Western News 13 May 2022

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Friday, 13 May 2022

ISSUE 161

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Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

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Hawkesbury Show 2022 a great success

By Noel Rowsell

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nquestionably the biggest regional agricultural show in NSW, the annual 2022 Hawkesbury Show ran at Clarendon from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th May. The Hawkesbury Show Society were blessed with beautiful, sunny autumn weather, which in turn brought out massive crowds to ensure yet another hugely successful year.

With a combination of Fireworks, rides, sideshows, stalls and a spectacular celebration of Australian cultural and rural traditions, the Show offered three days of constant entertainment, activities and competitions to satisfy the whole family.

The first Hawkesbury Agricultural Show was conducted at Clarendon in 1845.

The subsequent shows conducted between 1845 and 1848 were the result of an association between Penrith and the Hawkesbury Agricultural Association (HDAA). Various shows and exhibitions were then held under different combinations of associations until 1879, when the present Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association was formed. The HDAA has continuously held an annual show at Clarendon ever since. The only exceptions were the show of 1919 (which was not held because of the flu

Night time action at the 2022 Hawkesbury Agricultural Show - photos by Noel Rowsell

epidemic), from 1941 to 1946 (when the show ground was used to house troops) and 2020 (Covid).

The Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association shared the

Authorised by Stephen Bali MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements. May 2022.

Hawkesbury Racecourse grounds from 1880 until 1986. These arrangements ceased when the show moved onto the present grounds, still at Clarendon, in 1987.

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forum of community leaders has demanded a better deal from the State Government to help the Blacktown region accommodate the massive number of new residents moving to the area.

The ‘Fair go For Blacktown Forum’ was organised by NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns and the four local Labor MPs - Deputy Leader and Member for Londonderry Prue Car, the Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali, the Member for Mount Druitt Edward Atalla and the Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott.

The forum, held at the Blacktown campus of the Australian Catholic

University, gave community leaders a chance to detail the challenges they face managing the regions booming population.

Mr Minns said it was clear Blacktown is not getting its fair share of investment and support from the State Government.

“Blacktown City is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. The region’s population is increasing by the size of the population of Mudgee every year and will reach a population of 615,000 by 2041,” Mr Minns said.

“This means Blacktown City population will pass the State of Tasmania in 15 years. Investment in infrastructure and social services is

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not keeping up with the needs of this fast-growing region.”

“We have had four Liberal premiers in 11 years and no one has taken responsibility for Western Sydney. The result is a shortfall of investments in schools, hospitals, roads, jobs, transport, sports facilities, parks, arts, police, housing, business development, social or age care.”

“The message was clear from the community leaders that Western Sydney has been left behind for too long. After more than a decade of the NSW Liberal Government, we have schools with too few classrooms; healthcare with extensive wait times; and road infrastructure that is not

keeping up with population growth,” Mr Minns said.

Mr Minns said he welcomed the input form community leaders as NSW Labor develops the policies it will take to the election in 2023.

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Forum demands a fair go for Blacktown

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Western News 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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Prospect

From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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he count down is on until May 21 and we’ll soon know who is the next Prime Minister of our country and what the government looks like for the next three years.

Seasoned voters will probably notice that elections don’t appear to be about clear-cut choices on policies these days. There’s a lot of me-too-isms with a sprinkle of “but we’ll do it better than them” thrown in.

It will pretty much come down to whether voters think that a good enough job has been done by Scott Morrison and the government over the last three years to vote them back in - admittedly through the biggest obstacle course of all time - steering through bushfires, floods, a pandemic and war.

Voters will weigh up whether Anthony Albanese and Labor would have done differently. And if so, what would that outcome have likely been?

Voters will be looking at a track record they’ve witnessed versus change.

Poll results as I write this are pretty much writing the Coalition off and predicting an easy Labor win. From what I’ve seen and studied (particularly across social media) I predict it will be a closer race.

And there’s still a bit over a week to go. As we’ve seen in past elections and indeed at the the start of this one, a campaign can derail rapidly from a single misstep.

So strap yourself in, as the next week is bound to be full of more twists and turns than the Bush Beast rollercoaster.

Early voting has commenced.

We are so incredibly privileged to live in a nation where we have a say in how our country will be run.

Make sure your vote counts.

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oogahlin Performing Arts and Blacktown Arts in association with Sydney Festival present The Last Shot by Troy Russell, a must-see musical odyssey traversing romance, heartbreak and tragedy.

Based on true events, The Last Shot follows the heart wrenching and intimate journey of star-crossed lovers through Gomeroi Country.

Based on true events, The Last Shot by Troy Russell is an intimate musical tale of romance, heartbreak and tragedy in colonial times.

Star-crossed lovers Jimmy and Florrie take flight through Gomeroi Country. One night, after singing and dancing at the local camp, a foreboding event catapults them into turmoil.

Forced to make an escape, Jimmy and Florrie set off into the night followed by a landowner in pursuit of revenge.

Drawing on a range of musical genres, and accompanied by archival imagery, The Last Shot is a story of romance and chaos, pulling on your heartstrings and lifting your spirits.

The piece will enjoy its world premiere in Blacktown at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, in partnership with Sydney Festival.

Beginning his musical journey at 11 years old, Troy first developed a

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First People’s composer brings powerful performance to Blacktown

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passion for music when a neighbour offered to teach him the fundamentals.

After discovering an old photograph of his father playing a banjo, he learned that his family from Taree was one of music.

In addition to the performance, audiences can enjoy a sumptuous selection of food and beverages with traditional native ingredients, provided by local Aboriginal catering company, Kallico Catering, before journeying through the annual Songlines and Sightlines.

Songlines and Sightlines returns for another year as part of the Blacktown Festival. An interactive drawing and colouring-in gallery where you can draw directly onto the walls of the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS Venue: The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown NSW 2148 Dates: Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 May 2022 Times: 7pm and 4pm (Saturday matinee) Price: General admission $35, 2-person cabaret $70, 4-person cabaret $140 Tickets: www.blacktownarts. com.au/whats-on/performance/ thelastshot/

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Running a prison behind the scenes like a small town

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hen most people think of a prison, they think of correctional officers, metal bars and inmates in cells.

But behind the scenes at Parklea Correctional Centre lies a well-oiled machine, which ensures staff and inmates have everything they need to make sure each day runs smoothly.

NSW Correctional centres and community corrections offices will celebrate their hardworking and dedicated non-custodial staff on Administrative Professionals Day on Friday, 6 May. This includes Supply Chain Manager Leanne Hazell and her dedicated logistics team who run the Parklea warehouse.

Leanne started working at the prison as a Procurement Officer in 2019 and is glad she made the move.

“I’ve always liked working with vulnerable people and I like new challenges,” Leanne said.

I previously worked for a not-for-profit setting up their national client care team and I thought Parklea would be a good fit for me.

“I go to work each day because I want to make a difference and I want to help where I can.

“I also believe in what our Governor Paul Baker is trying to achieve here, as his values align with mine.”

Leanne’s team of 10 is responsible for sourcing, ordering, security checking, storing, and delivering a vast array of goods, including TVs, mattresses, pillows and prison greens, cleaning products, pens and buy-ups.

Buy-ups are products inmates can order each week, such as groceries, toiletries and stationery.

The team process around 3,000 individual orders

each month. Their delivery is hotly anticipated, and Leanne and her team knows how important it is they are delivered on time.

“Logistics is very much unseen, but without my team inmates wouldn’t get fed, they wouldn’t get their buy-ups, clothing and hygiene items wouldn’t get ordered and delivered and rubbish wouldn’t get collected,” Leanne said.

“Staff wouldn’t have their case files, stationery items or coffee either.

“I explain to my staff we do everything needed to run a small town. They know their role is vital to the organisation and they’re proud to do it.

“I’m lucky to have a dedicated and professional team who support staff and inmates to make their day easier.”

Leanne said the prison had experienced the same

supply issues as the rest of the world over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You have to be aware of supply chain issues to ensure there’s no interruptions and so everyone has what they need and are entitled to, otherwise it can cause unrest in the prison.”

As well as keeping the prison running, Leanne also trains inmates in warehouse logistics.

“I enjoy teaching the inmates and logistics is a growth industry,” Leanne said.

“They do the pick and packing, data entry, stocktaking, check the buy-ups, match the orders and load containers on the trailers.

“They do everything we do as we’re one team.”

Parklea has been operated by MTC-Broadspectrum on behalf of Corrective Services NSW since 1 April 2019.

$48 million NSW government investment to unlock homes

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ember for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly said $48.8 million of NSW Government funding, delivered through the second round of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF), will assist Blacktown Council’s works program for drainage, pathways, landscaping and environmental improvements in Riverstone, Schofields, Marsden Park and Rouse Hill.

The projects and NSW Government grants include: • Edmund Street Basin, Riverstone $16.63 million • Marsden Park Regional Basin $14.24 million • Regent Street Basin, Riverstone $11.1 million • Rouse Road drainage, Rouse Hill $4.89 million • Advance Street drainage, Schofields $ 1.97 million.

“Western Sydney is experiencing record growth and it’s important that all levels of Government work together to unlock the land needed for new homes and ensure there is the right infrastructure in place to support that growth long term,” Mr Conolly said.

These five projects are scheduled to start between June 2022 and October 2023.

Riverstone electorate’s share is part of more than $139 million dollars

worth of infrastructure funding to support the delivery of thousands of new homes and jobs across booming Western Sydney.

A total of twenty-four council-led projects have been selected for AIF funding to speed up the delivery of important local infrastructure plans, including upgrades to roads and

drainage systems, expanding public spaces, creating new sports facilities, and more.

The proposals selected – worth more than half a billion dollars collectively – are being delivered by seven councils, following the expansion of the AIF, which now includes Blacktown City Council as

well as the other high-growth councils of The Hills, Hawkesbury, Penrith, Liverpool, Wollondilly, Camden, and Campbelltown.

Combined, the projects will create up to 2,200 construction jobs, as well as unlocking 570 hectares of employment land dedicated to creating more jobs closer to home.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said it was wonderful to see so many important projects green lit to meet the growing demand for new homes in the west.

“We know people want to live in areas like Riverstone, Schofields, Marsden Park and Rouse Hill and that’s why we’re focused on getting homes built, with the right infrastructure in place from the get-go.

In supporting councils to deliver these projects, we’re also giving industry greater certainty for investment into Western Sydney. It’s a win-win,” Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said construction was well underway on the 14 projects from the first round of the AIF, with some projects nearing completion including the upgrade of Railway Terrace in Schofields.

For further details and the complete list of projects visit the AIF webpage www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plansfor-your-area/Infrastructurefunding/AcceleratedInfrastructure-Fund

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lacktown City Council Libraries has launched a special book compiling 50 stories of life during COVID-19 lockdowns, in partnership with a local author.

Council worked with Quakers Hill storyteller Emie Roy of ‘The Stories Untold’, the Community Migrant Resource Centre and Westpoint to publish the book, The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the book documented an unprecedented time in history and its effects on the local community.

“We know Blacktown City residents were hit especially hard

by COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions for an extended period of time,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Many of us were separated from our families, friends and colleagues for months on end and sadly missed

Curator and storyteller Emie Roy (right) with Dr G K Harinath, Chairman of Multicultural NSW (left), at the launch of the ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’.

out on doing the things we enjoy.

“This book shares real-life stories of our multicultural residents and the effects the lockdown had on them.

“I congratulate Emie Roy and all

contributors for making this important project happen.”

The book features anecdotes, reflections and experiences from lockdown as well as hopes for a post-

lockdown future and was officially launched at a special event at Bowman Hall last week, with more than 150 guests in attendance.

Emie Roy said, “The Light at the End of the Tunnel has been released after 10 solid months of work and it is here that the journey of the book begins.

“I am truly honoured that this amazing compilation of stories is going to be housed in the archives of State and Federal libraries of Australia.

“My heartfelt thanks goes to each and every one who has stood with me through thick and thin while this book was in the making.”

Blacktown City Council Libraries supported the project through printing the book and developing promotional materials.

The book is available to borrow from Blacktown City Council’s libraries.

Council commemorates workers tragically killed on the job

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lacktown City Council marked the International Day of Mourning with a solemn ceremony at Blacktown Showground.

Council commemorates the occasion each year on 28 April, where countries around the world pause and reflect on workers who have been killed or injured in the line of work.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM hosted the ceremony with guest speaker Patrizia Cassaniti, Founder and Director of the Touched

by Christopher Foundation, Members of Parliament, Councillors, union leaders, employers and workers.

“The latest figures from Safework Australia tell us that 194 men and women were killed at work in the year 2020,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“These figures are truly harrowing and unacceptable. They show us that we must do more to protect workers on the job.

“We must not be content until we reach zero - zero deaths and zero injuries at workplaces across Australia.”

Patrizia Cassaniti spoke of the tragic loss of her son at just 18 years of age on a building site.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) with Patrizia and Rob Cassaniti from the Touched by Christopher Foundation at Council’s International Day of Mourning ceremony.

A young apprentice, Christopher was crushed under rubble when a 17-metre scaffolding tower collapsed.

In honour of her son, Patrizia is a tireless advocate for workplace safety, devoting her life to improving safety at worksites.

The Touched by Christopher Foundation provides immediate help to families after losing a loved one on a construction site.

Mayor Bleasdale said, “It is tragic stories such as this that remind us that we must all work harder to ensure that our workers return home to their families, each and every day.

“It is time to ensure that safety remains one of the highest priorities within our workplaces.

“It’s up to all of us, governments, unions, employers and individual workers, to be vigilant and look after our mates.

“We must all work harder to ensure that our workers return home to their families… each and every day.”

A memorial walk and wreath laying were held after the ceremony at Council’s memorial sculpture.

Medieval Fayre and Banquet postponed due to wet weather Blacktown City Council will postpone its popular Medieval Fayre and Banquet due to inclement weather and a predicted forecast of further rain.

Initially scheduled to take place during the Blacktown City Festival on May 21 and 22, the event will now be held on the Father’s Day weekend in September.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the decision to cancel the event was in the interests of safety due to recent wet weather severely impacting the event site at Nurragingy Reserve.

“Given the wet conditions at the ground and surrounding access roads, Council has had to consider the effect this would have on patron safety, animal welfare and parking arrangements,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“The event will now be moved to Saturday, 3 September and Sunday, 4 September, 2022, which will allow sufficient time for the grounds to dry out and all parking areas to be available for use.

“This will coincide with the Father’s Day weekend and Council will make some special announcements closer to the date for dads attending the event.”

Those who have purchased a ticket will receive a full refund within a couple of days, however should this not occur, please email events.team@blacktown. nsw.gov.au “While it is disappointing to cancel this event, Council and myself hope to see you at the Medieval Fayre in September,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“There will also be many events occurring as part of the Blacktown City Festival program, from 14-29 May.” For a full list of Blacktown City Festival events, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/festival

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Blacktown City Libraries launch book of lockdown stories

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Council delivers record $809 million balanced budget

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lacktown City Council has delivered a record balanced budget and a 20-year blueprint for sustainable development in the wake of 2 challenging years of COVID-19.

Council adopted a draft budget of $809 million for the 2022/23 financial year, including a major capital works program of $284 million to deliver for the people of Blacktown City.

This represents the largest-ever Council budget and follows the $656 million budget delivered last year.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “This budget ensures our Council delivers the projects which are the foundation for the modern Blacktown City that our residents and businesses need.

“It comes after another 12 months of disruption and staring down everpresent challenges, but shows that our commitment to delivering services for our community remains resolute.

“This budget will support our vital capital works program, including our transformational projects, to deliver now and for the future.

“The transformational projects are a source of much excitement in our City the Warrick Lane precinct is filling with tenants, and the pad sites behind it are close to being ready to take to market.

Two of our other transformational projects – the International Centre of Training Excellence and the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre – will both open in the next 12 months.

“In addition to our transformational projects, $115 million has been allocated for significant new works in the North West Growth Area, which consist of $90 million for land acquisitions and $29 million for roadworks, drainage, and open space.

“Council has allocated $160 million in 2022/23 for the construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges.

“A further $108 million has been allocated for purchasing land in new release areas to deliver essential drainage and transport infrastructure.

“$26 million is allocated to ensure our Kids’ Early Learning centres can provide the best local child care across one of the biggest childcare operations in New South Wales.

“Our libraries will receive $10.4 million this year to ensure our community has access to this vital service.

“Meanwhile, $23.5 million will go to our 5 Leisure Centres, the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, community centres and recreational facilities.

“This budget allocates an extra $46 million for the provision and maintenance of our parks, reserves, playgrounds and sporting fields.”

Speaking at Wednesday’s Council meeting, Deputy Mayor Brad Bunting said: “This is a very important budget, at a very important time for the City of Blacktown.

“The past 3 years have been extraordinarily challenging for our City, and along with the rest of Sydney, NSW and Australia, we faced an unprecedented time which tested us greatly.

“However, Council worked hard to look after our residents, businesses and staff, while supporting our frontline workers and maintaining essential services.

“As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, this budget will ensure we can pay the bills and give the people and businesses in our city the services they expect.

“While it underwrites a bright, modern future for our City, we face a reality of profound financial challenges.

“As our City continues to grow and our residents’ expectations continue to rise, we face the restriction of NSW Government rate pegging, and reductions in real terms to our grant funding from government.

“Living within our means is becoming harder and harder, without cutting the services on which our community depends.

“Therefore, we will ask staff to investigate and report for Council’s consideration, a modest and equitable

increase in our rate revenue, to ensure we can sustainably fund our services and the management of our assets into the future.”

In addition to the draft budget, Council presented a suite of important documents, including a draft Community Strategic Plan, Our Blacktown 2041 as well as the Delivery Program 2022–2026, Operational Plan 2022/23 and 10-year Resourcing Strategy.

Mayor Bleasdale said: “Our Blacktown 2041 is the strategic plan which will guide our operations and will ensure that everything our Council does has purpose.

“The implementation of this plan will take us efficiently towards achieving our social, environmental, economic and civic objectives.

“We are committed to initiatives that will shape the future of the City and will work towards a City and Council which are resource efficient, climate resilient and that meet and exceed emissions targets and goals.

“As we carry out the first year of our new 4-year Delivery Program, we want to make Blacktown City a safe, modern and welcoming multicultural city for our residents and businesses and a magnet for sustainable economic growth.”

The Blacktown City Council draft 2022/23 Operation Plan and budget documents, as well as Our Blacktown 2041, Delivery Program 2022–2026 and 10-year Resourcing Strategy are available for public comment on Council’s website: www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au from 11 May to 7 June 2022.

Blacktown City Council 2022/23 Budget key points: Budget forecast spending for 2022/23 - $809 million $284 million allocated for major capital works, including: $115 million for significant new works in the North West Growth Area consisting of: • $90 million for land acquisitions • $29 million for roadworks,

drainage, and open space • $160 million for the construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges • $108 million for the purchase of land in new release areas to deliver essential drainage and transport infrastructure.

Funding for core services consisting of: • $26 million for the operation of Council’s Kids Early Learning centres • $10.4 million for the operation of Council’s 5 libraries • $23.5 million for Council’s 5 Leisure Centres, the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, community centres and recreational facilities • $63.1 million for the operation and maintenance of waste collection and management services • $46 million for procurement and maintenance of parks, reserves, playgrounds and sporting fields Blacktown City fast facts: • Blacktown City has a population of 403,000 people and this is predicted to reach 612,000 in 2041 • Biggest city by population in NSW, and the fourth largest in Australia • Blacktown City has a $22 billion economy • Average economic growth rate of over 4% (even after the negative impact of COVID-19) • Over 27,000 registered businesses supporting more than 153,000 local jobs • Blacktown City contains 54 suburbs • More than 180 languages are spoken in Blacktown City • More than 188 countries are represented in Blacktown City • Home to the largest urban First Nations population in NSW • Blacktown City has more than 1,400 kilometres of roads, 1,500 kilometres of footpaths, and 117 bridges • Blacktown City has 262 kilometres of waterways • Blacktown City Council has the biggest roof-top solar installation of any Council in Australia and is funding 14,000 LED street lights.

Holding The Space: Sydney Writers’ Festival heads to Western Western Sydney University will host some of Australia’s leading writers and thinkers for Holding The Space, a night of food, music, and discussions of place: how it shapes who we are, our politics, friendships, sense of community and identity.

Held at Western’s Parramatta City Campus, the Sydney Writers’ Festival event will be an evening of stories, provocations and talks about place led by essayist Eda Gunaydin; Gomeroi poet, legal scholar, and essayist Alison Whittaker; writer, critic, and visual artist Anwen Crawford; and writer, researcher, curator, and archivist Ilhan Abdi – who will also host and DJ the afterparty. The event will be MC’d by writer, performer, producer, and director Maeve Marsden.

Essayist Eda Gunaydin, whose debut collection Root & Branch (UNSW Press) engages heavily in Western Sydney, said it is fitting that the event is taking place in the region.

“Western Sydney made me and is the only home

I’ve ever known. Not only do I love Western Sydney, but it is also the setting for many of the essays in Root & Branch. In the collection I ask questions about the region, focusing on the urban development occurring in Parramatta; what it means to resist gentrification on colonised land; what Western Sydney ‘is’; what narratives and stereotypes we hold about it; and what it means to be ‘from’ Western Sydney.

“Beyond questions about Western Sydney which will be discussed on the night no doubt, I think place is a vital topic of discussion for all. Every nonIndigenous person who lives in Australia has a duty to think about how we relate to place as settlers, including what responsibilities we have to this place and its traditional owners.

“I also find myself thinking a lot about place from the perspective of being a second-generation migrant.

I find it dissatisfying when migrant stories emphasise that we are deficient or incomplete people, who are stuck between one place and another place, with no

real ‘home’. I prefer instead to think about how we can find fulfillment, wholeness, and homes where we are, by looking for community, engaging with politics here, and building relationships (including with place) right here.

“I’m looking forward to ‘holding the space’ at this event while discussing what it means to hold space.” said Eda. Holding The Space, a Sydney Writer’s Festival event is presented by The Finishing School, The Parramatta Artists’ Studios and the Writing and Society Research Centre at Western Sydney University. Supported by the City of Parramatta and Western Sydney University.

Event details: What: Holding the Space Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022 | Time: 6:30pm- 8:30pm Venue: Western Sydney University, Level 9, 1PSQ, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta Tickets are free, but bookings are essential via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/holding-the-spacetickets-270764001417

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lacktown City Council has honoured remarkable Indigenous senior elder Wesley Marne with a Key to the City on his 100th birthday.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM presented the prestigious honour to Uncle Wes at a surprise birthday party with his family and friends in Plumpton on Anzac Day. “Uncle Wes, a Bigambul man, has lived in Mount Druitt for more than 45 years, and, at 100 years of age, he is committed to sharing traditional knowledge of Indigenous culture,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“He is known throughout the community for the Aboriginal culture and education that he brings to schools, events and organisations through his storytelling.

“In 2011, Uncle Wes was a proud recipient of the first NSW Department of Education Nanga Mai Love of Learning award.

“He has dedicated his life to helping children and adults who have been

Indigenous elder Uncle Wes (centre) receives the Key to the City from Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM (right) and Chifley MP Ed Husic (left) on his milestone 100th birthday.

incarcerated to get their lives back on track by helping them to regain confidence to advocate for themselves.

“In Bidwill, in the grounds of Graceades Cottage, Uncle Wes established a community storytelling garden, ‘Kwinnies Garden’, where he can tell his stories to the community as

they sit, listen and connect.

“Uncle Wes is a founding member of the Mount Druitt and Districts Reconciliation Group, which, for more than 20 years, has organised an annual Reconciliation Walk and Concert in Mount Druitt.

“His one-man storytelling show,

Fire Bucket, premiered at the 2016 Sydney Festival and played to sell-out audiences. It later toured to Melbourne and throughout regional NSW. “The creative voice of Uncle Wes knows few bounds - he has also rapped on songs with the Solid Ground Artist in Residence program.

“Next month, Uncle Wes will launch his book of poems, titled ‘Through Old Eyes’, and a book of stories, ‘Bigambul Dreamtime’, will be released later this year.

“He continues to work every day in his community, Mount Druitt, throughout Blacktown City and beyond, conducting smoking ceremonies and Welcome to Country ceremonies.

“Uncle Wes is deeply loved and valued. Like his creative spirit, this love knows no bounds.

“Blacktown City is richer for the time he has spent with us. It is truly an honour to present him with the Key to the City.

“Congratulations, and Happy Birthday, Uncle Wes.”

Local migrant women to benefit with the launch of new training program

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acquarie Community College is pleased to announce the launch of its SKILLS4You program, specially designed to train and support migrant women seeking careers in the care sector.

SKILLS4You is tailored to increase opportunities for migrant women to gain skills for life and work in Australia, increasing their participation in employment pathways and connecting them with others in their local communities.

The establishment of SKILLS4You aligns with the College’s ongoing commitment to creating and providing learning opportunities that create social impact. The launch comes at an extremely crucial time as the care sector continues to battle critical labour shortages across Aged Care, Disability Care, and Child Care.

Macquarie Community College CEO Theresa Collignon said she is proud to be launching a program that is so vital to groups across the Western Sydney community. “Macquarie Community College has always set the standard for quality adult community education. We are committed to ensuring that all our participants feel welcome, respected and supported along their learning pathways. As we say at the College – we welcome all who want to climb the ladder of learning – and they can start from any rung.”

The SKILLS4You program involves increasing participant’s English language and literacy skills, including language for the world of work in caring careers, understanding their level of employment readiness for

Individual support class

local workplaces, setting specific employment-related goals and working towards achieving them.

Olga Terfezine, a Sudan-born, Italian-Ethiopian mother of four successfully completed her Certificate III in Individual Support at Macquarie Community College. She faced years of false starts and putting her dreams on the backburner thanks to an inability to find a suitable education pathway.

“For me, the course at Macquarie Community College was the absolute best available for someone with my experience and general industry understanding. I was able to complete it at a pace that suited me and I have been lucky enough to gain a job through an aged care work placement that was organised by the College.”

“Thanks to the program I undertook, I’m now working in the disability sector with children aged 6-10 with Autism. It’s extremely rewarding, and I love what I do,” Ms Terfezine said.

Sydwest CEO, Elfa Moraitakis said SydWest and Macquarie Community College had a long history working together to empower migrant women

and meet community needs. The College have been a trusted part of this community for decades.

“We are always looking for great staff to work in our services. It is great to think that our clients from a Culturally & Linguistically Diverse background in our aged care and home care services will be able to be cared for by bi-cultural & bilingual staff. When both clients and staff have

lived experiences as migrants and understand the cultural nuances in care, there is a unique and special bond that can result.”

Macquarie Community College Director, Sue Advani said supporting migrant women has been one of her life-time commitments and the reason she became involved with the College.

“I encourage community networks and local agencies to get in touch with Macquarie Community College about this program. Participation in SKILLS4You could really make a difference and help migrant women find suitable employment in key growth areas.”

Macquarie Community College is under contract with the NSW State Government as a Smart and Skilled and Adult Community Education (ACE) provider, meaning the program is fee-free for eligible students. The College was also recently recognised by the NSW Department of Education as a High Performing Provider for Smart & Skilled.

MCC_CEO Theresa Collignon and Michelle Rowland visiting prac room

Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

Indigenous elder Uncle Wes receives Key to the City on 100th birthday

11

Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

12

WESTERN HISTORY

Western News

May 1882

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

T

he start of May 1882 seemed to bring out the anger in some of the men in the district, all due to the ‘demon‘ drink. At Penrith Police Court seven men and boys were sentenced for ‘obscene language’ – John Johnson, George Flood aged 19, Walter Wheeler aged 17 all on Windsor Road at St Marys. William Westland in High Street, and Joseph Wade outside Upton’s Boarding House on the High Street in Penrith, John Wilson and William Andrews at Emu Plains. Next came the extraordinary defeat of would-be champions of the aquatic world, where in days gone by the boating matches were regarded as tests of strength, the strength that is measured by personal power and endurance and that the strongest man was the sure victor. But with the result of the Intercolonial Boat Race in Melbourne where a crew was said to be absurdly of “low personal power” in comparison with their opponents, in the end it was not by a trial of brute force, but a lesson of skill and experience where the “light weights” of Sydney beat the stronger men of heavier calibre from Victoria. As usual at St Mary’sSouth Creek the residents were complaining that the weather still continued very dry with no prospects of any downfall of rain, but they had some heavy frosts and if they didn’t see rain any time soon it would entirely destroy the grass crop for the winter and they were unable to feed their animals due to all the stocks being very low owing to the high price of fodder. Other problems were passengers at Mt Druitt station still waiting for a platform and being exposed to the elements for some considerable time to the cold rain, and with the area becoming a rising township they thought it was high time the Government made some provision for the travelling public. At Penrith Court a case of neglect arose when “our ever watchful and careful Sergeant Fowler” brought before the Court five young children, Thomas Burke (14), Sarah Burke (9), Margaret Burke (7), Andrew Burke (5) and Edward Burke aged only 3 years who were forwarded to the police by Mr Hammond of the Valley Railway station where the children were found in a most filthy state in a hut on Mr W Dean’s estate about two miles further on the Valley Road with some rotten beef in the hut and no bed clothes. The children said to the Sergeant that their mother had died in the Sydney Infirmary some time ago, and last month their father went to Sydney telling them that he would come back. Mrs Hammond sent food to the children for some days by the eldest boy. They were taken to the station to Mr Rae’s house. The Sergeant told the Bench that the eldest boy had obtained as much food as he could for the rest and had gone without himself and he was very emaciated and found it a difficulty to lift his little brother who fell asleep in the Court. The Bench recommended that the children be discharged and sent to the Benevolent Asylum under the care of Sergeant Fowler who asked for a warrant for the arrest of the father of the children and Sergeant Fowler brought before the Court Andrew Burke charging him with deserting his child Edward Burke at the Valley. This was the first case held in the new Penrith Court House and the prisoner the first in the new dock. His Honour Judge Dowling was the first Judge who sat in the new Court House and J J Riley was the first J.P. who sat on the Bench. J K Cleeve, Esq., was the first J.P. who tried the case and Andrew (for child desertion) was the first person tried.

John Price the Bailiff who was 25 years in the service asked his Honour

 Photo of Penrith Court House courtesy of Penrith Library

that as he was getting old could his son be allowed to assist him that was immediately granted. Two boys Charles Buckland and Henry Carruthers about 9 years were charged “with having wilfully and maliciously thrown a stone through a railway carriage window”. George T Evans the prosecutor and the superintendent for Railway’s in NSW said he knew nothing about the case himself but he had witnesses to call and saw the break-van before it was repaired. Thomas Daws a guard on the railway was in charge of No 40 up-goods-train and remembered a stone coming through the break-van windows. The stone passed through two windows and within six feet of where he was standing. Sergeant Fowler was sitting on the opposite side of the van to him when the broken glass fell about three feet above Sergeant Fowler’s head and he looked out to see where the stone came from and saw Buckland on the centre of the bridge rising up from his knees. The second boy Carruthers was on the other side of the bridge hiding behind a post. Thomas did not stop the train on account of the window being broken but he had to stop it at the crossroads (Kingswood) that was close by and Sergeant Fowler went back after the boys as soon as it stopped. It was with regret that even though many cases of a similar nature have occurred, the Department had stuck up posters in conspicuous places offering a reward for information that would lead to the conviction of offenders and the Bench would make an example of these boys as it was the first time they had been able to catch the offenders in this way. The Bench then committed the boys to trial at the next Quarter Sessions held at Parramatta in October. Bail was allowed to each at £40 and two sureties of £20 each. Also, at the police court Henry Robertson was brought before Dr Bond and Mr J K Cleeve J.P’s., charged with embezzling the sum of 15s. (shillings) money belonging to Alfred Colless and Co. The case was a lengthy one owing to the number of witnesses and the length of their evidence. The prisoner on this charge was committed to trial at the next Quarter Sessions to be held in Parramatta, bail was allowed in the amount of £25 for himself and two sureties of £25 each. The prisoner was then charged on a second count of embezzling 20s, also money belonging to his employers Alfred Colless and Co. The prisoner had made out a false account and delivered it to Edward Paskin who had an account with the firm, Henry obtained a £1 payment on the account and he gave a receipt. The money was never handed over by Henry that continued the proceedings against him. On this charge Henry was also committed for trial with bail being allowed for £25 and two sureties of £10 each. Henry was taken to Parramatta that same afternoon and when he arrived on the platform it was found earlier that another charge of passing a valueless cheque to the amount of £3 was pending against him and he was remanded for this trial also. (apologies to family members who recognise their loved ones).

Sources: Nepean Times 5 May 1882, page 3, Nepean Times 12 May 1882, page 4, Nepean Times 19 May 1882, page 4.

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Western News

W

How to buy property without a 20% deposit

ith Australian house prices at record highs, when you consider that a small flat in Sydney could set you back $800,000 at the moment, saving a 20% deposit to buy that flat – $160,000 – can seem an insurmountable task. However, having little or no deposit doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a home loan to buy a home.

There are low deposit home loan options where you can buy a house with as little as 5% of the purchase price. That means, if you’re buying a home worth $800,000, a lender will expect you to contribute at least $40,000 towards the cost of the purchase price.

You will also need to pay for any stamp duty and other upfront costs that may apply, as well as for the cost of lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), which usually applies to loans of more than 80% of a property’s value. If you don’t have the 5% of the value saved, you may some options available.

Low deposit home loans may be an option worth considering for some home buyers, but there are potential pitfalls to be aware of and due to the corona virus pandemic, it may be more difficult for some buyers to get a low deposit home loan.

Read on to find out what options there might be, and which one may suit you best.

Lenders mortgage insurance.

Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) may be an added expense, but it offers buyers the opportunity to dive into the property market earlier, without saving up an entire 20 per cent of the property’s purchase price as a deposit.

LMI protects the bank or lender, should a home loan go into default, guaranteeing that the lender will get its money back if the property needs to be sold and there is a shortfall in repaying the loan.

While a 20% deposit generally provides a good buffer against any drops in property value over the life of a loan, LMI can also provide the same protection, meaning borrowers can purchase property with a smaller deposit.

For the borrower, it may seem LMI it is just another expense to cover. But insurance can mean that some buyers will be able to enter the property market with, for example, only a five per cent deposit saved. In the example above, a $800,000 property, this brings the deposit down from $160,000 to just $40,000.

The insurance premium is generally a one-off payment, but you may be able to roll it into the loan amount so that you are paying for it month-by-month along with your mortgage.

How A Guarantor Can Help.

If you don’t have a substantial deposit for a home loan, there are still a number of ways to obtain credit.

These are known as family pledges and there are two types available to borrowers: service guarantees and security guarantees.

Service guarantees are less common than security guarantees, and they involve a family member guaranteeing all the repayments on a loan, as well as being named on the property title. A drawback of this approach is that it usually means first home buyers are not entitled to any government grants.

Security guarantee is a more popular option.

Borrowers who have a limited deposit often use this approach. In this situation, a relative or friend (usually a borrower’s parent or parents) is prepared to use the equity in his or her own home to guarantee the deposit of the borrower.

For example, for a total loan amount of $800,000, in a security guarantor situation the borrower/s would take on the debt of 80 per cent of the value of their loan, which would be $640,000, in their own name/s.

The loan for the balance, $160,000, is then guaranteed in the names of the guarantor/s and borrower/s, limiting the guarantor’s liability while providing security for the lender, meaning that lender’s mortgage insurance is not necessary. It works well when borrowers don’t have a substantial deposit, but their parents own their own home. It’s a great option as long as the parents are comfortable with their child’s ability to pay back the loan.”

First Home Owners Grant (FHOG).

To encourage home ownership, State and Territory governments provide first home owner schemes that provide first home buyers with incentives to get onto the property ladder.

For instance, in NSW the State government will provide first home buyers who buy a newly built home and land package worth $750,000 or less with $10,000 towards the purchase price, as well as generous stamp duty concessions. In Victoria, first home buyers buying newly built homes valued up to $750,000 are eligible

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for a $10,000 grant and this increases to $20,000 for new homes built in regional Victoria.

Many lenders will be happy to count these government payments towards any deposit. Having a reduced amount of stamp duty to pay means you should also need less money up front.

A financial gift.

The high cost of property today means many parents and other close relatives are happy to help their children enter the property market through a one-off financial gift. Many first home buyers now have help from their parents when it comes to saving for a deposit with more than 30% getting help this way.

Many lenders will count the cost of this gift towards your deposit amount, although they may also want to see that you also have a history of regular savings.

Using the equity in your own home.

Not all buyers looking to buy with no deposit are first home buyers. You may already own your own home and now you’re looking to buy an investment property. In this instance, a lender may give you the option of using the equity in your home to cover the deposit of the place you’re purchasing.

To take advantage of this, you’ll usually need to have enough equity in your home to cover a 20% deposit on both places, unless you also take out lenders mortgage insurance.

Applying for a loan.

When applying for a home loan, it’s always worth remembering that your deposit is only one aspect of your finances that a lender will consider. They will also want to be sure that you have a good chance of being able to service the loan through its term.

That means your credit history, credit score, salary, employment details and ongoing income and expenses are just as important as ever, no matter how you secure your loan. Some lenders providing low deposit home loans may charge higher interest rates and fees. The loan application process can be lengthy and difficult with the need for additional finance and credit information.

Speak to Alex from Wealthwiz who is an MFAAaccredited finance broker and can help you investigate your options working out whether to buy now or save extra deposit is a decision that meets your financial needs and options.

#wealthwizau

WealthWiz Wealth Management | Suite 3, 47-51 Richmond Rd, Blacktown Call 8004 6655 | www.wealthwiz.com.au

CROSSWORD ACROSS 9. Mundane (7) 10. Transgress (7) 11. What we blink (7) 12. Pull back (7) 13. Make subservient (9) 15. Malice (5) 16. Put into a bank account (7) 19. Timidity (7) 20. Laundry person in India (5) 21. Hallucinating (9) 25. Restrict (7) 26. Chest of drawers (7) 28. Parochial (7) 29. Chemical (7)

down 1. Leafy plants (6) 2. Brilliant (6) 3. New Zealand bird (4) 4. A Japanese woman entertainer (6) 5. Abroad (8) 6. Prognosticator (10) 7. Dispatch (8) 8. Adroitness (8) 14. Unfit (10) 16. Instructive (8) 17. Advancement (8) 18. Infants (8)

solution 29/4/22

22.

23.

24.

27.

Account book (6) Marine mollusk 6) Pledge (6) Biblical garden (4)

13 Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

Alex Soncini

REAL ESTATE

Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

14

Western News

SPORT

Local driver restores European Superboat NOTAREAL

By Noel Rowsell

M

at Humphrey (Arcadia) is a veteran of Motor Car racing and, after turning his attention to racing on water, was named the 2005 Australian Superboat Rookie of the Year.

Mat has raced both Supercat 600 and the pinnacle of offshore racing in Australia, Class 1, Extreme. In 2008, he teamed up with Throttleman Simon Isherwood to create their own race team and consequently became Australian Supercat 600 Champions.

In 2014, Mat was in Melbourne to view a Victory Cat he was hoping to purchase but whilst at the inspection, fell for a neglected Cougar sitting alongside.

Mat purchased the Cougar and thus began an 8-year passion to restore the boat to it’s former glory, with a view to seeing her back racing again.

Originally commissioned in 1989 by wealthy Finnish businessman, JP Mattila, the Cougar first raced as ‘NOTAREAL’ across Europe in 1990.

That year it competed in the Monaco race which tragically claimed the life of Prince Stefano Casiraghi.

Built for rough water conditions, the Cougar saw little success in Europe and was purchased by Grahame Horne in New Zealand where it raced as ‘Fleetlease’.

In 1996 the ‘Fleeetlease’ Cougar was involved in a horrific accident in Auckland harbour. The open cockpits were destroyed and the Cougar Hull was purchased by Tony Low and imported to Melbourne. Here, a new, safer canopy was added, as well as BPM drives and a rudder. The Cougar was back and racing as ‘Smorgan Steel’ in 2004, when an escape hatch fell off post race, causing the boat to sink. The

Mat Humphrey and his team with Superboat NOTAREAL. Photos supplied

Cougar sat on the bottom of the Gold Coast seaway for 3 days, before being salvaged and returned to Tony Low’s factory in Melbourne, where it was retired to a paddock in Braeside.

Here it sat until 2014, when Mat made his trip to Melbourne and now the rest is history.

Lovingly restored and now racing as ‘Pitman Trucks Offshore Racing’, the superboat is back to her former glory, competing in the 2022 Offshore Superboat Championships.

“Currently there is not a ‘Historic Class’ so we have to run with the new boats,” said Mat. “We (the race boats) have similar specification engines but the newer designed hulls are far superior in both Hydrodynamics and Aerodynamics. The hull (on newer boats) is almost a wing, lifting the boat out above the waves. Also, the older boats weigh a lot more.

“In Australia, we have a large number of older offshore boats parked up in sheds around the country, as they are no longer competitive. I’d really like to see them come out to play again.

“We are proposing a Historic class that runs within the Offshore Championship, which gives points for ‘Regularity’, similar to ‘Regularity’ on a car race track, where the driver nominates a lap time and is rewarded for being consistent. So It’s not about being the fastest but rather being accurate and consistent. The more boats we have racing, the greater the spectacle.”

Ironically, Mat is once again teamed up with Simon, who had been to Auckland to inspect ‘Fleetlease’ for previous owner Tony Low. Simon was then instrumental in the boat’s transformation from open canopies to a safer, far more competitive race boat, with a single cockpit and BMP drives and rudder. Simon, who is a Life Member of the Australian Offshore Powerboat Club, also raced the Cougar with Tony Low in 2004.

As one of Australia’s most experienced offshore racers Simon brings over 30 years of Offshore racing experience to the team. He has built, maintained and repaired some of Australia’s most successful race boats.

Racing is not only his sport, it’s his business.

Simon has competed in almost every Offshore Class of racing with extraordinary success, including 3 x Class 1 Australian Champion titles, 2 x Class 2 Australian Champion and 2 x Australian Supercat 600 Champion.

Another crew member is Driver Max Andrews, who began his boat racing career as a 16-year old in the Hawkesbury Bridge-to-Bridge Powerboat race, winning the 5L Class in a Chev-powered 17’ Childsplay boat called ‘Ziffe!’.

Max is the son of veteran river racers Rebecca and Stephen Andrews and spent his childhood in the shed with his father, learning how to build race engines and fibreglass boats. Then on weekends, he would watch his mother

Circuit race on the Hawkesbury.

A fabricator by trade, Max has made bespoke parts for numerous race boats, Circuit, Hydro and Offshore. His passion for Powerboat racing got him involved in the Cougar restoration and he subsequently became an integral part of the team.

The team’s next race will be Round 4 of the Series, to be held at Lake Macquarie on the weekend of 14th 15th May. Mat is highly appreciative of his sponsors and the Offshore Racing community across the world, for all the help and support they have given during his project.

These include: Maritimo Racing, 222 Racing, Race Marine, Priest Family Marine, Briggs Engineering, Dave Pitman, the Gilbert Family and Mat’s wife Jeanan. “All have sacrificed their own time to help make the Cougar roar again,” said Mat. “The most important member of the team is Mark Vaughan (South Maroota), who drives the truck that tows the oversize boat. Also handy with an excavator to get us out of trouble.” said Mat.

Major Pennant competition resumes after golf courses dry out

By Noel Rowsell

U

pdates for Golf NSW Major Pennant competitions have now been posted and five western Sydney clubs will soon be back in action, with one club vying for promotion and four clubs fighting desperately to avoid relegation.

Stonecutters Ridge GC will meet Pymble GC in the Division 2 Women’s Final, to be played at The Australian Golf Club on 22nd May. The local Men’s teams are all in Relegation contests, with Penrith GC facing Cronulla GC at Cronulla on 26th June, with the return game at Penrith on 3rd July; and Twin Creeks CGC play Liverpool GC at Liverpool on 26th June, with the return game at Penrith on 3rd July - both games from Division 1.

In Division 3, Glenmore Heritage Valley face Bayview at Bayview on 3rd July, with the return game at Glenmore on 10th July, whilst in Division 4, Leonay play Randwick at Leonay on 3rd July, with the return game at Randwick on 10th July.

The Stonecutters Ridge GC Major Pennant squad. Photo supplied.

L-R: Grace Lee, Savannah Webb, Annoushka Maikap, Caitlin Davidson, Lia Lavelle, Michelle Yang - missing from pic Annabelle Elina

Western News

SPORT

By Bob Turner

T

hE culture at Blacktown City FC is the cornerstone of the success which will lead to our expectations of becoming the ‘Pride’ of Blacktown from a sporting perspective. We have the quality of players, stadium, competition status, playing in the Number One competition for Men in NSW and opposition names like Marconi, Sydney Olympic and Sydney United to capitalise on the culture within the club. Combined we have the ingredients to achieve our goals. Adding our Women’s team to the mix this year will only increase our reach and profile. Blacktown City FC Senior Women have only just commenced but the Men’s programme stands as a shining example of the culture to build on.

Promotions are also critical to spread the message and thanks to our corporate partner Nextdoor, Channel 9’s ‘Today’ show broadcast through the morning last Friday at Blacktown City Sports Centre doing their morning weather crosses from our stadium. Blacktown City FC players and coaches were joined by the Mayor of Blacktown, Tony Bleasdale OAM and State Member, Stephen Bali, in what was a National promotion for Blacktown City and the city of Blacktown.

Winning is a plus but it is also personalities that engage a community and help to build a profile.

Our Head Coach, Mark Crittenden (Critto), has the name, profile, personality and most importantly the credibility to lead Blacktown City FC. Players are a critical and obvious ingredient to excite and enthuse the public. We have a host of players who have led to a player stability in the organisation. Those players have established a consistency that has led to wins on the pitch.

In 2022 we have also added a few new players that have created a buzz at Blacktown City and fear in opposing teams. Mitch Mallia has come back to the club after three seasons at Marconi and has had an immediate stabilising impact on the club. New imports Hirokai Ayoama and Jordan Smylie have been welcome additions with an enthusiasm and skill level that has been a treat for Blacktown supporters.

Ayoama is incredibly skilled with the ball and has learned to adapt to the physical size of the Australian players.

Jordan Smylie came to the club this year after a season with the Central Coast Mariners. The 21 year old has been a breath of fresh air with a sense and smell for the goal. He is currently tied for the Golden

Boot award having scored 8 goals in seven games.

Smylie plays with a reckless abandon that is great to watch and keeps the opposition on its toes.

Covid hit the club after Round two that resulted in postponing the Round three game against Marconi.

Blacktown is now back on track with four wins, a draw and unfortunately an away loss to Wollongong last Friday, in the last six outings to sit second on the table with Apia Leichhardt. Blacktown also had a solid win over Apia in the fourth round of the National Australia Cup. The goal for Coach Crittenden is to make it to at least the final 16 with a chance to once again play an A League team.

Blacktown FC is back at home on Sunday, May 15th when they host a surging Sydney Olympic.

Game time is 3pm with the Under 20’s at 1pm.

Go Blacktown City!

KICK OFF 3PM SUNDAY 15th may

Western News 13 May 2022 Issue 161

Blacktown City keeps rolling!

15

Western News Friday, 13 May 2022

SPORT

Elijah climbing the ranks in OJC

By Noel Rowsell

A

fter two interstate rounds (VIC & QLD) to start the year, the third round of the ASBK Yamaha bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup took place at Wakefield Park, NSW from the 22nd - 24th of April.

12-year old Elijah Andrew (Marayong) began the weekend strongly, qualifying in 13th position after shaving five seconds off his best time between the practice sessions and the qualifying round.

“As anybody who knows anything about racing will agree, a five second time improvement is substantial,” said Elijah’s father, Noel Andrew.

“Elijah took full advantage of his improved starting position on the grid, finishing 14th, 15th and 14th in the three races to finish in overall 14th position for the round.

“Considering he is racing against 14, 15 and 16yr olds, this jump up the ladder was impressive and drew the attention of both other riders and marshals alike.”

“Despite heavy clouds and biting winds, the track remained dry for the weekend. A light sprinkle just before the start of the second race may have unsettled a couple of the riders but Elijah isn’t unnerved by the rain and kept increasing his top speed in every session.

“There is now quite a gap until Round 4 in August and we can’t wait to see what improvements Elijah will make between now and then. You can follow Elijah Andrew #18 on Facebook and Instagram @ElijahAndrewRacing”

Elijah Andrew in action at Wakefield Park. INSET: Elijah Andrew #18 - Wakefield Park Grid Start. Photos supplied