Western News 11 November 2022

It’s that time of the year again…

As we creep towards Christmas, Prue Car MP is on the lookout for some local artwork to feature on her Christmas cards for 2022.

“shopping centres are preparing to play Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey on loop, lights are going up and entries have officially opened for my annual Christmas Card Competition,” Ms Car said.

“Using the entry form, prepare your best artwork for a chance to be featured on this year’s Londonderry Christmas Card:”

The entry form can be found at https://pruecarmp.news/ Christmas-Card-Competition

“Be sure to get your entry back to me via email to londonderry@ parliament.nsw.gov.au or drop them into my office at 154 Queen street, st Marys NsW 2760 by 5pm, 25th November 2022.

“Good luck!”

You are invited: Western Sydney Health Forum 2022

The western sydney public is invited to join online and ask questions of Western sydney Local health District (WsLhD) executive and staff on Monday 21 November at the 2022 Western sydney health Forum (Annual Public Meeting).

The annual forum will provide WsLhD staff and the western sydney community with an update of the strategic vision and plans for the health district and provide an open forum for the public to raise questions, concerns and ideas.

It will also be an opportunity to reflect on the year that was, discover new innovations and research and see what’s in store for 2023.

WsLhD chief executive Graeme Loy said it’s been another busy year for the district and he couldn’t be prouder of the staff and the challenges they’ve overcome and everything they do each day for the people of western sydney.

“For the third year in a row, our incredible staff have rallied against COVID-19 and served their community with strength and conviction,” said Graeme.

“In addition to the frontline human effort, it has been a year of advanced research and a focus on initiatives to help WsLhD deliver new and innovative models of care now and into the future.

“I encourage you to attend virtually and submit your questions in advance.”

Key district achievements in 2022 include:

• Unveiling of designs for the new $460 million Integrated Mental health Complex at the Westmead health Precinct

• Western Sydney Care Collective $10.9 million grant to help ease pressure on western sydney’s emergency departments

• $1.8 million grant to advance stroke and heart complications research for patients post-surgery

• Launch of ‘Community and Partnerships’ webpages to better partner with consumers

• Launch of WSLHD LGBTQIA+ Workforce Plan

• Jab-to-door service for aged care home residents

• $130,450 in research grants awarded to Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospital clinicians

• Opening of new children’s ward at Blacktown hospital

• Acute Adult Mental Health Inpatient service at Blacktown hospital

Members of the public are invited to submit questions now, in video or written format, by emailing them to WsLhD-Media@health.nsw.gov. au.

The hour-long forum will begin at 4:00pm on Monday 21 November and will be broadcast live on the Western sydney health Youtube and Facebook pages.

Inmates create toys for local children during lockdown

Many people turned their hand to something new during last year’s fourmonth Covid lockdown and inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre were no exception.

Unable to do volunteer work in the community due to Covid restrictions, they needed something constructive to pass the time whilst not interacting with people from the outside.

Parklea Community Overseer Donna Smith came up with the perfect solution, embarking on a woodwork project with donated pallets.

The collaborative project saw Ms Smith and the inmates plan, design and create wooden toys and child-size furniture, which have been handed over to Blacktown City Council’s Kids Early Learning at Blackett.

“The inmates wanted to make things they could donate to the community,” Ms Smith said.

“Their first job was to make a deck chair, so they had to make plans, do the sizing and organise the work.

“They ended up making about 30 to 40 pieces, which included coffee tables, child-size tables and chairs, wooden aeroplanes and a Thomas the Tank Engine bookshelf.”

Ms Smith said the project was an important part of the inmate’s rehabilitation and provided them

with new skills, and their work went towards a building and construction traineeship.

“To begin with, some thought they were useless and didn’t realise what they were capable of, but they created great things and got their self-esteem back,” Ms Smith said.

“One inmate said he felt like a normal person again in a regular job, and working together teaches them how to behave in the workplace.”

Ms Smith said she enjoyed working with the inmates and giving them new opportunities.

Parklea Correctional Centre Governor Paul Baker said he was pleased inmates had again donated the fruits of their labour to the council’s childcare centre after an Indigenous inmate donated his artworks last year.

“Our mission at Parklea Correctional Centre is to run a safe, decent and secure prison that reduces reoffending and takes care of staff,” Mr Baker said.

“It’s our duty here to support men of every background, and it’s important

we provide meaningful work to keep them occupied and to teach them new skills so they have a better chance of employment when they leave.

“Creative industries are an integral part of our education and reducing reoffending strategies here at Parklea, and the work they have produced is of a very high quality.”

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OaM said the council was honoured to receive the wooden toys and furniture created by the inmates.

“Blacktown City Council has been proud to work alongside Governor Paul Baker as well as the staff and inmates at Parklea Correctional Centre on some fantastic causes over many years,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“This donation of wooden toys to Council’s early learning centre at Blackett is an example of the wonderful work Parklea does in the areas of inmate rehabilitation and upskilling for life beyond prison.

“as Mayor, I thank the inmates for their kind gesture and hope they enjoyed creating the toys as much as I’m sure our children will enjoy playing with them.”

MTC australia has managed Parklea Correctional Centre on behalf of Corrective Services nSW since 2019.

“Everyone deserves a second chance and helping them is rewarding when they better themselves.”

Children, Kids Early Learning staff, Parklea Gov Paul Baker & staff, Mayor Bleasdale

Bonjour!

Three years ago we booked a ten night cruise, sailing around Greece, Italy and France and then Covid hit. After several delays, a few add ons and some nice incentives thrown in from the cruise line to deter us from taking a full refund, we embarked on our incredible month-long holiday last month.

We spent the entire month of october swanning around places like Qatar, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and France. Wow!

We visited mind-blowing places including the Vatican, Pompeii, the Alps, the Amalfi Coast and the French riviera.

We drank massive steins of beer at the oktoberfest in Munich, sang our way around Salzburg on the Sound of Music Tour and made a.. umm... donation at the roulette table in Monte Carlo.

Talk about living the dream!

We’ve stayed in hotels, apartments, former churches and cruise cabins. We are now at some accommodation where the beds don’t get made for us, the towels stay on the floor until we pick them up and we have to get our own drinks and cook our own food. You guessed it - we are home.

We really did have a blast. A lot of people are still wary of overseas travel after the pandemic. My advice is if you’re in the position to get away, can afford to and are reasonably healthy just do it! Life is short and the places we visited were pretty much “Covid? Shmovid.” Everyone is just having a great time. If you have the capacity to, go and live your best life!

So now it is home sweet home for me and back to reality, and there’s a warm and fuzzy feeling in that too. Because as fabulous as the last four weeks have been, there’s really nowhere on earth like Australia.

Guten Morgen! Hola!

How lucky are my husband Greg and I, we spent october on the travel adventure of a life time!

By K E RRIE DAVIES

Scams Awareness Week 2022

November is the time when the spotlight is on scam awareness. This Scams Awareness Week, along with over 350 partner organisations, we’re encouraging you to learn ways to identify scams and take the time to check whether an offer or contact is genuine before you act on it.

With scammers continually developing new ways to catch people out, we need to increase our vigilance in checking for those little clues that can alert us that something is a scam.

Scams cost Australian consumers, businesses, and the economy hundreds of millions of dollars each year and cause serious emotional

harm to victims and their families.

In 2021 Australians made more than 286,600 reports to Scamwatch and reported losses of around $324 million. by the end of August this year, Australians had lost even more with reported losses of over $381 million.

As alarming as these numbers are, we know that around one third of people who are scammed never tell anyone, so the true numbers are probably much higher.

Follow Scamwatch on Twitter and explore our website for more information and tips on how to protect yourself from scams.

www.scamwatch.gov.au

By TOMAS HAMILTON

Tread gently on this foreign field, for it lies soaked in blood

That flowed across this battlefield, a tragic crimson flood The names of those who fell near here, are muttered now by few A brave and selfless sacrifice, the living would all rue

Tread gently on this foreign field, I am every mother’s son Who saw my face at every dawn and each setting sun She kept her lonely vigil, till eternity claimed her soul Her tears no longer wash my name, upon an honour roll

Tread gently on this foreign field and dare not cast your scorn

On all that I could have been and descendants now unborn For we all charged like Lemmings, for country and for crown And in the flower of our youth, we were all cut down

Tread gently on this foreign field and remember all those lost Their legend, part of history that came at too great a cost

For the horse that stands unbridled and an empty chair at home Memories of the loved ones, who lie beneath this loam

Tread gently on this foreign field, the wretched path I trod Now I lie without a name , that is known only to God

A farmer’ plough may strike my bones and I might find a grave But weep you not for my past, it’s your future you must save

The Australian offer - 1914

With the upcoming 100th year of the WW1 War Memorial at Victoria Park St Marys and Remembrance Day this month, it seems appropriate to show the immediate preparations at the start in 1914 and “the Australian Offer”. in the days immediately before the declaration of war and the intense anxiety of when Britain will play a part, steps taken were equally uncertain and there was a feeling in the British dominions that a declaration of their support would strengthen England’s position in the eyes of the world. On 30th July 1914, New Zealand offered to send a force of their troops if the need arose. in Canada on the 31st of July the Prime Minister hurriedly summoned a meeting of the Cabinet and telegraphed the British Government that it could count on the fullest aid from Canada. During the next few days several telegrams reached the Australian newspapers reporting statements attributed to the talkative Canadian Minister, of Militia and Defense. he had said that “an offer of 30,000 men had been practically decided upon,” and that 20,000 Canadians would be ready to sail within a fortnight if required. this news appeared in the Australian journals on Monday the 3rd of August under large headlines: “Canada offers 30,000” but the actual terms passed unnoticed in Australia. Within two months in Canada as in Australia, the men in training were far more than was originally contemplated. Australia had our “Defense Scheme” almost ready. in i908, the imperial Conference came up with the plan. the Chief of Staff of the Australian Forces was Colonel William throsby Bridges, a soldier and a man whose grim driving force at all times strongly influenced whatever Minister might be working with Bridges (whose title was Chief of

Intelligence as the “General Staff” had only been established since the South African War and was new), so Bridges started a Defense Scheme of his own. he began with detailed measures to be taken by the Commandants in the six Australian States, each a ‘‘District” in the Australian army system. in this work he was joined by a young officer, Major C. B. Bean of the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery newly returned from two years in the British Staff College. When Colonel Bridges left the headquarters Staff in Melbourne in order to become the Australian representative on the imperial General Staff in London the work was continued under his successor Brigadier-General Joseph Maria Gordon. Photo of Sir William throsby Bridges KCB CMG courtesy of the Australian War Memorial. We Will Remember Them by Lyn Forde, President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc. Information from “Official History of Australia in the 1914-1918 War” by Charles Edwin Woodrow Bean (Author).

Origins of Remembrance Day

Why is this day special to Australians?

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The allied armies had driven the German invaders back, having inflicted heavy defeats upon them over the preceding four months. In November the Germans called for an armistice (suspension of fighting) in order to secure a peace settlement. They accepted allied terms that amounted to unconditional surrender.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month attained a special significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. This first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between 9 and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known grave. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919 two minutes’ silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony at the new Cenotaph in London. The silence was proposed by Australian journalist Edward Honey, who was working in Fleet Street. At about the same time, a South African statesman made a similar proposal to the British Cabinet, which endorsed it. King George V personally requested all the people of the British Empire to suspend normal activities for two minutes on the hour of the armistice “which stayed the worldwide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of

Right and Freedom”. The two minutes’ silence was popularly adopted and it became a central feature of commemorations on Armistice Day.

On the second anniversary of the armistice in 1920 the commemoration was given added significance when it became a funeral, with the return of the remains of an unknown soldier from the battlefields

of the Western Front. Unknown soldiers were interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triumph in Paris. The entombment in London attracted over one million people within a week to pay their respects at the unknown soldier’s tomb. Most other allied nations adopted the tradition of entombing unknown soldiers over the following decade.

After the end of the Second World War, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day. Armistice Day was no longer an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead.

In Australia on the 75th anniversary of the armistice in 1993 Remembrance Day ceremonies again became the focus of national attention. The remains of an unknown Australian soldier, exhumed from a First World War military cemetery in France, were ceremonially entombed in the Memorial’s Hall of Memory. Remembrance Day ceremonies were conducted simultaneously in towns and cities all over the country, culminating at the moment of burial at 11 am and coinciding with the traditional two minutes’ silence. This ceremony, which touched a chord across the Australian nation, re-established Remembrance Day as a significant day of commemoration.

Four years later, in 1997, Governor-General Sir William Deane issued a proclamation formally declaring 11 November to be Remembrance Day, urging all Australians to observe one minute’s silence at 11 am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts.

Sydney, NSW, 11 November 1919. The view from Castlereagh Street looking down towards George Street, of a large crowd which has gathered in Martin Place to celebrate Armistice Day. The clock on the GPO building says twelve o’clock and a replica sailing ship float has been set up in the centre. A bandstand with a domed roof is visible in the background.

Innovative healthcare vision

nsW Health secretary susan Pearce and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant joined healthcare decision makers, community representatives, researchers and care providers for the inaugural Greater Western sydney Future Health Forum. the forum examined the health and medical challenges and opportunities in the region, examining the infrastructure, services and community support needed for the region’s rapidly growing population.

the event held on 19 October 2022 was delivered by the Western sydney Leadership Dialogue and the Greater Western sydney Health Partnership.

the Greater Western sydney Health partnership was established by south Western sydney, Western sydney and nepean Blue Mountains Local Health Districts in 2019 to understand and address the health needs of Greater Western sydney’s communities.

Adam Leto, Western sydney Leadership Dialogue’s executive Director, described the forum as an opportunity to draw together leading experts to shine a light on the opportunities to address the health needs of its diverse communities, whilst growing local jobs.

“By bringing together the region’s brightest medical minds, we have an opportunity to inform the strategies and practices that will not just meet service demands now, but importantly, into the future,” Mr Leto said.

“It is vital that we continue to take a holistic approach to health, understanding that it sits at the heart of all the major planning and investment decisions in our growing region.”

More than 200 experts gathered

at Warwick Farm to hear from government leaders. nsW Health secretary Ms Pearce outlined her vision for an innovative healthcare network in Greater Western sydney.

“Close collaboration across Local Health Districts and the primary care sector will enable us to develop new ways to improve patient experiences and ensure everyone in the community receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Ms Pearce said.

“Our outstanding staff will always remain the bedrock of our health system and it is through their ongoing commitment and excellence in care they provide to the communities they serve that advancements in healthcare are made possible.”

In conversation with Dialogue Chairman, Christopher Brown AM, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Chant, who grew up and began her career in Greater Western Sydney, reflected on what future health responses in the region may look like.

“the COVID-19 pandemic has created significant opportunities for learning. By sharing our learnings and engaging with the wonderful, diverse communities of Western sydney, we

can inform the development of new approaches to future public health responses in the region,” Dr Chant said.

Key issues explored during the forum’s speeches, panel sessions and presentations included:

• strategies and innovations being developed to ensure Greater Western sydney’s health districts are equipped to respond to increased service demand

• best communication practices for engaging with diverse communities, including cultural and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and socially disadvantaged communities.

• planning, designing and building cities for healthier and more active residents

• understanding the health impacts of urban heating and responding to climate emergencies

• attracting investment, fostering innovative health partnerships and retaining talent.

Key speakers at the health forum included Amanda Larkin, Chief executive south Western sydney Local Health District, who said a united health care system across Districts is vital.

“Our networked health service and local, on-the-ground relationships

allowed our health services to flex and respond as needed throughout the pandemic, to continue to deliver high quality health care to the communities of Greater Western sydney.

“now is the time to apply our collective learnings to continue to innovate in ensuring the health and wellbeing of our local communities.”

Kay Hyman, Chief Executive, nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, said it was important to explore regional solutions for healthcare challenges experienced nationwide.

“By examining the health barriers facing our region, we can identify the skills, infrastructure, resources and policies required to find solutions,” Ms Hyman said.

“It is important that we focus on regional solutions in healthcare and examine the opportunities for local health districts to grow their capabilities and reputation, particularly in medical research, advanced manufacturing and digital services.”

Graeme Loy, Chief executive, Western sydney Local Health District, said an important focus of the forum was giving the Western sydney region a competitive advantage nationally and internationally.

“By forging partnerships, attracting investment and providing platforms for world-leading medical research, we can contribute to the social and economic fabric of our communities, and help shape our future cities.

“this is an opportunity to build on the region’s increasing health and medical research expertise to create jobs, fuel industry growth and attract and nurture the talent we need to build tomorrow’s health networks,” Mr Loy said.

New web page launched to help bring a consumer voice to healthcare

the quality and safety of healthcare, and to enhance patient-centred care and experience.

Local Health District (WsLHD) has published a new ‘Community and Partnerships’ section on their website to better partner with consumers by encouraging new ideas and community interaction.

Created to locally support the nsW Health elevating the human

experience strategy, the new mobilefriendly web page has been specifically designed for WsLHD consumers (any person who needs or could need health services), and was co-designed with consumer representatives and staff across the district.

the overall purpose of the WsLHD Community and Consumer Partnerships program is to improve

The web page was officially launched by WsLHD chief executive Graeme Loy, WsLHD consumer council chair Anne Stanfield and WsLHD board deputy chair Loretta Di Mento at Westmead Hospital in front of WsLHD staff members and consumer representatives.

“In some ways, we’ve been on the journey with technology for some time, but it feels like we’re really just starting this journey with our consumers and our patients from their

perspective,” reflected Graeme.

“I think the webpage is a brilliant tool and is a fantastic step forward for how we start to interact with consumers better.

“I’m keen to hear feedback from everyone so we can continue to improve and grow it.”

to view the new web page visit: www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/ consumer-partnership/communityand-consumer-partnerships

Want to get involved to improve health care in western sydney? talk to us a www.surveymonkey.com/r/ WSLHD-Get-Involved

Western sydney

Loretta di Mento (WSLHD board deputy chair) and Graeme Loy (WSLHD chief executive)

Winners dazzle in 2022 Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition

Friendly competition across Blacktown City has seen two properties awarded the overall prize in the 2022 diwali lights Competition.

Judges were faced with a high standard of entries and were unable to break a tie for first place in the Overall City category, awarding top honours to Marsden Park’s Jitesh Kumar and Prospect’s roneel Kumar.

The avid decorators were selected from more than 40 entrants in this year’s competition, which encourages residents in Blacktown City to light up their homes in celebration of the ancient Festival of diwali, marked by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Joint winner Jitesh said he was thrilled with the win, given it was only his second year taking part in the competition.

“i decided to go bigger this year after being named a finalist in last year’s competition,” he said.

“last year there were only a few houses in our street that would decorate, but this year, we have about 15 homes with lights, and many of them have reached out to me and said i had encouraged them.

“People told me i had the best lights in elara (Marsden Park), but i never thought i would be number one in Blacktown.”

Jitesh said his stunning display attracted up to 200 visitors every night, with people travelling across Sydney to marvel at his work.

“diwali is one of the great festivals for us of Hindu faith, so that’s why i wanted to get involved and let

everyone know about our festival,” he said.

“People of all religions and cultures come to visit, so it is a great way for people to come together and connect.”

roneel Kumar’s inspiration for his winning light display was sourced from around the globe, with dazzling lights custom-made during his travels to india and China.

Unlike Christmas lights, diwali lights are not mass produced, so roneel took it upon himself to design light motifs featuring the Om, lotus flower and oil lamp symbols.

“All the lights are of Hindu cultural significance. I would see things when i would travel overseas for work, and when i went to india and China, i would put my ideas to paper, but it took many iterations to get it right,” he said.

With the help of his father-in-law, roneel spent countless weekends decorating the Prospect property, using a large steel structure to erect the lights.

roneel, a regular and successful competition entrant, said his light decorations began as a small affair more than a decade ago, when he wanted to recreate Fijian diwali celebrations for his wife.

“When we migrated to Australia 11 years ago, i started small with the lights as my wife would miss the diwali lights and celebrations we had back home,” he said.

“now it’s amazing to see diwali celebrations across Blacktown and Parramatta.

“We have lots of non-Hindus come to appreciate our lights and we have cars queuing with people wanting to take photos of our lights.

“There’s definitely a lot more awareness of diwali now and Blacktown is a really multicultural Council, so it’s great to be a part of this. i’m proud to be from Blacktown.”

Phantom Street in nirimba Fields was crowned Best Street, with 8 properties decorating their homes.

5 Starling Street, Marsden Park was awarded Best rangoli and received second place in the Overall City prize.

Ward Winners

Ward 1 - 5 Morell Crescent, Quakers Hill

Ward 2 - 1 Haddon Close, Glenwood

Ward 3 - 57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect Ward 4 - 5 Marin Place, Glendenning

Ward 5 - 28 Wilcox Street, Marsden Park

Overall City Winners

1st place - 28 Wilcox Street, Marsden Park

1st place - 57 Hampton Crescent, Prospect

2nd place - 5 Starling Street, Marsden Park

3rd place - 5 Morrell Crescent, Quakers Hill Best Street

Phantom Street, nirimba Fields Best Rangoli

5 Starling Street, Marsden Park

The Early Colony

James erskine was born in september 1817 at maryborough, Queen’s County in Ireland. He joined the army and served in the West Indies from 17911797 with the 22nd Regiment taking part in the san Domingo campaign in 1794 when he was gazetted to Captain. In June 1798 he was transferred to Ireland where he fought at the battle of Vinegar Hill and shared in the task of suppressing the rebellion. Transferred to the 48th Regiment in 1803 he was promoted to major erskine. In april 1805 he married sarah andrews of Cheltenham. He served in the Peninsular campaigns where he was slightly wounded in 1809 and later promoted Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in 1810, and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1811. In august 1817 he arrived with his regiment in sydney on the Matilda and was sworn in as LieutenantGovernor of the Colony in september. In may 1818 he received a grant of 3,000-acres at (melville) south Creek that he called “erskine Park” and he was known for his kind treatment of his convict servants. In august 1821 an advert appeared in the sydney Gazette giving notice that there was only one public road through erskine Park, namely from North to south and commencing at Reverend marsden’s land and ending at the entrance to Nicholas Bayly’s land and that anyone found trespassing or removing the fences would be prosecuted. This became a problem when the grants and settlers fenced in their land entitlements but left no passageway for those who lived in the area. In 1825 James went to madras to re-join his regiment but he died of cholera four days after arriving there. By 1827 George Bunn who lived in George street sydney was the owner of the property that he rented out to Terence murray esq as a country residence with James evans as the overseer. In June 1830 at the supreme Court, simon Hunt and Richard Baker were indicted for stealing sundry articles of wearing apparel the property of our sovereign Lord the King at Penrith in april. a second account was laid, the property of some “person or persons unknown”. The attorney General conducted the prosecution and mr Therry appeared for the defence. The evidence in the case was the evidence of circumstances, or rather the evidence of inference as it appeared from the testimony of the witnesses that about the month of February it was reported that a man named samuel martin who was employed as a market man to Terrence murray fell from a dray on the road to sydney and was taken to the General Hospital where he died on the 26th the same month. so much of the evidence was merely a report, as none of the witnesses could say that the occurrence took place and had never seen samuel martin or knew that he was employed at erskine Park?. It appeared however from direct testimony, that on or about the day that simon Hunt was in the service of Terrence murray he told Richard Baker that samuel martin had died in Hospital and “will not trouble this place anymore” and that samuel had left his trunk in his charge but not the key. simon Hunt said he had heard that his master settled with samuel a short time before he left and that they might as well take what was left behind before anyone else gets it. The witness who spoke of having overheard

this conversation went on to say that he saw simon Hunt through a chink in the partition, break open the box with an axe in the dairy and take out some clothes consisting of trousers, waistcoats, a blue jacket and other articles similar to those produced before the Court. It further appeared on the evidence of a female servant to mr Hook at Bayly Park that on or about the time stated in the information the two prisoners came to her master’s house at night with the clothes tied up in a bundle and Baker requested her to put them near the fire to dry for him when he returned which she did, but she did not see either of the prisoners again and the clothes were handed over to Terrence murray at erskine Park. a tailor residing in sydney was then called on who proved he made the clothes shown to him for a man named sam (he knew him by no other name) who lived up country and that he heard that he was dead and remarked at the time that he had lost money that remained due for sam’s clothes. a clerk in the General Hospital was also called and said that a man named samuel martin was received into the hospital and died there on the 26th of February and he was buried at the expense of the Government. This concluded the case for the prosecution. mr Therry submitted that the information could not be supported on the ground of uncertainty and that all the indictments were bad. The attorney General contented that on the first count the information was good. The property of all intestates was property of the King until executors were appointed and besides, property might be laid on the person by whom the expense of the funeral was defrayed, and it was in evidence that the deceased man samuel martin was buried at the expense of the Government. The court knew that robberies might be committed and parties convicted without it being possible to ascertain who the property belonged to and it would in such a case be sufficient to lay it on some person or persons unknown and be submitted that none of the witnesses on the present trial spoke with any certainty of the deceased. The Judge then summed up the evidence and the Jury retired and returned a verdict of Not Guilty. In 1893 at a st marys Council meeting in august, a petition from residents of erskine Park was asking for Council’s attention regarding the state of the road, or rather what should be a road, namely the one leading from erskine Park Road to mamre Road and known as Page’s and Baker’s Lane that was impassable and was the only road they could take their produce to, and get supplies from st marys unless they travelled by the erskine Park Road to mt Druitt that was also in a very bad state so, would Council take the matter into consideration and have something done to either one or the other of the roads at once?. It was signed by 11 ratepayers of erskine Park. alderman Cox moved that the petition be granted and alderman Fleming seconded – all carried.

Sources: manuscript catalogue under J. Erskine (State Library of NSW), National Archives of the United Kingdom, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Ancestry, Sydney Gazette & NSW Advertiser, The Australian, Nepean Times.

 Watercolour of James Erskine courtesy of State Library Dictionary of Sydney.

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

Buy Now Pay Later -

The Buy Now Pay Later sector is winningover the youth demographic with the promise of instant gratification, but leading mortgage brokers are warning that with every sugar-high comes the risk of a corresponding low.

Convenience you could say, is a most sort after global commodity. Quick finance has now joined the likes of Uber, online calendars, sleep tracking alarms, with buy now, pay later services

‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers such as AfterPay and Zip Pay have recently flooded the market and experienced massive growth in popularity. In the 2020-2021 financial year, Australians spent almost $12 billion through buy now, pay later services. Buy now, pay later platforms reported 5.9 million active accounts.

Driven by a simple proposition whereby the Buy Now Pay Later provider pays the merchant on behalf of the customer, allowing the customer to obtain the goods or receive a service immediately whilst subsequently paying off the debt generally through instalments, Buy Now Pay Later presents a tempting offering.

But as the sector’s breakneck growth continues, mortgage professionals are warning users, particularly in the younger demographic, to be cautious of overdoing it as this could risk affecting their chances of securing a home loan further down the track.

One could say “It’s the layby of our day but in reverse”. It’s your forward credit for an item, which can become problematic.

In theory, it makes sense. You get the item or service and pay it off over instalments, so you’re actually putting forward your liability.

This might be ok for someone that manages their money well, if they pay off the item on time and use their mortgage offset account correctly. This way they’re delaying expenses and offsetting more of their savings against their home loan.

The National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 says lenders have to take steps to make sure borrowers can afford to repay. Afterpay and the like are exempt from such legislation, so there’s no way to tell whether the people paying late fees should or shouldn’t have been loaned the money in the first place.

One has to ask, how many people can manage their money this way, there’s probably one per cent of people doing that and the rest of them are spending beyond their means.

As a result, there may also be a stigma associated with using Buy Now Pay Later schemes rather than paying up-front and in-full and utilising this payment method may potentially send the wrong message to a bank.

If a lender sees a ‘buy now pay later’ provider frequently on a client’s bank statements, that

can trigger more questions about their spending behaviours and ultimately may mean they choose to decline the application.

I would much prefer to see my clients save for the item and demonstrate those good habits.

If you are concerned about your level of expenditure or your ability to secure a home loan, a conversation with your mortgage broker could set you on the right path.

It’s important to appropriately manage your expenses well in advance of applying for a home loan, that way you can show the bank that you can save and afford to service a mortgage when the time comes.

Wealthwiz proudly helps many clients each year overcome all the red tape and barriers put in their way and if you need help with a loan or have any questions you can always have a one-on-one discussion.

Just give Alex a call on 0419 600 177 and tell us about your situation. The more we learn, the better we can help.

work progressing on major upgrade at Glenwood High School

CONsTrUCTION is underway on a $90 million upgrade project at Glenwood High school with Member for riverstone Kevin Conolly today visiting the site to inspect progress.

The project will deliver a new threestorey building with 47 learning spaces, a new single storey performing arts centre and refurbishment of Buildings A, E and J.

Mr Conolly said the upgrade is an exciting project that will deliver modern resources to local students.

“The upgrade at Glenwood High school is really exciting, it means the students will have new improved education facilities to support student learning,” Mr Conolly said.

“Glenwood lies within a growing region and the upgrade at Glenwood High school is part of the government’s commitment to supporting families in this area.”

Minister for Education sarah Mitchell thanked the school community for its patience as we deliver this important project.

“Our schools are the centre of our communities, and we want our children to have the best education possible. Providing high-quality school facilities is a key part of that,” Ms Mitchell said.

“I’m proud that the NsW Government is delivering this upgrade at Glenwood High school. It will benefit the school and the local community for years to come.”

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NsW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, representing an overall public education infrastructure program of $17.7 billion.

Alex Soncini

Green digs deep to win Australian PGA Seniors Championship

By Noel Rowsell

Richa R d Green surged, stumbled badly within sight of victory, then gathered himself again to birdie the final hole of the tournament and thus secure a dramatic victory in the Nova Employment australian PGa Seniors championship, his fourth win of a remarkable year.

Having led at one point by five shots in the final round, Green surrendered his hard-earned advantage with three bogeys on the back nine, eventually leaving himself tied in first place with 2020 champion andre Stoltz, as they prepared to play the final hole of the tournament.

Green had already won two seniors tournaments in Europe this year, and last week’s NSW Senior Open in albury on the SParms PGa Legends Tour, and held his nerve to birdie the 54th hole in front of the impressivelypacked amphitheatre.

“i think to win the way i have this year is unbelievable,” Green said.

“When i was on the main tours, they

(the wins) were coming every decade sort of thing, so to win four times this year is an incredible feeling.

“For things to not go the way i wanted them to go on the back nine, and then to get it, that’s what let it (the emotion) out.”

Green shot a four-under-par final round of 66 to post 11-under overall, to win by a shot from 2020 champion Stolz, who narrowly missed a putt from the fringe behind the 18th green to join

Green at 11-under and force a playoff.

Michael Long (New Zealand) and hervey Bay professional chris Taylor were tied for third at 9-under-par.

Speaking of the pressure of the final hole and his ability to hold it together, Green said “Years of experience to not let that happen.

“You’ve got to gather yourself, gather your emotions and do your best on every shot. That’s what i set out to do at the start of the day, the start of the

week, the start of this year, just to give everything on every shot.

“Fortunately, that’s what got me there in the end.”

Green is headed to the champions Tour qualifying school in america soon and dreams of playing on that circuit in 2023.

Nova Employment had signed on as major sponsor for 3 years, ensuring the tournament returns to Richmond Gc for the next two years.

Local juniors entered for Brett Ogle Junior Masters

aNuMBER of local juniors are entered for the upcoming JNJG Brett Ogle Junior Masters, which will be held at Goulburn Gc over the 19th-20th November.

The list includes darcy Mackay, fresh off his runaway victory in the Stonecutters Ridge Gc Junior club championships and runner-up in the club championships.

Blake hodges (NSW Gc), coby carruthers, Tyler Nesci and Grace Lee (concord Gc), Ti Fox (Richmond Gc) are also included, along with a further 5 players from Lynwood cc, including 12-year old camilla Kim, who is coached at Twin creeks Gc

The tournament will also be an excellent

warm-up event for coby, Grace and Camilla, who have all qualified for the prestigious 2022 champions Trophy, which will be played ate Bonville Gc over 30th November - 2nd december.

The other local players who have qualified for Bonville are annoushka Maikap and Ryan cadle (Stonecutters Ridge), along with Brielle Mapanao (The australian Gc).

The Bonville champions Trophy is a World amateur Golf Ranking (WaGR) and Golf australia Junior Order of Merit (Ga OOM) event for players who won a Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG) Tour event during the 2021 / 2022 season.

The tournament will be played over 72 holes in three days, with a cut after 54 holes. all players who miss the cut will caddie for another player in the final round.

Windsor polo hits full stride

By Noel Rowsell

iT’S great to see polo being played back in the Hawkesbury, after flooding once again inundated our polo fields,” said Kim Mcdougall, one of the organisers of Polo events at Windsor Polo club.

“We’ve had 12 teams competing over 3 grades the last few weekends, with the Spring cup decided on Sunday 6th November.

“congratulations to our winners of The Royal Richmond hotel Spring cup, including: 4-Goal: AZ Polo (James ParryOkeden, alex Zak, Shannon Booth, dirk Gould);

0-Goal: Bella (Pete Martin, hannah

harris, drew harris, Steve Barnard); Sub-Zero: Bellevue Polo (Teneille Murray, Pete handbury, Lucia Gilmore, George Phillip).

“Thank you to everyone who came out to play, watch, help and enjoy at our first tournament back at the Windsor Polo club grounds.

“it’s been a tough year but nothing compares to the joy of a beautiful sunny day and seeing dozens of players and horses on the field.

“Look forward to seeing you this week (10th-13th November) at The Winten cup!”

The Winten cup is the highlight of the Spring polo calendar. Entry is free and spectators are welcome.

By Noel Rowsell

Ryan Cadle and Darcy Mackay in action this year. Photos supplied.

Richard Green is the 2022 ‘Nova Employment’ Australian PGA Seniors Champion. Photos by Noel Rowsell.

Action from the Spring Cup 0-Goal game on Sunday at Windsor Polo Club. Photo by Noel Rowsell

Western NeWs

Ladies Day at Hawkesbury Race Club

awkesbury race Club hosted the annual Lander Toyota Ladies Day on Thursday 3rd November, with approximately 1,500 people in attendance to enjoy a great day of racing and fashions.

“The sun was finally out for Ladies Day, for the first time in 3 years, and it was great seeing the crowds enjoying the sunshine and the racing,” said kim McDougall, Marketing and Communications Manager.

“we had forty-three women register

Hfor ‘Fashions on the Field’ (FOTF). The winner of best Dressed Lady was Cindy Fullerton, runner-up was Madeleine Leva and best Millinery winner was susan Tricker. Thank you to our FOTF sponsors De bortoli and bb Millinery.

“we would also like to thank our race sponsors, including Lander Toyota, blakes Marine, Irresistible Pools & spas, Fowler’s Civil Contracting, all Aspects Roofing Sydney, Stannix Park Lodge, airmakers air Conditioning service and belle Property Hawkesbury.

“kirwan’s Lane, trained by John O’shea and ridden by Tom sherry, won

the 2022 Listed Lander Toyota Ladies Day Cup.

“we look forward to seeing everyone back track-side at Hawkesbury race Club again soon.”

Full race results can be viewed at https://racing.racingnsw.com.au/ FreeFields/Results.aspx?Key=2022 Nov03%2CNSW%2CHawkesbury

By Noel Rowsell

Fashions and racing on Ladies Day at Hawkesbury Race Club. Photos by Noel Rowsell