Western News 11 June 2021

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Friday, 11 June 2021

ISSUE 137

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Top of Ladder Blacktown City FC displayed a gutsy and determined effort to beat Sydney United 58 who were top of the ladder until last Sunday. See page 15 for full coverage. Photo: Steve Lynch

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

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“The least I can do”: Blacktown Hospital doctor helps India battle COVID-19 from thousands of kilometres away

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r Dhaval Ghelani, an Intensive Care Unit specialist at Blacktown Hospital, wasn’t going to let distance, international border closures or his only family’s devastation hinder him from helping step up the fight against COVID-19 in India.

“These doctors are putting their lives and their family’s lives at risk by treating seriously unwell COVID patients – the least I can do from here is help them in any way I can,” Dr Ghelani said.

Using his medical expertise and compassion, Dr Ghelani helped a not for profit organisation, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur Australia (SRMDA), set up a COVID-19 Health Centre in India in just 10 days.

“The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment from staff – a willingness to learn in the most difficult of circumstances – has been inspiring,” said Dr Ghelani who has been training the medical staff via Zoom meetings.

In these telehealth settings, he has been able to teach hospital staff in India they skills they need – such as how to navigate the ventilatory and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) management of COVID-19 patients.

The hospital was conceived out of a rundown rehabilitation facility and is situated in a small town, Dharampur in Gujarat State, Western India.

Dr Ghelani from Blacktown Hospital helped set up a COVID-19 Health Centre in India in just 10 days.

Built in a poor rural area which has been badly ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital has been running at 100 per cent occupancy since.

Installed with a piped oxygen supply, ventilators, haemodynamic monitors, bilevel positive airway pressure machines (BPAP) and an ICU ward, this hospital has been able to bring first class medical care to the inhabitants of 238 nearby villages.

Staffed by a physician, two anaesthetists, seven junior medical officers (JMOs) and nursing staff, the hospital treated 1,500 patients with COVID-19 within a week of opening.

“One of the preconditions for hiring new doctors was making sure they were vaccinated. Doctor safety has

been at the heart of this work,” said Dr Ghelani whose own family has been impacted by COVID-19 with his uncle dying from the disease.

“Being the only doctor in the entire family has been a challenge. I have been receiving messages from family and friends asking for support and advice.”

With such a high demand for life saving healthcare, a second facility was established nearby to treat patients with mild to severe COVID symptoms.

With the help of Dr Ghelani, the hospital staff are also involved in a community outreach program, visiting the homes of villagers to screen them for COVID-19, with positive cases referred to either facility for quarantine and monitoring.

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It’s been devastating hearing the stories from people on the ground; the statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, said Dr Ghelani.

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“Families are being left in limbo because of COVID-19 with many women are losing their husbands to this wicked virus.

“There have been vocational courses set up to provide professional cooking or sewing skills and have allowed women to be employed by local industries.”

For more information head to www.srloveandcare.org/coronavirusrelief-initiatives-australia

Religious and multicultural leaders receive COVID-19 vaccine

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ore than 30 NSW religious and community leaders have come together to encourage all eligible individuals from diverse faith and cultural communities to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The leaders met with Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee at the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park.

“Thank you to community leaders across NSW who have shown leadership throughout the pandemic and continue to provide trusted information to their communities. It is critical to vaccinate our citizens as quickly and as safely as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“There are Cultural Support Workers at the mass vaccination centre who can guide people through the entire process in 25 different languages.”

The mass vaccination centre is now administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to members of the general public aged 50 and over, along with GPs and other NSW Health clinics throughout the state.

More than 1.1 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered across the state, including more than 360,000 by NSW Health and more than 760,000 by GPs and related providers.

Mr Hazzard thanked the leaders for guiding their communities through such a difficult year in our fight against the virus.

“The pandemic has been extremely challenging for everybody, including people of faith, with many of the normal practices turned on their head, but vaccination is our path back to normal,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Our message to all members of the community

is simple – get the COVID vaccine, it will help keep you and your loved ones safe and out of our intensive care units.”

Mr Lee said the COVID-19 vaccine has been taken up across faith communities and encouraged community members to get the vaccine.

“We are working with our faith and community leaders to ensure everyone in our community has access to reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccines,” Mr Lee said.

People aged 50 and over are encouraged to book their AstraZeneca vaccination through their GP in the first instance, but if they are unable to obtain the vaccine from their GP, appointments can also be booked in NSW Health clinics.

Those aged 40-49 can now also register their interest in receiving the Pfizer vaccine. They will be contacted and invited to make a booking when there is availability at clinics.

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he Member for Londonderry Prue Car is the new Deputy Leader of the NSW Labor Party.

The announcement comes just a few days after Chris Minns was announced as the NSW Opposition Leader.

“I’m excited to join Chris Minns as part of Labor’s new leadership team,” Ms Car said.

“It will be an honour to serve as Deputy Leader of my party and to help take a positive vision for NSW to the 2023 election.

“Like Chris, I understand the pressures on family budgets and the impact of the outrageous cost of tolls.

“Like Chris, I want to see our schools properly funded and staffed.

“During the last two years as Shadow Minister for Education, I have visited schools right across NSW. I have seen first hand what overcrowding and under-resourcing looks like in our classrooms. Our children deserve better.

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

Nsw Labor elects Prue Car as Deputy leader “I know how hard the next election will be, but I believe with the right policies and the right priorities, we can win in 2023.”

Ms Car was elected unanimously by her caucus colleagues.

Having lived in Western Sydney her whole life, Ms Car has been a strong campaigner for Western Sydney families since she was first elected to the NSW Parliament in 2015. She has an eight year old son.

Prue has previously worked as the National Communications Manager for Multiple Sclerosis Australia, and represented her local community as a Labor councillor on Penrith City Council.

Labor has also elected its new leadership team in the NSW Upper House. Penny Sharpe MLC will serve as NSW Labor Leader in the Legislative Council while John Graham MLC will serve as Deputy Labor Leader in the Legislative Council.

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Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au Authorised by Prue Car MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.

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Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

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Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 General Manager: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Sales: Malama Psarianos 0416 203 777 Sports Journalist: Noel Rowsell 0424 007 202 Graphic Design: Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Printer: Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown Letters to the Editor: nepeannews@aol.com Web: www.wsnewsgroup.com

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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year and a half ago I was sitting with my friends at the swim up bar in a swanky $50-a-night resort in Bali without a care in the world. We were making playful comparisons between this new Coronavirus that we’d heard was circulating and the bottles of Corona we held in our hands.

We were in a place of blissful ignorance with no idea whatsoever that the virus being spoke of in the distance was about to ravage the world and dramatically change life as we knew it.

Back then, a crystal ball would have had trouble convincing us that a global pandemic was about to unfold. Millions of people would die, travel would come to a standstill and populations would go in to lockdown. Furthermore, it would have been hard to believe that the amazing work of scientists across the world would eventually result in a vaccine to combat the severity of the virus and return life to close to normal, but that people would reject it and refuse to take it.

At the time of writing, over 3.7 million people had lost their lives to what we now call COVID-19. After 18 months of battling the pandemic, the death numbers are decreasing as vaccination numbers increase. We are obviously getting somewhere.

As I listen to people talk around town, or flick through my newsfeed on social media, I’m finding hard to understand why there’s such resistance to being vaccinated.

If previous generations had been as adverse to having a jab, we’d still be dealing with Polio, Whooping Cough, Mumps, Diptheria, Rubella, Rotavirus, Measles and Tetanus - just to name a few.

I don’t imagine governments in Australia would follow the USA and offer incentives such as joints for jabs (yes marijuana, true story!) and nor should they have to. We surely have enough common sense to work it out.

If we don’t immunise against the virus, it will continue to rule how we live. If we visit elderly friends and relatives without being vaccinated, we put them at risk. If we are terrified at the thought of the very low risk of blood clot complications, then why do we continue to do things that pose far greater risks, such as sitting idle for long periods of time, drinking, smoking or playing contact sports?

We are probably at greater risk of injury during the drive from our house to the medical clinic than we are in receiving the shot.

So let’s put things into perspective, use our common sense and have a shot.

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Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

Happy 60th Blacktown City Swimming Club

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lacktown City Swimming Club is the premier swimming club for the Blacktown area.

Established in 1961 BCSC celebrate 60 years as the number 1 club in the Blacktown electorate.

The Club is a volunteer led club that has instilled in its swimmers the passion to Believe and Achieve, whilst allowing its swimming athletes to pursue their dreams at representing Swimming at State, National or on the International podium at World Championships and Olympic Games.

They are an inclusive club with swimmers competing in Multi Class and able bodied athletes. They stand loud and proud as a club with over 160 members strong.

The Club offers a squad program for swimmers who have finished all levels in a Learn to Swim environment ranging in ages from 6yrs - 18yrs and are looking to improve their skills and develop into the next swimming champion at either their school meets,

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club night racing or at the next local swimming carnival.

Their members travel for the squad program from all over the Blacktown LGA , with others also coming in from Penrith, Erskine Park, Rooty Hill and St Marys to be coached under the guidance of Head Coach Cassandra and Senior Coach Jo. If you are looking for a club to foster the talent in your swimmer, then please email Blacktown City to organise a free trial bcscsquads14@gmail.com or phone us on 0403 562 719.

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World-first app to help address domestic violence in NSW

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world-first app aimed at holding domestic violence perpetrators to account and increasing their compliance with protection orders to help safeguard victims has been unveiled.

Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman launched the NSW Government-funded Avow app as part of a package of products to help people understand their legal obligations under an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO).

“The scourge of domestic violence needs to be tackled both by protecting victims and by helping perpetrators to stop their abusive behaviour,” Mr Speakman said.

“The Avow app puts information perpetrators need to comply with their ADVO at their fingertips.

“It’s available anytime, anywhere, for free, meaning perpetrators can more easily address their behaviour.”

An ADVO is a court order that imposes multiple conditions on a perpetrator, including limiting their contact with the victim to ensure they do not stalk or intimidate them. Breaking these conditions is a criminal offence, which can lead to a gaol sentence.

The Avow app includes: • Straightforward information about ADVOs, court processes and the consequences of breaching an ADVO;

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Each day police respond to nearly 400 domestic violence incidents across the state, Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.

• Information about appearing in court; • Features that allow users to add their ADVO conditions into the app and plan for how they will comply with them; and • A directory and links to support services.

A new NSW Police referral card will also be used to promote the app and encourage perpetrators to contact the Men’s Referral Service that can put them in touch with supports, including Men’s Behaviour Change programs.

NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Domestic Violence, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, said police take a proactive approach to ADVO compliance.

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“The primary focus of police is to protect victims and in the last two years we have significantly increased our compliance activities to ensure perpetrators are held to account. Last year alone we identified nearly 17,000 breaches of ADVO incidents.

“The Avow App will give perpetrators the information they need to ensure they are abiding by the requirements of the ADVO, and they can access referral pathways to get the help they need to change their behaviour.”

No to Violence Chief Executive Jacqui Watt said having clear information available anytime, anywhere, is incredibly important.

“Hopefully this information can help those subject to an ADVO know the requirements to prevent breaches,” Ms Watt said.

“We are also pleased that these resources highlight that support is available. If you are struggling or need someone to speak to about your behaviour, give the Men’s Referral Service a call on 1300 766 491.”

The Avow app was developed by the Department of Communities and Justice with the Department of Customer Service and Miroma Project Factory. The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Program also reviewed the app during development to ensure it was fit-for-purpose.

Aboriginal newborn introduced to culture in first yarning circle at Westmead Hospital’s Cultural Gathering Place

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ix-week-old Amelia has already been immersed in her Aboriginal culture during a special smoking ceremony and “yarning circle” at Westmead Health Precinct’s new Cultural Gathering Place during Reconciliation Week.

Amelia’s mum, Anne-Shirley Brown, was cared for during pregnancy through the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Dragonfly midwifery program and said she was touched by the welcoming ceremony performed for her daughter.

“It was a nice day to come out here, meet the elders and get Amelia involved in her first cultural activity,” Anne-Shirley said.

“Amelia is six weeks old and it has been a great journey with the midwifery team.

“Being a new mum is a big learning curve and the support of the midwives has been a great help. They taught me what to expect after giving birth and how to breastfeed. I am very grateful to have had their support from the start until after I gave birth.”

The special ceremony was held at the start of WSLHD’s first “yarning circle”, bringing together local Aboriginal elders to discuss health needs of communities and potential partnership for research purposes.

A yarning circle means “to get together in a sacred space and talk” and is a traditional cultural Aboriginal practice, stemming from the custom of creating sacred places to discuss business and build respectful

New mum Anne-Shirley Braun and baby Amelia, Kiralee Moss and Uncle Elvis performing the welcoming ceremony.

relationships.

The Cultural Gathering Place has been designed in consultation with the local Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Liaison officers to serve as a safe space for all hospital visitors.

Clinical midwife consultant Sarah Melov stressed the importance of asking the Aboriginal community about their health needs, instead of advising what had to be improved.

“This model of communication contributes to building open and trusting relationships and improving health outcomes,” Sarah said.

“The elders enjoyed themselves at their new cultural gathering place.

“The connection and conversation with the community were great and we will continue to work on it – the next step would be an only-women yarning circle.”

The smoking ceremony will be

held every six months to welcome all the new babies born through the

Dragonfly midwifery program in western Sydney.

The Dragonfly midwifery program provides continuity of care for Aboriginal mums in western Sydney.

Aimed to improve health outcomes for mums and bubs, it offers educational sessions and conversations about different aspects of motherhood.

WSLHD has the largest population of Aboriginal people living within NSW and the program seeks to help address the fact Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity compared to non-Aboriginal women and babies.

To learn more about the Dragonfly midwifery program, please contact the caseload office on 02 8890 9129.

Aboriginal Elder Uncle Elvis and Kiralee Moss performing the smoking ceremony for Anne-Shirley Braun and baby Amelia.

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lacktown City Council has paid tribute to the late Jim Anderson for his long and distinguished service as a Councillor, Mayor and the Parliamentary Member for St Marys and Londonderry.

In a brief ceremony, Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM presented the ‘Key to the City’ to Jim’s wife, Mrs Kathleen Anderson in the presence of family members, current and former MPs and Councillors.

In making the presentation at the May Council meeting, Mayor Bleasdale said; “We recognise Jim Anderson for his dedicated service to, and leadership of, our City over many years.”

Jim Anderson was born in Belfast in 1943, and moved to Sydney, aged 23, with Kathleen just 2 weeks after they were married.

Jim was an enthusiastic member of his local community and was very active in the sporting areas of soccer, tennis, squash, golf and athletics.

Jim Anderson was first elected to Council in 1987 and was elected Mayor in 1991. He was elected to NSW Parliament in 1995 as the Member for Saint Marys and in 1999 he moved to the seat of Londonderry.

Jim Anderson suffered a fatal heart attack at 7am on March 22, 2003. It was election day and Jim was about to begin his rounds of the electorate.

Premier Bob Carr said at the time, the death of Jim Anderson had cast a shadow over the NSW election.

Jim Anderson worked tirelessly for public education and was deeply committed to improving the future for young people in Western Sydney. To

Mrs Kathleen Anderson with Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (left), Richard Amery and Edmond Atalla.

this end, Premier Carr established the Jim Anderson Scholarships to support 5 students every year entering University or TAFE. The former Member for Mount Druitt and Riverstone, Richard Amery, and the current Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla, both attended the Council meeting and paid tribute to Jim and Kathleen.

Mayor Bleasdale quoted from Jim Anderson’s maiden speech to Parliament; “There is an old

Irish saying that behind every good man there is a better woman. In my case that is quite true because without my wife, Kathleen, I would have achieved nothing.”

Mayor Bleasdale said; “Jim Anderson was much-liked and respected in his constituency, and universally liked and respected by his political colleagues. He embodied all that is good about community service, and the common causes that unite us in Blacktown City.”

www.knownforlounges.com

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

Former MP Jim Anderson – Key to the City

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CBD redevelopment official opening

Artist’s impressions of the redeveloped Warrick Lane precinct in the Blacktown CBD

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traditional Welcome to Country and family fun day will be some of the highlights of the official opening on 20 June of the $80 million redevelopment of the Warrick Lane precinct in the Blacktown CBD. The Warrick Lane precinct consists of a 482-space multi-level underground carpark, 2 tree-lined public parks, 2 flanking buildings, children’s play equipment, street furniture, breakout spaces and a plaza.

A feature of the carpark is the use

of Darug language and First Nations artworks as sign posting. First Nations artworks and installations also figure prominently throughout the precinct.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said; “The Warrick Lane park and precinct will become a vibrant, social hub of the Blacktown City Centre.

“The massive underground carpark will also remove hundreds of cars from the streets in the CBD and also greatly reduce vehicle congestion.

“The Warrick Lane redevelopment

is one of Blacktown City’s key transformational projects, along with Australian Catholic University’s Blacktown campus, the development of the International Centre of Training Excellence in the Blacktown International Sportspark and the modern best-practice Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre at Glendenning.

“These projects fulfil Council’s commitment to transform Blacktown City into a modern, vibrant sustainable city where people can live, work,

recreate and gain the best possible education.” Mayor Bleasdale said.

The Warrick Lane opening day celebrations will run from 12noon until 4pm on Sunday 20 June.

Celebrations will include a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, food trucks, roving entertainment, tours by Aboriginal artist, Blak Douglas, family art workshops and the official opening by Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM.

Western Sydney University launches inaugural veteran support program

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estern Sydney University is proud to launch an innovative new program to support armed forces veterans wanting to pursue higher education.

The ‘Student Veterans Program’ will connect current and previously serving Australian Defence Force and Reservist personnel with a range of dedicated support services and initiatives during their studies at the University.

Professor James Arvanitakis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement and Advancement), said the integrated program affirms Western Sydney University’s commitment to helping veteran students and those considering future study succeed at University.

“The program will provide tailored support through access to a range of enriching programs, including wellbeing and social services, for students who are serving or who have served with the Australian Defence Force,” said Professor Arvanitakis.

“The University is pleased to support veterans in their capacity to study and serve our country, and to support former personnel who are retraining and commencing new careers.”

Acknowledging the skill sets developed during their experiences, student veterans may be eligible for five bonus points for entry into Western Sydney University. This continues the University’s leadership in recognising the prior learning and attributes of potential students.

Through the unique program, students will be connected with a Student Veteran Support Officer for one-on-one support. They will also have access to priority timetabling, special consideration, subsidised health clinic services, free welfare

Keesha von Stieglitz (photo credit: Sally Tsoutas)

services, counselling services and the University’s LEAD and MATES mentor programs. They can also connect and network with other veterans through a dedicated student club, the ‘Western Student Veterans Club’.

To enrich the program, Western Sydney University has partnered with Soldier On — a leading not-forprofit organisation that supports current and exserving Australian Defence Force members, as well as their families — to collaborate on educational and support opportunities.

Soldier On’s Pathways Program collaborates with Education Partners like Western Sydney University to create new opportunities for veterans and their families, enabling them to thrive.

Solider On CEO, Ivan Slavich, said the organisation is honoured to welcome Western Sydney University to its Pathways Program.

“Through the launch of its veteran support program, Western Sydney University is taking active steps to provide veterans with greater educational opportunities,” said Mr Slavich.

“We look forward to working with Western Sydney University to provide more opportunities for veterans to upskill or retrain and secure meaningful employment after their service.”

Western Sydney University Student Veteran Support Officer Keesha von Stieglitz has served in the Royal Australian Air Force and is currently studying medicine at the University.

Ms von Stieglitz, who has been instrumental in establishing the program, said this robust approach will aid student veterans in their transition to tertiary study and support them throughout their degrees.

“Defence force personnel make a range of sacrifices for the country; therefore, it is important to ensure we are offering support to servicemen and women in any capacity that we can,” said Ms von Stieglitz.

“From those no longer serving to members serving full-time or in a reserve capacity, having a program that allows veterans to adapt their studies to align with their service requirements is crucial in fostering a positive study environment.”

“It excites me to know that veterans will be supported in their studies at Western Sydney University and afforded the best possible environment to manage service life or postservice requirements while still advancing in their education.”

For more information, visit the Student Veterans web page.

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t’s no secret that food plays a key role in people’s physical and mental wellbeing and is an important part of people’s cultural identity – particularly in the state’s multicultural melting pot of western Sydney.

Everyone’s plate looks different in the west and the team of dietitians in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) knows first-hand there’s no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to a healthy diet.

“Many people underestimate the power of nutrition. We use it to help them manage their health conditions,” says Blacktown Hospital dietitian Alice Meroni, who was born and raised in Italy.

“In Italy, the food culture is not as diverse, so every day at Blacktown Hospital is an opportunity for me to learn something new and apply it in my work with patients.

“For some people, food is the centre of their cultural identity and telling them that the new diet might affect this crucial part of life is not always easy.

Trained in medical nutrition therapy, dietitians translate scientific nutrition

Dieticians, working in various areas of the hospitals – diabetes, weight management, gastroenterology, hepatology, intensive care, oncology, bone marrow transplant, surgery, respiratory, cystic fibrosis, aged care, eating disorders, inherited genetic metabolic disorders and food allergies.

Happy Dietitians Day to all the brilliant dietitians of western Sydney!

Blacktown Hospital dietitians enjoying an afternoon tea on Dietitians Day, 26 March

information into dietary advice.

These consultations involve a lot of education, encouragement and counselling to ensure a patient’s quality of life is not impacted by new restrictions.

“Despite the common belief that a dietitian mostly helps people to lose weight, there is so much more to our profession. Working in a hospital we also deal a lot with patients with malnutrition, or other diagnoses that require a modified diet,” Alice said.

“It’s important to deliver the

information sensitively and listen to patients’ concerns. We keep patient’s culture at the heart of our service.

“We want the best outcomes for our patients, so we put time for research and try to come up with alternatives and substitutions.

“Often we educate other family members too, to make sure when the patient is discharged, they will continue getting the support needed for their recovery.”

Friday March 26 is Dietitians Day. WSLHD employs more than 50

Blacktown Hospital dietitian Alice Meroni

“I was determined”: Aboriginal recruits spread their wings at Westmead Hospital

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t 42, Leah Hampton is enjoying her first job alongside her teenage daughter thanks to a partnership between Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).

Leah and her daughter Jade Hookey, 17, are among 15 new recruits to the Corporate Services team at Westmead Hospital who were offered roles after completing an intensive four-week training course earlier this year.

The new recruits are entering cleaning and porter roles after being trained in essential skills including infection control and manual handling.

For mother-of-six Leah, the cleaning job means freedom to pursue her goals and flexibility with caring for her family.

“As soon as I found out about this opportunity, I headed straight there. I was determined,” she said.

“I love it. I’m getting the hours I need for picking up my youngest from day care, and I have weekends off for getting the kids to sport.”

It’s a first job for Leah’s daughter Jade as well, who is saving up for a car in the hope of becoming a mechanic one day.

WSLHD Aboriginal Health Strategy director Braiden Abala said the successful partnership with AES is one way the District is improving employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“We’re aiming to have a workforce that reflects our community, which means raising the employment of Aboriginal people to 2.6 per cent of our staff, and making sure we are a welcoming and inclusive employer.

“I’m excited to welcome these recruits and wish them all the best in their new roles. I also want to see increased representation of Aboriginal people across other roles including our medical, nursing and allied health fields,” Braiden said.

Cleaner Codie Fuller, porter Darrin Smith and cleaner Jade Hookey are among 15 new Aboriginal staff to join the general services team at Westmead Hospital.

“School wasn’t my thing so I decided to start working and I love this,” Jade said.

“The training was great and I feel very comfortable in the job. I love chatting to the patients. Many of them on my ward are older people who just want someone to talk to and I like hearing their stories.”

Riverstone man Darrin Smith landed a job as an orderly and said it fits well with his previous experience

in customer service.

“I picked it up quickly and I’m getting good shifts and overtime now.

I get along well with the bosses, the team, and definitely with the patients.

We have a yarn and I make sure they get around safely.

“I’m working in the operating theatres now and it’s always busy.

I wake up every morning looking forward to work and meeting new people,” Darrin said.

Leah Hampton is proud to work her first job alongside her daughter Jade Hookey.

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Western Sydney dietitians keeping patient’s culture at the centre of their service

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Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

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WESTERN local news HISTORY

Western News

Factory Area Road

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

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fter the Second World War ended the ADI factories were leased or sold to private enterprise and became the Dunheved Industrial Estate. Many of the munitions’ workers had by that time established lives in the town and stayed on to work in the new industries along with the returning servicemen and women. Part of the Munitions Factory was turned into a Migrant Hostel that also swelled the population of St Marys. These migrants also worked in the new industries that had commenced and their children attended St Marys’ Primary School. In March 1957, the St Marys News published the following information regarding the road. It wrote “The 10,000 vehicles that travel daily to and from the industrial area at St Marys are using a road with no legal right to do so and it is not recognised

by Penrith Council as a road. This is the road that carries traffic from the Glossop Street bridge to the Windsor Road (now Forester Rd) in the industrial area. The Town Clerk Mr E F Ross told Penrith Council that there was no access to the northern side of the railway line at St Marys since the Railways Department had closed the level crossing gates in December last year. The road being used now (1957) was not a dedicated public road. Penrith Council at its last meeting decided to advise the Department of Defence Production that the present road was not satisfactory to Council and asked them to bring the road up to the correct standard as soon as possible. Action of the Department of Railways in closing the level crossing to the northern side of the railway line just before Christmas, and the refusal of the Department of Defence to make a proper road of the present rough roadway used

by Utah Constructions has left the whole industrial area of St Marys without a proper road of access. Industrial firms and worker’s vehicles are suffering constant damage from the heavy metal thrown up by trucks on the present rough surfaces. When Utah Constructions moved into the St Marys area to construct the Commonwealth Government’s £23,000,000 munitions factory, the way into the defence area was across the level crossing at Queen Street. Utah officials complained that there was too much delay for their trucks at the gates and a hurried conference was called between Stephenson and Turner the architects for the Commonwealth Government, the Defence Department and Penrith Council. It was agreed to build an £45,000 overhead bridge at Glossop Street at shared cost. On the other side of the site for the bridge was rough scrub country part of the 661-acre estate owned by a Wentworthville shopkeeper Emanuel Debrincat who had migrated to Sydney from Malta 42 years ago. He used it originally as a dairy farm. The Commonwealth Government through Utah (Aust) bulldozed an access road from the bridge to join up with the main road (Windsor Road) in the factory area.

This road was never surfaced, and its condition has rapidly deteriorating with constant heavy use. Large gravel is constantly thrown up into car headlights and windscreens by trucks racing along the road. Penrith Council has asked the Department to finish the road to conform with the Glossop Street approach. The Commonwealth Government has replied that the road suits the Government as it is and suggested the owner of the land Mr Debrincat might provide the £8,000 to surface this road. A letter from Mr H P Breen, Secretary of the Department of Defence Production was received at the Council meeting that said “This road was constructed for the immediate purpose of providing proper access during building of the new factory. A licence was obtained

 Photo of the Migrant Hostel from the Society’s files

by the Department from the owner to enter his land and construct the road. From the Department’s point of view the road in its present state is satisfactory for its immediate purpose. A considerable amount of money has been spent by the Commonwealth on the overpass bridge and the approach roads including Glossop Street North. This must be for the advantage of the owner, the Department of Local Government and the Council because the road and the bridge are part of the district planning scheme. It was never the Department’s intention to construct a complete road to Local Government requirements and no undertaking was given to do so. The closing of the railway gates that in effect meant that Glossop Street North is being used as a public road and, of course, beyond this Department’s control. It is not considered that there is any legal obligation in the Commonwealth to complete the road, however, as the road will now be the permanent road access to the Factory area from the Great Western Highway the Department is prepared to complete the road if the owner Mr Debrincat is willing to contribute the £8,000 towards the cost. Action of the Commonwealth Government has held up any hope Mr Debrincat had of getting his subdivisions passed by Penrith Council who insists on certain standards in its subdivisional roads . Out of his 611-acres, Mr Debrincat has only one small three-acre subdivision passed. Under two years ago the Electricity Commission put a power line through this area and resumed a small strip of the Debrincat land.

This meant a fresh valuation that brought the value of this land up from £5,000 to £52,000. Mr Debrincat appealed against this valuation, and it was reduced but not considerably. Meanwhile, the uncertainty about his subdivisions that were referred to the Department of Local Government

by Penrith Council on several occasions have been held up by the long delay of the Minister in completing the Penrith Planning Scheme that meant loss of income to the owner of his land. With increased valuations his rates have soared, and Council is now taking action to enforce the collection of a number of rates outstanding over a period of years. To get money to pay his rates Mr Debrincat is unable to sell his land because the Council will not pass the subdivisions. The access road through his property constructed by the Commonwealth is not up to standard.

When the Railways, without notice to Penrith Council suddenly shut the railway gates at St Marys, Council protested to the Railways Department about what they described as their irresponsible action”.

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Western News

local news

By Noel Rowsell

R

otary Australia and New Zealand is celebrating it’s 100th anniversary and has been announcing the achievement in a bold way, travelling throughout the Lower Blue Mountains with the Rotary Big Red Bus, which has been donated by Jason Cronshaw of Fantastic Aussie Tours in Katoomba.

Rotary is using the Big Red Bus to not only highlight past achievements but also to encourage and entice a new generation of members to join this hard-working group in supporting charities - not only in Australia but also world-wide.

Since the start of the year, the Big Red Bus has been on the road to Clarence (March), then Dargan, Lithgow, Wentworth Falls through to Springwood and Glenbrook in April for various Rotary events.

In May, the Bus visited the Central Coast to take members on the Shipbuilders Walk, then back to Springwood for a Rotary Gala Day, followed by a visit to the Penrith Whitewater Stadium for the Kurrajong - North Richmond Duck Race, then on location in Cranebrook for photo

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

Rotary Australia’s Big Red Bus

13

Nepean Rotary President Nick Marathakis, District Governor 9685 David Clark, Penrith Valley Rotary President Jean Vranich, District Governor Elect Lindsay May OAM, Penrith Rotary President Willy Piepers all ready to board the Big Red Bus. Photo by Noel Rowsell

opportunities at the ceremonial planting of the first 4 trees in the 100 Trees of Rotary project.

The Bus then took members to Beecroft for heritage tours, then to Ronald MacDonald House, Westmead to take the children on a joyride around Parramatta.

July 4 is the Rotary District 9685 Changeover at Castle Hill and incoming District Governor Lindsay May OAM is planning a trip across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then a further photo opportunity in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Rotary has leased the Big Red Bus until December and is keen to hear where it can participate in Community events.

Interested parties / individuals can either contact their local Rotary Club or contact Lucien Keegel on 0415 232 901 or lskeegel@bigpond.com

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Depletes (7) 5 Sad (7) 9 Nonsense (9) 10 Lurch or thrust (5) 11 Stir up (7) 12 Shrunk (7) 13 Dry up (9) 15 Harnessed together (5) 17 Vapors (5) 19 Deserters (9) 22 Incapable (7) 25 Started by turning a

handle (7) 26 Complete confidence

in a person (5) 27 Votes (9) 28 Expels from a country (7) 29 News (7) down 1 A country of the UK (7) 2 Issues a book (9) 3 Where Reykjavik is (7)

solution 28/5/21

4 An aromatic ointment (9) 5 Show someone to their

seats (5) 6 Vacation (7) 7 Terror (5) 8 Ceded (7) 14 Not wasteful of time (9) 16 In boxing, not quite a KO (9) 17 Uttered a low animal-like

noise (7) 18 Phantom (7) 20 Skillfully made by hand (7) 21 They inflict pain for

pleasure (7) 23 Provide the tools

necessary (5) 24 Searches (5)

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

R

Western News

Relaxed lending rules to boost access to finance

elaxing lending rules and improving access to finance are necessary to encourage more first-home buyers and kickstart the economy amid the COVID-19 outbreak, experts from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) said.

A recent HIA study shows that along with the weak population growth, strict access to finance to build a new home is the major drag on housing and economic recovery.

The federal government recently announced that it would simplify bank lending rules to stimulate the economy. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said while credit has become cheaper due to the low interest rates, many would-be borrowers are still prevented from accessing finance due to tight

regulations.

The changes will ease the regulatory burden and reduce the cost and time faced by consumers and small businesses seeking to access credit, as the flow of credit is critical to Australia’s economic recovery.

As a result of Covid-19 we have seen many banks temporarily change their home loan application process due to the widespread disruption to many Australian incomes from the coronavirus fallout.

Casual employees or contractors had difficulty or were not considered for a mortgage under the bank’s new rules.

Banks will still have to maintain appropriate application procedures and there is a mutual responsibility on the customer to supply accurate

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and truthful information when applying for a loan.

It is important to remember that mortgage brokers have the knowledge, experience and relationships with the many lenders and are necessary to assist people in finding a home loan that meets your needs, especially as a result of changing circumstances.

Wealthwiz can actively assist you in navigating your current situation. So, if you have been thinking about reassessing your finances, simplicity, flexibility and clarity are the essential ingredients for success, particularly if you are self-employed or contractor and looking to apply for a home loan.

Got a question? Call Alex on 0419 600 177 for advice who can help you navigate the home loan market. Wealthwiz is here to help.

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Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

I

n front of the biggest Home crowd of the season thus far, Blacktown City FC took over top Honours in the NSW Premier League by defeating Sydney United 58 2-0 last Sunday at Lily Homes Stadium. Coming into the game, Sydney United sat on top of the Ladder by one point over Blacktown so the winner would own top spot in the State competition. Sydney United were full of confidence as a result of their 4-2 victory over Blacktown early in the season but a gutsy and determined Blacktown became the first team in the competition to amass 9 wins in the season.

The win added a huge three competition points for City who took an early lead through Jack O’Brien before Daniel Collins wrapped up the win in front of a passionate home crowd on ‘Back to Blacktown Day” in the dying minutes. United 58 suffered a costly early injury as Matt Sim was forced from the field inside the first five minutes with the visitors struggling to rediscover their rhythm. Patrick Antelmi had a handful of chances to find the back of the net but was unable to score against his former club Blacktown who went on to take a huge win in the context of the premiership race.

In a high octane opening to the game, both sides looked to start strong with early chances falling to both Antelmi and Grant Lynch, however their efforts fell safely into the hands of both opposing keepers. In the 84th minute, a silky Mario Shabow for Blacktown played a cunning ball behind the defence for the on rushing Sean Rooney, whose shot was saved well by Nizic down to his right. The corner that followed resulted in the ball falling to defender Daniel Collins whose left footed strike rocketed into the bottom left hand corner of the net, seemingly securing all three points for Blacktown.

With the clock counting down Blacktown managed to see out the game, taking with them a crucial three points that sends them back to the top of the table.

Blacktown coach Mark Crittenden expressed his joy at full time crediting his sides’ ability to see the game out. “We set out with a plan and idea of how we wanted to play today and it paid off. Sydney United are such a great side, with great players, so we had to work on the counter”, said Coach Crittenden. “We probably could have had more goals in the end. We had a handful of one on ones that we didn’t bury but we’re very pleased to take all three points. The most pleasing thing was the effort, against a really, really good team. The boys

had to dig deep for the full ninety minutes, so to come away with the win is big”, he added.

Last Sunday was also Back to Blacktown Day for former players and coaches who have carried the proud tradition of Blacktown City FC for the last 50+ years. Executive Chairman, Bob Turner, said “It is those many players who built the strong reputation of Blacktown City as a premier club with ’Pride in its name and its city’! Blacktown City’s latest campaign centres around the theme ‘Your Town, Your Team’ to build a solid connection with the team and the city it has represented for almost 50 years”.

The many alumni who attended were present at the after game function where the newly formed Board of Blacktown City presented Mark Crittenden with the honour of “Life Member’. ‘Critto’ was stunned by the presentation but the veteran of 300+ games coaching at Blacktown City has thoroughly deserved the respect of all at the club.

In FFA Cup news, Blacktown City hosted Marconi on the 2nd of June in the round of 64 in the National competition. The winner would move on to the next round and a chance to take on one of the A League entrants. It was a tense affair between the cross town rivals with Blacktown City prevailing in a hard fought 1-0 victory securing a spot in the Final 32 of the National Cup race. Unable to play the FFA Cup in 2020 due to Covid, Blacktown City are keen to duplicate their 2017 form when they advanced all the way to the quarter finals of the nationwide competition. Defeating the Central Coast Mariners in the final 16, Blacktown City FC led the Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 with minutes to play in front of a passionate 5,000 fans at Lily Homes Stadium.

A late goal and a loss on penalty goals stopped the run but proved that Blacktown City FC can and will

Photo: Steve Lynch

Photo: Steve Lynch

compete with any club in the nation. Next round of the FFA Cup will be determined by the Football Federation of Australia in early July.

Blacktown City FC is back on the road in round 16 to take on third place Rockdale who are coming off a 3-0 loss to Manly on the weekend. Coach Mark Crittenden is conscious that a road victory will secure a clear division between the top two teams in the competition.

June and July are full of home game fixtures. On Sunday, the 20th of June, Sutherland Sharks come to Lily Homes Stadium for a 3pm game. The month of July sees three home games in the run to playoffs.

Sunday, the 4th of July against Wollongong, the 18th against Marconi and on the 25th of July will play host to Sydney Olympic. All games kick off at 3pm.

Another game of significance is on the road to play the Mt Druitt Town Rangers on the 26th of June at Popendetta Park. This will be the second leg of the Blacktown Mayoral Cup. The Rangers won the first game of the Series 1-0 and Game two is sure to be a fierce encounter.

Blacktown City FC Vs Sutherland Sharks – Sunday, June 20th, 3pm, Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills.

All home games are played at Lily Homes Stadium, 5 Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills. Game time against Sutherland Sharks is 3pm. See you there!

Go Blacktown City!

Western News 11 June 2021 Issue 137

Blacktown City fc brings pride to the city it represents to lead the state

15

Western News

SPORT

Friday, 11 June 2021

North Juniors grab fourth JNJG Title

By Noel Rowsell

T

he action never stops with the juniors and the Annual Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) ‘North vs South Cup’ was played at Mt Broughton Golf Course and Highlands Golf Club from May 28th-30th.

The North Team comprised 12 players from the following Regional Academies: 2 x Western Sydney; 2 x Central Coast; 2 x Hunter ; 2 x Northern Inland; 2 x JNJG Sydney and 2 x Wild Card Selections (are also selected from the above Academies) The 2 Western Sydney selections were Coby Carruthers (Leonay/ Emu Sports Club / Dunheved Golf Club) and Vidur Subramaniam (RydeParramatta GC), whilst Blake Hodges (Dunheved Golf Club) was selected as a Wild Card.

The South team intriguingly did however contain one local player in Tyler Nesci, a Leonay resident who plays his golf at Concord GC. On day one, the teams played 2 Ball Best Ball, with Coby and Vidur securing a 4+3 win for North, Tyler and his partner Abbey Bull winning 1-up for South and Blake and his partner Emily Leong drawing their match, with South ultimately leading 3.5-2.5 at the end of play, Day two was Foursomes, with Tyler and Coby playing again with their Day one partners and

The victorious North team at the JNJG North vs South Cup. (Back Row) Heath Canning (coach ), Ryan McKinnon, Michael Eksteen, Aaron Neville-Smith, Coby Carruthers (Leonay / Dunheved), Lachlan Standing, Rhys Devney. (Front Row): Blake Hodges (Dunheved), Vidur Subramaniam, Emily leong, Amy Squires, Robyn Keen, Georgie Clune, Sallie Partridge (manager). Photo supplied by JNJG

both recording wins, whilst Blake partnered with Michael Eksteen but lost 2&1, with South again winning the day 3.5-2.5 to lead 7-5 overall.

The final day was Singles, with Tyler and Blake playing each other in Match Play, whilst Coby faced Rowan Harrison.

Tyler and Coby both maintained their unbeaten runs for their respective teams, with Tyler winning 2&1 over Blake and Coby winning 2&1 over Rowan.

The North team overpowered South on the final day, winning the Singles by 8.5-3.5 to finish overall at 13.5-10.5 and claim the North vs South Cup for the third time in three years (2018, 2019, 2021) - Not played in 2020 due to Covid-19.

Sunday’s action in Round 4 of the 2021 Golf NSW Master Pennant was another disastrous weekend for the majority of western Sydney clubs, winning just four of nine matches.

In Division One, Dunheved GC lost 3-5 to Long Reef; Twin Creeks CGC lost 3-5 to Mona Vale; Penrith GC won 7.5-0.5 over Cumberland CC and Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club won 6-2 over Asquith; Division Two Windsor Country Golf Club lost 0-8 to Muirfield and Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf Club lost 2.5-5.5 to Lakeside Camden; in Division Three Wallacia Country Club lost 3-5 to Brighton Lakes, Richmond Golf Club won 7-1 over Northbridge, Leonay GC won 5-3 over The Coast and in Division Five, Springwood CC had a Bye.

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