren Kirby MP and Stephen Bali MP, along with staff from BREED Australia.
“Charlotte’s Wish Community was also involved and brought an amazing community to the event.
“Next year’s plans are to be bigger and better and to raise more funds,” said Chris.
Blacktown Lions and Blacktown City Council were both major sponsors of the event.
The Walk Festival’s fund-raising information can be found on the event web page https:// walkfestival.com.au/
#Attendance was up from 270 people in 2024.
Kids Helpline’s 2024 Impact Report highlights kids’ mental health distress
KIDS HELPLINE, a service of yourtown, draws on latest data to reveal a rapidly evolving mental health landscape with the launch of the 2024 Kids Helpline Impact Report.
“Our latest data reveals overall, that one in six counselling contacts in the past 12 months was related to suicidal thoughts,” said yourtown CEO Tracy Adams.
“The statistics captured in the 2024 Kids Helpline Impact Report outline the prevalence of deep distress in children and young people resulting in counselling presentations for a range of issues including suicidal thoughts, child abuse, and sextortion. Children as young as seven are among the 11,682 Kids Helpline counselling contacts related to thoughts of suicide in 2024,” Ms Adams said.
“Disturbingly, the children making
contact to Kids Helpline for suiciderelated concerns are getting younger and younger. We have seen a 5% increase in the contacts made by 11-year-old children in relation to suicide-related issues since 2019,” Ms Adams continued.
“The data also highlights a rise in safety interventions, with 4,632 safety interventions undertaken in 2024, a 19% increase compared to 2023, increasing from 3,893 to 4,632 which is approximately 89 interventions every week.
“There has been an alarming surge in young people — driven by school aged children — at risk of a suicide attempt contacting Kids Helpline. Counsellors undertook 1,803 crisis or emergency interventions in 2024 to protect young people facing an imminent risk of harm from a suicide attempt — up from 573
a decade ago (2014).
“With 75% of all Kids Helpline responses by counsellors now occurring outside normal business hours, it highlights the importance of the safety net role being played by Kids Helpline for all of our communities,” said Ms Adams.
Ms Adams continued “It is clear there is a need for greater funding across different levels of government for Kids Helpline to allow us to provide professional support and information to children, young people and their families about how to manage their wellbeing and mental health. Critically, this funding needs to support all elements of help seeking, including counselling, self-help and education for parents.”
“Disappointingly, with this level of demand from children and young
people, we can report that of the six states and two territories in Australia, Kids Helpline received funding from three States – New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia in 2024,” Ms Adams said.
“Ms Adams concluded, yourtown along with many key youth mental health sector organisations support Mental Health Australia’s call for free mental health care for all children and young people and have identified key areas for urgent reform and investment in mental health to address this crisis.
“We are eager to work with the next federal government to attempt to build a stronger youth mental health system.”
Read the Kids Helpline Impact Report in full here: https:// kidshelpline.com.au/impactreport-2024
Centre - Melissa Wu (5-time Australian Olympian and Walk Festival Ambassador), 2nd from right - Chris Barton, far right - Gus Nehme (Board member of BREED). Photo by Noel Rowsell
Aunty Edna’s work preserving First Nations culture rewarded with top honour
AFirst Nations woman who overcame discrimination and dedicated herself to teaching language and culture so it was not lost has been awarded Blacktown City’s highest honour.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting presented Aunty Edna Watson OAM with the Key to Blacktown City this month for her service teaching and championing Dharug language, knowledge and cultural practice. She was particularly active in Mount Druitt.
Aunty Edna began teaching people she knew from her garage, before her stories and skills became sought by schools, TAFE and universities.
Mayor Bunting said the Blacktown City community had much to be thankful for.
“Aunty Edna’s work to pass on the language, stories and knowledge of Dharug culture helps the next generation of First Nations people understand their roots and appreciate their identity,” he said.
“It is important that Council recognises Aunty Edna for her efforts to help all of our community better understand the world’s oldest living culture.”
Aunty Edna has been a guest speaker at Council events such as NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week, and her artwork has featured in Council publications.
As a girl, Aunty Edna was not taught Dharug. Her mother chose not to do so for fear the authorities would take her children away.
When Aunty Edna learned about First Nations
Seven Hills / Toongabbie / Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch
2025 ANZAC DAY SERVICE
On behalf of the Seven Hills Toongabbie Wentworthville RSL Sub-Branch we will be holding our Anzac Day Commemoration Service at the Seven Hills RSL on Friday 25th April 2025
In the early hours of 25th April 1915 soldiers and sailors from Australia and New Zealand made an amphibious invasion on the Gallipoli Peninsula, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish soldiers. Over 8000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers were killed. Today 110 years on, this ANZAC Day Friday 25 April 2025, we pay tribute to these fallen ANZACS, their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Since WW1 our service personnel have died in the conflicts of World War 2, Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and Afghanistan dash, they must not be forgotten. Many Local residents of the Seven Hills, Toongabbie and Wentworthville area took up the call. The names of those residents from these conflicts who never returned are etched in the Seven Hills, Toongabbie RSL Memorial Garden, Grantham Heritage Park War Memorial, the Toongabbie and Wentworthville Memorials.
The Service will commence with a street march from Boomerang Place Seven Hills. Marchers to assemble at 5am and 5.30am proceed along Best Road to the Seven Hills Club Grounds. Those anticipating to be in the March have to be ready by 5.30am
At the conclusion of the march, the Dawn Service will commence at 6am.
Those wanting to lay a wreath, please contact the sub-Branch so that we can call out your name. Everyone attending this Service is welcome into the club for Breakfast. Tickets will be made available for those in attendance at the front door and sub- branch members in the foyer.
culture later in life she began teaching from home to ensure it was not lost to her people.
She visited schools in Western Sydney promoting First Nations culture and later developed Dharug curriculum for the NSW Department of Education.
This year Aunty Edna was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the First Nations community of NSW.
Daughter Leanne Mulgo Redpath said Aunty Edna’s family was determined to continue the tradition of teaching their culture.
Leanne is carrying on the family business Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation while granddaughter Rhiannon Wright works as an Aboriginal education officer in public schools and teaches the Dharug language.
Aunty Edna and Mayor Bunting.
Aunty Edna, family and Mayor Bunting.
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From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
They did us proud; now time to support them
OUR local veterans, who have served across many theatres of war, were exposed to some pretty horrific sights during their service. They were separated from their family and friends at home, they were placed in unfamiliar places, eating unfamiliar food and sleeping on unfamiliar bedding. They lived on high alert, ever watchful in readiness for any incoming threat. Many were physically injured and saw mates physically injured...or killed.
It is really no surprise that many who returned “safely” bore mental scars from the experience. Understandably, PTSD is rife in the returned services community. There are some really good support services around and that is a great thing. Governments run enquiries, reports and studies on the statistics of Defence Force members and veterans who take their own lives. The reality is though, more needs to be done to assist those who sacrificed all they had for our country. So many still live their life on the edge, and the depression and suicide rate amongst veterans is confronting.
Local sub-Branch members are able to assist in lining local veterans up with veteran support services. They are also a good point of contact for anyone wishing to donate to the organisations that have formed with a focus on supporting veterans dealing with post-war issues.
If you’d like to assist our defence forces currently serving overseas, reach out to St Marys RSL sub-Branch (located at “the train” at St Marys Diggers) and ask if you can contribute to the care packages they send out.
Blacktown RSL sub-Branch can be contacted on BlacktownSB@rslnsw.org.au or 0410 666 965.
St Marys RSL sub-Branch can be contacted on St-MarysSB@rslnsw.org.au or (02) 9623 6555.
We Will Remember Them Lest We Forget
The Future of Western Sydney, Blacktown City is at the heart of it
BY MAYOR OF BLACKTOWN CITY, BRAD BUNTING
THE Future
Western Sydney event in Blacktown city centre featured the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and other key decisionmakers discussing the future of our region.
It is a welcome acknowledgement of what we in Blacktown have long known that the future of our state and our nation is being built right here in Western Sydney.
Western Sydney is Australia’s thirdlargest economy, and we are growing faster than almost anywhere else in the country.
Government and business must continue to invest where the growth is.
In Blacktown City alone, our population is expected to grow from around 435 thousand people to beyond 600 thousand, that’s bigger than Tasmania.
With a booming population and one of the most diverse, dynamic, and ambitious communities in the country,
Blacktown City represents both the future workforce and the future opportunity. This growth brings enormous potential but also significant pressure on infrastructure, services, and jobs that must be carefully planned for and supported.
We need transport funding so people get to work and home faster.
We need funding for community infrastructure and quality access to open space.
We need investment in health, education, and local job creation to ensure people can live, work and thrive locally.
This event recognised that Western Sydney is a region of many communities, with shared aspirations and distinct challenges.
Blacktown City is proud to be part of that conversation.
We thank all those who came to Blacktown for the event. We’ll keep advocating for fair investment that reflects the scale of our growth and the aspirations of our people.
ANZAC TRIBUTE
IF ONLY WE HAD KNOWN
BY TOMAS (PADDY) HAMILTON
Sydney Heads came into view, we were finally home
So many comrades left behind, to rest ‘neath foreign loam
Yet with all the cheering, the laughter and the toasts
Our nation shared the burden, of sixty thousand ghosts
Each of us a father, a brother, or a son
Everyone a volunteer, our duty we’d not shun
A tin leg my souvenir, that came at such a price
For the soldier always loses, when the devil rolls the dice
The newspapers sang out our praise. ”Heroes of the day!”
But the nightmares and the shaking, would never go away
Though we tried to settle down, some just could not cope
A simple funeral notice, for those who gave up hope
I was soon to realise, my dreams I would forgo
A new suit and a ticket home, were all I had to show
With little time to settle down, I was back to planting crops
For a one legged farmer, it seems life never stops
We had all bravely faced, the horrors of mankind
The memories of the western front, would always haunt my mind
We were part of history, victors on the throne
We won the war to end all wars.
WELL - IF ONLY WE HAD KNOWN !
ANZAC TRIBUTE
THE ODE OF REMEMBRANCE
The Ode of Remembrance is a poem that is commonly recited at Anzac Day services to commemorate wartime sacrifice.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
The Ode comes from For the Fallen, a poem by English poet and writer Laurence Binyon. The poem was first published in The Times on 21 September 1914. It was later published in the Winnowing Fan - Poems of the Great War. By mid-September 1914, less than seven weeks after the outbreak of war, the British Expeditionary Force in France had already suffered severe casualties. Long lists of the dead and wounded appeared in British newspapers. It was against this background that Binyon wrote For the Fallen.
The Ode is the fourth stanza of the poem. The verse, which became the League Ode, was already used in association with Anzac Day commemoration services in Australia in 1921.
New indoor pool to help Western Sydney beat the heat
MOUNT DRUITT Swimming Centre will receive the biggest upgrade in its 50year history including the addition of an indoor learn-to-swim pool.
Blacktown City Council has unveiled draft designs of the proposed $40.6 million redevelopment, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.
The works will allow the community to enjoy the centre throughout the year in what is currently a seasonal venue.
The plans include:
- a 25m indoor learn-to-swim pool for children and adults
- refurbishment of the 50m outdoor pool
- inclusive amenities and changerooms, as well as spaces for community meetings.
- a new kiosk which will serve people in the pool area and outside the venue
- landscape improvements
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting – a proud Mount Druitt resident – said the redevelopment would modernise
the venue to meet future demand.
“Blacktown City has the biggest population of any council in NSW and is growing rapidly, so it’s imperative we provide quality facilities,” he said.
“Swimming is a life skill and there will be more opportunities to learn and practise with these wide-ranging plans.
“We saw how much the community loves Mount Druitt Swimming Centre at its 50th anniversary celebrations in March, and this redevelopment will ensure it serves us well for another 50 years and beyond.”
Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla said the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre would continue to be a place where generations come together for fun, fitness, and friendship.
“I am thrilled the Minns Labor Government has committed $40.6 million to this renewal, including the addition of a brand-new indoor pool.
“This investment ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy this vital community asset, making it an even greater hub for recreation, wellbeing, and connection.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the people of Mount Druitt.”
The work is expected to begin in 2026 and will take about 18 months.
Architect Lippman Partnership is designing a modern facility within its natural landscape.
Principal architect Ed Lippmann said: “The renewed Mount Druitt Swimming Centre will make a significant contribution to the public realm and help strengthen Mount Druitt’s urban centre.”
The Mount Druitt Pool Action Group has long advocated for the future of the venue and member Sandra McAndrew was pleased with the plans.
“The Mount Druitt Pool Action Group is happy to see that Council has listened to the community and the future of the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre has been secured,” she said.
“The new complex will be of great benefit to the local community for recreation, swimming lessons and for the many schools that use Mount Druitt Swimming Centre.”
The centre redevelopment, the recently-announced expanded library and community hub and another to be announced soon represent $86.9 million in Western Sydney
Infrastructure Grants projects for Mount Druitt town centre.
These are all part of Council’s masterplan for the town centre.
This masterplan improves pedestrian and vehicle access around the town centre while retaining its parkland atmosphere.
Community consultation has already played an important part in the draft design.
Pool users and others have provided feedback through drop-in sessions, stalls at council events and online surveys.
Consultation is continuing and the community is invited to give feedback at these upcoming drop-in sessions:
• Wednesday 7 May 2025, 9.30 am – 11.30 am, Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub
• Saturday 10 May 2025, 9.30 am –11.30 am, Dawson Mall, Mount Druitt Mount Druitt Swimming Centre is cherished by the community for its parkland feel and quirky events such as the Blacktown City Family Fish In and Dive In Movie nights.
Built by the NSW Government’s State Planning Authority, the venue opened in 1975 and has been managed and maintained by Council since.
Blacktown City Council takes major steps towards better mobile coverage in North-West Sydney
BLACKTOWN City Council has taken a major step towards improving mobile phone coverage in the city’s north-west, releasing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for telecommunications providers to build and operate towers at up to 13 Council-owned sites.
The move reflects Council’s commitment to enabling improved mobile and internet coverage for the rapidly growing local community, particularly in high-growth suburbs where demand for reliable services has increased rapidly.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, said the launch of the EOI is in direct response to feedback from the community, and it reflects Council’s strong partnership with the Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, local Federal Member for Greenway and Minister for Communications.
“We’ve heard from residents and we’re acting,” Mayor Bunting said. “Improving connectivity, by enabling better access to mobile and broadband services, is essential, not just for daily life, but for safety, education, health and business. I want to thank Minister Rowland for her tireless advocacy and for working with us to deliver meaningful improvements for our community.”
The full list of sites is available below and
on Council’s website and through the official procurement portal.
This project isn’t just about adding infrastructure, it’s about delivering it smarter,” Mayor Bunting said. “We’re focused on improving mobile access, reducing the impact on community and ensuring local land generates value that comes back to the community.”
Council is seeking expressions of interest from experienced providers who can demonstrate technical capability, innovative design, and a commitment to meeting community needs.
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit detailed bids through a Request for Tender (RFT) process, expected to begin in mid-2025.
Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland welcomed the EOI and commended the progress being made.
“This is an important milestone for North West Sydney and its surrounding areas. I thank Mayor Brad Bunting and Blacktown City Council for listening to community feedback and acting to help facilitate solutions for these coverage gaps. We have worked on this for some time and this is how communities, governments and councils should work together,” she said.
The EOI closes on 7 May 2025
The proposed tower locations include:
1. Campbell Park Reserve Richmond Road, off William Street, Blacktown 2148
2. Eastern Creek, Great Western Highway, Eastern Creek NSW 2766
3. Minchinbury Reserve 22 Minchin Drive, Minchinbury NSW 2770
4. Hanna Reserve Oakhurst NSW 2761
5. Corbin Reserve Pye Road, Quakers Hill NSW 2763
6. Reservoir Road, Off Bristol Circuit, Blacktown NSW 2148
7. Stanhope Gardens Reserve, Stanhope Parkway, Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
8. Blacktown International Sports Park, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill NSW 2766
9. Douglas Reserve, Ridgeline Drive opposite Eumina Street, The Ponds NSW 2769
10. Ken Birdsey Park, Sciberras Avenue, Schofields NSW 2762
11. Rouse Road, Rouse Hill NSW 2155
12. Marsden Park, Off Bolwarra Drive, Marsden Park NSW 2765
13. Melonba, Off Jackwood Crescent, Melonba NSW 2765
Cr Dorothy Del Villar, Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla, Cr Talia Amituanai and Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting.
Blacktown City Festival celebrates 50 years of community, culture, and connection
BLACKTOWN City is set to mark a major milestone in 2025, as the Blacktown City Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary - five decades of fun, family and community pride.
What began in 1975 as a small event has grown into one of the largest and longest-running community festivals in Western Sydney, showcasing the vibrant diversity, creativity and spirit of Blacktown.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Brad Bunting, said the 50year celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the Festival’s proud history and it’s time to look to an even brighter future.
“For 50 years, the Blacktown City Festival has brought our community together,” Mayor Bunting said.
“It has evolved from humble beginnings into a signature event that attracts thousands of visitors and highlights everything that makes Blacktown City such a diverse and welcoming place.”
This year’s Festival will be bigger than ever, with events across May culminating in the Blacktown City Streets Alive and Parade Day on Saturday 31 May 2025 in the Blacktown city centre.
Streets Alive and Parade Day promises something for everyone, live music, street performers, rides, food trucks, market stalls, roving
entertainers, and family-friendly activities.
In honour of the 50th anniversary, the Festival will also feature special exhibitions and storytelling projects, highlighting the people, places, and moments that have shaped the event over five decades.
Festival Highlights:
• Grave Secrets Ghost Tour: held at St Bartholomew’s Church and Cemetery, Prospect, on Saturday 3 May. Built in the 1830s, this historic site sets the scene for a spine-tingling evening of storytelling and ghosthunting, guided by paranormal experts. The 3.5-hour experience explores eerie tales and colonial-era mysteries, and is expected to sell out.
• Vibes by the Lake: Sunday 4 May, Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. This event features top R’n’B and reggae musicians set against the serene backdrop of one of our city’s most beautiful reserves.
• Blacktown Festival Comedy Night: prepare for an evening of laughter on Friday 9 May at Blacktown Workers Club, headlined by comedy master Simon Kennedy and supported by Aditya Gautam, Ben Darsow, Lizzy Hoo, Dilruk Jayasinha and Danielle Walker.
• Sweet Indulgence Dessert Festival: Friday 16 May. The Village Green in Blacktown will transform into a dessert lover’s paradise, offering delectable treats and live entertainment.
• Swingin’ Sounds: Sunday 18 May, Blacktown Showground. Rat Pack Reloaded is a great afternoon of big band swingin’ fun. All the iconic hits like That’s Amore, New York New York, My Way, Feeling Good, Volare, Viva Las Vegas and Come Fly with Me. Rat Pack Reloaded is hailed as the most entertaining feel good show of the year.
• Blacktown City Medieval Fayre: celebrate the 20th year of this festival favourite on Saturday 24 May and Sunday 25 May at Nurragingy Reserve. See knights in shining armour compete in epic battles of strength, skill and bravery in both stand-up battles and incredible jousting competitions, which features riders from all over the country fighting for the title. Immerse yourself in medieval culture through the feathered friends show, medieval displays, combat artillery, handmade arts and crafts, a working blacksmith and woodturners village and medieval-themed food. All the pageantry of a bygone era. An event not to be missed.
• Seniors Concert - Bublé to Brightman: a musical journey on Tuesday 27 May celebrating classics from Michael Bublé to Sarah Brightman. An unforgettable experience at Blacktown’s Bowman Hall.
• Dorothy the Dinosaur & Friends Show: Wednesday, 28 May, Bowman Hall, Blacktown. Romp
Bomp a Stomp with Dorothy the Dinosaur and her friends including Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus. Get ready for a mega mix of Wiggly dance hits including all The Wiggles’ greatest hits like Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Hot Potato and Do the Propeller.
• The Last Coconut Drifted with Morgan Hogg: open until 21 June, Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre. Cook Islands artist Morgan Hogg weaves stories of culture, family and heritage in this powerful display. Step into a world of sound, video, carving and community where every piece tells a story passed from one generation to the next.
• Streets Alive and Parade Day: concluding the festival on Saturday 31 May, the streets of Blacktown will come alive with performers, markets, and children’s activities, showcasing the diversity of our community.
Blacktown City Libraries is celebrating the history of the Festival with an exhibition showcasing memorable moments from the last 50 years.
With more events than ever before including theatre, workshops, craft markets, exhibitions, music showcases and more, the 2025 Blacktown City Festival promises to be a landmark moment in the life of the City.
To view the program, book tickets and find out how to get involved, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ festival
Locomotives at St Marys
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
DURING 1943 the Commonwealth Department of Munitions imported four diesel-electric locomotives built by the General Electric Company from the USA for use as shunters at St Marys. These were the first diesel-electric locomotives in service in Australia and were obtained under the Lend-Lease system. After WW2 they were taken over by the New South Wales Railways where they were used in the Sydney passenger yards as the 79-class and retaining their original numbers. The NSW railways date from December 1831 when the Australian Agricultural Company officially opened Australia’s first railway located at the intersection of Brown and Church Streets in Newcastle. It was privately owned and operated to service the A Pit coal mine and was a cast-iron fish belly rail on an inclined plane as a gravitational railway. A Fish belly rail was an early form of rail for railways and made from short sections of cast iron between stone block sleepers. The first public Main Western line was built from Sydney to Parramatta Junction in Granville and opened in 1855. Much of the construction of the Main Western, Main Southern and Main North lines were completed under the supervision of John Whitton the Engineer-in-Charge who was considered the Father of the NSW railways serving between 1856 and 1899. The Main Western line was then extended from Granville to Parramatta station and Blacktown in 1860 and Penrith in 1863. In September 1901 at a regular St Marys Council meeting, those present were the Mayor Aldermen G Turner and Aldermen Bennett, Carpenter, Innes, Giles and Millen. A petition signed by some 40 people was read asking that steps be taken in conjunction with Penrith Council to ask the Railway Commissioners to provide an early morning (workmen’s) train to arrive at Redfern in time for people to start work at 8 am because at present the train was of no use to workmen. Consequently people would not reside in the district but if an earlier train was added more people would live here. The Mayor explained that he was waiting a reply from Mr Thomas Richard Smith as he had written to him asking him to see the Mayor of Penrith in reference to a deputation to the Commissioners on the 17th or 18th of September and he would represent St Marys while Penrith, Kingswood, Mt Druitt and Rooty Hill would also be represented as all these places would all be affected by the train. If they wanted workmen to reside in the district they should offer them an inducement and presently there was nothing in the way of railway conveniences. He thought a workmen’s train would benefit not only the district but the Railway Department as well. Alderman Giles pointed out the importance of urging the addition of the train before 7th October when the new timetable would come into operation, as the commissioners did not care to interfere with a timetable after it had been framed. He moved that the petition be received and Alderman Carpenter seconded. Alderman Bennett thought there was no hope of getting
the train as the extra trains that were added lately were now running nearly empty. Alderman Giles mentioned that they put them on at the wrong end of the day. Alderman Bennett said it would be well to consider whether the request was a reasonable one. He himself placed little value on petitions because signatures could be obtained for anything. In glancing at the signatures he said he could hardly find the name of one person who would use the train. The Mayor said he thought the workmen’s train would pay. Alderman Carpenter agreed with Alderman Bennett that a lot of the people who signed the petition would never use the train. The Mayor said that if they signed the petition they could be travelers on the train or they signed it to benefit the people of the district and he would sign it for that purpose. Alderman Giles explained they need not necessarily ask for an extra train if the mail train from Bathurst left a little later and it could serve as a workmen’s train for the people between Penrith and Blacktown. Alderman Millen said that at the recent deputation of tanners he asked Mr Smith to mention the matter of the mail train being used as a workmen’s train but the Commissioners would not listen to it and if we were to get anything it would have to be an extra train. He asked if the Mayor had written to the Penrith Council on the matter. The Mayor said he had only written to Mr Smith our member of the district. Alderman Millen moved that the whole matter of the deputation and petition be left in the Mayor’s hands that was seconded by Alderman Carpenter and the motion was carried. Photo of a diesel-electric locomotive courtesy of the Commonwealth Department of Munitions.
Sources - Wikipedia online, Nepean Times Saturday 14 September 1901
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Photo of a diesel-electric locomotive courtesy of the Commonwealth Department of Munitions.
ALEX SONCINI
TFrom the 60s to Today: First Home Buyers Keep Finding a Way
HE article mentioned the main issues were:
• Young people take years to save the high deposit needed
• Not enough cheap money is available
• Many older homes are empty because they are not acceptable as security
• Land prices are so high that young couples have to build in outlying areas.
These points are all too similar for today.
When my parents bought their first property in the 60’s it was difficult however it seemed affordable. In the 1970’s property seemed affordable even though homes prices were very high. It’s reasonable to suggest that household income had increased significantly, both because wages have typically outpaced inflation, and because there are a lot more women in the workforce which made servicing a mortgage easier for the period.
In the 1980’s people said don’t buy property anymore and our children will never be able to afford to buy a home and every decade since then have been the same cries.
However every year many first home buyers get into the market, and more than ever have been entering the market recently.
The first homeowner grant in its current format has been around since the 2000’s and makes housing more affordable for new entrants to the market.
It is difficult to save a deposit, but is housing unaffordable or are expectations for the first home too high?
It’s probably no surprise to anyone that house prices have gone up significantly over the last 50 years. We hear this daily in the news and media.
What can be said is that, assuming you have enough money for a deposit and can service the loan amount, you can get a competitive interest rate. Servicing a mortgage is in all cases is easier today than it was in the 1990’s when residential interest rates peaked at 17% during the recession.
Here are some important steps to take on your path to successful homeownership.
• Understand your borrowing power
o Calculating your borrowing power is an important part of applying for a home loan that can be as simple as using an online borrowing power calculator. Lenders typically determine borrowing power by considering factors such as the size of your deposit, your income and any ongoing financial commitments.
o More borrowing power means more options and actions such as reducing the limit on your credit card can help you increase your borrowing power.
• Get home loan pre-approval
o Home loan pre-approval can help make sure you don’t miss out on securing your dream property when the time is right.
o Most pre-approvals will be subject to you
finding a suitable property. While you’re not obliged to take the loan, having pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious about buying.
o Some lenders offer an indicative pre-approval online. While this isn’t a formal pre-approval, it can be a useful guide as to whether the lender is likely to pre-approve you for the loan.
• Be prepared to wait
o With demand outweighing supply in the current property market, those looking to buy this year may need more patience.
o And because buying a home is a big investment that comes with high changeover costs, you want confidence in your purchase decision.
• Seek advice
o From upfront buying costs to taxes, mortgage applications and settlement requirements, there’s a lot for first home buyers to learn before making any big decisions.
o Speaking with a mortgage or finance broker can help you understand the buying process, get your finances in order and find the right home loan for your circumstances.
Buying your first home might be closer than you think — contact Alex Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.”
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Chayse Thorpe finishes top ten in Australian Junior Amateur
BY NOEL ROWSELL
RICHMOND’S Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC) has finished in a tie for 9th place in the 2025 Australian Junior Amateur, which was played at Indooroopilly GC (QLD) over the 15-18 April.
Chayse was in or about the Top Ten all week, shooting rounds of 72/72/74/71 to finish at 1-over-par 289, just 6 shots back from joint leaders Cooper Moore (Clearwater, NZ) and Cooper Giddings (Dubbo, NSW) on 283.
Moore would go on to win the title on the third playoff hole.
Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) shot rounds of 76/72/71/76 = 295 to finish 27th and Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) shot 74/74/73/76 = 297 to finish in a tie for 30th position.
Former Schofields resident Camilla Kim (The Australian GC) was in a share of the lead from Day 1, shooting 71/71/73 to hold the overnight lead coming into Day 4. Camilla shot a 3-over-par 75 on the final day, allowing Raegan Denton (Royal Adelaide GC) and Rachel Lee (Avondale GC) to both draw level, with all three players finishing on 291.
Raegan would subsequently win the title on the 1st playoff hole, with Camilla and Rachel sharing 2nd position.
As some consolation, Camilla was never headed in the Under 16 Girls division, finishing a clear champion with a 5-shot gap on the field.
THE Australian Polo Federation (APF) Women’s Selection Committee has announced the six squad members who will represent Australia at the II Federation of International Polo Women’s World Championships, which are taking in place in Italy later this year.
Windsor locals Anna Dowling and Piper Trickett have both been named in the Australian squad, whilst another local, Katie Edmeades, has been selected as one of the team managers.
The full Australian squad is Lucia Gilmore (NSW), Ashley Glennie (NSW), Indiana Bennetto (QLD), Kirstie Otamendi (WA), Anna Dowling (NSW), Piper Trickett (NSW).
The team coaches are Glen Gilmore and Tom Martin; and the team managers are Peter White and Katie Edmeades.
Local Players chosen in Australian Women’s Polo Team
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Chayse Thorpe in the 2025 Major Pennant Final. File photo courtesy of David Tease / Golf NSW
Local golfers compete in Academy Games
BY NOEL ROWSELL
67 Juniors (55 boys, 12 girls) from 12 Regional Academies from across the state have competed at the Regional Academy Games last weekend, playing at Tamworth and Longyard golf clubs in Northwest New South Wales.
The Western Sydney Academy of Sport (WSAS) was represented by reigning girls champion Savannah Webb, Sean Sammons, Zachary Isaako and Jack Gillett from Stonecutters Ridge GC), Jake Thompson (Leonay GC), Jesse Hardaker (Wentworth Falls CC), Jessica Fog (Penrith GC), Luke Carruthers (Dunheved GC) and Blake Komorowski (Castle Hill CC).
Blake Komorowski did best for WSAS in the Boy’s Individual Strokeplay competition, finishing in a tie for 5th position, ahead of Luke Carruthers in a tie for 7th, Jake Thompson in a tie for 12th and Jack Gillett in a tie for 14th.
Day 2 was a huge success for Luke Carruthers, who shot his first-ever sub-par round and subsequently moving 16 spots up the leaderboard to finish just outside the Top Ten.
Savannah Webb finished 2nd in the Girls division, ahead of Jessica Fog in 4th.
Suzanne Fairhurst (Stonecutters Ridge GC) and 14-yearold junior Evelyn Oram (Richmond GC) both competed in the 2025 Australian Medal, which was held over 10-11 April at the Australian GC.
Outstanding junior Ella Scaysbrook (The Australian GC) streeted the field, shooting a score of 9-under-par 139 to win by an overwhelming 15-shot margin.
Suzanne finished in 7th spot and Evie 38th, from a field of 84 starters.
Ellerston White captures the 2025 Morton Cup
KIM McDougall from M Polo Management reports, “What a magnificent two weeks it’s been in the Hawkesbury. I think we definitely broke some records, with 54 teams playing in the first week, including 16 teams in the NSWPA Women’s Tournament. We had players from every single state represented and from across the globe.
“As the high goal polo rolls out, an exciting
concept for the Hawkesbury rolls in – enter the Hawkesbury league. Get ready for 6 weekends of competitive polo and it all kicks off next weekend.
The Finals of the Morton Cup (18-goal), M.K. Milne (10-goal) and Silver Bullet (6-goal) competitions were held at Windsor Polo Club on Sunday, with a huge crowd in attendance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some excellent Polo.
Morton Cup - Ellerston White (David Paradice, Will Harper, James Harper, Tomas Beresford) defeated Jemalong 8-5 in the Final, whilst Arunga
defeated Standing Rock 8.5-5 in the Subsidiary Final.
Aanuka Beach House (Nick Wills, Ed Goold, Jack Archibald, Ollie Cork) defeated Ellerston Blue 7-6 in the Final of the M.K. Milne, whilst Town & Country defeated Vallex 7-5.5 in the Subsidiary Final.
The Pines (John Prendiville, Piper Trickett, Dylan Jones, Thomas Martin) defeated Vallex 7.5-7 in the Silver Bullet Final, whilst Bella Polo defeated AYC 10-8 in the Subsidiary Final.
Luke Carruthers and Savannah Webb. File photos by Noel Rowsell and Ethan Keane / JNJG
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Action from the Morton Cup Final. Photos by Noel Rowsell
Mitch Mallia and Jak O’Brien ignite Blacktown City!
BY BOB TURNER
AJAK O’Brien double and another Mitch Mallia strike led a strong fightback for Blacktown City on Sunday for an impressive 3-2 comeback win over St George FC at Landen Stadium. The win elevates Blacktown to equal third on the ladder with the first third of the season now completed. Marconi leads the pack yet to lose a game with a 7-3-0 record followed by NWS Spirit on 6-3-1. Blacktown and Rockdale both sit on 5-3-2 heading into the middle third of the Premier League.
The two goals by O’Brien showed his confidence is coming back after finishing second in the NSW Premier League goal scoring last season. His goal the week before against Sutherland will be in the running for ‘Goal of the Year’ with a sensational strike for the winning goal. Mitch Mallia is in great form with two goals mid-week against UNSW and another against St George to seal the win for Blacktown.
Both St George and Blacktown were pushing their attack early in the hopes of getting an early goal, but each defence shut down any chances close to goal. St George finally opened the scoring just before the half hour mark as Justin Boon found his way past a thick Blacktown defence to hit the back of the net.
Blacktown didn’t stay down for long and found an equaliser just five minutes later courtesy of Jak O’Brien. St George went into the halfway break up 2-1 courtesy of a cheeky chip over Blacktown keeper Cayden Henderson in the 41st minute.
Blacktown came back from the sheds with goals on their mind and almost levelled the scoring within minutes, but the early goal was waved off by the offside flag. Adam Berry’s 52nd minute strike went
into the hands of Axford, while an impressive bicycle kick from Mitch Mallia went over the crossbar. The consistent pressure and some choice substitutions from Blacktown coach Mark Crittenden finally paid off as Danny Choi produced a brilliant cross to Jak O’Brien, who easily tapped it in for his second of the night.
The home side kept up the pressure, with Choi almost bagging a goal of his own but his shot was deflected out for a corner with 30 minutes to play.
Blacktown finally took the lead for the first time all match with 15 minutes to go. Mallia capitalised on some scrappy attack in the box to sneak it past the keeper and snatch a 3-2 advantage.
Blacktown’s first game in the Australia Cup saw the team play four home games in the space of two weeks putting the depth of the squad to the test. A last second goal to Manly started the home stretch for a 1-1 draw followed by a 1-0 win over Sutherland. Blacktown City hosted UNSW in the rounds of the
Australia Cup and qualified into the next round with a convincing 3-0 win led by two Mitch Mallia goals. Blacktown Women showed they are maturing as a unit despite their 1-0 loss to Blacktown Spartans on the weekend. The women will be at home this Saturday, April 20 to host Bankstown. Game time is 5pm at Landen Stadium.
Blacktown Men travel to Popondetta Park this Saturday for a cross-town clash with Mt Druitt Rangers. The Rangers have struggled in the last few weeks with a loss mid-week in the Australia Cup and a 6-0 loss to Apia last weekend. Pride always brings out the best in the Rangers as both sides compete for the Blacktown Mayoral Cup.
Blacktown City will be back home on Sunday, April 27th to host Sydney United and the return of former Blacktown stars, Tristan Prendergast and Mario Shabow. Game time is 3pm at Landen Stadium.
Go Blacktown City!
Mitch Mallia and Jak O’Brien.
Danny Choi.
Mitch Mallia
Landen Stadium – Pre-game. Photos courtesy of Not24Get
