First project revealed in $86.9 million Mount Druitt makeover
BLACKTOWN City Council has revealed the first of three exciting projects to transform Mount Druitt – a $26.8 million expansion of the Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub.
A new two-storey wing adjacent to the existing building will provide the following:
• a children’s library and play area
• open-plan study spaces including reading areas
• 6 study rooms
• 4 group study rooms
• 10 meeting rooms
• 5 activity rooms
• multi-function rooms for large gatherings
Council is delivering the project, funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) program.
A major upgrade for Mount Druitt Swimming Centre and a First Nations Cultural Hub are other WSIG projects planned, meaning $86.9 million will be invested in the suburb. Details of these projects will be announced soon.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting – a proud Mount Druitt resident – said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the area.
“The Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub is just the beginning in a transformation that will change how people think about the town centre,” he said.
“There is a growing community here crying out for new places to work, rest and play, and I am looking forward to providing for them.”
Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla was equally pleased.
“Mount Druitt is a worthy recipient of funding from the Minns Government to revitalise the Mount Druitt precinct,” he said.
“This transformation marks a wonderful step forward for the community.
“It will create vibrant spaces and new opportunities for connection, growth and wellbeing.”
Award-winning Lacoste and Stevenson Architects will ensure the expanded library and community hub connects seamlessly to the existing building.
The Mt Druitt Senior Citizens Welfare Association regularly uses the Hub for bowls, bingo and line dancing.
President Terry Hogan said the expansion would provide more opportunities for members.
“Our members use the Hub most days of the week and it’s fantastic to learn that new facilities are on the way,” he said.
“Having more activity and meeting rooms may allow us to offer more activities and better serve our growing seniors community.”
The expanded library and community hub, the upgrade to the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre and First Nations Cultural Hub are all part of a masterplan for the town centre.
Council’s masterplan improves pedestrian and vehicle access around the town centre while retaining its parkland atmosphere.
Construction of the expanded Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub is expected to begin in 2026. Completion is anticipated by late 2027.
Council is hosting community information sessions on Thursday, 6 March, to hear feedback at the following times:
• 9 am – 12 pm
• 5 pm – 7 pm
The information sessions will be held at the entrance to the library.
Divorce rates at lowest level in 50 years
DIVORCE rates are at their lowest level since the mid1970s, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), drawing on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
In 2023 there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents aged 16 and over, which continues the downward trend since the start of the millennium, when divorce rates were at 3.4 per 1,000 adult residents.
A second AIFS report shows that the trend of men and women marring at a later age has continued. Women now marry at 30 years and men at 31 (median) – around 8 years older than their counterparts were marrying in 1975.
Senior Research Fellow at AIFS, Dr Lixia Qu, said a gradual drop in the marriage rate, people marrying at a later age, and more couples living together before marriage, is all contributing to the decline in divorce.
“These days most couples live together before getting married –if they marry at all – which was unusual 50 years ago. Being able to ‘try before you buy’ was less of an option for young couples in the 1970s and earlier, due to stigma and societal
expectations,” Dr Qu said.
Dr Qu said the decline in divorce does not necessarily indicate longer lasting relationships than used to be the case.
“In 2023, 83% of couples had been living together before marriage, compared to just 16% in 1975. Many couples separate without entering into marriage, which is not captured in the divorce statistics,” Dr Qu said.
The age at divorce has also risen for both men and women. In 2023 the
median age at divorce was 47 years for men and 44 years for women – up from early 30s across both genders in 1980.
Other key data on marriages and divorces in Australia, from AIFS’ latest reports:
• While in 1970, 88% of marriages were performed by ministers of religion, in 2023 that flipped to 83% of marriage being performed by civil celebrants.
• Almost 4% of all marriages are
same-gender couples – with female same-gender marriages outnumbering male same-gender marriages (2% and 1.5% of all marriages).
• People who marry at a younger age are more likely to divorce. For men the highest divorce rate is between 25-29 years, and for women it is 24 years and under, and 25-29 years.
• Couples that divorce are doing so later; those married for 20 or more years made up more than one-quarter of divorces in 2021 – whereas in the 1980s they only made up one in five divorces.
• The median duration of marriage for divorcing couples over the last decade (2020-21) was around 12 years, and the median duration of marriage to separation was around 8.5 years – meaning it took around 3-4 years from separation for couples to finalise their divorce.
More in the full reports: (available on request)
• Marriages in Australia – Facts and Figures 2024
• Divorces in Australia – Facts and Figures 2024
AIFS conducts original research to increase understanding of Australian families and the issues that affect them; see aifs.gov.au
Mount Druitt Library and Community Hub expansion
Blacktown City Hosts Great Blacktown Business Chamber
BLACKTOWN City FC is a Diamond Member of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber. On Thursday, February 27th, Blacktown City hosted the ‘Business After 5’ Event in the corporate suite at Blacktown’s home field, Landen Stadium.
Almost 100 Chamber members and guests were on hand to see firsthand the corporate hospitality on offer at all Blacktown City home games. Blacktown’s ‘Premier Partner’,
the Hudson Hotel, provided all the food and hospitality on the night as they do for all home games. Guests included Federal Minister Chris Bowen, West Sydney Wanderers CEO, Scott Hudson, Parramatta Chamber President, Luke McGee, and Blacktown Chamber Directors.
Guests were welcomed by Chamber Director and MC , Chris Hekeik, as well as Chamber President, Trevor Oldfield. Blacktown City FC Head of Football, Mark Crittenden was first to speak on behalf of Blacktown
horses, flying trapeze, 12 person Teeter Board Act, Clowns, Comedy, Acrobat and much, much more.
Friday 7th to Sunday 23rd March
SHOWTIMES
Friday 7, 14, 21 March
Saturday 8, 15, 22 March
Sunday 9, 16, 23 March
Wednesday 19 March
City and outlined the 2025 season, including Sunday’s Round Four clash with archrivals, Apia Leichhardt. Coach Crittenden also revealed that Blacktown City will be introducing a Hall of Fame to coincide with its 72 year history and will be inducting its first intake on July 12th.
Blacktown City Chairman, Bob Turner, followed coach Crittenden at the podium and spoke about the important role Blacktown City FC plays in representing its city. Chairman Turner commented on major sponsor, Walker Corporation, who are about to
invest $2Billion in Blacktown Quarter for the restructuring of the Blacktown City Centre. He also mentioned major sponsors Landen Corporation, Momento Hospitality, Blacktown Council and Blacktown Workers as key partners.
Whilst the Senior team trained on the pitch, guests were treated to an abundance of food from the Hudson Hotel and drinks from the infamous GC’s Bar.
The next Business After Five (BAF) for the Chamber will be on Thursday, March 20th and hosted by WOTSO.
The Greater Blacktown Business Chamber Meeting at Blacktown City FC. Photos by Noel Rowsell
BY BOB TURNER
Bob Turner Mark Crittenden
Chris Hekeik
Western NEWS
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TBY KERRIE DAVIES
Thank you for reading this week’s edition, coming to you live from fabulous Las Vegas!
HEY say New York is the city that never sleeps but I think Vegas would give her a good run for her money. The vibe of the place is incrediblethis is nonstop party central. The only negative is that our dollar exchange isn’t great so you need to allow for the extra cost that comes with being here. And if you’d like me to give you a tip, it’s that you better get used to the word tip! Every person who looks sideways at you expects one. The conversion to Aussie dollars and then an 18% tip added on can make your eyes water over the cost of a cappuccino (AUD $14!). But, it is all part of travelling and to have fun you have to just go with it.
Launching the NRL season here is an idea that seems to be well embraced by the fans of every team that gets a gig here. I imagine in years to come fans will be sweating on announcements that their team will be playing their first game of the season in Vegas.
I think there’s more Western Sydney people here in Vegas than there is back home! It’s pretty cool walking down Las Vegas Strip and having random strangers in the same jersey high-five you and people calling out ‘Up the Riff.”
And what an incredible atmosphere it was at Allegiant Stadium. A fabulous heartstopping game and a great catch up with so many of our friends on the other side of the world.
Happy days
2025 Premier’s Gala Concerts - LIVE STREAM
THE 2025 Premier’s Gala Concerts will be held in Sydney. If you are unable to attend the event in person, a Live Stream of the concert will allow you to enjoy all the entertainment from the comfort of your own home.
Register now for your ticket to access the online live stream. Further information on how to access the online content will be emailed to you prior to the event. Please note that this is NOT a ticket to attend the concert in person. This ticket will allow you access to the online live stream ONLY.
This concert is for residents of NSW only who are:
• people over the age of 60
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over the age of 50
• people over the age of 50 that have a lifelong disability
Register for live stream at https://events.humanitix.com/2025-premier-s-galaconcerts-live-stream/tickets
Wednesday, 12 March, 2:45pm - 4:30pm AEDT
Online Event
Hosted by Department of Communities and Justice
Vegas the ideal stage for World Club Challenge: Cleary
Ivan Cleary is leading the push to have the World Club Challenge added to next year’s Las Vegas program.
BY STEVE MASCORD
UNDER current plans, Cleary’s Penrith and Matty Peet’s Wigan cannot return to Sin City as other clubs from the NRL and Super League take their turns in the coming years.
But adding the World Club Challenge in 2026 would give them a chance if they go on to win their respective competitions this year.
“I honestly think we should, yeah,” Cleary said when asked if the fixture could be played in Las Vegas.
“It’s a shame that game didn’t happen. You saw how well Wigan played today as well. They are a juggernaut at the moment. It’s probably good we didn’t play them actually.”
Wigan remain world champions from last year’s 16-12 victory over Cleary’s Panthers at Brick Community Stadium.
“It’s a really good concept. We didn’t have to go last year but we wanted to,” Cleary continued.
“Even though we lost, it was such a good experience. It probably helped us this week to be honest.
“I think that’s a part of rugby league that needs to survive. It’s difficult but it’s worth trying to make it happen.”
Meanwhile, Cleary says up to six members of his current team will eventually be inducted into Penrith’s Hall Of Fame.
Cleary was speaking after the 28-22 victory over Cronulla to close Rugby League Las Vegas 2025, when asked about the impact of losing players such as Jarome Luai and James FisherHarris during the off-season.
“When you lose players, you can talk about that or you can talk about guys that we still have,” he said.
“We have probably five, six players In our current team who will probably be Panthers Hall of Famers, I believe.
“If you’ve got that many players of that calibre - (Isaah Yeo) is obviously one of them - you’re still in a pretty good space.
“I still think their combination and their understanding of the system and their cohesion should continue to improve so that’s a positive.
The Panthers Hall Of Fame was established in 2016 with initial inductees Grahame Moran, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower.
Asked to expand on Yeo, Cleary said: “He’s the Golden Boot winner. You go through the list of players who’ve won the Golden Boot and he absolutely, thoroughly deserved it.
“I just keep thinking he’s getting better. I love having him in our team and I look forward to working together for quite some time.”
NRL REPORTER
Panthers v Sharks
Stat Attack: Panthers v Sharks
BY PANTHERS MEDIA
The Panthers kickstarted their 2025 campaign with a thrilling 28-22 victory over Cronulla Sharks in Las Vegas.
ISAAH Yeo’s immense, 80-minute performance was reflected on the stats sheet, as the Panthers cocaptain posted one try, 43 tackles, 147 run metres, 51 post-contact metres and three tackle breaks.
The Panthers backs, led by Dylan Edwards with a game-high 224 run metres, rolled up the sleeves with the ball in hand, while Lindsay Smith stood tall in both attack and defence.
See the stats that mattered below:
TOP TACKLERS
Mitch Kenny: 48
Lindsay Smith: 47
Isaah Yeo: 43
Liam Martin: 40
Scott Sorensen: 34
Moses Leota: 27 (0 missed)
Jack Cole: 26
Isaiah Papali’i: 25 (0 missed)
MOST METRES
Dylan Edwards: 224m (23 runs)
Paul Alamoti: 198m (19 runs)
Luke Garner: 184m (17 runs)
Daine Laurie: 151m (17 runs)
Izack Tago: 151m (18 runs)
Isaah Yeo: 147m (15 runs)
Lindsay Smith: 138m (18 runs)
Isaiah Papali’i: 108m (12 runs)
Moses Leota: 98m (10 runs)
Liam Martin: 96m (8 runs)
POST-CONTACT METRES
Paul Alamoti: 60m
Luke Garner: 59m
Isaah Yeo: 51m
Izack Tago: 51m
Lindsay Smith: 45m
Daine Laurie: 43m
Dylan Edwards: 43m
Isaiah Papali’i: 42m
Moses Leota: 40m
Liam Martin: 36m
MOST TACKLE BREAKS
Dylan Edwards: 4
Liam Martin: 3
Isaah Yeo: 3
Daine Laurie: 3
Luke Garner: 3
LINE BREAKS
Daine Laurie: 2
Mitch Kenny: 1
Liam Martin: 1
Isaah Yeo: 1
Luke Garner: 1
Paul Alamoti: 1
TRIES
Isaah Yeo: 1 (26’)
Izack Tago: 1 (28’)
Daine Laurie: 2 (48’, 75’)
Paul Alamoti: 1 (52’)
TRY ASSISTS
Nathan Cleary: 1
Jack Cole: 1
Dylan Edwards: 1
Luke Garner: 1
CONVERSIONS
Nathan Cleary: 4/5
ACU uni course sparks learning in inmates
APARTNERSHIP between Parklea Correctional Centre and Australian Catholic University (ACU) has ignited a thirst for learning in inmates who are discovering new possibilities for their lives outside prison.
ACU has partnered with MTC Australia to deliver the Clemente Australia program to minimum security inmates at Parklea. Clemente began in the United States in 1995 and was adopted by ACU in 2003 as an initiative of mission at several campuses, including the ACU Blacktown Campus near Parklea in 2020.
It is aimed at individuals whose education has been disrupted, including migrants, prisoners, those with health issues or people experiencing homelessness, to break the cycle of inequality and social injustice.
Students undertake a university-level Certificate in Liberal Arts, studying subjects such as philosophy, literature, history, sociology and politics. They learn skills such as critical thinking, researching and writing essays through the completion of four humanities units. It also teaches them to think about themselves and their environment and provides a pathway to re-engage with education.
The inmates at Parklea started the pilot program last year, studying Global History for the first unit and Sociology for the second. The pilot was deemed such a success, they will now move on to Philosophy in Semester One this year.
The students are mentored by volunteer Learning Partners who help them with their studies and writing essays.
Once they pass all four units and receive their certificate, they are able to continue their studies at university. If they leave prison before they finish the course, they can complete their studies through ACU.
Parklea Governor Wayne Taylor said education played an important role in reducing reoffending,
as it provided inmates with better employment opportunities and improved their self-esteem.
“We are always looking for new ways to make a positive impact on the lives of the men in our care and education is an important tool to achieve that,” Mr Taylor said.
“So when the ACU told us about the Clemente program, we were keen to run a pilot with some of our inmates.
“The program has been deemed a success by everyone involved and the men are keen to continue the course.”
ACU Clemente Coordinator and course lecturer Youssef Taouk said the experience had been very positive, as the inmates were very inquisitive and enthusiastic to learn.
“It can be very intimidating to enrol in a uni
course, but they showed bravery, persistence and resilience in coming every week,” Youssef said.
“They didn’t have access to us all the time, but they used all the resources we gave them, and they took the initiative to start a study group outside class twice a week.
“This is the ideal class I like to have; they have a lot of initiative and they took everything I taught them on board.
“Some of them are already talking about further study and I think they will have bright futures in academia if they choose to.”
Jason* was one of six students to pass the first unit and he is keen to finish the final three.
He said doing the Clemente course provided the men in his class options to pursue outside prison.
“Learning is a good thing, but a lot of us never had the opportunity on the outside.
“We have the opportunity in gaol to learn and Clemente gives us a pathway and builds confidence and courage.
“Taking our minds back to learning made us feel young again and helps us in so many ways.
“I want to continue with Clemente and further education when I get out. I’m interested in business studies.”
Jason said he would encourage other inmates to participate in the program.
“If you want to find out what you’re capable of and are serious about it, have a go.
“A group of us got together after class for study sessions and every day we evolved. We inspired and encouraged each other, which gave us the motivation to keep going.
“The uni ran it great, and they taught us a lot. They gave us time and patience and they gave us their heart. They are beautiful people.”
Parklea has been operated by MTC Australia on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since April 2019.
*Name has been changed.
Enduring partnership celebrated as two-decade milestone reached
ALONG-STANDING program between Rooty Hill High School and Western Sydney Local Health District has been recognized for its excellence.
The specialised outreach unit, Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU) was awarded the ‘Outstanding Partnership Award’ at the high school’s 2025 Excellence Assembly.
The longevity of PERU’s partnership, spanning two decades, and ongoing commitment to student development was celebrated at the ceremony.
PERU’s programs, Students As LifeStyle Activists (SALSA) program, SALSA Youth Voices and the Health Hackathon, provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills whilst engaging in and delivering health promotion initiatives.
Past program participants were acknowledged and awarded for their excellence across a number of school measures, including academic achievement, school service, community engagement and sports excellence.
She also used her voice to advocate for cost-effective sports options for young people and families.
It has been an amazing partnership with Rooty Hill High School and we are incredibly honoured to be recognised for our commitment to the school community, Smita said. “ “
The impact of the program is profound.
75% of Year 10 students recognised for excellence had participated in one of the PERU programs.
Two award winners from the school were acknowledged for their outstanding achievement of contributing to the British Medical Journal of Paediatrics.
As a co-Master of Ceremonies at the SALSA 20th anniversary celebration, she continues to contribute after graduation.
During her time in the program, Taliyah played a key role in the SALSA Peer Leaders development and implementation of the sports event ‘Hoops for Hope’.
Taliyah will continue her passion for active lifestyles through her study and career aspirations.
Professor Smita Shah OAM is the Director of PERU and one of the founders of the SALSA program, which was initiated with Rooty Hill High School and the Mt Druitt Medical Practitioners Association.
Taiba Hussein and Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage had their Young Voices piece, ‘Fuelling our passions with the Health Hackathon,’ featured in the internationally renowned publication.
This award sits among other awards highlighting the positive impact of partnerships for student growth and achievement.
Rooty Hill High School alumni Taliyah Suitupe was awarded ‘Student of the Year’ for 2024.
Historical St Marys
By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical
IN April 1840 The “Sydney Herald” recorded that “The new Church of St Mary Magdalene at South Creek was consecrated by the Lord Bishop on Wednesday last. The Church, which is a very neat building, elegantly fitted to contain about 500 persons, has been erected by subscriptions on a piece of ground given for that purpose by Captain King of the Royal Navy. Lady O’Connell has presented the Church with a very valuable plot of five acres of land in the immediate vicinity”. Previously, on the 23rd April Reverend William Grant Broughton had consecrated the church and with the churchyard both have been in use since that time with less burials now because “God’s little acre” has filled up totally over those years with the burials of some of the most prominent St Marys citizens as well as those who came out in chains and those who passed through or settled in the St Marys (South Creek) area. Of course the most prominent family buried in the churchyard is the family of Governor Philip Gidley King and his wife Anna Josepha King (Nee Coombe) who was born at Hatherleigh in Devon in 1765 and died on the 26th July 1844 at the age of 79 years. Philip was to return for the voyage home to England in August 1806 and when he was to embark in the Buffalo he completely collapsed and could not sail until February 1807. The stormy passage around Cape Horn delayed his arrival in England until November. He pressed the Colonial Office insistently for a pension but before it was granted he died on 3rd September 1808. He was buried in the churchyard of St Nicholas at Lower Tooting, London. In 1989 after the celebrations of the First Fleet re-enactment was fading into history, the headstone of Philip Gidley King was laid to rest beside the King Vault after it was brought from Tooting to St Marys. At the time of his embarkment to England Anna would take over the running the family property “Dunheved” at St Marys with the aid of managers. After King’s death in 1808 she was writing to her friend Sir Joseph Banks to see if he could intervene on her behalf regarding her petition to Lord Castlereagh for a widow’s pension. She was the Organizer of the Bridge Street orphanage for girls that provided wives for many settlers and she continued to help the poor and sick right up to her death. The name “St Mary Magdalene” commemorates the King family church in Launceston, Cornwall. Our church at St Marys stands on a grant of land made to surveyor-explorer John Oxley in 1823 and was acquired by Phillip Parker King in 1828. Before the church was built the people of “South Creek” had to wait for visits from the Reverend Samuel Marsden or Reverend Thomas Hassall who held services in a slab hut that was believed to be on the Great Western Road (Highway) where Victoria Park now stands. My maternal family has a long connection with St Mary Magdalene church and churchyard, starting with my mother Elaine Forde (Nee Hackett) and going back five generations to Susannah Bradley (Nee Rope) all buried there. Many interesting people besides the King family and their
Inc.
many descendants is Alexander Barber the district medical Doctor for many years. He was born in County Derry, Northern Ireland in 1850 and died peacefully in 1906 at Dr McCormack’s Private Hospital in Sydney from complications of an internal operation for a growth removal. His funeral was held at St Stephens church at Penrith and his remains buried at St Mary Magdalene. In 1892 Dr Barber bought the old home that belonged to Mr Tindale in Penrith known as “The Towers” and he and his wife Sarah lived there. Sarah was born in Ireland in 1848 and married Alexander in 1875. They moved from Ireland to New Zealand in 1877 and then later settled in Australia. She died aged 76 and is buried with Alexander. Another burial is that of William Garner buried in the churchyard along with his wife Harriett Ann Garner (Nee Coles). He was born in 1804 and became the first Mayor of the St Mary’s Municipal Council. William died in 1888 in Sydney where he went to celebrate the Centenary and suddenly took ill and died at the home of relatives. Then comes Edward Lincoln born in 1816 and became Headmaster of St Marys Public School in Princess Mary Street. He died in 1863 at the age of 47. Benjamin Loveday was born in 1822. Ben came to St Marys in the 1840’s and was a builder who built “Tregear” the residence of the Lethbridge family and he helped Joseph Sainsbury with the construction of Neale’s first store at St Marys. Ben also built his own home (later known as Mrs Barrett’s home on the Highway) and was known for his garden and grapes. Ben was planning on going fishing on the day he suddenly died at his son’s residence at Parramatta in 1898. Watercolour of the Church courtesy of National Library.
Sources - Trove, Ancestry, The Australian Dictionary of Biography. My book “In the Little Churchyard on the Hill”.
IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL…
Society
Watercolour of the Church courtesy of National Library.
IInterest Rate Cuts Ease Burden for Home Loan Borrowers
N a move that brings relief to millions of homeowners, interest rates for variable home loans have been reduced following the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) recent decision to cut the cash rate by 0.25 percentage points. Borrowers from major lenders should see their interest charges drop, starting as soon as this Friday.
However, not all borrowers will experience immediate benefits. Some lenders will be slower to pass on rate reductions.
According to Canstar*, a financial comparison site, despite these reductions, many banks will maintain the same repayment amounts unless customers actively request a decrease. Even then, adjustments may take time to be processed.
Looking ahead, there is some confusion in how many rate cuts will occur during the period 2025/2026. The current RBA cash rate is 4.10% following the 0.25% cut announced on 18 February 2025. It’s important to distinguish that the cash rate set by the RBA is different from the interest rate your bank charges for your mortgage.
With the recent interest rate cut, many borrowers are still paying around 6.15% per annum in bank
interest on their home loan. Based on an average loan balance of $650,000, the average repayment is still close to $3,900 per month.
Whilst sticking with your current loan might be the easiest option, you could be overpaying by hundreds of dollars each month.
Historically, when interest rates change, there’s likely to be an increase in borrowers looking for better rates. But given the current higher rates as a starting point, the loan amount and serviceability refinancing may be difficult than in the past.
Living costs continue to increase annually regardless of the economic factors.
It’s more important now to have a discussion with a broker and discuss your options whether you’re refinancing or wanting to purchase a property.
It’s a big thing for clients to refinance, sometimes they’ll just stay put because in their minds it’s easier. The mortgage market today is competitive, with plenty of bank and non-bank lenders offering a variety of loan options to all types of borrowers.
Our job is about educating homeowners about the power of actually knowing their financial situation and reviewing their home loans.
Ultimately, it’s the rate you’re paying that matters, so make sure yours is working for you,” she advises. To get a better understanding contact Alex Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email to alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com. au.
CROSSWORD
Western Sydney riders impress at Phillip Island
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THEAustralian Superbike Championship (ASBK) opening round was held at Phillip Island over the 2123 February, in conjunction with the FIM Superbike World Championship. Western Sydney riders were in form on the opening weekend of the season, featuring among the leaders in both the SW-Motech Superbike and Kawasaki Supersport 600 categories.
JJ Nahlous (Glenwood) and Jack Favelle (Cattai) both made their debuts in the Superbike category and currently sit in 6th and 11th positions respectively in the season rankings. JJ finished 10th, 9th and 5th over the 3-race weekend, whilst Jack finished 13th, 12th and 9th in debuts which will have pleased both riders.
Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) also raced strongly in the Supersport 600 category, recording Top Ten ever-improving finishing positions of 8th, 5th and 4th, to sit at 4th in the season rankings.
15-year-old junior riders William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise), Elijah Andrew (Marayong) and Zachary Russo (Sackville North) all competed in the Road & Race Supersport 300 category, each rider finishing in the second half of the field in all 3 races and not accruing any season points from the weekend.
Round two of the 2025 ASBK Championship will be held under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) on March 28-29, with the Superbike Masters and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup categories also joining the fray for the first time this season.
Action from the opening round of ASBK at Phillip Island. Photos courtesy of RbMotoLens & Pit Lane Studio Top left: Jack Favelle #3. Top right: JJ Nahlous #20.
Jake Farnsworth #49 leads the pack. Photos courtesy of Pit Lane Studio
L’Oreal Paris Fall to King Power at International Ladies Polo Tournament
-YEAROLD Anna Dowling
(Muddy Flatts Polo Club, Richmond) has fully embraced her opportunity to play with L’Oreal Paris last week in the 2025 King Power International Polo Tournament, which was hosted by the VS Sports Club and Siam Polo Park, Thailand.
L’Oreal Paris defeated 512 Polo Team in the semi-finals to reach the Final against favourites and host team King Power, but were unable to
capitalise on the earlier win, falling 10-8 to finish as runners-up. In what was described as a thrilling Final, King Power scored the winning goal in the last minutes of the fourth chukka.
Previously, in the semi-final, L’Oreal Paris had triumphed 5-3 over 512 Polo Team, with Anna scoring one of her team’s goals. She was understandably excited to get the win, in a game which featured ten-goal rated polo superstar, Hazel Jackson.
“It was such an incredible opportunity to play against a player like Hazel, who is one of the quickest and most skilled female players in the
Ti Fox wins Lakeside Cup
16
-YEAR-OLD Ti Fox (Richmond / Concord GC) has won a thrilling 3-way playoff to capture the 2025 Lakeside Cup, which was held at Camden Lakeside GC on Saturday 22nd February.
Ti finished the tournament on a 4-under-par score of 68, locked together with Jason Webb (Camden Lakeside GC) and Zachary Mullins (NSW GC).
All three players headed out at the completion of play in a 4-hole aggregate playoff, with Ti and Zachary locked together in the lead at the end of that playoff, which eliminated Jason. Ti and Zachary went back down the first hole, now in sudden death. With Zachary sending his tee shot into a water hazard, Ti
ultimately prevailed with a regulation par to win the Lakeside Cup.
Other players from western Sydney clubs to finish in the Top 20 were Andrew Fiorenza (Twin Creeks GCC) tied 4th with 69, Daniel Ayre (Lynwood) and Dillyn Burazin (Dunheved) tied 12th with 72, Matt Nathan (Lynwood) tied 15th with 73 and Cody Mavin (Lynwood) tied 19th with 74.
In Metropolitan Major Pennants, local clubs split their wins and losses evenly over the weekend.
Men’s Results (Home teams listed first) - Division 1: Cromer 6-1 over Penrith, Stonecutters Ridge 4.5-2.5 over Pymble; Lynwood 4.5-2.5 over Moore Park; Division 2: Oak Park (Liverpool) down 4-3 to Glenmore Heritage Valley, Cronulla 6-1 over Fox Hills, Pennant Hills 5-2 over Richmond,
game,” Anna said. “Hazel has many incredible titles to her name, including the women’s Argentine Open and the British Ladies Open. Even playing against her, you learn so much. She is always a step ahead of everyone else and unstoppable on the ball, always controlling the game.”
After the Final, Anna said, “It was an absolute honour to play alongside my teammates Danielle Lussi, Ling Ling (Saserach Thomgkhon), and Elena Venot, who is the best female player from France and among some of the best female players in the world. I learned so much playing with my teammates, and what made it even more special was that we got on so well. Likewise, it was an incredible experience to play against Ploy, Cami (Camila Aprile), Wisey (Sarah Wiseman), and Lia in what was such a clean, open, and fast-paced game (Final). Keeping up with Lia was very difficult, but it was amazing to have the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and play against such incredible players. I would like to thank Sarah Wiseman for inviting me and King Power for having us. Such experiences will last with me forever!” Anna will be playing in the two
Mona Vale 7-0 over Twin Creeks; Division 3: Springwood 4.5-2.5 over Wakehurst, Dunheved 5-2 over Killara; Division 4: Palm Beach 7-0 over Leonay; Division 5: Cammeray down 4-3 to Wallacia.
With one round left to play in the regular season, Springwood and Dunheved are both sitting in 1st place
selection tournaments to be held in NSW at the Windsor Polo Club on 2nd-3rd April and the Women’s World Cup Trial Game to be held during the Polo International tournament on Sunday 6th April 2025.She will then travel to the UK in June for another international tournament, in her preparation and quest to be named as part of the team for the Women’s World Polo Championships to held in Punta Ala Polo Club in June.
The Hawkesbury Polo season will commence at Killarney Polo Club on 8-9th March, featuring 6-4 goal, 0 goal and sub Zero.
Please go to the Polo Matchmaker Facebook page for more information.
in their respective divisions / pools with strong chances to move on to the playoffs.
Penrith, Richmond and Leonay are all destined to finish at the bottom of their pools and play in the relegation playoffs.
Women Division 1: Concord 3-2 over Stonecutters Ridge
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Anna Dowling (pink helmet #2) at the King Power Tournament. Photos courtesy of NicePix Photographer
BY NOEL ROWSELL
Ti Fox in action during 2024. Photo courtesy of David Tease / Golf NSW. Dave Dennis (Richmond)
Blacktown downs Apia in a thriller
BY BOB TURNER
ALATE Danny Choi stunner secured all three points for Blacktown City for their first home win of the 2025 NSW Premier League season at Landen Stadium, after they took down APIA Leichhardt FC 4-3 last Sunday.
APIA started off strong with their attackers holding possession early on, but it was Blacktown who produced the first chance of the game. Jakob Cresnar had a nice break from his defenders on the sideline and sent off a cross but overshot the run of Jak O’Brien. Jak then had a perfect opportunity for a tap in off a beautiful Mitch Mallia cross but it went the wrong side of the bar for a goal kick. Blacktown’s pressure finally paid off with a great team goal, with Jak O’Brien offloading to Mitch Mallia, whose cross to Keanu Moore netted the first goal of the match and his first goal in Blacktown City colours.
Although Blacktown held the momentum, APIA was definitely not letting the goal get to them. They got themselves on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute as a scrappy build-up in the box resulted in the ball falling perfectly for Cameron Fong, who blasted it into the back of the net to level the scores. The scores were not level for long as Blacktown put themselves back ahead just before the break. A hard challenge on O’Brien from Themba Muata-Marlow set up a free kick just right of the box, which Mitch
Mallia brilliantly sent into the top corner to the absolute delight of the Blacktown fans, taking a 2-1 lead into half time.
Blacktown wasted no time as they came back from the sheds as O’Brien was gifted with a great pass right in front of goal to easily slip into goal for a 3-1 advantage just seconds after the restart. Despite the 3-1 disadvantage, APIA never looked out of the contest. The pressure on the Blacktown defence paid off in the 53rd minute as Presley Ortiz found an opening and struck it past the keeper to reduce the deficit to one. APIA maintained their momentum and a near miss from Segreto eventually led to a stunning, score-levelling strike from Ortiz for his second of the game and fifth of the season.
With 10 minutes to go in regulation and even pressure from both teams, it looked likely to end in a draw. However a triple substitution from City coach Mark Crittenden placed a fresh Danny Choi on the pitch, who capitalised on a great cross from Nick O’Brien to send the ball into the back of the net and once again hand Blacktown the lead with minutes remaining.
Coach Crittenden said the result should not have been that close. “We were really poor
defensively. To concede three times at home is really disappointing, and the way we conceded defensively is just not good enough for us. The result is good, but still plenty of work to do,” said Coach Crittenden.
Blacktown City Men go on the road on Saturday, the 8th, at 7:15pm to take on St George City at Penshurst Park. Catch all the action live on NPL. TV. Blacktown will be back home at Landen Stadium on Sunday, the 16th for a classic duel with Sydney Olympic. Game time is 3pm.
Blacktown City Women opened their 2025 campaign against one of the leading teams in the competition, Inter Lions. Playing away from home they fought stiff opposition from their hosts who were determined to open their season with a win. In the end, the young Blacktown side were unable to match their opponents going down 2-0. “This was a solid effort from our young, new group but we showed plenty of strength and fight against one of the top teams in the competition. We will only get better and look to get the win at home this Sunday against the South Coast Flames,” said Coach Michael Hawthorne.
Go Blacktown City!
Travis Major. Photos: Not24Get
Keanu Moore
Hawkesbury Riding Club hosts Senior Equestrian Event
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE Seniors Equestrian Games are a unique Equestrian event, and are being held this year at the Hawkesbury Riding Club (HRC), Gate 5, Racecourse Road,, Clarendon, on Saturday 22 March.
The Seniors Games is an annual event which is now in its 3rd year. Last year, the event received over 200 entries, from over 50 riders who entered Hacking, Showjumping and Dressage events.
“With less than one week before the closing date of 13th March, we are expecting to surpass that number for this year’s competition,” said HRC President Wendy Pike. “We are really excited to again run an equestrian festival exclusively for senior riders, which caters for riders turning 55 and older in 2025.
The HRC Equestrian Games has now firmly established itself both as a fixture in the Hawkesbury Riding Club calendar and the greater equestrian community, attracting riders from across NSW to participate.
For more information or other enquiries, please contact Jane Reid0401 478 689.
2024 Winners - photos courtesy of Hawkesbury Riding Club