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Friday, 10 May 2019

ISSUE 84

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Happy Mother’s Day from the Western News team.

Mother’s Day

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lose to 500 people gathered for the International Memorial Service for the victims of the recent tragedies in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Christchurch, New Zealand on Sunday, 28 May. Representatives from the Muslim community, the Catholic Diocese, the Anglican Church, the Sikh Temple, the Jewish community, the Maori community and Aboriginal Elders, all gathered at Blacktown International Sportspark for the service.

“The senseless acts of terror in New Zealand on March 15 and in Sri Lanka on Palm Sunday have left us all with a heavy heart,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“The memorial service was a moment to think about the families who lost loved ones, the parents who lost children, the children who were orphaned, and those who lost husbands and wives.

“We remember the people who have sustained life-long injuries, and those who are emotionally scarred by these atrocities.

“Our City celebrates multi-culturalism and fosters understanding among the many different faiths and cultures that call Blacktown home.

“Blacktown stands in solidarity with people of all faiths and all cultures to stamp out vilification and hatred and strive to be a compassionate and caring community.”

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Memorial service remembers Sri Lanka and New Zealand terror victims

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The Maori Wardens attended the Sunday Memorial service at Rooty Hill.

Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP (left), Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (centre left), Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP (Centre), Member for Chifley Ed Husic MP (third from right), Acting NSW Opposition Leader Penny Sharpe MLC (second from right) were some of the attendees.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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HILE I understand most people would rather have their teeth pulled out than get absorbed in a federal election, I’m the first to admit I’m one of those weird people who love every minute of it.

I love politics, and I especially love campaigns and elections.

In fact, to put it into perspective in comparison to most people I know, Canberra is my Hollywood and all the political talk-back shows are my MAFS. I love it all.

But there’s one thing about this election in particular that I don’t love, and that is social media.

My goodness what an eye-opener it is to the rude, the crude, the cruel, the politically uneducated and worst of all, the political bullies.

Every candidate, regardless of the team they are batting for, gets ripped apart daily by those who don’t agree with them.

Personally I love a great debate - my own marriage thrives on it.

Rouse hill Marsden Park

St Marys

By KeRRIE DAVIES

On Facebook debates flare up on the various news sites, ours included, and lots of people get to have their say.

Vineyard

Ropes Crossing

From the Editor’s Desk

Prospect

Online political trolls, however, are rampant and they always manage to spoil a good debate. They trounce on those who have any point of view that’s different to their own, calling them names, labeling them and doing their best to bully them into submission.

So often I see reasonably polite contributors either bow down to the bullies and sugar coat their own views in attempt to appease - or they disappear from the debate altogether because they have better things to do than stay trapped in the viper’s nest.

It is great to live in a country where everyone gets to have a say. Let’s hope it stays that way, but I must admit I sometimes fear for the future.

On May 18 when you are standing in the privacy of the voting booth, you get to cast your vote for who YOU believe is best for the job, not who a social media bully thinks you should. Make it count.

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he Nappy Collective is calling on families to share the Mother’s Day love and make a profound difference to the lives of families in need. From 10 to 24 May, The Nappy Collective will run its national campaign to collect leftover, unused, disposable nappies and divert them to families in crisis.

St Marys Village Centre is pleased to be participating as an official drop point where we hope the local community will help support The Nappy Collective.

Customers can donate their nappies at the Centre Management Office, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

The initiative began in 2013, by a group of mums who found a handful of nappies that their toddlers did not fit into anymore.

After considering the options of what to do with only six nappies - pass them on to a friend, keep them for

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Nappy collective

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the next child or throw them out - they thought, what a waste! They began to wonder if there were other parents out there that also had a handful or even half a box of nappies they were unable to use.

“What if we were able to collect all these left over nappies and distribute them to families in crisis or in need?

Collectively these handfuls of nappies could make a big difference,” the mums pondered and The Nappy Collective was born.

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261 new recruits join NSW Police Force

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he NSW Police Force welcomed 261 new probationary constables to its ranks at the Police Academy in Goulburn last Friday 3 May 2019.

‘Class 337’ includes 176 policemen and 85 policewomen who will complete 12 months on-the-job training and study of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM was joined by Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beasley AO GC, NSW Premier, The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian, and the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services.

Of the probationary constables 234 were born in Australia and 27 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include; New Zealand, China, Serbia, Wales, India, Ecuador, South Africa, USA, Germany, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Canada. The new constables had a wide age range with 34 between 19-20, 129 between 21-25, 62 between 26-30, 15 between

31-35, 12 between 36-40 and 9 over 40.

Commissioner Fuller said the newly-attested officers will hit the ground running when they start at their new postings at police stations across the state this week.

“Today marks the end of the first chapter in these new officer’s policing careers, however it also represents the

start of the next chapter, where they will experience the great challenges and rewards of serving the community as police officers,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“To uphold the values of the NSW Police Force takes hard work, dedication and commitment, and all these new officers have demonstrated they have the drive to succeed.

“I am proud to welcome our new recruits and wish them the very best as they begin work in their new communities,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Some of the new constables will be allocated to local Police Area Commands in western Sydney with Blacktown receiving 3, Mount Druitt 4, Quakers Hill 4, Nepean 9, The Hills 4, Parramatta 2 and Hawkesbury 2.

› Information sought regarding deliberately lit fires in Toongabbie Police are appealing for public assistance after two deliberately lit fires at the same home.

About 1am on Saturday 22 December, emergency services were called to a home on fire on Metella Road, Toongabbie, which three men – aged 58, 68, and 71 – were asleep inside.

The fire caused significant damage

to the front of the house, and minor burns to a 68-year-old male occupant.

About 12.20am on Wednesday 24 April 2019, emergency services were called to the same home on fire, with all three same occupants asleep inside.

No one was injured, however the fire caused damage to the roofing at the front of the home.

Detectives attached to Blacktown

Police Area Command attended the scene of both fires, and are continuing extensive inquiries into their suspicious circumstances under Strike Force Granuaille.

Inquiries suggest the first fire was lit via a plastic container believed to contain accelerant being ignited on the front porch, and the second being lit via accelerant being poured over the

front porch and ignited.

Detectives have released CCTV of the recent fire, which depicts a small white late-model car driving past the scene, and a man running from the blaze.

Police urge anyone with information – or who may have seen the car around the area during the time of the incident – to come forward.

Record Blacktown City Council budget in the black

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lacktown City Council has announced a record $736 million 2019-20 balanced

budget.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “This Blacktown budget is the largest to date and delivers on promises made to residents and business alike.

“The budget is balanced and financially responsible, fulfilling our promises to both transform the City and continue to meet the increased demand for new infrastructure, services and maintenance.

“This year’s budget delivers increases in service delivery and capital works despite more funding shortfalls from the Federal and NSW Governments, and a NSW Government imposed income cap.

“Council plans to undertake

capital works of $269 million on new and upgrading works for our roads, footpaths, bridges, buildings, drainage, transport facilities and parks in the coming financial year.

“Council is proud to announce major capital works spending for the coming 12 months on two projects vital to the transformation of Blacktown City.” Mayor Bali said.

Council has budgeted $65 million this financial year for the Warrick Lane transformational project in the Blacktown city centre, including demolition work, site preparation and construction of the 450-space underground car park, open plaza and flanking buildings.

The Warrick Lane precinct will be the eventual home of Australian Catholic University – Blacktown, providing education and research

facilities for up to 5,000 students by 2029.

Council has also budgeted $26 million this year towards the detailed design and initial site works for the International Centre of Training Excellence (ICTE) to be constructed at the Blacktown International Sportspark.

Major capital works spending outlined in the budget: • $105.9 million for the purchase of land in new release areas to deliver essential roads and drainage infrastructure.

• $65 million towards the Warrick Lane transformational project.

• $26 million for the International Centre of Training Excellence.

2 • $31.6 million for road and footpath construction and improvements

across the City.

• $18.2 million for drainage and stormwater construction and upgrades.

• $9.9 million allocated for open space, upgrading of facilities and rehabilitation works in the City’s reserves, parks and sporting grounds.

• $6 million for building improvements across the City “Council’s operating budget of nearly $352 million will meet the increased demand for services for residents and maintenance of our roads, footpaths, bridges, recreational areas and sporting fields,” Mayor Bali said.

Council will spend more than $68 million maintaining the city’s roads, drains, footpaths and bridges and will spend over $48 million providing waste management services.

Blacktown recognised as key player for the Western Sydney City Deal Blacktown City Council welcomes the announcement today that a Shorten Labor Government would expand the Western Sydney City Deal to include Blacktown City Council.

Blacktown City Council Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the ability to work alongside all levels of government will allow opportunities in business, education and employment to be unlocked.

“Blacktown City Council will be

the largest Council to be included in the Western Sydney City Deal and should have never been overlooked,” Mayor Bali said.

“Blacktown City Council is home to 370,000 people and will keep growing to reach well over half a million by 2036. We have a $17 billion economy growing consistently at 4.6 per cent each year.

“Council has a plan and a vision for transforming the City, it has laid the foundations to respond to the

significant growth and provide high quality services.

“Being included in the Western Sydney City Deal will allow Council to develop partnerships within all levels of government and pursue its goal in transforming the City.

“We also welcome today’s announcement of funding to progress planning for the M9, the Outer Sydney Orbital, to help meet the future transport needs of Western Sydney.

“The announcement is important

for the progression of our rail and road infrastructure and is a vital aspect to address considering the growth our City will experience.”

Blacktown City Council is excited to sit alongside the local governments of Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly, and to lead and collaborate in working to unlock opportunities for the millions of residents of Western Sydney.

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he community is being reminded to get their flu vaccine with the launch of the 2019 flu campaign at Blacktown Hospital recently.

The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard launched the campaign at the hospital’s women’s health clinic, where expectant mums were getting their flu shots to protect themselves and their babies.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said free vaccines were available for those most vulnerable, including pregnant women, those over 65 years old, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

“Flu vaccines have now been delivered across NSW with more to come, so now is the best time for you to get vaccinated,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The vaccine is very safe and cannot give you the flu. Best of all, it is free for those most vulnerable and offers them the best protection.”

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said pregnant women, young children and the elderly will be a major focus of this year’s flu campaign.

“Getting a free flu shot is the best protection for expectant mums and will help protect newborns in their first few months of life. It also the best protection for young children,” Mr Hazzard said.

Western Sydney Local Health District public health unit director Dr Shopna Bag said there are more than 9,600 confirmed influenza cases in NSW already this year.

“Call ahead to your GP or pharmacist to get your flu jab,” Dr Bag said.

“One million flu vaccines have now been delivered across the NSW.”

*Valid until 31st May 2019, not to be used in conjuction with any other offer.

L-R: Dr Kerry Chant, WSLHD chief executive Graeme Loy, Blacktown & Mount Druitt hospitals a/director of nursing and midwifery Rola Tawbe, pregnant mum Becky Endosowman, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, pregnant mums Anne Marie Scerri and Aryln Yu, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Blacktown Hospital general manager Ned Katrib

Free flu vaccines are available for pregnant women, Aboriginal people, those aged over 65, and anyone with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease due to their higher risk of more severe flu illness.

Hospitalisation rates for influenza are highest in young children with recent national figures showing about 100 per 100,000 in those aged six to 23 months.

Dr Bag outlined the importance of the vaccine to the community.

“While we might all take flu for granted as a common winter disease, it can be deadly,” Dr Bag said.

“In 2017, we had a significant flu season where

more than 650 people died across the NSW. “We cannot afford to be complacent.”

The NSW Government has invested about $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.

Free flu vaccines for children aged from six months to under five years of age are being provided under the NSW Government’s $2.6 million program.

Experts are recommending sneezing into your elbow, washing your hands regularly and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of flu.

“Last year, we avoided a repeat of the bad 2017 flu season, but we cannot be complacent so please, go get your flu jab,” Mr Hazzard said.

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NSW flu campaign launched at Blacktown Hospital

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Prepare to party at the Blacktown City Festival

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lacktown City is set to be transformed into a fun filled festival of food, culture and entertainment during the Blacktown City Festival from Saturday 18 May to Sunday 26 May 2019.

To help you gear up for the celebrations, a website is up and running with all the Festival information you and your family need.

“The website is designed to be an easy point of access for people to browse, register for events and purchase tickets,” Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said.

“This year’s celebrations are anticipated to attract over 150,000 people, with a crowd of over 80,000 expected across the two days for the Medieval Fayre at Nurragingy Reserve,” Mayor Bali said.

“There will be something for everyone with the festivities bringing colour, movement and vibrancy throughout the City.”

The Medieval Fayre on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May and Banquet on Saturday 18 May will kick off the festival.

“Nurragingy Reserve becomes a medieval fairground with armour displays, a working blacksmith, the jousting competition, a birds of prey show and many medievalthemed stalls,” Mayor Bali said.

“The medieval theme continues into the night on Saturday 18 May as we gather to dine on medieval food and drink.”

The Reconciliation Walk and Gathering event on Saturday 18 May at Mount Druitt is another highlight of the Festival.

“The gathering is a positive way for people of all backgrounds to come together and participate in a contemporary Aboriginal healing ceremony. There will be dreamtime stories, cultural workshops, art displays and the Mount Druitt’s Got Talent competition,” Mayor Bali said.

Catering to all ages, the festival also features the very popular Baby Shark Kids Concert on Thursday 23 May, a free screening

Colour and music floods the streets of Blacktown during the Streets Alive and Parade Day.

A crowd of over 80,000 is expected for the Medieval Fayre at Nurragingy Reserve.

of Pokémon detective Pikachu on Wednesday 22 May, and why not have a game of putt putt golf on the Village Green from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 May. Foodies will once again be given the opportunity to tantalise their taste buds with the Sweet Indulgence desert festival on the Village Green on Thursday 23 May, as well as celebrate local music and the diverse cuisines on Blacktown’s Main Street, during the Beats and Bites, from Monday 20 to Friday 24 May. Making a popular return is the adults only “Lots of Laughs Comedy Night” on Friday 24 May and the Australian Tenors will serenade you during a gala evening on Saturday 25 May, both at Blacktown’s Bowman Hall.

“Come along and be entertained by some of the country’s funniest comedians including Australia’s hi-jab wearing Muslim comedian, Frida Deguise; former AFL player, Sean Woodland; Vince Sorrenti, and Suren Jayemanne,” Mayor Bali said.

Of course it would not be a Blacktown Festival without Streets Alive and Parade Day on Saturday 25 May. “The vibrant parade will travel through the streets of our CBD and is a spectacular display of colour and excitement with roving characters, floats and marching bands,” Mayor Bali said.

“There will also be performance by Australian Idol winner Stan Walker on the main stage at 1 pm, performances from different cultures, a huge number of arts and crafts stalls, and food trucks.”

For more information please visit blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ festival or contact Council on 9839 6000.

Colour and music floods the streets of Blacktown during the Streets Alive and Parade Day. A crowd of over 80,000 is expected for the Medieval Fayre at Nurragingy Reserve.

Western News

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By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

HEN an indication that something isn’t right comes up on an initial test such as bowel screening, the wait to see a specialist and then be booked in for a colonoscopy can be agonising.

The process of being referred to a specialist by your GP who will then book you into hospital for a more invasive test, can take many weeks and in some circumstances months. By the time you receive either a diagnosis needing treatment or a clean bill of health, valuable treatment time has been wasted and your anxiety level is probably through the roof.

Minchinbury Community Hospital has introduced a new Direct Endoscopy Service, which essentially cuts out much of the waiting time. The service provides patients with a direct referral for colonoscopy procedures, from the GP without the need of a formal first instance consultation by a Gastrointestinal Endoscopist Specialist.

Both private and self insured patients are eligible for Direct Endoscopy as long as they present with obvious indication and have no serious comorbidities.

The GP will assess the patient’s level of urgency and indicate this. The patient will then be booked in for their procedure within 30 days. Minchinbury Hospital will provide a kit for bowel preparation with written instructions.

On the day of the patient’s procedure they will have a short consultation with the Specialist prior to their procedure. A written report will then be given to the patient for follow up with the GP.

Minchinbury Community Hospital Director, Marilyn Piggott and Dr Guang Chen

Dr Guang Chen and Dr Sebastianus Kwon are both Gastroenterologists and are pleased to offer what is essentially an “express service” for endoscopies.

“The first port of call is always your GP,” Dr Chen said, “Once the GP has determined on consultation that the patient meets the criteria, our Direct Access service can cut the waiting time by several weeks.”

Australia has one of the highest rates of bowl cancer in the world with approximately 15,000

Australians being diagnosed every year.

The good news is that 9 out of 10 bowel cancers are easily treatable when detected early enough.

In fact, studies have shown that by having regular screening you can reduce the risk of bowel cancer developing at all.

If you’ve had a worrying indication on a bowel screen test, talk to your GP today about potentially fast-tracking the process at Minchinbury Community Hospital.

A Mother’s love knows no bounds

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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rom the moment of conception, the tiny growing body of a child in the womb becomes the most important focus in a Mother’s life.

Every movement, event and consumption from conception to birth is made with the welfare of the growing baby inside at the forefront.

The birth of a baby fills the Mother’s mind and heart with emotion. These emotions range from pride in creating the most beautiful baby ever born, to tears in the knowledge that she could never bear anything to happen to the most important and most loved treasure she has ever known.

As the new born baby grows and gains its first sight, learns to feed, cuddle and smile, the bond between the Mother and child strengthens with every minute and becomes even stronger than the umbilical cord that connected them from the beginning.

As the baby becomes a toddler, the Mother’s joy at every step, every new word, the laughter and the tears become the Mother’s sole reason for existence.

As she sees the child off to the first day of school, the Mother experiences a separation anxiety that is often far greater than the child itself feels. Her bundle of joy who has shared every moment with her is now stepping into the land of independence and the Mother’s heart soars to the point of breaking at the thought of the child experiencing pain or sorrow without her there to dry the tears.

High school brings on a new heartache for the Mother, combined with pride as she sees her baby slowly grow into a young adult. The teenage years are often dotted with disappointment as the child begins to establish a life that doesn’t include the Mother. As the teenage child’s hormones take over, anything and everything somehow becomes

the Mother’s fault, but the Mother looks on with love in her heart for the child-adult who knows everything and is ready to be their own boss much sooner than they should be.

The Mother’s heart is ripped out of her chest as the child drives off for the first time with a newly gained driver’s licence. She will spend countless nights watching the clock praying for a safe return. Her heart skips a beat every time she hears a news report concerning a teenager and will be unable to relax until she sees the child-adult safe in bed each night.

As the child-adult moves into adulthood, the Mother embarks on the rollercoaster ride of her life; experiencing every joy and heartache just as strongly as if it was happening to her. Her world is rocked with every new adventure; the first job or career move, first love, first broken heart.

And as the adult child starts their own family, the Mother embarks on the journey all over again with the grandchildren, feeling every pang, albeit from a short distance this time round.

There’s nothing in the world stronger than a Mother’s love. Sunday, May 12, is your opportunity to brighten your Mother’s world by showering her with love, affection and perhaps a gift.

Don’t underestimate your ability to make her day the greatest she’s ever known.

Since the day you were born she has focused on your every need, felt the warmth from your every smile, felt the heartache of your every pain. An extra hug or an “I love you Mum” means so much when it comes from the child who has rocked her existence since she first became aware of the tiny pea-sized body in her womb.

Happy Mother’s Day

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Fast-tracking procedure minimises wait time and anxiety

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Crawling under the Cape Town

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Bo-Kaap Streets

By BEN CRANNEY

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ape Town’s Table Mountain is the source of something like 25 creeks and streams, which are the inspiration for an ancient name of the area - Cammisa, or place of sweet waters. You wouldn’t know it walking around the city, though.

There’s next to no evidence of them.

They’ve been bricked in and bricked up, built over and forgotten about. But if you know where to look, you can still find them.

Starting up near the mountain, little creeks trickle over pebbles and stones, run through little dams where slaves used to wash the laundry of the city, flow near now dry water purification tanks that are only used by graffiti artists, and pass the grave of an Islamic Saint.

Following the creeks closer to town, you can find manholes to an underworld. Down here in the sewers,

In the old canals

hunched over, I straddled the water, trying not to slip on centuries old bricks and ducking under low hanging spider webs. Every few hundred meters, a small circle of light would come through a grate, and we could see the faded names of the companies who made the bricks. Teenagers on the tour yelled and screamed, voices echoing down the tunnels, maybe to find out if there was anything in the dark.

Of course, most people don’t go to Cape Town to crawl around underneath it. There are far too many noteworthy sights above ground, starting with Table Mountain. The varying weather makes it hard to actually get to the top, because the gondola closes when there’s a bit of wind, but this also creates some dramatic scenes, with clouds often spilling down the side of the Table. Out in the bay is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner. I tried to visit, but the

Penguin colony

weather was too rough. Instead, I wandered the waterfront marina, where Table Mountain stands guard over yachts, trawlers and converted warehouses, before heading to BoKaap, the Muslim quarter, with it’s rainbow painted houses.

A couple of hours to the south is the tip of the peninsula. There’s whale watching spots, although a cruise would be a better option. The penguin colony at Boulders Beach gets you

close enough to appreciate the smell of 100s of birds’ nests. And the drive home on the west coast bills itself as the most beautiful drive in the world.

With water vivid enough to be a BoKaap house, it’s not far wrong.

This barely scratches the surface.

So if you go, see what you can find by digging a little.

Next time: how to (try and) get upgraded

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel The Times They Are A’Changing

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t’s a funny old time at the moment. It seems that for the past couple of years, the spirit world has been determined to give us a good old shake up. So many of my friends and clients, often both one and the same, feel rather lost and without any idea of purpose. They want to move forward, but can’t quite see how or where they are going.

I have been feeling like this for quite some while now, but suddenly, a couple of days ago, it hit me with a vengeance. My life was about to change and Gran & Co were giving me a good shove forward.

I have been aware of this move swirling around me for quite some time, but this really was a bit unnerving. As usual in times of stress, I called the lovely Sarah in Canada* and told her that I was feeling rather odd and unsettled. As usual she sorted me out by pointing out that maybe this was the culmination of what I had been feeling for quite some time and Gran was busy organising the angels to show the direction my life was about to take.

Once I stopped this introspective navel gazing, I got to thinking that this is not just a problem for me or my little world. Things are happening on a much larger scale to rid us of so many perceived ideas

and preconceptions and we only need to look back over the last five years or so to see how different our world has become.

I certainly do not want to get into a political minefield here, but it seems that an almighty change has taken place globally and whatever was our accepted wisdom has been turned on its head.

Why is this happening now? What has sparked off this mood of revolution? I have a couple of

friends who opinions I value greatly who believe supranatural forces are responsible and only the enlightened will survive in the new order. It does seem a bit like John the Revelator but could it be that we need this upheaval to get our priorities right?

In the grand scheme of things, my input is very small, but I do believe that I am being pushed in a certain direction where hopefully I can help heal some of the small tears in the world around me.

Other friends involved with Spirit feel the same, so maybe if we all join together, we can make a difference. To quote the advert, “Out of little things, big things grow” so let’s all start channelling our thoughts so that out of some of the chaos around us, a better world emerges. We can’t do much about the Super Powers facing up to each other, but we can pray for guidance and love in our own little lives and ask that the times they are a’changing for the better.

Meanwhile Gran is on traffic duty organising those angels. I’ll keep you posted. *Sarah Monaghan is at www.soulwardbound.ca The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

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WESTERN HISTORY

John Page and his “Saylhurst” Tannery

by Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc

J

ohn Page was born in March 1823 at Salehurst in Sussex, England. He was baptised in May 1823 into the Wesleyan faith. His parents were John (Snr) & Elizabeth Page (Nee: Moon). John & his father were farmers at Sussex and John (Jnr) was known as a “farm servant”. It seems that both John’s parents had passed away before he came to Australia on the “Neptune” as a Government bounty emigrant at the age of 16. The Neptune arrived in Sydney in October 1839. It departed London in June with 284 emigrants under the care of David Geddes the surgeon. The Bounty Emigrant scheme started in 1836 with a limited number of children. Later, the Emigration Department of the Australian Government were looking towards England to supply farm & farm labourers, mechanics and female domestic staff - not exceeding 30 years of age who were “suitable, young, healthy and useful in work experience”. John was assisted by William Lawson (of the Blaxland, Lawson & Wentworth fame) to work on his farm in Bathurst with wages of £15 a year. The crossing of the Blue Mountains earned William a 400ha land grant near Bathurst where he built a house that he called the “Macquarie” on the O’Connell Road and it was here he served as Commandant until 1824 when he retired to his property in Prospect, leaving his sons to develop the inland stations. The house was said to be relatively modest, a three-bedroom and a single-storey house in the Colonial Georgian style. It featured an attic and a cellar, formed of brick arches made of sandstock bricks, probably convict-made and pit-fired on site and was stucco-rendered and had an iron roof. John was in the employ of William’s son, William (Jnr) from 1839. In 1842 at Kelso, John married Mary Ann Drawbridge (also known as Ann).

She was born in 1826 and came out on the same ship as John, also as a Government assisted bounty emigrant to William Lawson. She was described as a house servant from Ticehurst (close to Salehurst in Sussex) and the daughter of Charles (a miller in Ticehurst) & Catherine Drawbridge (Nee: Oliver). They were of the Protestant faith. At the time of Mary Ann’s travel to Australia, her mother had passed away in 1837 leaving her father to cope with Elizabeth’s sisters Jane & Caroline.

John and Mary Ann stayed in Kelso, and John, according to the Sydney Morning Herald advertisement in 1847 was working as a Tanner. (It is not known at this time where he picked up this occupation). In the Bathurst Free Press in 1850, John is mentioned as living in St Marys as a tanner, where he saved the little son of his neighbour Mrs Barrett who had fallen down the family well. According to his advertisement in the Bathurst Free Press in 1851, he was in Morrissett Street in

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Bathurst working as a “tanner & Currier” and selling his hides to shoemakers. He established his tannery “Saylhurst” at St Marys in 1856 after acquiring several blocks of the O’Connell Estate. This parcel of land of around 70 acres had the tannery on the southern side and at the far end of Pages Road (originally called Tannery Road), the rest of the area was used as a farm and “fattening paddock”. He employed a young Andrew Thompson whose father was a smalltime tanner at St Marys, also on South Creek who died of sunstroke. Andrew grew up to become a “Master Tanner” and owned one of the biggest tanneries in NSW, situated in Saddington Street at St Marys. His home “Mimosa” is on the corner of Putland Street & Pages Road. In 1858 John’s advertisement in the Sydney Morning Herald asked for “shop workers” at South Creek (St Marys). In January 1863 a warrant was issued by the Penrith Bench for the arrest of Thomas Wetherall, who was charged with wilfully destroying 20 cow hides to the value of £5 the property of his master (sic) John Page. Thomas was about 45 years of age, 5’ high with florid complexion, dark hair and whiskers and round shouldered.

He was wearing moleskin trousers and other working clothes and was a currier and an Englishman. The warrant said that he was supposed to have gone towards Sydney. Just a month later another person under suspicion was Sam, a Chinese cook who was in John’s employ about the time of the robbery. He was about 18 years of age, 5’4” high and his left eye twitched and could speak good English. He was dressed in old fustian trousers, white shirt, and black cloth cap with peak. He was said to have stolen from John’s house, 1 pair white blankets and 1 blue cotton shirt that were all nearly new and valued at 16/-. This must have saddened John because it is said that he employed 50 workers on his farm and tannery, where he supplied morning and afternoon tea and he employed the children of the district during the summer holidays, husking the corncobs, where he would entertain them. Due to a forced mortgage closure, John’s tannery was taken over by Robert Saddington and Sons in 1871 and John and Mary Ann moved to Flemington in Victoria around that time. In May 1873, he was advertising in the Argus newspaper, wanting a situation as working manager in Flemington stating that he had 25 years experience as a tanner with first-class testimonials. Not long after, John passed away in September 1874 in the Castlemaine Hospital in Victoria. He was 52 years of age. His occupation on the death certificate says “Currier”. Mary Ann died in Victoria in 1878 at the age of 52. They had no children.

Sources: Ancestry, Family Search (Mormon Site), Deaths Victoria website, NSW Police Gazette & weekly record of crime, The Argus-Vic, Trove, Margaret Farm-Mary Putland O’Connell, Office of Environment & Heritage online, Penrith Council Industrial History.

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Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

13

SUDOKU: EASY

SUDOKU: MEDIUM

Western News 10 May 2019 Issue 84

INSTRUCTIONS SOLUTIONS: 26 April EASY

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Solutions (7) 5 Trouble (7) 9 A preserve (9) 10 Author Mark _____ (5) 11 Connecting (7) 12 Hunting guide (7) 13 Assigned (9) 15 Elflike (5) 17 Thin and weak (5) 19 Personal discipline (9) 22 Class (7) 25 An easy victory (slang) (7) 26 Boredom (5) 27 Clear sky (9) 28 Sleds (7) 29 They inflict pain for

pleasure (7)

solution 26/4/19

down 1 Disheveled (7) 2 Squeezes the throat (9) 3 Departing (7) 4 Massacre (9) 5 Wharfs (5) 6 Not inside (7) 7 Type of vine (5) 8 Large house (7) 14 Vetoes (9) 16 Traitorous (9) 17 _______ and dryers (7) 18 Tugging (7) 20 Circular (7) 21 Pushes forcefully (7) 23 Residence of a clergyman (5) 24 Stones (5)

Western News 10 May 2019 Issue 84

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

T

Western News

Understanding the Psychology of buying a home

here’s no denying that buying a home is a big decision and yet you may be surprised by the number of people who are influenced by factors other than price, resale value and location. From the number of a house to a lick of new paint on the walls, it seems we are influenced by emotion and aesthetic much more than we think. This infographic illustrates the seven psychological factors prospective buyers consider when purchasing a new home.

1. Emotion Whether someone is buying a house or an apartment to live in, they’re buying a home. It’s a place where you’ll create memories and for some people, there is a strong sense of emotional attachment. It’s no surprise that a decision like this comes with a lot of emotion. In 2013, Commonwealth Bank conducted a survey of Australian buyers and found 44 per cent paid more for a property because they “really liked it”.

How to help keep emotions in check Before any inspection, have your clients set goals on three nonnegotiables the home needs to have i.e. the right price, location, number of rooms…etc. Doing so will help keep emotions in check when they’ve fallen in love with a home that comes above the asking price or when it comes with 2 rooms and they were looking for four. If they’re leaning towards a house because of its ‘feel good’ factor try to identify the emotion behind it.

Can it be replicated or re-created in another home?

2. Cultural superstitions Numbers matter and it may not be the ones you think. The numbers on a home can determine whether

a property is a good fit for the superstitious. In some cultures, some numbers are considered ‘luckier’ than others. 13 is commonly associated with bad luck but in some Asian cultures, the number 4 is also considered to have negative connotations as its pronunciation sounds like “shi” which translates to death in Mandarin.

How to work around cultural superstitions If clients have cultural superstitions, it’s best to gain an understanding of them from the get go. If you’re an agent working with a client who has cultural superstitions, understand that it may be difficult to sway them away from a ‘bad number’ or ‘feng shui’.

Learn to work with their cultural beliefs instead.

3. Perceived value That new paint job may have only cost $100 and a few hours of your time but to a prospective buyer, a newly painted wall can be perceived as added value. Superficial things like a room painted in an ugly colour can make people less likely to buy a house—even though fixing such a problem is as cheap as a couple cans of paint.

How to create the value buyers crave Psychologically, buyers are motivated by added value and getting the most they can from their seller. According to this article from Insightsquared.com, “value is not a fixed number – it is totally relative, depending on what the buyer has to gain and what they’re willing to pay.”

As a seller or an agent, you want to appeal to this psychological need to “win” by demonstrating as great a value as possible, relative to price.

Consider offering a gift voucher or covering a gas/electricity bill for the first month.

4. First Impressions Like all introductions, first impressions count. A buyer’s first experience with a home will either leave a lasting impression or not.

Research that studied 63 un-staged homes found the average selling time of a home decreased to 40 days after going through a ‘facelift’.

How to create a good first impression Appeal to the senses. Have fresh flowers arranged in nice vases. Light some scented candles to create a welcoming experience for visitors.

5. A Home That Tells a Story Story telling is a powerful medium in sales and marketing. While the logical side of a buyer’s brain is apt to examine numbers, technical specs, history, potential resale value…etc, their psychological side responds to romanticised stories of their previous owner.

The secret to story telling Not all stories will resonate with buyers and the chances are, a home is likely to have more than one story. Get to know the home’s history, collect a few stories for reference so you can cater your story to the audience.

6. Social Proof In a business built on relationships and trust, social proof matters. Social proof is key to influence most buying decisions and this is no exception when it comes to buying a home.

How to create social proof Have customers leave you a review on your social media channels. Ask for testimonials to place on your website.

7. The Ideal Lifestyle It’s not just about the home.

@wealthwiz

When home buyers are considering a purchase, they’re buying into a lifestyle. If someone is interested in properties in Bondi Beach, they’re likely to be looking for an active lifestyle with good cafes. For some, living in Bondi Beach means morning walks along the beach before work, an afternoon surf or Saturday brunch at their favourite local café.

How to sell a lifestyle, not sell a home Understand your suburb beyond the technical specs of a home. Get to know the history of a suburb, its local restaurants and schools…etc. Is there an award-winning bakery around the corner? Is the house close to some of the best walks in Sydney? All these little things matter when people are buying into a lifestyle.

Understanding the psychology of a home buyer can help you find the perfect property for your homeowner.

Having comprehensive property data is often the first step to getting a new client or sale. RP Data Professional is powered by Australia’s most comprehensive property data since 1991.

Buying your first home can be both exciting and emotional, but knowing what to expect, doing your research and being prepared can take a lot of the stress out of the situation.

Contact Alex (0149 600 177) for a free comprehensive property report and get help in terms of finding the best product and guiding you through the process.

The data, information and commentary provided in this publication (together, Information) is of a general nature and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the relevant contributors and should not be construed as specific advice or relied upon in lieu of appropriate professional advice.

#wealthwizau

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BEFORE

AFTER

Western News

By Noel Rowsell

S

tonecutters Ridge Golf Club member and 2018 Australian Amateur Medallist Darcy Boyd has won the Toukley Cup, adding the silverware to recent wins at the Lairds Framing Kiama Open Amateur and Southern Tablelands Cup at Moss Vale Club.

Darcy said “I have continued to work hard on my game through the tough times I’ve faced over the last 6 months and it is starting to finally pay some dividends”.

“I have been doing some short game work with Toby McGeachie at Kiama Golf Club and continue to work with long-time coach Trent Wieland on my swing” said Darcy.

“I have found that through being more analytical of my short game and breaking down each aspect of it, I’m able to identify the areas for improvement and it is starting to show in my scoring”.

The Lairds Framing Kiama Open was played on Saturday the 13th April and attracted a strong field from Sydney, the Southern Highlands and the South Coast.

Darcy shot a two-under round of 64 to take out the event by 2 shots from

former PGA EuroPro Tour player Colin Mitchell, after making the turn at even par.

Darcy followed up in the Southern Tablelands Cup, hosted at the Moss Vale Golf Club on Sunday 14th February.

Chasing lucrative points in the 2019 Golf Illawarra Open Series, Darcy was three over par through the first three holes, then played the next fifteen holes in seven under par, the highlight being an Eagle on the 17th hole.

When questioned as to the keys to his success over the past 18 months, Darcy said “I’m playing well, however I feel like I’ve been doing that for a while now”.

“The catalyst for my good scores of late has been the ability to make the putts that keep the momentum going and allow you to win”.

I am lucky enough to have a huge amount of support from the members at Stonecutters Ridge GC and they have been monumental in helping to provide an opportunity that allows me to chase my dreams and represent them at the same time” said Darcy.

Darcy has now taken a significant lead in the 2019 Golf Illawarra Open Series and will continue to represent the SRGC at Vardon events for the

Darcy Boyd (SRGC) with the Toukley Cup. Photo courtesy of SRGC

next few months, before endeavouring to lead the western-Sydney Club to its first Golf NSW Eric Apperly title.

SRGC spokesperson Mish Becari said “We (SRGC) would like to wish

Darcy the best of luck for the rest of the year and we can’t wait to see him continue to put Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club at the top of many more leader-boards”!

Blacktown City suffer a humiliating defeat at WIN Stadium

By CONNER LOWE

B

la c k t o w n City have suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the National Premier League NSW Men’s leaders Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium on Sunday.

A brace from leading scorer Thomas James and goals to Taylor McDonald and Nicholas Litter helped the Wolves to their first win over Blacktown City since June 2010.

Despite causing a significant amount of early pressure, Wollongong was unable to get onto the scoresheet until the 30th minute, when Thomas James picked up a pass from James Stojcevski on the left flank and buried a powerful effort into the bottom-right corner.

James picked up his second of the match in the 62nd minute, making a good run along the edge of the Blacktown City box before firing a pinpoint shot into the bottom-left corner.

Wollongong then added their third goal of the afternoon three minutes later, with Taylor McDonald showing great control to turn away from the Blacktown City defence in the box and fire into the top of the net.

Nicholas Litter completed the rout for the Wolves in the 72nd minute, tapping a James Stojcevski free-kick past Blacktown City custodian Tristan Prendergast to secure all three points for the home side.

15 Western News 10 May 2019 Issue 84

Boyd wins third trophy

SPORT

Blacktown City were unable to make inroads against the stubborn Wollongong defence, only managing a handful of chances in the final moments, with sub Emmanuel Gonzalez having the best chance of the match for the visitors, tapping a cross from William Mutch just wide of the post in stoppage time.

Mark Crittenden, Blacktown City Coach spoke about his disappointment with the travelling side’s performance, noting that all the side can do going forward is quickly put the result behind them.

“Nothing but credit to Wollongong.

We didn’t turn up, but they didn’t allow us to either. They were very good and full credit to them,” he said.

“There was probably a little bit of a lack of desperation by us at times and you can’t afford that when playing against a good side.

“There wasn’t any part of this afternoon that was what we’d expect at Blacktown and obviously we’ve got to move on and regroup and look forward to Marconi next weekend.”

Blacktown City will now look onto next weeks game against Marconi Stallions FC at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday 12 May. Blacktown now sit 10 points behind the league leaders and face a touch Marconi side who are currently two places above City on the ladder. Blacktown will hope to improve significantly on their performance against the Wolves and come home with a crucial victory.

Western News Friday, 10 May 2019

SPORT

Mt Druitt Rangers claim a valuable point against Sutherland Sharks

By CONNER LOWE

M

t Druitt Town Rangers has fought back to claim an extremely valuable point in a 1-1 draw against Sutherland Sharks at Popondetta Park on Saturday night.

On a crisp night at Popondetta Park, both sides got into their work early.

Jordan Morfitis burst into the box well for Sutherland Sharks, denied by the huge frame of Mount Druitt goalkeeper, Carlos Saliadarre.

Down the other end, Luke Clifford fired one straight at the Sharks keeper, Mitchell Evans. Much of the best play from the home side in the first 45 came through Clifford, Toufic Alameddine and Fabricio Fernandez.

The Sharks started to click into gear, Matteo Poljak had an effort touched over, quickly followed

by Jeremy Cox’s low effort that was gobbled up Saliadarre, again making life hard for the opposition strikers.

Blake Thompson floated a well-directed free-kick that landed on top of the head of Solomon MonahanVaiika but the defender couldn’t crane his neck muscles enough to keep the ball underneath the bar.

Raul Beneit Romero had a pair of chances close to

the break to put Sutherland Sharks ahead. His initial effort rebounded off Saliadarre before the follow up was swept out for a corner.

Right on the break, Fernandez and Alameddine whizzed efforts wide of the post for Mount Druitt Town Rangers. Fernandez bounced an effort wide of the left then Alameddine went high.

After the break, Raul Romero went close again but the breakthrough came in the 54th minute. A well bent ball into the area, found the foot of Cox, the striker tapped home, making it 1-nil to the Sharks.

On the hour mark, the Rangers had their response.

Fernandez, who has quickly built a catalouge of well-taken goals this season, added another. The striker curled a freekick around everyone, making it 1-1.

The goal sparked some belief for Mount Druitt. Urged forward at every occasion, Alameddine started a counter that ended with Alex Boyadjian, the attacker sent his effort goalbound but it deflected for a corner.

Cox had another golden chance in the 84th when Morfitis clipped the ball into his path. Cox got his positioning wrong and scooped the ball into the fencing behind the goal, as the game drifted to the end.

Fernandez had a chance to play the hero again for Mount Druitt. He put them ahead with a delightful chip last weekend in their 3-3 draw, but this week, the effort shaved the post, going agonisingly wide as the teams shared the points.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers will now look forward to their match against Hakoah Sydney City East FC where they will be hoping to improve on their performance against the Sutherland Sharks. Mt Druitt and Hakoah FC are currently both sitting on seven points each and will be looking to leap frog one another next weekend. The match will take place on Sunday 12 May at Hensley Athletic Field, kick-off 5pm.