Westernnews 13october2017

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 13 October 2017

ISSUE 45

Check out our website www.wsnewsgroup.com

Happy healthy birthday Volunteers Emily Jancek, Gayle Barbagallo, Karen Lancaster, Janice Graham and Sue Anne Redmond Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital’s General Manager celebrate 35 years of delivering healthcare. Read more on page 5.

Push for lifts at Doonside train station

By Keegan Thomson

YET again there is another election promise to build a lift and upgrade the long forgotten Doonside train station.

NSW State Labor Leader Luke Foley stood with the Labor candidate in the Blacktown by-election, Councillor Stephen Bali, and committed that a Labor State government would build a lift at the Doonside train station.

“Doonside has waited long enough,” Mr Foley said.

“It is a very important issue. This is about fairness for Blacktown and fairness for western Sydney. Doonside deserves its lifts.

“The commitment that I make as Leader of the Labor Party, the commitment that Stephen Bali makes is to the delivery of lifts to the Doonside station and wheelchair accessible toilets,” he said.

Cr Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown and candidate for the NSW seat of Blacktown, said he is more than happy to put his name on a promise to make Doonside station more accessible to the masses.

“I am proud to put my name to a pledge to deliver for Doonside,” Cr Bali said.

“This is long overdue. The Liberal government has consistently promised but never delivered; Labor will.

“Even though commuters are in desperate need of lifts at Doonside station, the Berejiklian government has instead chosen to reprioritise funding for station upgrades in Liberal seats,” he said.

Despite the need for lifts at the station the State government is instead spending money on upgrades on the bus network across western Sydney as well as the North-West rail link that is

bringing trains to the people in suburbs north of Blacktown.

A visit from Mr Foley to the Labor heartland of Doonside was welcomed by locals who turned out to hear the MP speak.

Two local ladies, Bingi and Resa, are over the moon about the prospects of having lifts. They said they’ve been waiting 26 years for the lifts at Doonside.

“We’ve been waiting for so long now,” Bingi said.

“I’ve got lots of trouble with my

3 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

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knees and getting down to the platform can be painful sometimes.”

Resa even said she’s thought about using other modes of transport because there are no lifts at Doonside station.

“It makes me think twice sometimes because if I’ve got lots of things to carry or I’m a little bit sore it can be quite hard to get down to the station,” Resa said.

Petitions signed by some of the over 6,400 commuters who use the station each day will be sent to Parliament for the consideration of the government.

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

4 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Western News

From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

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IT is a yes from me. I have filled in my form and posted it off to be counted in the postal plebiscite.

I was happy to have my say in the debate on marriage equality, and I’ll be extremely happy if it eventually means some of my closest friends -who just happen to be gay - can marry their significant other just like anybody else.

But, while I’m proud to declare myself to be part of the Yes voter brigade, I have to admit that I have been far from comfortable with the “Yes Campaign” and its tactics.

Call me crazy, but when I have a view on something I don’t despise anyone who disagrees with it.

As a member of a democratic society I expect and embrace the fact that every time I voice my point of view, someone will be quick to voice their opposition to it.

Hell, I married opposition.

I have friends and family members who voted no. They aren’t weirdos, they aren’t devoid of feelings for others and they don’t get any stick over it from me. Because last time I checked, they were entitled to their point of view just as I am mine.

I don’t like the way many Yes voters have been hell-bent in their mission to discredit No voters. So far I think every person who has appeared in a No Campaign ad has been exposed for their “evil background” in some crazy attempt to extinguish their credibility and rob them their right to have a legitimate say.

That’s not the Australia I’m proud of, not in any way, shape or form.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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The Queen unveiled Mount Druitt Hospital 35 years ago

Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Thirty five years ago, the community turned up in thousands to catch a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip officially opening Mount Druitt Hospital on 11 October, 1982.

Decades on, a celebration will be held to mark the hospital’s anniversary and proud history.

The hospital has been cemented as an important part of the Mount Druitt community, providing excellent healthcare in the heart of one of the fastest growing regions in NSW. The facility offers medical assessment, rehabilitation, surgical, paediatrics and one of Australia’s best palliative care services. It also has a 24-hour emergency department.

Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ general manager Sue Anne Redmond said long-serving staff and volunteers were honoured to be part of the hospital’s progress and development.

“We are all immensely proud of our history and dedication to providing quality healthcare and patientcentred care.

“Mount Druitt Hospital holds a strong community spirit like no other. I look forward to seeing the facility go from strength to strength.”

Mount Druitt Hospital has recently been transformed as part of the $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals’ expansion project, which is changing the way health services are provided.

The project has already delivered a new pre-admission clinic and drug health centre and an additional operating room. Patients will soon also benefit from a new community dialysis centre.

“These new services ensure that Mount Druitt Hospital will continue to expand to serve the local community, and the wider western Sydney area,” said Sue Anne.

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Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Loxley’s award success continues I would like to thank the WSABE team and judges and my thousands of customers who have supported us on this amazing journey. Last but not least, I would like also to acknowledge my fantastic team who have an amazing can-do attitude and work ethic.”

In association with their recent success, Loxley on Bellbird Hill is celebrating by offering an exclusive offer to all those who book and secure their up and coming wedding during the month of October, November and December this year. They are offering 4 Complimentary suites for the wedding night: The Bridal Suite, Rose Suite, Camellia Suite and Cottage Suite. All suites include a full country cooked breakfast. Valued at over $1000 Loxley’s Wedding & Events Manager, Sonia Murray is also offering Winter Wedding Packages for 2018 from just $95pp.

Please contact Loxley’s wedding co-ordinators on 45677 711 or by email to info@loxleyonbellbirdhill. com.au to make an appointment to come for a personalised tour of Loxley and to discuss your wedding plans.

Loxley on Bellbird Hill is open 7 days a week and is located at 993 Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Hills NSW 2753.

Visit their website: www. loxleyonbellbirdhill.com.au

By Erin O’Connor

Loxley on Bellbird Hill was among the prestigious businesses recognised at the 27th Annual Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence (WSABE) held at the Waterview in Bicentennial Park on Friday September 15th.

The gala dinner was attended by over 500 guests including Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of New South Wales and Jenny Aitchison MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business.

Also in attendance was the Hon. Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Sophie Cotsis MP, Shadow Minister for Women, Disability Services, Multiculturalism and Ageing, Dr Geoffrey Lee MP, Member for Parramatta and many more.

Loxley on Bellbird Hill was awarded the winner of Excellence in Sustainability.

Proprietor, Paul Maher gave a heartfelt acknowledgement “I am very proud that Loxley on Bellbird Hill is the winner of ‘Excellence in Sustainability’. Having been associated with WSABE for many years it was great to see the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Dr Geoff Lee and the other VIPs that attended. I would like acknowledge and thank the major sponsors - Commonwealth Bank and Parramatta City Council and all the other sponsors who contributed.

Healthy volunteers wanted Western Sydney Local Health District is seeking volunteers who may like to participate in a study into the effects of alcohol consumption at Westmead and Cumberland hospitals.

We are looking for adults (18 years and over) who are not heavy consumers of alcohol or other substances.

Enrolling in the study commits you to a 12 week period which involves two visits.

At these visits we would complete some questionnaires with you to find out about your memory and liver. We will also take some bloods. You will be reimbursed for your travel costs and meals during the two visits.

The study is entirely free.

If you would like to know more, please call Drug Health Intake on 8860 2565 or Meryem Jefferies on 0437 874 156 or email mailto:mary.luksza@ h e a l t h . n s w. g o v. a u M e r y e m .

Jefferies@health.nsw.gov.au

Stoush over new suburbs

By Keegan Thomson

BLACKTOWN Council has copped an earful from the MP for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly, after it was announced they would endorse the renaming of select suburbs around western Sydney.

Mr Conolly has taken particular offence to the renaming of a small area of Rouse Hill and Schofields that could soon be new suburb called Wran, named after the former Labor Premier Neville Wran.

“Rouse Hill is one of the oldest settled areas in western Sydney. Its history should be respected through the choice of a name which retains a connection with that early settlement,” Mr Conolly said.

In a statement Mr Conolly gave some alternate names including Rouse Farm, Tallawong and Cudgegong Rise, names he says reflect the history of the area.

Originally another name floated by the Council for the same area was Whitlam Heights.

“I call on Mayor Bail to listen to the local residents and put the decision on

hold,” Mr Conolly said.

“A better outcome can be achieved if the Mayor and Councillors are prepared to listen,” he said.

But Blacktown Council Mayor, Councillor Stephen Bali, says the Council has listened to the community and that they will benefit from the new names.

“As a result of extensive consultation and having received around 6,000 submissions, the final decision is vastly different from the first proposal,” Cr Stephen Bali said.

“Residents and ratepayers expressed their opinion and Council not only listened, but changed its

proposal in response.

“This is true democracy and community consultation in action,” he said.

Originally there was 11 proposed new suburbs on the table but the residents of the area voiced their concerns and Council cut those suburbs down to eight.

The eight new suburb names Melonba, Lynch, Angus, Richards, Kwigan, Wran and Grevillea Grove and the proposed boundaries of these suburbs will now be sent to the Geographical Names Board which is responsible for making the final decision on the matter.

‘I could have died’: Kellyville stroke survivor

Kellyville mother Erin Adams was just 31 when she suffered a terrifying stroke, losing all feeling in her right arm and face.

Westmead Hospital doctors discovered a clot in her brain, most likely the result of an undiagnosed hole in her heart.

Three years later, Erin has almost made a full recovery and now regularly shares her story, in the hope of educating people about the journey during – and after - a stroke.

Erin will be one of the speakers at a free community forum, held during Westmead Hospital’s Hospital Week, focusing on what to do when stroke strikes.

“I think there is still so much mystery around stroke; I had no idea I had a hole in my heart and no idea it had the potential to cause a stroke,” Erin said.

“Once you’ve had one stroke, the likelihood of it happening again increases so I still live with that level of uncertainty – it’s a difficult thing.”

Erin was watching TV in her bedroom on 22 June, 2014, when she started to struggle to pick up the remote control. She noticed her hands looked strange and then realised she couldn’t feel her face.

“In my head, I said to my husband: ‘there’s something wrong, call an ambulance’ but I couldn’t get the words out, my speech was completely slurred,” she said.

In minutes, the right side of her face had dropped and she had no feeling in her right arm or face.

Westmead Hospital doctors diagnosed a probable stroke, identifying a clot in her brain.

“It was absolutely terrifying – I was aware of

7 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

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what people were saying around me but I couldn’t communicate with them; I thought to myself: ‘what if this is it?’’’ she said.

Erin, a qualified trainer, has since used her experience to develop the Moments of Truth training sessions, sharing her journey with healthcare providers, in the hope of creating better understanding about the patient experience.

“I realised I had a voice and an experience to share, in the hope of activating change,” she said.

“Talking about my stroke is still very raw but being able to share the story with people is amazing.”

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. In 2017, there will be almost 56,000 new and recurrent strokes – that is one stroke every nine minutes.

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Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Haunted church ghost tours for Halloween History buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike can get into the spirit of Halloween at the St Bartholomew’s Church and cemetery ghost tour on Saturday, 28 October.

The night-tour, to be held at the church in the Blacktown suburb of Prospect, will be the last one for the year.

“People from across Sydney and beyond have long flocked to the historic site of St Bartholomew’s Church, which dates back to 1841,” Mayor of Blacktown City Stephen Bali said.

“The graveyard is the resting site of famous early Australian settlers, including explorer William Lawson.

“According to tour guides, there is one troublesome ghost at the site and tour participants have claimed to have been unable to move when they’ve approached his tombstone.”

Tour guide and local historian Hazel Magann said there was an apparition of a man that appeared on the M4 side of the cemetery.

“Every so often he comes out and you can feel he’s around because a cold feeling goes through the group,” she said.

“We don’t know who he is, but we do have photos that I have no explanation for.”

Ms Magann said she believed a photograph taken of the church at night shows the ghost of John Pond, a former church warden and grave digger.

“I haven’t seen him but I’ve spoken to

 John Pond and his wife, Isabella.

Picture supplied by Hazel Magann.

 Tour guide Hazel Magann believes the image in the window is the ghost of John Pond, a former St Bartholomew’s Church warden and grave digger.

Picture supplied by Hazel Magann.

him, just the once,” she said.

“He’s one of the favourites up there.”

St Bartholomew’s Church tours are run by a dedicated team of volunteer tour guides, with support from Blacktown City Council.

The tours are held bi-monthly, with the last tour of 2017 to be a Halloween special.

There is also an earlier tour on Saturday, 7 October at 7.30pm.

Tour participants are encouraged to don their scariest costumes with prizes for best dressed.

There will also be spooky disco with a live DJ, Halloween themed decorations and hot and cold finger food.

The St Bartholomew’s ghost tour is on Saturday, 28 October at 7.30pm.

The cost is $40 and includes supper. It is recommended for those aged over 12 years.

For bookings call Council on 9839 6000, 9839 6000.

Greens field Winslow again

By Keegan Thomson

ACROSS the country the main poll people are talking about is the postal survey on marriage equality, but in western Sydney all eyes are on the by-election for the NSW seat of Blacktown.

The candidate the Greens are running in the October 14 by-election is seasoned campaigner and Glenwood local, Chris Winslow.

Previously Mr Winslow ran in the 2016 federal election for the seat of Greenway and in Blacktown Council’s Ward Two during the LGA elections. This year he ran in the same ward during the by-election in April.

Speaking to Western News about his campaign, Mr Winslow said the biggest problem facing Blacktown, and an issue he would fight hardest against if elected, is the scourge of domestic and gun violence ravaging western Sydney.

“Domestic violence is a local issue that needs to be brought further into light,” Mr Winslow said.

“The rates in the Local Government Area is one of the worst in metro Sydney and we need to do more to curb these dangerous numbers.”

Across the last 12 months there have been a number of high profile

deaths of women and children within the Blacktown LGA, including most recently a toddler who died due to injuries from a shotgun.

“A weapon in the home is a dangerous thing. The people in Blacktown, particularly the women and children, deserve a safe place to live and we should be fighting to

provide it to them,” Mr Winslow said.

One of the ways he wants to cut down on the rates of domestic violence is through new justice reinvestment and diversions programs.

This would see more money be spent on fighting the causes of crime rather than the outcomes of the crimes and the prosecution of the criminals.

“I’m opposed to the mentality of lock them up and throw away the key,” Mr Winslow said.

“We lock up too many people. Tens of thousands of dollars are spend each day on simply locking up people in Blacktown, and at the end of the day it doesn’t even produce a safer society.

“We need to look at curing addictions, stopping the flow of drugs through our streets and the factors that keep people out of the job market. I would like Blacktown to be a focal point for justice reinvestment so we are able to break the cycle of crime across our city,” he said.

Mr Winslow would also like to see a “better deal” for renters across Blacktown.

“Traditionally Australia has had a very high degree of home ownership and we’ve always ignored the renters,” Mr Winslow said.

“More and more people are finding themselves renting and the law needs to keep up with that development. We should be offering options for long term renters, give renters freedoms that home owners have like owning pets and we should be supporting people who make the decision to rent over buy.”

The Blacktown by-election is going to be held on October 14. Voting is compulsory.

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POLICE FILES

Man charged – Glendenning

A man has been charged over an alleged domestic violence-related assault in Glendenning.

About 3.45pm on Saturday 7 October 2017, police will allege a 43-year-old man was involved in an argument with a 42-year-old woman at a property in Linde Road, Glendenning.

During the argument, it will be alleged the man inflicted a laceration to the woman’s throat.

The woman was taken to Westmead Hospital where she underwent surgery.

Police have been told she is in a critical but stable condition.

Police attached to Mt Druitt Local Area Command attended and established a crime scene.

The man was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station where he was charged with wound person with intent to cause grievious bodily harm (DV).

He was refused bail and appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday.

Baby taken from Blacktown Hospital

A man has been charged after a newborn baby was allegedly taken from a hospital in Sydney’s west.

Police will allege the 28-year-old man left Blacktown Hospital on Friday 6 October 2017 with a newborn baby and two women, aged 27 and 47.

The baby was located at a medical centre in Blacktown and is now in the care of another government agency.

About 3pm on Saturday 7 October 2017, the 28-yearold man presented himself to Kempsey Hospital where he was assessed.

He was then taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was charged with take/detain child with intent to remove from parental control.

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Man injured in hit and run - Blacktown Police continue with their investigations after a fail to stop crash at Blacktown last week.

Shortly before 3pm Friday 6 October, a Holden Commodore sedan was travelling north along Main Street.

Police have been told by witnesses that the vehicle was being driven erratically and at the intersection with Newton Road the Holden was driven between vehicles that were stationary at a red traffic control signal.

The Holden struck one vehicle but continued until near the intersection with Warrick Lane the Holden crossed to the wrong side of the road to pass stationary vehicle and struck a 61-year-old man on a pedestrian crossing.

Although the man was carried on the vehicle for a short time the Holden continued and made a right hand turn into Warwick Lane where it eventually stopped.

Police believe that a man, woman, and new born baby fled from the Holden which then returned to the pedestrian crash scene.

The injured man was treated at the scene and conveyed to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition where he will undergo surgery to a head injury.

Officers from Blacktown Police Area Command and the Crash Investigation Unit attended and the 47-year-old female driver of the Holden was arrested.

At Blacktown Police Station, the woman was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and drive furiously.

She was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court.

Police have spoken to the other woman in the car who remains in hospital after a mental health assessment while the child is in the care of another government agency.

Investigators continue with their inquiries into the incident and to locate the male passenger from the Holden.

13 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

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Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Forgotten memorial cleaned up

By Keegan Thomson

Vietnam Veterans from the St Marys RSL sub-branch are pleased that Council is investigating the “sorry state” of a local war memorial that has been left to wrack and ruin.

In a statement mailed to our news desk the team of veterans from St Marys also wanted to raise awareness of the fact that there is a fourth war memorial in St Marys despite the NSW government register of war memorials only stating there is three in the region.

Currently listed on the war memorials register are three memorials: one in Victoria Park, another near the train at the St Marys RSL club and the third in Kokoda Park near Charles Hackett Drive and Carinya Ave. According to the Vietnam Vets there is a fourth in Lang Park, St Marys that has been forgotten.

It is “small and unassuming” and only about 100 metres from Kokoda Park, in St Marys’ Lang Park, but

 2017 Anzac dawn service at St Marys RSL memorial. Photo: Facebook.

it has been left off the NSW register according to the veterans.

In their statement, the veterans say this memorial in Lang Park was constructed to remember those who served on the home front to construct munitions for those fighting in the Pacific and across Europe in the second world war.

“It’s a memorial to those munitions

workers who filled the casings and shells at the St Marys Munitions Factory during and beyond World War 2, many of whom lived in some of the ‘Duration Cottages’ that were situated in that area,” the statement reads.

For support the veterans from the RSL sub-branch in St Marys reached out to the Penrith City Council (PCC) for help.

The G Spot

I was impressed to find the other week that many people have advised me that they have grasped my G-spot very well, meaning I have avid fans and regular readers of my column. I am always very proud when people ask how my G-spot is going? in which I answer, “productively well and on track, thank you!” There will be a cult following and T-shirt very soon, I can see it now. (Can’t Wait).

Well today kids I am going to enlighten you with some helpful hints and insight about events. Yep, hold on to ya knickers this is going to be more exciting than being poked in the left eye with a blunt stick. I promise.

After working at many an event over my almost three decades in security, nothing excites me more than working amongst sweaty crowds, bumping into 50,000 people crammed in like sardines on a 40 degree day, screaming babies and that special person that just wants to be the serial bonehead all day, just to make the life of a security officer, just a little more memorable (Sigh).

The bag check bonehead - This is the person at an event who decides that they want to hold up everyone on the entire planet because they don’t want to present their bag to security. The queues build and then they proceed to argue, and wonder why they get refused entry and thrown out. They go into the foetal position and cry like a baby on the way out.

The abusive bag check bonehead - This is the person that feels the need to abuse every security

“In a recent meeting of the St Marys RSL sub-Branch, members voted to approach PCC, requesting that the Memorial be restored as soon as possible and that it be re-registered as a War Memorial,” the veterans said.

Currently Councillor Greg Davies of East Ward is working with the Council staff to redevelop the memorial status and clean up the memorial after the Mayor, Cr John Thain, expressed his support to the RSL sub-branch.

In response to Council’s efforts to sort out the situation, St Marys RSL sub-Branch President Ron Blakely said he was very thankful that Council has responded so enthusiastically.

“The memory of those women and men who undertook such dangerous work which enabled our troops on the front line to win the day when our country - our way of life - was under serious threat from Japan, must not go forgotten,” Mr Blakely said.

“Such memory must not be lost in the upheaval of the area simply in the name of progress,” he added.

You can read the full statement at our website and on our Facebook page.

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

officer because they can’t read 75 signs on the way into the event that say BAG CHECK AREA - PRESENT BAGS and then asks, “So what’s this for?” They then flare up like a ruptured eagle on heat, and flap their arms whilst talking, it’s impressive … no seriously it is….I look forward to it every event..

NOT! The “I can get my alcohol through bag check” bonehead - Gotta love these. These are the wonderful people who think that sticking a slab (Carton of beer) under a new born baby is perfectly acceptable, and wonder why we call them unfit for parenting when we find it. I love the wine bladder down the pants trick, now that’s a good one, it’s a dead giveaway because I have never seen a normal bloke built like that in the front area. Ahhhh yes and the camel pack full of grog, that’s a good one……sigh…next. Then it’s the confiscation stage of the found grog, OMG that’s like asking for an amputation of a limb. They scream, cry, find God, throw themselves around, yep it all happens in the bag check area.

Lost children - It is amazing how many lost children there are at events, and then when you ask the parent “What were they wearing?” the answer is “Umm I dunno.” So let me get this straight, we have 20,000 people here, we dunno what ya kid looks like and we dunno what they are wearing ….fantastic!

So here’s my suggestion, take a photo of the child in the morning, grab a hospital type wrist band and write your phone number on the child’s band .. Yay!

You also have the “I want my children lost” type parent, yep you have that right, we look after the child that is “allegedly“ lost whilst they are drinking in the bar. You would be surprised how many parents do this. I suggest the uppercut with a Bruce Lee high kick.

Oh, it’s also a good idea to tell your child what your name actually is. “Mummy” does not help us much over the PA, we will have 50,000 women running towards the radio control area.

The losing power visit - These are (what I call) the people who almost sprinted into the event, however all of a sudden (allegedly) have lost all movement in both legs and arms at the end of the event when they see the security or first-aid golf carts zipping around and they have every (alleged) disability under the sun and no energy to walk back to their cars at the end of the day. However, yes and I say however, its like Jimmy Baker (the evangelist) has hit their foreheads in the car park and the breath of life has occurred once driven back in the security cart. (amazing).

So there you have it folks, no eagles were injured during the writing of this article (tick) Confiscation of alcohol does not mean that you get it back, no matter how hard you cry and suck your thumb in the foetal position (tick) If you are going to have a fake injury to get a lift back to the carpark ensure that you actually carry it through until you are in the car (tick) and remembering how many kids you have taken to the event is always a good look, getting home minus one is not pretty (tick).

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16

localnews

Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Marvellous Medellin

The Unintentional Medium

By Suzi Samuel

ANGELIC VOICES

 Lights in the park

 Part of Paloma’s quest

 View from The Rock

By Ben Cranney

Medellín, Colombia, where a drink at the nightclub costs the same as a bed in a hostel. I’m sure there were cheaper places, but we were being shown around by a mate of a mate, and he was keen to show us the fanciest of the city. We visited just after Christmas, and there was a lot of energy on the streets. It felt like the city’s entire 3 million people were out and about enjoying Los Alumbrados, a giant light-filled Christmas display built from over 30 million lights and 800 kilometers of lighting rope. That year, it told the story of Paloma, a modern tale of a young girl whose travels down the Medellin River stopping at different ports to learn about different human values. Even without fully understanding the back story, just seeing the giant, multicoloured ships, fish, plants and buildings built out of light was special.

A 90 minute drive through the Colombian mountains took us to another (partially) human made display. The Rock, a seemingly random giant stone sitting on the edge of a human made lake provides exceptional views of the flooded mountains and valleys. If Paloma made the trip out here, she would have

seen the human value of curiosity in action, as 100s of people climbed to the top of the rock for the view of the lake, and adventure as people played extreme sport through the sunken valleys.

Climbing The Rock will get your stomach rumbling, so try Bandeja Paisa, a Colombian specialty mixing things like pork, rice, beans and chorizo. Feed your cultural side with a visit to Plaza Botero to see some of Fernando Botero’s most famous sculptures. Take a Pablo Escobar tour, remembering that this is a sensitive topic for locals. Get lost in the faerie-scape of Christmas lights hanging from the Parque Lleras trees, a convenient drinking spot next to the clubs.

We found our club and stayed later than we should have, but earlier than we wanted, to catch a bus the next day.

Of course, because it was so near new year, all the buses were booked up.

For four days. I walked from booth to booth, hungover, trying to find three spare seats in a foreign language. It wasn’t much fun, particularly with two annoyed, hungover girls. But we got it sorted, and made it to Bogota, a city of mountain views, underground cathedrals in depleted salt mines and an Irish pub with no Guinness. I’ll fill you in on this another time.

Those of you who read my last column will remember that I was pondering the question of what language the spirit world spoke and I cited a couple of instances when they had come through to me in French and Italian.

My husband is my guinea pig audience and I always read him my latest offering before I send it in.

The day after I had written the last column, we were discussing it as we were driving to work. “What languages did Red Indians speak?” he asked me.

“What do you mean? Didn’t they all speak English?” I rather stupidly replied having been indoctrinated by too many John Wayne films when all the Native Americans spoke American. David pointed out that this was really only in the movies and it would be very far-fetched to think that all the different tribes all over the North American Continent spoke the same, to them, alien language. “Why do you ask?” I enquired.

“Well,” he said. “It just seems to me that loads of mediums have a Red Indian guide and they couldn’t all speak English, so how do they communicate and why always Red Indians?”

Good questions! Bit too good at 9.30 on a Monday morning but it certainly got the old brain cells going.

I hadn’t actually thought about it too much before I had written the column but I guess that in the back of my mind I had assumed some sort of universal language which enabled the spirit world to communicate without specific tongue or dialect, rather a meeting of minds where ones own language was irrelevant. Maybe the guides had been “speaking” with me in the language relevant to my client rather than me.

I have been told that, apart from the lovely Grannies, I have a beautiful Spanish woman with me. She is quite clear to my very psychic friend who has seen her and from all accounts

is beautifully dressed in a style of about four centuries ago. Recently I have become more aware of a new protective presence around me and of messages coming through from a new spirit. Now if this is the Spanish lady, or in fact one of my guides from Ancient Greece, surely there must be some sort of heavenly translation service like the one you get on Google as my Spanish is limited at best and my knowledge of Ancient Greek non-existent. Will this be how nations communicate with each other in future rather like the inter-Galactic Council in Star Trek cerebrally rather than vocally? And does it explain those who claim to talk to animals?

Interesting thoughts.

As to the second question, why do so many mediums claim to have Sioux or Apache guides? My first thought was to think that their culture was very open to talking with the spirit world and in many tribes young men had to go through a rite of passage spending days in the desert so that the Great Spirit could come through to them. I think it is very clear that it is much easier for the other side to come through if we open our minds to them rather making them work hard battering on closed attitudes.

But I did get to thinking about an unbelievably talented Scottish clairvoyant who used to be on UK television helping the police solve cases. He honestly had a hot line to the other side and I would give anything to be one hundredth as talented as he was. One day he did make an interesting point talking about some of the slightly more dubious members of our profession. When asked about the prevalence of Red Cloud or Little Horse by the interviewer, he replied, “Well, if there are so many Red Indians out there, there must be an awful lot of cowboys!”

Until next time.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or at all good book stores

Local mum looks forward to talk about raising teens Local mum from Colyton, Rebecca Joy enjoys raising her three kids but at times can feel overwhelmed as the teen years bring challenges particularly in relationships and their online world.

Local youth and community organisation, Fusion Western Sydney is holding a special Talk for parents, grandparents, caregivers to provide local parents like Rebecca with some practical hands-on tools and tips to help. The Talk is called RAISING RESILIENT TEENS and will be held on Friday night, 27 October at Colyton High School.

The Talk is open to anyone in the community.

The Talk will be given by psychologist, teacher, lecturer and writer, Collett Smart. Collett has more than 20 years experience working with children and families around the world and appears regularly on national television and radio as an expert in family and teen issues. She is a mum to three children aged 9, 14 and 16 so she knows the challenges of parents first hand.

‘My teenagers have been going to the Fusion programmes for two years, learning new things, meeting new people and having fun. The youth workers really care and I know the kids are safe.

I’m so excited that now there’s something for me.

Times have changed... it’s harder for parents than when we were kids… technology, social media…

I’m flying blind! This is a chance for me to take time out, listen and soak it all up’.

Collett will cover a number of topics to help us raise resilient teens including; how to talk to our teens about being safe online, the importance of facing mistakes

Bec Joy from Colyton

and how to help teens be less anxious.

For over 50 years, Fusion has been caring for individuals, families and communities with a deep and ongoing commitment to developing resilience through local initiatives.

You can book to hear Collett Smart on

17 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

localnews

RAISING RESILIENT TEENS – Life, Relationships and their online world, on our website www.fusionwesternsydney.org.au/events or buy a ticket from the Fusion Café, cnr Queen and Station Streets St Marys (open weekdays 7am – 3pm).

Enquiries 8805 5971.

Hix Group is celebrating its 25th Year in business and is continuing to grow We currently have a number of roles available, to join our Penrith Based business, with a range of government, commercial, construction & domestic clients throughout the Sydney Metropolitan area

– 2nd or 3rd Year ELECTRICAL TRADES Apprentices & new apprentices for 2017 –ADMINISTRATIVE Plumbing and Electrical SUPPORT Looking for a great team and a structured This is a new & unique role, in our Penrith Office, for an experienced electrician with maintenance experience BUT who is now seeking to work in an administrative role, within our Electrical division.

Perhaps you are now unable to or don’t want to continue to perform the physically challenging parts of a trades role or simply prefer to work in the office rather than on the tools.

You will be responsible for prep & checking of invoices, quotes & documentation for jobs, assisting the managers with progress & handling of scheduled works & other admin duties related to progress of works.

In addition to your trades background you will have computer skills, strong communication skills & attention to detail & accuracy.

training program to complete your trade and move into a permanent role?

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS – MAINTENANCE We are adding to our team of qualified maintenance electricians, and are seeking licensed tradespeople with experience in domestic & commercial works, fault finding, stove & hot water repairs & all general electrical repairs & installs.

Works will be across Government, Council, commercial, industrial & domestic sites and will include repairs ,maintenance installation, testing & inspection and fitout works.

You will be an efficient & customer based tradesperson who values the service Hix Group provides to clients & you will be willing & able to train and develop our apprentices who are also a valuable part of our company’s growth.

FIRE SERVICES TECHNICIAN We are seeking an EXPERIENCED Fire Services Technician to join our PENRITH BASED team to carry out all aspects of Essential Fire Services testing , inspection, maintenance and repairs & fault finding with a particular focus on Fire Panels and EWIS systems.

We provide services for a range of clients including Local Councils, Strata Clients, commercial and industrial.

The successful applicant will be an energetic “people person” who is well organised and can communicate effectively with clients and staff alike & is comfortable recording all job information using Smartphone/Electronic Tablet, via our Job Management system.

MUST have a sound knowledge of and experience in the above areas and a clear understanding & willingness to follow the relevant Australian Standards & Building Codes relating to the Industry and all aspects of Work Health and Safety.

FPAS Training an advantage.

You will be meticulous with quality, well presented, willing to use our electronic job management system & keen to embrace our Hix Group Culture of Team work, Pride & Responsibility. Send your resume now to HR@hix.com.au (Applications will be treated in strict confidence) Enquiries to: Justin Walker, Senior Manager, Electrical Services – Phone: 4721 7500

18

realestate

Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

Alex Soncini

What comes first: the property or the loan?

It’s easy to get carried away with the fun part of buying a property – looking at houses – but delaying the less compelling task of arranging finance will weaken your negotiating position on both the property and the loan.

Looking for a property to purchase is an exciting and emotional time.

Choices regarding location, size, number of rooms and local amenities often see house hunters carried away in a deluge of daydreams and anticipation.

But, before you get carried away, it’s important to check off the essentials first. Although organising your finances may seem drab in comparison to perusing sales listings, gaining preapproval with a lender will give you confidence about how much you can afford to borrow.

“First and foremost you need to determine if you’re eligible to borrow money from a lender,” says the finance broker. “Your ability to repay the loan will need to be assessed – you don’t what to find out after you’ve [made an

offer] that your credit history or deposit is not up to scratch.”

Arranging finance before finding the perfect property will put you in a good position when it comes time to make an offer. When you do find the house you have always wanted, you can present to the seller and estate agent as a prepared applicant who is serious and reliable.

“It shows you mean business, and gives them peace of mind that your financing will not fall through. Don’t be afraid to let the selling agent know you have conditional loan approval in place,” the finance broker advises.

Sellers are most interested in completing their sale fuss-free and with steadfast funding, and showing that you are capable of both will help put you at the top of a potentially competitive list of applicants.

In the instance that you find and secure purchase of a home without having your loan pre-approved by a lender, there are a few pitfalls that you

risk running into.

“If you don’t have financing to pay for your property, you run the risk of forfeiting your initial 10 per cent nonrefundable deposit you need to put down to secure the property. This may differ depending on what state you live in, but the point is it always pays to be organised and have pre-approval in place,” Nolan says.

Saving home loan applications to the last minute also leaves less time to find the most suitable loan and have it

approved ahead of settlement.

Arranging financing as an afterthought also adds immense pressure to the process of shopping around for the right loan and gathering the paperwork to prove you can service the loan. Wealthwiz advises “You don’t want to rush this process.”

The first step towards finding your new home is speaking to Alex Soncini from Wealthwiz 0419 6001 77 to sort out the finances.

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

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Blameless (14) 10 A radioactive

gaseous element (5) 11 Defeated (9) 12 Silly (7) 13 Not darker (7) 14 Rip (5) 16 In an uncontrolled

manner (9) 19 School terms (9) 20 Draws through

a straw (5) 22 Commanded (7) 25 The central theme (7) 27 Long and thin (9) 28 Parental brother (5) 29 In a worryless

manner (5-9)

down 2 A message via wireless

telegraphy (9) 3 Boredom (5) 4 Secretariat was one (9) 5 Declare invalid (5) 6 A “sand clock” (9) 7 Charred (5) 8 Aged (7) 9 Transplanted tissues (6) 15 Damage one’s reputation (9) 17 Courier (9) 18 Pertaining to modern science

or equipment (9) 19 Nuptial (7) 21 Sifts (6) 23 Perishing (5) 24 Pilot a car (5) 26 Gravy (5)

solution 29/9/17

Giants young star cleans out at award night

By Conner Lowe

Young star midfielder Josh Kelly has capped off an outstanding 2017 season, taking home the Kevin Sheedy Medal as the Giants’ 2017 Club Champion.

Following his first Virgin Australia All Australian selection last month, the recently re-signed 22-year-old has earned the Giants’ highest individual honour in just his fourth season.

Inaugural coach Kevin Sheedy was on hand at The Waterview in Sydney Olympic Park last Friday night to present the award named after him.

Kelly led the count after round 12 and never relinquished his lead, finishing with a club-record 198 votes.

The young star scored votes in every game he played with the highlight coming in round 22 when he polled 16 votes - the maximum possible under the voting system.

Kelly finished 26 ahead of cocaptain and 2012 Kevin Sheedy Medallist Callan Ward on 172 votes.

Fellow co-captain Phil Davis (153 votes), 2017 Virgin Australia All Australian Dylan Shiel (152 votes) and running machine Tom Scully (137 votes) rounded out the top five.

Leon Cameron, the Giants Coach spoke about the

club admiration for Josh Kelly and his excitement to continue to watch him grow in the future.

“Josh should be immensely proud of the season he

has put together and this honour is well-deserved,” he said.

“There’s no doubt Josh took his game to a new level this year playing a variety of roles and playing with a high level of consistency.

“He was part of our leadership group for the first time this year and everyone at the Giants admires his dedication to the club and playing group.

“I congratulate Josh on everything he’s achieved this season and look forward to him continuing to grow in the coming years.”

Along with the Club Champion award, Kelly also took out the Members and Fans Most Valuable Player, presented by Toyo Tires.

Equal-10th in the competition for tackles after 23 rounds of the Premiership season, Kelly averaged almost 30 disposals and over six tackles a game while kicking 19 goals. He had nine or more tackles on eight occasions throughout the season and averaged more than 11 contested possessions a game in just his fourth year in the competition. Kelly took his game to a new level in 2017, missing just one game for the Giants and emerging as one of the competition’s elite midfielders.

Stonecutters Ridge Junior Golf Classic

 Stonecutters Ridge junior members Jeshurun Pillay and Maddy Hagerty in action at the SR Junior Classic. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

Fifty-four highly-talented junior golfers from clubs throughout NSW and interstate teed off at the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club on Friday 29th September, in the Jack Newton Foundationsanctioned ‘Stonecutters Ridge Junior Classic’.

The Girl’s division attracted eight low-handicap players, ranging from Yeah-Jin Lee (Royal Perth GC) on 1.3, through to Shreeya Singh (Manly GC) on 17.2.

Stonecutters Ridge GC was represented by Brielle Mapanao (6.7), who showed the benefit home course knowledge to lead all players home with a score of 71.

Club-mate Maddy Hagerty (4.7) had a more difficult round, finishing with 91.

The Boy’s division attracted 46 players, with handicaps ranging from Joshuaa Robards (Newcastle GC) on 1.7, through to Jeremy Gormly (Cumberland CGC) on 26.5.

Stonecutters Ridge was represented by 12 players, being Stevan Babic, Andrew Kneeves, Ryan Cadle, Zachary Willard, Kade Webber, Matthew Rebulado, Jeshurun Pillay, Lyle Keith, Cameron Rios-Ceballos, Miguel Villa, Jeremy Gormley and Joshua Wickens.

Babic would be the best local player on the day, finishing in 5th spot with a nett score of 69, ahead of

Kneeves (69) and Cadle (69) on a countback.

Fourteen-year old Eric Summers from Leonay Golf Club was the star player of the tournament, scorching around the demanding layout with a stroke round of 77, just 5 shots over par.

Summers was simply unstoppable, despite hitting a road block late in his round with a triple bogey on the 16th hole.

He shook off the one-hole aberration, closing with back-to-back pars and a runaway 6-shot victory.

Thirty-one players in the field were on single figure handicaps and that statistic underlines the enormous depth of junior talent coming up through the ranks of NSW Golf.

19 Western News 13 October 2017 Issue 45

sport

Western News Friday, 13 October 2017

sport

Wanderers begin season with a victory

By Conner Lowe

The Western Sydney Wanderers have made a winning start to their Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season after a 2-1 win over Perth Glory at Spotless Stadium on Sunday night.

Two late first half goals from Oriol Riera and Jumpei Kusukami were enough to hand the Red & Black all three points despite the Glory pulling one back after a Brendan Hamill own goal.

It was the first time the Wanderers’ have won a Round 1 fixture in the Hyundai A-League and comes after a tumultuous week in which inaugural head coach Tony Popovic left to pursue an opportunity abroad.

Caretaker head coach Hayden Foxe would’ve been pleased with the way his side began the match, as the attacking quartet of Oriol Riera, Jumpei Kusukami, Álvaro Cejudo and Roly Bonevacia were all combining to good effect.

The first real opportunity came the Wanderers’ way in the ninth minute,

as Bonevacia played Kusukami in behind the Glory defence, only for the latter to be denied by a last-ditch challenge from Jacob Poscoliero.

Bonevacia then tested Liam Reddy with a powerful effort from the edge of the box before Cejudo skied a halfchance over.

The Wanderers’ slick passing would eventually unlock the away side two minutes from the break when Cejudo

delightfully threaded Riera through on goal, the number nine sliding it home past Reddy to score on his Hyundai A-League debut.

The goal was Riera’s fifth in four games following his sparkling preseason form in the Westfield FFA Cup. The Wanderers weren’t done just yet as they added a second in first half stoppage time.

A neat counter-attacking play saw Brendan Hamill charge down the right and feed Kusukami through on goal, with the Japanese player lifting it over Reddy for his fourth Hyundai A-League goal.

After the break, Glory began strongly as Vedran Janjetovic was on hand to deny an Adam Taggart strike.

Janjetovic again kept the Glory at bay with an incredible triple save sequence as Perth began to work their way back into the match.

The match was set for a nervy finish when the Glory pulled one back eight minutes from time, Andy Keogh’s header deflecting off Hamill and leaving Janjetovic no chance.

The Wanderers held on though, to record a deserved win in what was a watershed week for the club.

However, the fans will be pleases to see that the recent change at the club won’t affect their performances throughout the season.

The Red & Black will look to do it again when they welcome Central Coast Mariners to Spotless Stadium on Saturday 14 October.