BLACKTOWN City Council has partnered with the Western Sydney Local Health District to launch a policy that will see healthier food and drink choices available in Council’s five aquatic and leisure centres.
The policy means that patrons of these venues can expect 75% of kiosk menu items produced from whole foods (e.g., grains, vegetables and lean meats, etc.) alongside of recommended serve sizes of other menu items like processed food (e.g., pastries and confectionery items).
The collaboration has been over 2 years in the making, with consultation of the Australian guide for healthy eating and local community research to find healthier options that patrons of the venues will enjoy.
Blacktown City Council’s aquatic and leisure centres are one of the first in NSW to implement a policy that
encourages healthier food and drink choices.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “By having healthier options on our menus, we are allowing our patrons to make smarter health choices for themselves and their families.”
“Good nutrition allows adults to
have more energy, making it easier to stay fit and active. Children who eat well will also have energy for playing sports and activities, as well as helping them concentrate, learn, and supports growth and development,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Western Sydney Local Health District’s Centre for Population
Health Director, Dr Shopna Bag congratulated Council’s commitment to improving local food environments: “When this project commenced, we heard from nearly 600 Leisure Centre staff and visitors, with almost 60% reporting they wanted to be able to buy healthy food and drinks when they visited a Centre.
“Blacktown City Council is taking the lead in improving food choices; importantly recognising that local community hubs such as Leisure Centres play a role not only in providing the opportunities for physical activity, but also in providing supportive environments that enable healthy choices to be made,” said Dr Bag.
New food and drink options will be rolled out across all of Blacktown’s aquatic and leisure centres, starting with Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope.
COLOURFUL knitted squares, lovinglymade for Blacktown City Council’s 2022 Knit Bomb against domestic violence, have been sewn into blankets for donations to a local midwifery clinic and charity.
Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, visited the Dragonfly Midwifery Clinic at Westmead Hospital to donate beautiful knitted blankets and toys displayed as part of last year’s Knit Bomb in the Blacktown, Mount Druitt and Riverstone CBDs.
The pieces were knitted by the talented volunteers from the Blacktown Library Knitting Group and dozens of community knitters.
The midwifery clinic is run by the Western Sydney Local Health District and offers culturally-
safe midwifery care for women of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.
Further blankets were donated to local charity Carevan Blacktown, which provides a weekly meal service and community pantry for the Lalor Park community.
Mayor Bleasdale said the donations would provide comfort, warmth and joy to members of the community who needed it most.
“Council’s annual Knit Bomb is an important initiative, raising awareness of the scourge of domestic and family violence in Blacktown City,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“A team of volunteers dedicate their time to ensure the project is a success, and that Blacktown
City can be adorned in beautiful knitted pieces.
“It is wonderful to see so many of these knitted pieces take on a new life as blankets to be used by mums and bubs and members of the community doing it tough.
“We hope the knitted blankets and toys will provide some comfort to those who receive them.
“A big thank you to all the knitters who contributed countless hours of their time in knitting all the pieces.”
Council’s yarn-ins for the 2023 Knit Bomb are now underway. To take part in a yarn-in, visit the website: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Eventsand-activities/Knit-Bomb-Project-2023-Say-Noto-domestic-violence
HAWKESBURY Race Club is pleased to announce that $13,000 was raised for RDA Richmond, Ryde, Blue mountains, Tall Timbers, and Central Coast Centres at the RDA Charity Raceday held at Hawkesbury Race Club on Sunday 8 October.
“We would like to thank our valued sponsors, function room attendees and raffle ticket purchasers for their support to raise these much-needed funds,” stated Hawkesbury Race Club CEO James Heddo.
“Riding For The Disabled do a tremendous job in the community and we are thrilled to facilitate such a successful joint venture.”
BLACKTOWN City Council’s much-loved Diwali Lights Competition has returned for 2023, with residents encouraged to light up their homes.
Entries in the annual competition are now open in celebration of the ancient Hindu festival of Diwali, known as the festival of lights.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is inviting residents of all cultural and religious backgrounds to decorate their homes with lights, with cash prizes on offer.
“The Blacktown City Diwali Lights Competition is a spectacular opportunity for the community to come together, and is growing each year,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Blacktown City is proudly home to many residents from the Indian sub-continent, including more than 51,000 Hindus and 18,000 Sikhs.
“The festival of Diwali holds a special place in these communities, with the celebration becoming a part of the fabric of the culture of our City.
“Our residents have produced many spectacular Diwali displays in recent years, with families travelling all over Sydney to marvel at the beautifullydecorated homes.
“I cannot wait to see the fabulous entries to come in the Diwali Lights Competition this year.”
More than $2,500 in cash prizes will be on offer for the best-decorated properties across Blacktown City’s five wards.
Prizes will again be awarded for ‘Best Street’ and ‘Best Rangoli’ (colourful artworks made from sand, flower petals, flour or rice).
Judging criteria will be based on the overall appeal of the decorations visible on the front of the property only.
Preliminary judging will take place between Wednesday, 1 November and Wednesday, 8 November, inclusive, between 8pm and 11pm.
Entries are now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 31 October 2023. To enter, and for more information, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/ Community/Awards-scholarshipsand-competitions/2023-DiwaliLights-Competition
WHAT a catastrophic week in world news. The absolutely horrific and deplorable acts of violence in Gaza cannot be justified under any circumstances. We may not agree with how the leaders of both the Israeli or the Palestinian people behave, but at the end of the day the civilians have no say in that. The Israeli people don’t direct their government to make life difficult for Palestinians and the vast majority of Palestinians have no connection to terrorism organisations. You could, as I have, watch hours of documentaries and read millions of words on the background and history, yet still be pretty much in the dark about what has gone on over there. Regardless of the back story, the general population there are simply families trying to live their lives as best they can in a highly volatile region.
The loss of innocent lives and the reports of children and babies being murdered is abhorrent in any sane person’s language. Anyone suggesting that tensions provide some sort of excuse or somehow warrant the burning, decapitating, kidnapping and murdering of human beings is unfathomable.
The news footage is horrific to watch, particularly the heinous murder of children who are the last thread of hope for a region enshrined in conflict. Their resilience, dreams, and untapped potential hold the only key to a brighter, more peaceful future. It is crucial for the international community to condemn such acts of violence and encourage negotiations towards finding a peaceful and lasting solution.
It is hard to imagine a peaceful answer after so many decades of conflict, but their children’s futures, the stability of the region and the rest of the world for that matter, depends on finding one - and fast..
And another thing..
I was speaking to a reader yesterday who noticed her seven year old child was very teary as he exited the car for school. When his mother pulled him back and asked what was wrong, he broke his little heart crying. “They said on the news that babies were decapitated,” he cried. “Does that mean they will die if they can’t eat or breathe?” Then, “what if it is a war, would I have to go to it?”
The footage on the news is extremely alarming for adults to witness let alone young children. It is a really important time to be mindful of, and monitor the trauma children could be exposed to from the telly, the papers and of course social media.
COUNCILLOR Tony Bleasdale
OAM was recently re-elected Mayor of Blacktown City and has shared a vision of delivery, growth and transformation of the City Councillor Chris Quilkey was elected Deputy Mayor by his colleagues at a meeting of Blacktown City Council on Wednesday night.
Mayor Bleasdale said, “I am honoured to have been invited by my fellow Councillors to continue leading Blacktown City as Mayor. We will continue to represent our diverse community. We will continue the transformation of our City for a bright future full of opportunity for our residents and businesses.”
“I have never been more excited about the City’s future, working with a committed team of Councillors as we deliver on the many services that Council provides for our community to be able to take Blacktown City forward.”
Mayor Bleasdale restated Council’s commitment to the local environment, and driving Council’s investment in renewable energy and sustainable service delivery, which has led to
Councillor Tony Bleasdale OAM has been re-elected Mayor of Blacktown City, with Councillor Chris Quilkey elected Deputy Mayor.
Blacktown City being certified as carbon neutral in our operations.
Councillor Quilkey said it was a great privilege to step into the role of Deputy Mayor.
A passionate advocate for the City, Cr Quilkey was first elected to Council in 2016 and has served the Blacktown local community for many years through a range committees and organisations.
“I am honoured to serve the Blacktown City Community as Deputy Mayor and I look forward to joining Mayor Bleasdale and my fellow Councillors as we get on with the job of transforming our City for our community,” Councillor Quilkey said.
“My pledge is to continue to take a stand for Blacktown City and seek to improve the lives of all residents as we continue to grow our City.”
SPECTATORS at the Hector King and Killarney Cup Polo tournament at Windsor Polo Club were among hundreds in the Hawkesbury entertained by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Roulettes on Saturday, during a training session from Richmond RAAF Base.
The Roulettes are the RAAF’s aerobatic display team and were established in 1970, following the success of earlier teams, the Red Sales and Telstars.
The Roulettes originally flew a Macchi MB-326 aircraft in 1970,
which was then replaced by the Pilatus PC-9/A (the Air Force’s new pilot training aircraft) in 1989. Since then, the Roulettes have become a sixaircraft, seven-member team, which completes two display seasons each year (a season runs for six months).
The Pilatus PC-9/A retired from
Roulettes operations in March 2019 and was replaced by Pilatus PC-21 – one of the most advanced training aircraft in the world.
Roulette displays are flown all around Australia and consist of a number of manoeuvres flown in various formations at low level. They are an
extension of formation, aerobatics, low level flying, and airmanship skills, taught to Air Force pilots and developed throughout their career.
The Roulettes fly as low as 250 feet (80m) at speeds of up to 370 knots (685km/h) and pilots can experience up to 6 ‘G’, or 6 times, the force of gravity during a display. Flying as close as three metres apart, the team showcases the level of visual judgement and handeye coordination that pilots in the Air Force are able to achieve.
Roulette pilots are Qualified Flying Instructors who work at the Central Flying School, based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. Between displays, they teach other Air Force pilots to become instructors.
BLACKTOWN City’s 2023 Disability Awards are back, recognising the incredible successes of people with a lived experience of disability, their carers, advocates and service providers.
Nominations for the 2023 awards are now open, with Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM encouraging the community to nominate a person with a disability, a carer or organisation, whose achievements they admire.
“In Blacktown City, we are incredibly proud to embrace, support and celebrate people of all abilities in our community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their achievements and contributions on the International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD).
“If you know a person or organisation who inspires you, or is making an incredible difference, please be sure to nominate them in these awards.
“By nominating someone for an award, you are not only recognising their triumph over challenges, but are also championing inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunities.”
Award categories include:
• Inspirational Person of the Year
• Carer or Support Worker of the Year
• Service or Organisation of the Year. Nominations can be submitted via the following:
1. Completing the written online nomination form at www.blacktown. nsw.gov.au/IDPWD
2. A video or voice recording, answering the questions from the nomination form and emailing to community.development@blacktown. nsw.gov.au
3. By calling 9839 6067 where a staff member will record your nomination on your behalf.
Nominations close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 9 November 2023.
Winners will be announced on Friday, 1 December, 2023 at Council’s International Day of People with a
Disability event at the Wawai Ngurra inclusive playspace at Nurragingy Reserve.
The inclusive and accessible event will feature a free BBQ, arts and crafts, face painting, live demonstrations,
an ice cream truck and coffee van, giveaways, support services and information stalls, and much more. The fun will commence at 10am, with the Disability Awards Ceremony at 10.30am.
BLACKTOWN City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Statement on the Voice to Wednesday Night’s Council Meeting.
This week Blacktown City Councillors engaged in public debate about the upcoming Referendum to recognise First Nations People in the Australian Constitution.
In a statement at a Council Meeting, the Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM outlined the practical outcomes that come from listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Mayor Bleasdale told Council: “A voice to Parliament is the next great step, a vital step toward Reconciliation. This is unfinished business in Blacktown City –just as it is across Australia.”
Blacktown City is home to the largest and most diverse population in NSW. The City is home to more than 12,000 First Nations people.
Mayor Bleasdale spoke at length about his passion for Reconciliation and the vital role a Voice to Parliament for First Nations people will play in the journey towards that.
“If we practically listen to Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities – it is logical - we can more efficiently identify and seek to address the changes that are needed, for First Nations people and for all of our residents.”
“As leader of the biggest city in NSW, it’s clear we have a clear role to play. It’s simple, we must listen and vote yes to make sure First Nations People know we will always be listening.”
Mayor Bleasdale quoted eminent First Nations leader Noel Pearson: “Australia doesn’t make sense without recognition. Until the First Peoples are afforded their rightful place, we are a nation missing its most vital heart.”
In 2022, Mayor Bleasdale co-signed a statement with 36 other Australian Mayors stating, “Our citizens should be informed about what constitutional recognition through a voice to parliament will mean for Indigenous people and Australian society as a whole … We believe that a successful referendum can be a unifying achievement for Australia.”
The Mayor has committed to passionately speaking about The Voice wherever he can in the remaining weeks to 14 October.
“I invite everyone, all in Blacktown, to join with me on that journey” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council notes that the cases for the yes and no sides are available on the Australian Electoral Commission’s website: www.aec.gov.au/referendums/ learn/the-question.html
BLACKTOWN City pet lovers are invited to bring their furry, feathered or scaly friends out for a PAWsome time at the 2023 Blacktown City Pet Festival.
The much-loved Pet Festival will return on 15 October for the first time in 3 years, with a brand-new home at the Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC) in Glendenning.
The festival will feature a range of fun interactive activities, demonstrations and exhibits for pet lovers.
Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the Pet Festival was a celebration of pets of all shapes and sizes and the families who love them.
“Blacktown City residents love their pets, so the Pet Festival is a fantastic way for our City to celebrate these animals, while also promoting responsible pet ownership,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Pet Festival provides a great opportunity for local pet organisations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a petfriendly environment.
“There will be free-microchipping of pets for Blacktown City residents, and free vet checks too.
“This is the first time we will hold
this event at the recently-opened BARC, which is changing the face of animal care, adoptions and rehoming in our City and beyond.
“I invite you to bring your pet and your family along to BARC, have a
look at the state-of-the-art facilities and enjoy a great family day out.
“BARC has many animals looking for their forever homes, so I encourage everyone to have a look at the animals up for adoption.”
Council will unveil the new Russ Dickens OAM vet clinic, named in honour of the late vet and former Mayor of Blacktown City.
There will be a special guest MC, famous dog trainer Steven Austin and the detection dogs, food trucks, pet stalls and displays.
There will also be a range of competitions to enter, with prizes on offer for: the tallest pet, shortest pet, best trick, ugliest pet, best dressed and most like owner.
The festival will also feature:
• Face painting
• Pony rides
• Reptile display
• Pet caricatures
• Free microchipping (for Blacktown residents only)
• Free vet checks
Visit the website for more details: www.blacktown.nsw.gov. au/Events-and-activities/2023Blacktown-City-Pet-Festival
Event information
What: 2023 Blacktown City Pet Festival
When: Sunday, 15 October, 10am2pm
Where: Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre (BARC), 20 Owen Street, Glendenning
GREYHOUND Rescue, a dedicated organisation that ethically rescues, lovingly rehabilitates, and safely rehomes greyhounds, has launched its #Noodles4Noodles fundraising campaign.
The primary objective of this campaign is to raise funds for a muchneeded new rescue van, aptly named “The Noodle Wagon,” to ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of these magnificent creatures to Rescue Centre Greysland.
Greyhounds are affectionately known as “Noodles” due to their long, slender physique and playful demeanour. As it turns out, Noodles have a love for noodles, too! The #Noodles4Noodles campaign aims to provide our rescued Noodles with the support they need – a new, reliable ride that ensures their safety and comfort during transportation.
The charity’s existing little van, Suzy, is nearly 20 years old and showing signs of wear and tear. While she has served the organisation well, she’s barely keeping it together and cannot provide the safety and comfort our rescued greyhounds deserve.
“The Noodle Wagon” will provide extra capacity to transport more hounds and offer modern conveniences like air conditioning and purpose-built, extra-safe stainless
steel kennel spaces. This upgrade will transform vulnerable hounds’ often long and uncomfortable journeys into safe, enjoyable experiences.
Contributions to the #Noodles4Noodles campaign will play a vital role in helping Greyhound Rescue acquire a brand-new van, guaranteeing the safe and stylish transportation of greyhounds to Greysland, where they can embark on their new lives.
The community can support the #Noodles4Noodles campaign by:
• Donating: Individuals can make tax-deductible donations to
support this noble cause by clicking the prominent pink button on the campaign website at https:// chuffed.org/project/noodlewagon Additionally, supporters can choose from various noodle-themed perks, including the highly anticipated “#Noodles4Noodles Recipe Book,” filled with noodle-friendly recipes to enjoy with their four-legged best friends.
• Celebrating: The Noodle Festival promises a day filled with fun, food, and furry friends. This event is a celebration of greyhounds, culture, and cuisine, and
all proceeds will directly support the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts of Greyhound Rescue. The event is being held on October 21 2023, from 12pm - 5pm, at the Addi Road Community Centre in Marrickville.
Find out more via the following links:
• #noodles4noodles online fundraising campaign https:// chuffed.org/project/noodlewagon and promo video www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qpuLcY6W3kw&t=13s
• Noodle Festival information https://greyhoundrescue.com. au/2023/08/18/greyhound-rescuenoodle-festival/ and Facebook event www.facebook.com/events/1615501 20302104/?acontext
ENTRIES are now open for the 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize.
The Blacktown City Art Prize is an annual art prize and exhibition presented by Blacktown City Council and Blacktown Arts at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre.
The Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM said, “The Blacktown City Art Prize has been instrumental in supporting a vibrant and diverse arts scene within our community. It provides a platform for both emerging and established artists to exhibit their creativity and share their unique perspectives. Every year the entries testify to the extraordinary talent that thrives within Blacktown City.”
The Blacktown City Art Prize invites artists currently residing in Australia to submit works across a diverse range of mediums. The Art Prize also enables early-career and established visual arts practitioners the opportunity to exhibit their work.
New for 2024, the Early-Career Artist Prize will be acquired for the Blacktown City Art Collection. The Blacktown City Art Prize continues to support
First Nations and local artists with the First Nations Artist Prize and the Local Artist Prize.
Finalists’ work will be presented in a major exhibition at The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre from Tuesday 16 January to Friday 08 March 2024.
Last year, the prize attracted 514 entries, with 72 finalists being exhibited.
The 2022/23 Blacktown Arts Prize was awarded to Peter Rush for his artwork Sightlines, The Blacktown Native Institution site. Standing here, it’s placeless, I felt erasure, ignorance (my own), indifference.
Image: Peter Rush with his 2022/23 Blacktown City Art Prize winning work by Liza Moscatelli, Mosca Media Australia
The winner of the Aboriginal Artist Prize was awarded to Leanne Jones for her artwork Dinawan Ngarraarry - Emu Hunt.
The winner of the Local Artist Prize was Mina Lee, for her artwork Rousehill Farm.
The winner of the People’s Choice Prize was artist Nelson Nghe for his artwork Bug Spray.
The 2024 Blacktown City Art Prize offers a total prize pool of $22,500 and acquisitions across five categories.
Prizes include:
Main Prize (acquisitive): $15,000
First Nations Artist Prize: $2,000
Local Artist Prize: $2,000
Early-Career Artist Prize (acquisitive): $2,500
People’s Choice Prize: $1,000
All artworks in the exhibition have the opportunity to be purchased by the public and will be considered for acquisition to the Blacktown City Art Collection.
Key dates:
Entries close: 30 October 2023 at 5 pm
Finalists announced: 14 November 2023
Artwork delivery: 15 and 16 December 2023
Exhibition: 16 January to 8 March 2024
Awards ceremony: 17 January 2024
Artwork collection: 9 and 11 March 2024
For further information and to enter, visit blacktownarts.com.au/bcap
1. From a lower to a higher position (8)
5. Guiding light (6)
9. Impoverished (8)
10. Flower part (6)
12. For all to see (5)
13. Healthy (9)
14. Foolishness (6)
16. Eternal (7)
19. Heavenward (7)
21. Studio couch (6)
23. Glaring (9)
25. An unborn baby (5)
26. Military greeting (6)
27. Feign (8)
28. Take back (6)
29. Eardrum (8)
1. Agreement (6)
2. Day after Tuesday (9)
3. Not wrong (5)
4. Alleyway (7)
6. Very (9)
7. Jazz band (5)
8. Having no intelligible meaning (8)
11. Coke or Pepsi (4)
15. Large long-armed ape (9)
17. A tiredness of the eyes (9)
18. Estimator for taxes (8)
20. Let go (4)
21. Fate (7)
22. High regard (6)
24. Museum piece (5)
25. A dull unattractive woman (5)
solution 29/9/23
IN 1918 an inquest was held at Penrith Court House into the death of Spencer Alfred Payne. He was born in Newcastle in 1857 and married Elizabeth Fisher in St Stephens Church at Penrith in 1876. She was born in Castlereagh, and they had eight children. Spencer’s first occupation was splitting wood with his father a bushman. First witness was John Scott an engine driver employed by the railway said that he arrived at Penrith at 8.15 am on the 91 down-line passenger train with engine 90 and detached his engine from the train at the southern or down platform for the purpose of crossing to the up-line to the loco yard to prepare the engine for further service and when going forward to the western end of the platform he noticed Spencer coming towards the downline from the southern side and noticed the 192 passenger train coming in from the Mountains. Spencer walked to the side of the downline then turned and walked along the line in the space between it and the No 1 carriage road. John said they were travelling about four or five miles an hour when he shut off the steam, knowing that he could cross over the down and up lines which was the usual route. Spencer was then fully 20 yards away and continued walking westward, but the train was gaining on him all the time and he sounded the whistle frequently to warn him that the train was approaching. About eight yards from him he thought that Spencer might cross and would stop, and he continued whistling with the right hand and applying the break with the left and he looked out, but Spencer had disappeared. He asked his mate Walter if Spencer had crossed the line and come out on his side, but he replied “No”. At this time the engine had come to a standstill, so he got down to see where Spencer was and saw him lying on the four-foot about two yards from the back of the engine and saw that he was dead. Walter and others came on the scene and saw a hat and tucker tin lying about five yards nearer the station and at the side of the line Spencer’s big coat was in the four-foot. He said that crossing the lines to sign on that way to the shed was a little nearer the station, but because of the passenger train it caused Spencer to go a little further west. Employees however, crossed anywhere between the station and the sheds over 200 yards as it seemed best to them at the time and there was a rule that employees when crossing the lines must keep a look-out and not expose themselves to danger. He had no thought that Spencer was in danger when he first saw him, especially as he was such an experienced hand, and it was not until he was within eight yards of Spencer, he thought it wise to continue sounding the whistle and applying the brake. The engine pulled up two yards beyond its own length when he applied the brake. He was not aware that Spencer was deaf because he was walking in his usual way with his head down as if thinking, and the whistling was more than an ordinary warning and he did not see Spencer step in front of his engine as he applied the break.
Walter Pullman the fireman said they arrived with the down-passenger train from Parramatta at the Penrith down-platform and after detaching the engine for loco purposes they went forward to change over to another line and about 30 yards away John started applying the brake and blowing the whistle and the engine came almost to a standstill. John asked him if Spencer had crossed over in front of the engine to his side and he said “No”. The engine was still from the time that they left the station, to the time it stopped. He was looking out his side but did not see Spencer at all and when John applied the brake, he instantly applied his hand brake thinking there must be some reason for John to apply the brake and keep on whistling. He could see Spencer lying there and John got down and found Spencer lying about five or six foot behind the engine. Walter
Herbert Schmidt a labourer on the railway said he heard a whistle blowing short snaps very quickly as if to attract attention and the whistling of the engine was very distinct and he could hear the grinding of the brakes. He said that he was between the elevator and the shed and at a right angle from the scene of the accident and he looked to the 90-engine running in a westerly direction and Spencer walking in that direction towards the shed and when the engine was within three or four feet of him he seemed to look over his left shoulder and step to the right that brought him onto the four-foot and in front of the engine. He saw Spencer struck by the engine and fall and the engine passed over him and saw Spencer lying on his left side in the four-foot, about six feet at the rear of the tender of the engine and the engine was at a standstill. There was a bleeding wound at the back of his head, but he did not know whether it was the buffer or crossbeam of the engine that struck Spencer. He saw a brown overcoat on Spencer’s right shoulder before he was struck. When the sharp whistles were sounded, Spencer was on the clear space between the downline and the down goods siding, and he had never heard so distinct a warning before. Stephen Thorncroft a Sergeant of Police stationed at Penrith said that after a phone call he proceeded to the railway station accompanied by Constable Baker. They went to the elevator and saw Spencer lying on an ambulance stretcher with Dr Higgins present. The body was then moved to the hospital morgue, and they examined the spot where Spencer died and saw a very large pool of blood and marks as if a body had been dragged on the four-foot about 20 feet. One of the employees handed him the heel of a boot Spencer was wearing. Frederick Charles Higgins said he was Medical Practitioner and Government medical officer for the district and he examined Spencer at the railway yard in Penrith and found life extinct, and afterwards examined Spencer more carefully at the hospital morgue and discovered that he had sustained injuries of dislocation of the right ankle joint, numerous lacerations about the upper part of each thigh and the scalp on the right side of the head, and the bones of the skull on the same side were fractured causing compression of an injury to the brain. Death had been instantaneous due to the brain injuries. The coroner’s finding was Spencer Alfred Payne at the Railway Yard in Penrith died on the 11th day of June 1918 from injuries to the brain caused by being knocked down by an engine and accidently killed. Spencer is buried at Penrith General Cemetery, Kingswood. Photo of the Penrith Railway Coal Elevator courtesy of Australian Railway Historical Society.
Source: Nepean Times, Australian Royalty website, Ancestry, NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages.
THE Reserve Bank of Australia again paused raising interest rates this month and have also signalled more increases in rates are likely to come, adding to the increasing cost of living for many homeowners.
The cost of variable mortgages has risen steeply following ten consecutive official cash rate rises since May, and whilst house prices everywhere are experiencing varying results coupled with the impacts of loan serviceability are leaving borrowers with lower buying power.
Given the high home loan interest rates with more rate hikes likely to come, this is sparking a refinancing hunt for more home loan savings as mortgage holders shop around for a better deal.
For these borrowers, failing to shop around for a better deal can add $570 or more each month to a standard $500,000 loan over 30 years and for those borrowers with higher rates than 6.5 percent refinancing to the lowest priced loan could lead to savings of more than $1,000 a month on a $500,000 loan over 30 years.
Finance researchers have suggested that the rate rises have made life tougher overall for first-home buyers. That’s because lenders considering mortgage applications apply an assessment rate that is higher than the actual home loan rate for repayments, meaning a loan people could afford in May is now unaffordable in the lenders eyes.
Refinancing is expected to sharply increase in the
coming months and will becoming harder, especially for those who were stretched when they first got a loan when prices were near record highs.
The biggest hit for a large group of homeowners is still to come for the 30-40 per cent of customers who took out a fixed-rate loan in recent years at deeply discounted rates. The fixed rate cliff is predicted to peak in September this year with half of mortgage holders ultra-low rates expiring.
Many fixed rate loans will switch back to variable rates in 2023 and won’t experience the gradual monthly increases the rest of the market has, instead they will be hit by a bus of $600-$1000 increase a month as their loan reverts to variable.
The time to react is now and be proactive to improve your battered borrowing power.
Try to clear personal loan and credit card debts, including unused credit card limits. “The repayments, even though they may be short term, will be debited against income in the bank’s assessment of the loan and will limit the amount that can be borrowed,” he said.
Workplaces have shifted radically in recent years as casual jobs boomed at the expense of permanent roles and long-term contracts.
However, employees have more bargaining power today amid record low unemployment and may be able to switch to a permanent position that banks will
look upon more favourably.
Lenders have varying criteria when it comes to contract work, but most in one way or another discount income when it is earned on short or medium-term contracts. Negotiating with your employer to be employed can make a big difference to affordability.
Bad habits picked up during the pandemic, such as ordering mountains of takeaway food, may need to be banished if you want more borrowing power. Lenders can look at all your spending, not just loan repayments.
Borrowers need to prove they can afford repayments, and unnecessary spending works against this.
Sometimes changing economic and market conditions mean people’s expectations have to change too.
Borrowers may need to think about buying a smaller home or a property further from the CBD to get a foot in the door. Or consider consolidating multiple debts into one larger, low-interest loan. Refinancing or purchasing a property and you could end up with a homeloan which better suits your needs.
To get a better understanding contact Alex Soncini at Wealthwiz for a free home loan review on 0419 600 177 or email at alex.soncini@wealthwiz.com.au.
ROOTY Hill HS student Sam Perkins went to the 2023 NSW All Schools Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC) in pursuit of a special achievement - a sixth consecutive title in the Hammer Throw.
The Championships are one of the rare competitions that continued throughout the COVID years and enabled some athletes to establish some impressive records, including Sam, who had won five consecutive titles before travelling to Homebush in September, attempting to record a rare sixth consecutive win in the same event.
Over the 86 years of the championships a number of athletes have won six consecutive titles, but Sam was the sole athlete on track to achieve this unique feat in 2023.
It is now history Sam achieved his goal, winning his sixth Hammer Throw title and throwing an AllSchools all-time record distance of 64.08m, the longest throw in the 87-year history of the event.
“I started in athletics when I was in year 6,” said Sam. “I was at a family function when my auntie, Karyne Di Marco (nee Perkins), an Olympian and 4-time Commonwealth Games representative, and her coaching partner Bre Clements, encouraged me
to take up hammer throwing. Until then I had been playing rugby league.”
The next year, Sam won his inaugural NSW All Schools State title with a meet record throw of 46.91m.
“It was my first State title,” he recalled. “I liked winning and have, over the years, enjoyed training
with the squad.”
His third and fourth titles, in 2020 and 2021, were challenging times during COVID.
“I was not training as much, but enjoyed seeing the squad during zoom meetings where we would all exercise.”
Although sitting his HSC in 2023, Sam is maintaining his full training program of throwing, gym and agility work.
Coach Di Marco is a veteran of one Olympics (Sydney 2000) and four Commonwealth Games (Kuala Lumpur 1998, Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010) and coached the Australian Junior team for 10 years.
She said “Sam has a huge ability to succeed at both Junior and Senior World Championships. He has a good athletic physique, standing 6’4” and weighing 115kg.
“He (Sam) is targeting the next U20 World Athletic Championships, which will be held in Lima, Peru from 26th-31st August, 2024.
“Sam has an extremely busy schedule, training up to 4-5 times per week and also studying for his Higher School Certificate.
“He is currently ranked in the Top Two for Under 20 hammer throwers in Australia and his 64 metres at All-Schools is just 4 metres short of the current qualifying distance (68m) for the U20 World Championships.”
WESTERN Sydney Academy of Sport’s (WSAS) Annual Athlete Awards Dinner was held at Wenty Leagues Club on Friday 29 September 2023.
It was an unforgettable evening, with the Academy showcasing a long list of exceptional athletes, coaches and corporate partners, highlighted by the WSAS Athlete of the Year Award, which was presented to Blacktown’s Tanika Terkildsen (Softball).
Athletes across ten sporting disciplines received awards and recognition for their outstanding achievements over the 2022/2023 sporting year. The winners were recognised for their talent, leadership qualities, dedication, and commitment to their respective sports.
The Academy not only recognised its talented athletes but also presented coach service awards to coaching staff who had achieved 5 consecutive years of volunteer service with the Academy.
These coaches were: Jack Rauhihi
– Softball; Daniel Waddell – Rowing; Jason Waddell – Rowing; James Sweeney – Triathlon; Michelle Bullock – Netball.
The Academy’s Education Partner, Western Sydney University, presented the “Western Sydney University Excellence in Education Award”, which provides a grant of $1,000 to the recipient. It is awarded to an individual athlete in recognition of
their academic achievements and this year was presented to George Abbott (Swimming).
Western Sydney Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year Award: Tanika Terkildsen (Blacktown) Softball.
The full list of local award winners is as follows: Softball Athlete of the Year - Tanika Terkildsen (Blacktown; BMX Athlete of the
Year - Jack Edwards (Blacktown); Cycling Athlete of the Year - Alex O’Shaughnessy (Blacktown); Netball Athlete of the Year - Charlotte Ward (Hawkesbury); Rowing Athlete of the Year - Ezekiel Pratt (Penrith); Netball Umpiring Athlete of the Year - Amber Goldie (Penrith) Steadfast Coach Leadership Award: Daniel Waddell (Penrith) Rowing.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE organising committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the 37th Annual Diocese of Parramatta (DOP) Charity Golf Day on Tuesday 26th September 2023, which was held at the Richmond Golf Club.
148 golfers participated in the fourperson team Ambrose event and 160 people later sat down for the lunch and the presentation.
Sponsorship donations from the Richmond Club Ltd, DDF (Diocesan Development Fund), Drummond Golf, Penrith, Adesso Home Improvements, Hawkesbury Accident Repair Centre, Oz Fashions, Parravans Caravan World, Windsor and Avan, St Marys were appreciated. With the innovation of purchasing ‘mulligans’ at $5 and a hole in one $5 shot for a $20,000 prize and a fabulous raffle, a total of $15,000 was raised for two charities: San Miguel Your Town Family Centre, Freemans Reach and for the MacKillop Scholarship supporting impoverished families.
Team Leaders from San Miguel, Elise Fowler and Alison Schneiderit attended the luncheon with Alison addressing the gathering on the role and functions of San Miguel and the support needed for the ‘Say No to Domestic Violence’ Campaign.
Foundation sponsor DDF (Diocesan Development Fund) was acknowledged for their support and commitment over 37 continuous years.
Huge congratulations to St Andrews College, Marayong Team 2 (John Nettleton, Andrew Houseman, Thomas Crowley & Jarryd Leaves) who took out the coveted best scratch score trophy for a score of 58 on a count back, ahead of St Andrews College Team 1 (Principal Stephen Kennaugh, Mark Bylsma, Bryon Brasler and Allan Ison).
Congratulations to the winners of the Medley event, Gilroy College (Erin Morin, Daniel Morin, Rob Portelli and Adam Smith) who turned in a creditable net 57. This award
was presented by Parravans Caravan, Windsor, Steve Edwards.
A highlight of the presentation luncheon was a tribute to Holy Faith nun Sr Brenda Kennedy, an avid golfer, who has played in the Charity Golf Day on many previous occasions.
Sr Brenda will be returning to her beloved Ireland later in the year, after arriving in Australia and assigned to St Paul the Apostle Parish Winston Hills in 1980. Sr Brenda has made an
extraordinary contribution to Catholic Education and Parish life, being principal and foundation principal in over 20 years of leadership service in schools and CSPD. The award presented had the inscription:
‘Sr Brenda Kennedy (Holy Faith Sisters), A woman of determination, a champion of Social Justice, an inspirational leader and above all, a dedicated golfer! Diocese of Parramatta 1986-2023’.
MATT Millar isn’t sure how much of the upcoming ‘Summer of Golf’ his body will allow him to tackle, but he showed he’s in great form by winning the ‘Stockland The Gables 2023 Pro-Am’ at Lynwood Country Club.
The PGA Tour of Australasia veteran, who has been battling on-going back issues, shot back-toback 67s to score a four-shot win in the $50,000 event, ahead of a group of five players.
Returning to competition after a layoff and an MRI on his back in the week of the Lynwood event, Millar is unsure what his future holds for this summer.
“It’s my first win after some time out again,” Millar said.
“This summer is a little bit up in the air, to be honest. If I’m able to play, I’m confident I can do the right things myself.
“It’s just a matter of what this is going to let me do.
“I’ve played seven of the last eight days, including today, and today I was really, really sore. That’s not a great sign.
“We’ll wait and see what the MRI turns up and go from there.
“I was really blown away by the layout. There are some really quality holes that ask a lot of you, particularly the 8th, which is a very intimidating hole.
“I can imagine this place would be quite a monster in a 30kph wind, that’s for sure.”
Top 9: Matt Millar (-8), Neven Basic, William
The next major Seniors events played locally will be the Blackheath Legends Pro-Am on 20th October, followed by the Nova Employment 2023 Australian PGA Seniors Championship, which will be held at Richmond GC over 10-12th November. Now in its 9th year at Richmond, the $150,000 Australian PGA Seniors is a favourite with both players and fans, drawing a high-quality field every year.
2022 champion Richard Green has yet to declare his intention to return but the strong field currently includes past champions Guy Wall (2021), Andrew Stolz (2020), Peter Senior (2019) and Michael Long (2018).
BY NOEL ROWSELL
SEVEN local western Sydney players competed in the 2023 JNJG Fayde Junior Matchplay at Magenta Shores GC over the 5th-6th October, with Kellyville’s Camilla Kim (The Australian GC), Richmond’s Chayse Thorpe (Concord GC) and Richmond’s Matthew Fullerton (Lynwood CC) all reaching their respective Finals but unable to capture a title.
Camilla defeated Sophia Chau (Gungahlin Lakes GC) 2-up, Mirabella Naaman (Liverpool GC) 2/1 and Sophie Ang (Bonnie Doon GC) 4/3 to reach the 14 & Under Girls Final, where she was beaten 4/3 by Kiara Connolly-Jackson (Kooindah Waters GC).
Chayse defeated Owen Brightman (Castle Hill GC) 2-up, Beau Davis (Corowa GC) 6/5, then tied with Ian Kim (St Michael’s GC) to reach the 15 Years Boys Final, where he was beaten 4/3 by Toby Farrar (The Australian GC).
Matthew defeated Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra GC) 6/5, tied with Vidur Subramaniam (Ryde-Parramatta GC), then defeated Enzo Moon (North Ryde GC) 7/6 to reach the 16 Years
Boys Final, where he was beaten 7/6 by Jamie Smith (Monash CC).
Other results: Annoushka Maikap (Stonecutters Ridge GC) down 5/3 to Sophie Eppelstun (Catalina CC), down 6/5 to Matilda Sullings (Federal GC) and 3/2 over Emily Leong (Concord GC); Michelle Yang (Stonecutters Ridge GC) down 3/2 to Desiree Herden (Pennant Hills GC), a 2nd-round bye, then down 5/3 to Ella Scaysbrook (The Australian GC); Darcy Mackay (Stonecutters Ridge GC) 1-down to Jamie Smith (Monash GC), 2-up
over Samuel Cascio (Bonnie Doon GC) then down 4/2 to Nathan White (Pymble GC); Blake Hodges (Erskine Park / NSW GC) 1-down to Chun-Ta Wu (Long Reef GC), 3/2 over Kayun Mudadana (NSW GC), then 4/2 down against Brodie Herring (NSW GC).
Golf NSW Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield both began on Sunday, at various courses around Sydney.
Junior Pennant: Penrith GC 3.5 - 2.5 over Campbelltown GC; Stonecutters Ridge GC 4 -2 over Pennant Hills GC.
Encourage Shield: Oatlands GC 4.5 - 1.5 over Richmond GC.
Round 2 of Junior Pennant this Sunday features Penrith vs Cronulla, Campbelltown vs Cumberland and Camden Lakeside vs Liverpool hosted at Penrith, whilst Castle Hill CC vs Lynwood and North Ryde vs Pennant Hills will be hosted at Stonecutters Ridge, which will have a bye.
Round 2 of Encourage Shield will feature Castle Hill vs Richmond and Oatlands vs Lynwood, hosted at Muirrield CC.
BY NOEL ROWSELL
THE opening weekend of the Countess of Dudley Cup was held over 5th-8th October, with the following results:
Thursday 5 October - Windsor Cutcliffe over Goulburn Bannaby Angus 8 to 7; Windsor Troika over Auckland Polo Club Kiwi Hire 10 to 3; Forbes over Garangula Table Club 8 to 5.5; Town
& Country over Ellerston Grey 9 to 8.5; Ellerston White over Arunga 9 to 8
Friday 6 October - Windsor Troika over Arunga 9 to 8; Vallex drew with Windsor Pines 6-6
Saturday 7 October - Goulburn Bannaby Angus over Town & Country 9 to 3; Auckland Polo Club Kiwi Hire over Garangula Table Club 11 to 4.5; Vallex over Ellerston Grey 10 to 5; Windsor Cutcliffe over Windsor Pines 9 to 4; Ellerston White over Forbes 8 to 4.
Sunday 8th October - Town & Country over Windsor Pines 8 to 7, Windsor Cutcliffe over Ellerston Grey 8 to 4.5, Ellerston White over Auckland Polo Club Kiwi Hire 10 to 2, Goulburn Bannaby Angus over Vallex 7 to 5.5, Windsor Troika over Forbes 12 to 4, Arunga over Garangula Table Club 11 to 4.5
The action resumes next weekend. Go to the WPC website for more details / drawswww.windsorpoloclub.com.au
Friday, 13 October 2023
BLACKTOWN City has become BMX central following the grand opening of the City’s very first pump track in Marayong.
Riders young and old tested their skill on the looping circuit at Harvey Park, which opened to the community on Sunday.
The $400,000 track contains two endless and connected loops, which can be ridden separately or combined, catering for both beginner and intermediate riders.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said the track filled a much-needed gap in regards to the provision of quality BMX tracks in Western Sydney.
“The community response was overwhelmingly positive when we showed people our plans to build a pump track at Harvey Park last year, so it is fantastic to finally open this fantastic facility to the community,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
“Council hopes this track will promote a love of cycling, in all its forms, from a young age, and will be the first of many pump tracks in our City.
“Council is committed to providing places for our residents to be more active, more often in Blacktown City and this track is a key part of this commitment.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully was pleased to see the delivery of the pump track.
“The NSW Government remains committed to the delivery of
adventurous places like this pump track being opened today. We know that these projects create better places for people of all ages and abilities to come together, enjoy the outdoors and be active.”
The project was funded by the NSW Government through the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program. The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is creating new public open spaces
to meet community needs and make great places to live.
Attending the event, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Blacktown State MP Stephen Bali, said the pump track adds to the diversity of sports and adventure activities available in Blacktown that caters for youngsters through to those who are still young at heart, regardless of age and ability.