love: Betty and David Trist OAM recently celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary. Story inside.
Outstanding citizens named as Blacktown City celebrates Australia Day
TWO selfless individuals have been named the 2025 Blacktown City Citizens of the Year and an estimated 25,000 people cheered the Australia Day Concert and Fireworks at Rooty Hill.
Homicide victims supporter Paul Wynne of Prospect and Pay It Forward Angels founder Marion Coles of Minchinbury were awarded Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year respectively at Blacktown City Council’s Australia Day Awards at the Civic Centre.
Later, people turned out in droves to the Rooty Hill and enjoyed Aussiethemed games such as thong-throwing and musical performers headlined by Shannon Noll.
A spectacular fireworks display proved a fitting finale.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting was pleased by the strong
participation and community pride.
“Council’s Australia Day festivities attracted people from all backgrounds who showed the vibrant, neighbourly spirit that makes our community great,” he said.
“The unity of Blacktown City people, including those from First Nations communities, is a glowing example of why Australia is such a fantastic place to call home.”
Aboriginal people played a key role on the day and performed Welcome to Country and Corroboree at Councilsupported events.
The first was the Wake Up with the Wildlife Breakfast at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park.
Mayor Bunting and Councillors joined the community in giving koalas and other animals an early feed.
At Bowman Hall at Blacktown, Australia Day Ambassador Professor
Veena Sahajwalla AO shared what the nation means to her before 200 people pledged their allegiance at Council’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
The new Australians came from countries including Fiji, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka.
At the Australia Day Awards, Mayor Brad Bunting was joined by Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, in congratulating recipients.
Paul was part of the committee that set up Grace’s Place at Doonside, which supports child victims of homicide.
He has continued his support as President of the New Leaf Op Shop at Parramatta, which helps fund Grace’s Place.
Paul was Blacktown South Public School Parents & Citizens
President and played Santa at school celebrations for 25 years.
A former police officer, Paul received the National Police Medal, the National Medal and the NSW Police Medal during his career.
Paul is also a Life Member of Prospect United Football Club and former president.
Marion’s Pay It Forward Angels have donated essentials such as food to many people in need.
Using social media, Marion has rallied a volunteer army of about 1,400 people.
Last Christmas, the Pay It Forward Angels distributed more than 400 gifts to people in need.
The awards included the Mount Druitt Family Science Day, organised by Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA), being named Community Event of the Year.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting, Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW and Australia Day Ambassador Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO with Blacktown City Citizen of the Year Paul Wynne and Young Citizen of the Year Marion Coles respectively.
Harman Foundation’s Community Food Pantry and Library Rebuilt for Greater Impact
THE Harman Foundation is proud to announce the transformation of its longstanding Community Food Pantry and Library at the HOPE Multicultural Hub, located at 17 Balmoral Street, Blacktown. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has been a vital lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families in the Westpoint area, providing essential food items and encouraging literacy.
Thanks to the leadership and generous support of Parklea Correctional Centre Governor Wayne Taylor , the pantry and library were rebuilt and upgraded with a waterproof cabinet in January under the management of the prison’s Senior Manager Operational Support Services Michael Pugsley.
This thoughtful donation from MTC Australia, who operate Parklea on behalf of Corrective Services NSW, is a game-changing gift for the community, enhancing the accessibility and durability of this critical resource.
“We’ve been operating this pantry and library for over two years, but we couldn’t afford to make it weatherproof,” said Maninder Singh, Chair of the Harman Foundation.
“This incredible donation from MTC Australia, guided by Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor, has provided a muchneeded upgrade. It’s an amazing gift for the community around the
Westpoint area, ensuring this service can continue to support those in need, rain or shine.”
Governor Taylor said MTC Australia was proud to be able to assist the Harman Foundation by utilising the expertise of overseers in the prison’s metal shop, who helped the inmates construct the cabinet, and the facilities management team, who installed it.
“We have partnered with the Harman Foundation on several community projects over the past couple of years, including providing vegetables grown by inmates for food hampers, and donating wooden toys inmates made for Christmas presents,” Governor Taylor said.
Friday 7th to Sunday 23rd March
SHOWTIMES
“When they told us they needed a waterproof cabinet for their charity, I knew this was something we could easily do, and we were keen to help.”
The Harman Foundation’s services extend beyond the food pantry and library. The Foundation also provides essential support in the form of domestic and family violence services, chaplaincy care, and a 24/7 helpline. These initiatives are critical to supporting vulnerable community members in times of crisis, offering them safety, compassion, and guidance when they need it most.
The food pantry distributes approximately 50 to 80 kilograms of groceries weekly, helping individuals
and families who face financial hardship, mental health challenges, or are otherwise unable to access quality food. The pantry’s mission is to maintain dignity and respect for those struggling, providing them with essentials in a safe and welcoming way.
The library, which exchanges 30 to 40 books weekly, has become a beloved community asset, promoting reading and learning among both children and adults.
The Harman Foundation is now calling on businesses, corporates, and individuals to support this vital community initiative. Regular donations, either monetary or in-kind (especially long-life food items), are crucial to ensuring the food pantry remains fully stocked. Your generosity can help us continue to serve the growing needs of our community and provide hope to those in need.
The waterproof cabinet is a testament to the positive impact of community partnerships. The project reflects the generosity and compassion of those involved at Parklea, creating lasting benefits for Blacktown’s residents.
For further enquiries, contributions, or to partner with us, please contact the Harman Foundation at 1800 116 675 or via email at contactus@ harmanfoundation.org.au.
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From the Editor’s Desk
BY KERRIE DAVIES
AHH February... the silly season is well and truly over for another year. Kids are back at school, most of us are back at work and knuckling down for the year ahead.
New citizens have been welcomed to this fabulous country and I truly hope they have a wonderful life here and enjoy all the great things that this country provides. Seeing the smiles on faces and the pride at becoming part of this nation was certainly uplifting.
I wish that we could all take some of that enthusiasm with us into the year ahead. I hope that we can again be observed as the happy-go-lucky country of people who smile and laugh their way through life. I’m not referring to the Australia Day debates and debacles here - I’m talking about the general vibe of all Australians.
Wouldn’t it be great if 2025 was the year that Australians became more united, positive and proud of the fabulous country we call home? As we head towards a Federal Election it would be great to see people acknowledge that we are a nation that cultivates and accepts differing opinions. Instead of instantly hating anybody who thinks differently, it would be great to see the “passionate” voters listen to other points of view and strive for solutions that help unite, not divide.
We live in a truly magical country that is rich with opportunities. We have services available to help our citizens facing every adversity imaginable. And we are a growing country, constantly improving what’s already here and building new things to enjoy.
Can’t we just be happy about some things?
My wish for 2025 is that we Aussies who are already living here and reaping the benefits can put a smile on our dial as bright as those just about to start their lives as Australians.
I’d also like to say how moving it was to read the story by Tony Fryer (inside this issue). Our local veterans from St Marys RSL sub-Branch, together with Cadets from 345 Squadron, Australian Air Cadet Unit, took time to visit local cemeteries on Australia Day to place an Australian Flag on the headstone/plaque of each of several hundred local veterans. What a beautiful Australian story!
Now that’s something to be incredibly proud of.
More sports at Emerton after upgrade
COMPETITION basketball, pickleball and more sports will be available at Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton after the courts reopened with high-quality sprung timber flooring.
Blacktown City Council and the NSW Government funded the new flooring, which has attracted a host of sporting groups keen to take advantage of a first class surface.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said he and his fellow Councillors were responding to community need.
“Our growing population in Blacktown City needs more places to play and be active and Council is providing this with the upgraded Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton,” he said.
Mayor Bunting thanked the Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla for his support.
City of Blacktown Basketball Association General Manager Lachlan Arford said the courts would give more basketballers the opportunity to compete.
“Basketball is booming in Blacktown City and this investment at Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton will ensure more players, families and teams have access to quality facilities,” he said.
NSW Health’s Go4Fun program, which provides free healthy lifestyle programs for children and their families, is also expected to use the venue.
Sydney Liga Basketball Association Director Ronald Luna said his association had a new home.
“Sydney Liga Basketball is all about supporting and bringing everyone together of all ages with an interest in basketball, and the new courts help us do that much more effectively,” he said.
A great opportunity to learn about sports available will be the Blacktown City Family Activefest on Saturday 29 March.
People can learn more about Blacktown City Family Activefest, pickleball and court hire at Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre Emerton via www.blacktownaquaticandsports. com.au
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting.
Honouring our Veterans on Australia Day
VETERANS from St Marys RSL subBranch, together with Cadets from 345 Squadron, Australian Air Cadet Unit, took time to visit local cemeteries on Australia Day to place an Australian Flag on the headstone/plaque of each of several hundred local veterans. It was a most appropriate day to honour past
veterans, each of whom at some stage in their life had been prepared to place their own life at risk, in order to protect our Nation and our Nation’s values. Whether they actually fought or not, the veterans were prepared to put their life on the line; they served our country, no matter their origin; whether locally born or having moved from across the seas, regardless of colour or creed … they were all Australians ... we honoured them equally.
At each of the 250 grave sites and cremation plaques, Veterans and Cadets placed a small flag after reciting The Ode:
“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 SHALL REMEMBER THEM.”Thank you to all who participated … thank you to those we honoured … Lest We Forget.
St Marys General Cemetery. Photos: Noel Rowsell
Penrith General Cemetery. Photos supplied by Tony Fryer
BY TONY FRYER
David Trist OAM and Betty Trist - 75th Anniversary
David and Betty were married in St John’s Church of England church in Mt Druitt in 1950, with the wedding reception at Betty’s family home in Melbourne Street, St Marys, before travelling by train to Kiama for their honeymoon.
Shortly after their marriage, David
was posted to the Commonwealth Bank in Lockhart, the first of their country NSW postings, before living in Hay, Mittagong, Bowral, Penrith and Wagga Wagga, before settling in St Marys.
David and Betty subsequently enjoyed what they describe as ‘the highlights of their marriage’ over an extended period of time, rearing three children who subsequently added eight grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren to the family tree. Having lived during the reign of five British Monarchs: King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, David and Betty received their congratulatory card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, in addition to cards from the Australian Governor-General Samantha Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Photos supplied by Mark Pentecost
150 new junior doctors join Western Sydney hospitals
MORE than 150 new Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) have joined Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) for the 2025 intake.
This significant addition to the medical workforce includes 56.5 JMO’s at Blacktown Mount Druitt Hospital (BMDH) and 96 at Westmead and Auburn hospitals.
For Eylera Salee, a new JMO at Blacktown Hospital, the journey into medicine was deeply personal.
“My dad had been sick all his life, and I love the way doctors took care of him, so that inspired me to take that leap and pursue a career in medicine.”
After losing his father last year Eylera remains motivated by his dream.
“I’m looking forward to my general surgery placement and hope to help as many people as I can,” Eylera said.
Dr. Ian Wong, Infectious Disease Physician at Blacktown Hospital, offered guidance for the incoming JMOs.
“Being an intern is exciting but it can also be quite challenging so make sure you look after yourself by exercising and maintaining connections with people,” Dr. Wong said.
JMO’s are essential to the main workforce and we wouldn’t be able to function without them. Dr. Ian Wong
“
Dinesh Narayan, Prevocational Education Support Officer at BMDH, praised the calibre of JMOs joining the team.
“We always get the best cohorts of Junior Medical Doctors at Blacktown Hospital,” Dinesh said. They’re very eager and I believe the support that we give from the very first day is fundamental in this.”
Amy Campbell, a new JMO at Blacktown Hospital, reflected on her journey into medicine.
“I actually thought I was going to do psychology and then started working at a GP and fell in love with medicine and general practice.”
Amy also shared the best advice she’s received so far.
Remember the human side of health and medicine, not just the science. Amy Campbell
“
To support JMO’s across NSW through their training years they will participate in the Delivering Under Pressure (DUP) program offering specialised coaching to enhance well-being and help build a fulfilling professional life.
A confidential JMO Support Line connecting JMO’s with a trained senior clinician trained also available.
Drowning in the river
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.
IN January 1907 Arthur Judges held a magisterial enquiry touching on the death of a young married man named Ernest Anderson, a half-brother of Joseph Hayes of Penrith. Ernest was on a visit at the time the fatality occurred just below the Nepean River Bridge. Alick McLennan stated that he was a farm labourer, 16 years of age and living in Penrith when about 9 a.m. he was at the river when Albert Hayes, O’Brien and Ernest Anderson came for a swim. He was on the bank near the willows and saw Hayes, Ernest and a boy named Bailey undress and go into the water. Hayes and Ernest swam out towards the middle of the river when he heard Ernest call out “Come here quick, I’m done”. Hayes swam immediately to Ernest who was struggling towards him and Ernest caught hold of Hayes and pulled him partly under the water and Hayes called out “Help, help”. Being undressed Alick jumped into the water and tried to help by getting behind Ernest and pushing him towards the bank. Hayes became exhausted due to Ernest having caught hold of him for so long and being partly knocked under once or twice, then Ernest sank under the water and Hayes put his hand under him and got him a little nearer to the bank but Ernest went down suddenly and did not reappear. The spot where Ermest sank was deep water about 12ft from the bank and there was no help from three or four others who were on the bank and undressed at the time even though they knew that Ernest was in danger. Next Albert Hayes stated that he was a labourer and lived in Penrith. Ernest went with him to the Nepean River for a swim. He undressed and went in first, quickly followed by Ernest who could swim fairly well and Ernest swam out to a log about 10 yards from the bank where he was resting. Ernest said that there are enough weeds here to drown a man and then he started to swim across the river. He kept alongside of him but when about 40 or 50 yards from the bank Ernest turned around to come back. When he had covered about four- or five-yards Ernest said, “Catch hold of me Bert, I’m done.” He caught hold of him and Ernest clasped him around the neck and pulled him under and he called out to the people on the bank to come and give him a hand. Alick McLennan was the only one who responded and between the two of us we got Ernest to within 15 yards of the bank when he sank. He had hold of Ernest’s hand when he sank, his hand was under Ernest’s arm but he could not keep his hold as he was exhausted and with difficulty he reached the log to rest. He said he called to those people on the bank to run to Bennett’s for help and some of them went and brought only a boat. He asked someone to go again and see if the grappling irons were available and Mr Bennett brought them back and sent a messenger for the doctor. Within 10 minutes from the time that Ernest sank and after making three attempts with the grapplers Mr Bennett brought the body to the surface. If those on the bank (two of whom were undressed) had come to the assistance of Ernest he might have been rescued. Dr Higgins arrived on the scene within two or three minutes of the body being taken out of the water and made every attempt to bring Earnest around and keeping up the efforts for an hour or more, after then he pronounced life to be extinct. Senior-Sergeant Peterswald was present
and took charge of the body that was conveyed to the Nepean Cottage Hospital Morgue. Joseph Hayes stated he is a railway guard and lives in Penrith and having view Ernest’s body he recognise it was Ernest Anderson his half-brother. Ernest came to his place on Saturday night on a visit as his wife had been staying with them for some time. On Sunday morning between 8 and 9 Ernest asked him if he would go for a swim with him but he said ‘No,’ and he didn’t see him after that, but sometime later information was brought to him that Ernest drowned in the river and he immediately went down there and saw his body on the bank and assisted to try and restore animation but he knew nothing of the circumstances of the drowning other than what he have heard. He said that Ernest was 23 years of age, born in Sydney, a married man with one child but he had no property and he was not insured. He did not know whether Ernest could swim or not but he knew that his son Albert was with Ernest and could swim well. Dr Higgins stated that he was a Government Medical Officer and about a quarter to 10 am he was informed that a man named Anderson had drowned at the Willows and he went to the river and saw the deceased lying on the bank and that efforts were made to restore life. They up-ended him and he pressed a large quantity of food and water from Ernest’s stomach and he carried out artificial respiration and opened a vein in the forearm and continued the efforts for about an hour, then rigor mortis set in. The finding of the coroner was that Ernest Anderson died from asphyxia caused by drowning and was accidental. The coroner commended the praiseworthy conduct of Hayes and McLennan who had both acted with conspicuous bravery whilst the conduct of those standing on the bank with the drowning taking place before their eyes. The painting is believed to be “The Willows at Nepean River” painted by William Lister-Lister.
Sources: Nepean Times, Saturday 19 January 1907, page 2, Internet Auctions.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
IT seems like a no brainer, right? You are buying a home, so you’ll pay off your credit cards to reduce your debt, but keep them active so you can buy some furniture or deal with emergencies even when you have a mortgage to pay. Wrong.
It’s obvious that a lender will consider your credit card debts and the monthly repayments on those when you apply for a mortgage. But what many people do not realise is that credit cards that don’t have any balance owing can also impact a lender’s assessment of what you can afford to borrow.
If you have a high credit limit, you also have a high debt risk in the eyes of your lender. As the logic goes, there is no stopping you from racking up debt on your credit card the day after your loan is approved. Say, on lovely furniture to fill that new house.
Brokers have to take account of three per cent of the total credit card limit for servicing, regardless of what the applicant owes.
For example, if a client had a $10,000 credit limit but only owes $1000, there is still the requirement to assess $300 a month and that comes directly out of client liability. This can make quite a difference in some cases.
From this, it can be surmised that if you haven’t put a cent on your credit card for the past five years, a high credit limit will negatively affect your serviceability; $300 per month off a mortgage
repayment means quite a bit over the life of a loan.
In fact, being able to repay an extra $300 each month on a 30-year, $500,000 loan at 5.5 per cent interest, will mean paying it off 5 years faster, and saving approximately $100,000 on the total cost of the loan. Alternatively, it may mean that you are able to borrow an extra $50,000.
The best thing you can do is lower your credit limit or cancel your credit account.
To maximise your borrowing capacity, you need to pay out your credit cards and avoid having any other debt and to be able to use your full amount of income.
For those who have to pay off their credit account before dreaming of cancelling their liability, it is, of course, imperative to make those payments on time to avoid negatively impacting your credit history.
It’s important to appropriately manage your expenses well in advance of applying for a home loan, that way you can show the bank that you can afford to service a mortgage when the time comes.
Wealthwiz proudly helps many clients each year overcome all the red tape and barriers put in their way and if you need help with a loan or have any questions you can always have a one-on-one discussion.
Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.
ALEX SONCINI
Sydney Showjumping Club host 2024 Championships
BY NOEL ROWSELL
SYDNEY Showjumping Club (SSJC) is the oldest running Jumping Club in Australia and has been the starting place for some of the best horses and riders in our country. The Club has two training and competition days each month. The 2024 SSJC Championships were held at Clarendon over 1st-2nd February and all results can be viewed on the Club’s Facebook page.
Innovation Roof Restoration
Action from the SSJC Championships. Photos courtesy of Geosnapshot / SSJC
Australian Women’s Polo Squad chosen for World Championships
BY
THREE local players have been chosen in the Australian Polo Federation (APF) national women’s squad in preparation for the Federation of International Polo (FIP) Women’s World Polo Championships, which will be held from June 20th
- 28th at Punta Ala Polo Club in Italy.
The group of players selected in the Australian squad are: Piper Trickett (Windsor Polo Club, NSW), Anna Dowling (Muddy Flatts Polo Club, NSW), Shannon Booth (Muddy Flatts Polo Club, NSW), Skye Gilmore (Timor Polo Club, NSW), Ashley Glennie (Timor Polo Club, NSW), Lucia Gilmore (QLD), Katie Porteous
Major Pennant Season tees off
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE 2025 Metropolitan Men’s and Women’s Major Pennant competitions commenced on Sunday, with local teams winning just 3 of 11 contests.
Division 1 Men (home team listed first): Penrith down 5-2 to Castle Hill, Avondale 6.5-0.5 over Lynwood, Concord 6.5-0.5 over Stonecutters Ridge; Division 2 Men: Bonnie Doon 6-1 over Glenmore Heritage Valley, Fox Hills 4-3 over North Ryde, Pennant Hills 5-2 over Richmond, Mona Vale 5-2 over Twin Creeks; Division 3 Men: Springwood 4.5-2.5 over Woolooware, Dunheved down 4.5-2.5 to Cabramatta; Division 4 Men: The Coast 5-2 over Leonay. Division 5 Men: Wallacia had a bye. Division 1 Women: Stonecutters Ridge 3-2 over NSW.
(QLD), Phillipa Fitz-Henry (QLD), Indiana Bennetto (QLD), Sian Barnacle (QLD), Kirstie Otamendi (WA), Chloe Allen (WA), Chloe Warren (SA), coach: Sam Hopkinson, manager: Peter White.
Squad members will be required to attend the NSWPA Women’s Tournament in the Hawkesbury Basin on the 2nd-3rd April and the Women’s World Cup Trial Game on
International Day, Sunday 6th April. The final team of 6 players will be selected after these matches.
Since 1987 the FIP World Championship takes place once every 3 years in a different location around the world. It’s a competitive tournament from 10 to 14 goals. Horses are provided by the host and pooled among participating nations to give teams equal conditions.
Michelle Yang signs for Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)
FAIRLEIGH Dickinson University (FDU) Director of Golf Rob Warren has announced his 2025 signing class, which consists of six men and three women, all of whom come from the international ranks.
Stonecutters Ridge GC junior and senior Pennant representative Michelle Yang is on the 9-person squad and Warren has full confidence in her adapting smoothly to the Collegiate style of golf
“We are very excited to welcome Michelle into the program this spring,” said Warren. “Smooth and technically sound, with loads of competitive amateur and pro/am experience, Michelle should transition nicely at the collegiate level.”
“This is a big recruiting class for us,” he added. “We are graduating
three men and six women, so the job was to go out and find players to fill that void for next year. I believe we aced this 2025 class.
“Each player can come in and make an impact for our programs. All six guys and three women signing will fit right into our team dynamic, and we are excited to get them on campus next fall.”
In the past 12 months, Michelle has competed in the Australian Master of the Amateurs, the Victorian Amateur, the Riversdale Cup and the NextGEN Amateur Tour, along with Eric Apperly Shield Pennant and Women’s Major Pennant - both for Stonecutters Ridge. FDU is a private, nonsectarian, multi-campus institution, with over 100 degree programs. It has four campuses in New Jersey and two locations abroad (Wroxton College in England and Vancouver Campus in Canada).
NOEL ROWSELL
Michelle Yang in action. Photos courtesy of David Tease / Golf NSW
Annoushka Maikap in action in January. Photo courtesy of Ethan Keane / JNJG
Action from the 2023 Australia vs England Women’s match at Windsor Polo Club. Photos by Noel Rowsell
BY NOEL ROWSELL
It is Game Time!
BY BOB TURNER
THE 2025 Season launch on Friday, January 31st at the Hudson Hotel set the table for an exciting season. The Senior Men’s and Women’s teams were awarded their 2025 Jerseys in front of a full house including Sponsors, Media, State Politicians, and half a dozen Blacktown Councillors.
Former Deputy Mayor, Julie Griffiths, presented the Senior and Under 20 Women their Jerseys, not before she gave a brief outline of her years as a football player and coach.
Head of Football and Senior Men’s Coach, Mark Crittenden, was interviewed by MC, Wayne Buscombe, formerly of 2SWR FM. ‘Buscoe’ is no stranger to ‘Critto’ as the two have had many years of weekly football conversations on air. Buscoe pointed out that this is the 14th year for ‘Critto’ as the Senior men’s coach chalking up well over 400 games as
the head of the illustrious club. Few coaches at any Senior Level have endured the longevity and success that Coach Crittenden has brought to Blacktown City! He has built a solid culture that has elevated Blacktown City to be synonymous as a Premier Club in NSW Football.
Losing key players like Tristen Prendergast, Mario Shabow, Joey Gibbs and TJ Burnie to other clubs, Coach Crittenden went out to surround his veterans with young, enthusiastic, and talented players. Crittenden answered a question from MC Buscombe, “I am very happy with the intensity of the group we have assembled. The hunger is there and I believe if we can stay healthy we can give the Premier State Competition a real shake. The other goal is to advance in the Australian Cup,” he added. “Last year we gave Adelaide United all they could handle before going down in overtime. We had a chance to win it in the final stages of
regulation time, but a late goal attempt hit the crossbar. This year’s team has the talent and energy go one better and get to the Final 8,” Coach Crittenden added.
Michael Hawthorne, Head of Women’s Football, has been on a solid recruiting trail with several new faces joining the ranks for season 2025. “I am excited at the potential we have shown in pre-season competition and believe we will take a giant positive step to achieve the goal of NPL 1 statues within three years,” said Coach Hawthorne. The season for the Women will commence in early March.
Saturday, February 15 is the opening home game of the 2025 NSW Men’s Competition for Blacktown City as they play host to NWS Spirit. Game time is 7pm at Landen Stadium with the Under 20’s commencing at 5pm. Adults are $15 and Under 16’s are free of charge as the Board of
Blacktown City continues to attract young footballers to learn from the best in the state. The newly created Gold Memberships continue to sell at a regular pace with reserved seating for all home games at Landen Stadium.
On Saturday, February 8th, Blacktown City will venture to Marconi Stadium for the opening week of the NSW Men’s Premier competition. Marconi are the defending Champs and knocked Blacktown out of contention last year in the Semi-Finals. “Our pre-season competition has been more than encouraging, including a solid display against St George two weeks ago. We were leading 6-1 in the final minutes before I let a few of our younger players gain some valuable game time”, said Coach Crittenden. “Marconi present a formidable opening opponent and will be a great test for the new look team,” Coach Crittenden added.
Go Blacktown City!
2025 SEASON COMMENCES FOR MEN IN FEBRUARY & WOMEN IN MARCH
Friday, 7 February 2025
Ti Fox and Kade Webber impress in NSW Amateur and Avondale Medal
BY NOEL ROWSELL
DEFENDING champion
Declan O’Donovan (Avondale GC) has become the first player to successfully defend the NSW Amateur Golf title in almost 50 years, with a strong 4/2 win over Daley Loumanis (NSW GC) in the 36-hole Match Play Final, whilst in the Women’s Match Play, Grace Rho (Royal Queensland GC) claimed the biggest win of her career, taking the crown with a 3/2 win over Shyla Singh (Southport GC, Qld).
With his successful defence, O’Donovan joins a select club of back-to-back winners of the NSW Amateur, which includes Jim Ferrier, Alan Waterson and the most recent repeat champion, Colin Kaye, in 1976 and 77.
Exciting 16-year-old Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) was a worthy contender in the Match Play rounds, qualifying as the 20th seed before going on a giant-killing rampage through the next three rounds.
Ti made 5 birdies in a 6/4 win over 13th seed Hamish Ellison (Newcastle GC) in the round of 32, then came from 3-down against 4th seed Jake Riley (NSW GC) in the round of 16, grabbing 7 birdies and an eagle in the next 8 holes to surge to a 4/3 victory.
Ti then grabbed 8 birdies in 14 holes in a 5/4 demolition of 21st seed Jye Halls (NSW GC), before meeting the eventual champion, 9th seed O’Donovan, in the semi-finals.
Despite playing yet another high quality match, Ti was unable to continue his birdie barrage against O’Donovan but still showed his class to push the reigning champion as far as the 15th hole before falling 4/3.
Ti had earlier finished tied 16th in the NSW Medal and 3rd (representing Richmond GC) in the Champion of Champions.
Coby Carruthers (Jordan Springs / Concord GC) finished tied 11th in the NSW Medal to qualify as 15th seed for the 32-man Match Play, but lost an absorbing contest 2/1 against 16th seed Max Ford (Royal Queensland GC) in his first match.
A high-quality field subsequently backed up for the Avondale Medal, which ran from 28th-31st January.
Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge / Concord GC) did the best of the large western Sydney contingent, shooting four sub-par rounds of 69/68/69/68 to finish in 2nd spot, 1 shot behind NSW Amateur winner Declan O’Donovan.
Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) finished tied 20 on Even par, shooting 69/72/69/74; Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) finished tied 26 with 73/71/68/75; Chayse Thorpe (Richmond / Concord GC) tied 52 with 75/71/72/77 and Matthew Fullerton (Richmond / Lynwood CC) 65th with 74/72/76/78.
Tim Hodge awarded OAM
TIM Hodge (Kings Langley) is among eleven first-time Paralympic gold medallists who have been awarded Australia Day honours.
Tim won two golds (1 x individual and 1 x team) and an individual silver in Paris, claiming a Paralympic record along the way in the 200m Individual Medley SM9,
Entering that event as world champion and world record holder, Tim showed his class with his recordbreaking swim.
Heading into the race, Tim had won 15 medals across three Paralympics, two Commonwealth Games and world championships.
He had earlier claimed his first Paralympic gold medal as part of Australia’s victorious Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay (34 points) team on day five in Paris, adding to the three silver medals he won in Tokyo.
Tim Hodge winning Gold at the Paris Paralympic Games - photos courtesy of Paralympics Australia
Tim Hodge at Swimming Australia awards . Photo courtesy of Josh Woning / Swimming Australia
Ti Fox in action in the NSW Amateur
Kade Webber in the Avondale Medal. Photos courtesy of David Tease / Golf NSW
BY NOEL ROWSELL