Western News 13 September 2019

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Western News PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Friday, 13 September 2019

ISSUE 93

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Teachers from Blacktown West Public School, Walters Road Public School and Rooty Hill Public School have attended a professional development day run by the Kitchen Garden Foundation to support healthy eating.

See page 9 for full story.

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orld-leading experts in cardiology, infectious diseases, drug abuse and many more areas of health converged at Westmead Hospital recently to discuss and debate the future of medicine at Hospital Week.

Hospital Week is an annual showcase organised by the Westmead Association led by executive officer Georgette Hanna.

This year beloved presenter and Beyond Blue ambassador Jessica Rowe was among the headline speakers at the event, discussing the bravery of asking for help as part of the perinatal psychiatry symposium.

Her speech was among more than 100 presentations covering diverse topics including botox and fillers, Chinese herbal medicine and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Graeme Loy adjudicated the annual great debate.

This year’s topic was ‘all doctors’ activities can be replaced with a machine’ – with the affirmative team losing this year’s debate.

“It was interesting to see how the doctors on the affirmative essentially argued themselves out of a job,” Graeme said.

“Hosting a dazzling array of brilliant minds under one roof is what we do

and stem cell research were among the topics discussed, and cardiology director Professor Robert Denniss concluded the day with a vision for the future of prevention and treatment.

Professor Peter Goadsby from King’s College in London, considered the world’s leading migraine researcher, headlined the headache symposium with a focus on the history of Australia’s contribution to migraine research.

Other areas of interest included Westmead’s humanitarian contribution to health around the world, advances in bowel cancer treatment, biocontainment units in the 21st century, and the implications of antimicrobial resistance for sexual health.

here every day at Westmead Hospital, but Hospital Week is special.

“There was something for everyone to learn.”

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Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

Brilliant health minds gather for Westmead Hospital Week

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Westmead Cardiology celebrated its 40th anniversary with a full day of presentations on Wednesday, August 28. Gene therapy, data-driven care

Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

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

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From the Editor’s Desk

By KeRRIE DAVIES

I

N my former life which I call BMW - Before Moving West - I had a part-time job at a place called Joseph Dahdah & Co in Surry Hills.

The boss, who we called “Mr Peter” was a mad Panthers fan and as many footy fans will know, ended up being the Panther’s jersey sponsors for a while.

My main friend at work was a bloke we called Davo. Everyone loved him, he was like having round-the-clock comedy without having to buy a ticket.

He could imitate any person perfectly. Mr Peter would storm into the office in a foul mood because Panthers had lost, and wouldn’t realise that Davo was walking behind him imitating his every gesture. We’d all die laughing underneath desks and behind water coolers.

He had a never-ending stash of jokes and he was perfect at delivering the punch lines. Even if the joke wasn’t particularly funny, his telling of it would be gold.

We all pegged him as the type of person whose life was just one big long laugh.

That is until he never showed up for work one morning.

Later that day Mr Peter called a meeting and broke the horrific news that Davo had taken his own life the night before.

It was an enormous shock. At his funeral his mother told me that he’d kept diaries that revealed he had battled depression for years, and one cold winter’s night he took a cocktail of drugs that could have taken out ten people.

The point to all this is that people with depression don’t always wear it as a badge for all to see. Some find ways to disguise it, and battle their demons internally. Alone, which often leads to a devastating outcome.

These days many people with depression are declaring it and owning it.

The stigma of shame or embarrassment is evaporating. It isn’t something one chooses, or can just shake off and those of us who don’t have it have become more understanding It is vital that this attitude continues and improves if we are ever to conquer the demon.

September 12 is R U OK? Day. Take the time to let your loved ones know you care. Ask them if they are okay. And wait for, as well as listen to, the answer.

Your thoughts? kerrie@nepeannews.com.au

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Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

Seven Hills parks a hit

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, Councillor Julie Griffiths and Councillor Kevin Gillies at Katrina Park, Katrina Street, Seven Hills.

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even Hills residents are spoilt for choice with the addition of two upgraded parks in the suburb.

Chopin Park, Chopin Street, and Katrina Park, Katrina Street, each received a $128,000 upgrade.

The upgrade for Katrina Park was completed with the help of the Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, who facilitated a $10,000 contribution from the Stronger Communities Grant Program.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said Council acknowledged the importance of parks for the

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wellbeing of communities.

“There is a range of different equipment to cater for children of all ages,” Mayor Bali said.

“Chopin Park has a circular trampoline, rubber tyre steppers, a net climbing structure and a swing set.

“Katrina Park has a balance beam and steppers, a tee pee, arched net climber, ladders and observation platforms.”

Ms Rowland said: “Parks like these encourage local residents to live active lifestyles. I am proud to have pushed for Federal funding to help improve the health of our community”.

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New police recruits join Quakers Hill Area Command

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ember for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly MP, has welcomed three new Probationary Constables to the Quakers Hill Police Area Command.

The three new officers undertook their attestation at Goulburn Police Academy on Friday 23rd August.

“I was delighted to visit Riverstone Police Station to welcome the three new Probationary Constables Grasinger, Davis and Sharma with the Commander of Quakers Hill Police Area Command, Superintendent Jenny Scholz. The new recruits commenced their induction program at Riverstone Police Station and I was impressed with their desire to get straight to work and contribute to the safety and security of our community,” said Mr Conolly.

The safety and security of the Riverstone electorate community continues to be the NSW Government’s highest priority with Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcoming a total of 269 new recruits to the NSW Police Force at the ceremony in Goulburn.

The graduating class included 177 men and 92 women. Twentynine recruits were born overseas in countries including Iraq, Croatia and Wales. Nineteen of the new recruits are from an Indigenous background, including five who have come through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) Program to boost Aboriginal Australians in the NSW Police Force.

Mr Elliott said the State would be a safer place with the new recruits assigned to local Police Area Commands across NSW. “I want to welcome each and every attesting recruit to the police family, and pay particular mention to the nineteen Indigenous new recruits who

will become strong leaders in their communities,” Mr Elliott said.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the attestation was an important milestone for recruits.

“I wish these new recruits every success in their policing careers. Being sworn in as a police officer is a great

honour and I commend these new recruits for making the brave decision to put the community’s safety ahead of their own,” said Mr Conolly.

“The NSW Liberals are investing $583 million in recruiting 1500 extra officers over the next four years, the biggest increase in three decades.”

Ses launches new fleet in western Sydney

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he rollout of a brand new lifesaving fleet for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) was officially launched today at the International Peace Park in Seven Hills.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the $56.4 million Fleet Replacement Program would provide the SES with 270 vehicles, 124 marine vessels and 95 storm trailers across four years to support communities in their times of crisis.

The vehicles include storm trucks, rescue vehicles, snow mobiles and a 22-seater bus.

“SES volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the community safe and we have to make sure their

vehicles are up-to-date with the latest technology to provide effective and efficient capability during emergencies,” Mr Elliott said.

NSW SES Acting Commissioner Kyle Stewart said the investment will increase the capability of the SES to support communities before, during and after emergencies.

“SES volunteers use this equipment every day to save lives and protect communities. These new vehicles and boats assist our volunteers in responding to the impacts of floods and storms across NSW,” Mr Stewart said.

The new fleet were on display for the community

during a family fun day with SES volunteers showcasing their road crash, flood and large animal rescue skills as well as enjoying a free BBQ. The SES has more than 9,500 volunteers who have responded to 40,044 Requests for Assistance since 1 July, 2018.

These requests include 96 flood rescues, 545 general land rescues, 769 road crash rescues, 50 vertical rescue and 619 community first responder activations.

More information about becoming an SES volunteer or making a donation is available www. ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/

Blacktown Super citizenship ceremony Blacktown City Council hosted a Super citizenship ceremony last weekend with more than 1,300 people swearing allegiance to Australia at the same time, a record for New South Wales.

The ceremony was held at the Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope Gardens, where people from 62 countries became Australian citizens on a very special and iconic Australian day.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said Blacktown is one of the most multicultural cities in Australia and it is a pleasure to see so many people

becoming Australian citizens.

“Citizenship ceremonies play a critical role in Australian life and Blacktown City Council endeavours to honour these moments with a truly memorable Australian experience,” Mayor Bali said.

“The day was a multicultural celebration with aboriginal dancers, performances from local dance schools, the Cook Islands Community and a Bollywood group. There was a blacksmith’s shop, face painting and food stalls including Greek

Lambda, Turkish Gozleme, Indian cuisine and a good old Lions Club Aussie BBQ. “Four people celebrated their birthdays when they received their citizenship; the oldest new Australian is 87 years old and the youngest just two.”

The NSW citizenship record was set on Australia Day in Parramatta Park when 1,307 people swore their allegiance to Australia.

More than 3,200 people will officially call Australia home at a total of 20 ceremonies being held in Blacktown this year.

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From left, Councillor Carol Israel, Member for Chifley Ed Husic MP, Councillor Brad Bunting at Luke Park, Mount Druitt.

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laygrounds in Mt Druitt and Dharruk are buzzing with children after receiving equipment upgrades worth more than $100,000.

Wyanda Reserve in Dharruk, received a $130,000 upgrade, introducing a range of new equipment.

The $137,570 upgrade to the playground in Luke Park, Mt Druitt, was completed with the help of a $10,000 grant facilitated by Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic MP through the Stronger

In addition to the climbing and balance equipment at Wyanda Reserve, Dharruk (pictured), the park includes slides, swings and monkey bars.

Communities Grant Program.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the park upgrades at Mt Druitt and Dharruk will positively benefit the community.

“Parks are a staple within the community and Council makes sure these playgrounds are inclusive and cater to all ages,” Mayor Bali said.

“Luke Park now includes a new swing set with a bird’s nest, a seesaw, climbing tower with track ride and slide and a playhouse.

“Wyanda Reserve includes a tightrope walker, swing set, monkey bars, slides, tightrope walker and a range of climbing equipment.”

Mr Husic said: “As a dad myself, I know how important these play areas are to young families and their children - which is why it was so good to team up with Blacktown Council on this project.

“In a short space of time the new playground has become a hit with local residents, which is terrific to see.”

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

Luke Park and Wyanda Reserve a hit among the community

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Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

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Planning for Blacktown City’s future - have your say

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lacktown City Council is inviting residents, interest groups and businesses to have their say in the planning that will shape the city into the future.

Council has prepared a draft Local Strategic Planning Statement that sets out how Council will manage growth and development of the City to 2036 and beyond.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said: “Blacktown has experienced sustained growth since the 1960s, developing into a vibrant, dynamic and multicultural city.

“By 2036 our population will exceed 550,000 and our regional economic activity will exceed $26 billion.

“The Local Strategic Planning Statement outlines how we will manage this continued growth sustainably over a 20-year period, working with the community, business and NSW and federal governments.

“We want to make sure that the development and expansion of Blacktown City is controlled, environmentally sustainable and

underpinned by the world’s best practice planning,” Mayor Bali said.

The LSPS is consistent with the NSW Government’s strategies for Greater Sydney, the Greater Sydney Region Plan and the Central City District Plan. It builds on the community feedback Council received when it prepared the Blacktown Community Strategic Plan: Our Blacktown 2036.

The LSPS provides the basis for

Council to plan for local changes such as new and diverse housing or better transport connectivity.

The LSPS also outlines the characteristics, diversity and growth of the City’s population as well as the local environment and amenity.

The Local Strategic Planning Statement gives Council the ability to translate NSW and federal government plans into local plans for Blacktown City.

“This Planning Statement supports Council’s vision of a planned Blacktown City of sustainable growth, supported by essential infrastructure, efficient transport, a prosperous economy and equitable access to a vibrant lifestyle,” Mayor Bali said.

“The LSPS will enhance our ability to plan effectively to provide Council with the necessary planning tools to achieve our shared vision of a diverse, dynamic, progressive City of Excellence.

“Council has now released the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement for public comment and I invite any residents, interest groups and business that have an interest in the future of our city to have their say.” Mayor Bali The Blacktown City draft Local Strategic Planning Statement will be on public display and available for comment from 9 September until 11 October 2019 at the Blacktown Civic Centre, at Blacktown Libraries and online at: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

The Warrick Lane precinct is a key element of Blacktown City’s future planning.

Girls get the tools they need for a future in stem High school students in Western Sydney got a sneak peek recently at a new resource, funded by the Morrison Government, to get more girls studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Road testing the Girls in STEM Toolkit, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the online resource would make it easy for all students across the country to access information about potential career pathways in STEM. “Boosting the confidence and engagement of our next generation of STEM superstars will have a positive

economic flow-on effect for Australia, as we compete in a tech-driven, global economy,” Minister Andrews said.

“STEM is everywhere – it shapes our everyday lives and is critical to jobs of the future, but there is currently a big achievement gap between girls and boys in STEM in schools.

“The Morrison Government is determined to resolve this issue and ensure girls and boys thrive in STEM fields, from early education through to the tertiary years and beyond.”

This builds on other Women in STEM initiatives announced in the 2019-20 Budget, including

continued support for the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and funding for a national digital awareness-raising initiative to increase visibility of girls and women in STEM. Developed by Education Services Australia, the Girls in STEM Toolkit includes articles, case studies, podcasts and tools for girls to understand how their existing skills and interests link to STEM study pathways and, ultimately, exciting and challenging careers. Minister Andrews was joined

by Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh and the students of

Jamison High School in Penrith for the road test.

“This toolkit will be such a great resource to help parents, teachers, career counsellors and others to explain to girls the opportunities that exist in STEM, and the types of careers they can pursue. As Western Sydney grows, it’s my priority that kids in Lindsay are being educated in the jobs of the future,” Ms McIntosh said.

“Together, these initiatives will ensure boys and girls in Western Sydney and around Australia have the opportunity to take up the rewarding, high-income jobs ahead of them.”

Four Riverstone electorate organisations to share $243,305 of NSW government funding Member for Riverstone, Kevin Conolly MP, announced recently that four local community organisations in the Riverstone electorate have been successful in the public vote to receive NSW Government grants from the ‘My Community Project’ under the NSW Generations Fund; sharing a total of $243,305.

Riverstone High School will receive

$79,251 for an outdoor gym. The Ponds School will receive $86,554 for outdoor Sun Safe Shade Sails with support from the Blacktown Ponds Lions Club. The Riverstone Girl Guides will receive $50,000 to support their local community focused education program. Open Local will receive $27,500 to develop a FixMyStreet app to make it easier to

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report issues in the local area.

“I congratulate these four organisations in winning community support for their applications. Without this type of funding supporting from the NSW Liberal Government these projects which will benefit the local community greatly would most likely not occur,” said Mr Conolly.

The NSW Government is

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investing a total of $24.68 million in projects across NSW to help improve the wellbeing of the people and communities. My Community Project is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund. The fund helps keep the state’s debt at a sustainable level, while sharing the benefits of its returns with the people of NSW by funding community projects.

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revolutionary food education program is taking the fight against diabetes and obesity into schools, with western Sydney children now growing their own fresh produce in the school yard.

The Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) and Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program aims to ‘teach the teacher’ about exciting ways to engage students on how to grow, harvest and prepare fresh produce and to create and share healthy meals.

Teachers from Blacktown West Public School, Walters Road Public School and Rooty Hill Public School have attended a professional development day run by the Kitchen Garden Foundation and sponsored by WSD, for a hands-on introduction to the program.

The Kitchen Garden Foundation is one of more than 120 organisations and businesses to have joined the WSD Alliance to ‘beat diabetes together’.

Kitchen Garden Foundation CEO Josephene Duffy said the Foundation was delighted to partner with WSD to support western Sydney schools in starting a kitchen garden program.

“Teaching children the joys of growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh, seasonal and delicious

Representatives from the Stephanie Alexander Foundation with teachers from Rooty Hill Public School, Blacktown West Public School and Walters Road Public School.

food, will help them develop positive food habits for life,” Josephene said.

“Children, teachers and families love it. It is a community-based intervention that has a genuine ability to transform local food cultures and improve education and social cohesion at the same time.”

Blacktown West principal Meg Peel said she is excited about the potential of the program, which can enhance academic learning as well as

the overall health of students and their families.

“Students will engage in paddockto-plate activities which will provide them with the knowledge and skills to prepare a range of healthy snacks and meals for themselves and their families using seasonal produce.

“It is our aim to reduce the reliance on prepared snacks, which have high salt and sugar content, for recess and lunch each day and to see an increase

in fresh food being consumed by the students.”

WSD director Professor Glen Maberly said partnerships like the one with the Kitchen Garden Foundation play an important role in helping to get the community involved in breaking the cycle of diabetes in western Sydney.

“The diabetes epidemic is largely driven by obesity and given that more than 60 percent of the western Sydney population is overweight or obese, we have a ticking time bomb on our hands,” Prof Maberly said.

“Prevention is the best way to take the heat out of the western Sydney diabetes hotspot and it starts with teaching children the essential life skills that will steer them toward a healthier and diabetes-free future.”

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) invests approximately $2 million annually on tackling obesity, and $1.5 million for the Western Sydney Diabetes initiative.

WSD is an initiative of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), operating in partnership with Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Diabetes NSW & ACT and PwC. For more information visit www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au

Western Sydney scores three state honours for multicultural health

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ancer screening, communication and healthy eating projects are reaping benefits for the multicultural patients of Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD).

The three projects all received recognition last week at the 2019 NSW Multicultural Health Communication Awards, which kicked off Multicultural Health Week.

WSLHD worked with Cancer Institute NSW to make educational flipcharts for bowel and breast health, which were highly commended in the ‘keeping people healthy’ category.

These flipcharts features clear pictures and are currently available in languages including English, simplified and traditional Chinese, Arabic, Italian, Greek and Vietnamese.

WSLHD bilingual community education program officer Anoop Johar said it’s important to deliver information sessions to community groups in their first language.

“The programs are designed for people from non-English speaking backgrounds who, in some cases, may not have strong literacy even in their own language,” Anoop said.

The WSLHD Population Health team also scored a highly commended in the ‘keeping people healthy’ category for their family visual healthy lifestyle resources.

The team wanted to deliver simple health messages to parents of children

under 12, such as choosing water and healthier snacks, and turning off screens in favour of getting active.

They worked with parents to transform text-heavy fact sheets into visual resources, with key messages available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian and Tamil.

“The new and improved resources, with simple but distinct visual messages, enable parents and carers to access healthy lifestyle parenting information previously not available,” Health Promotion operations manager Michelle Nolan said.

“Most importantly, these improvements in health literacy will

lead to a better understanding of health information and encourage behaviour change for families.”

A project that WSLHD Multicultural Health, Social Work and Clinical Governance developed in partnership with South Western Sydney Local Health District was also a finalist in the ‘patient safety’ category.

This project focused on communication issues for older people from non-English speaking backgrounds. A fact sheet was developed for older people and their family and friends to inform them about the roles of different parties in communication in healthcare settings,

such as when family can contribute information about a patient and when a professional interpreter must be used.

The fact sheets are available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish and Assyrian. There is also a fact sheet for health professionals on the same topic.

Multicultural Access program officer Sora Machida distributes the fact sheets when running sessions on topics such as elder abuse and the Australian Aged Care System. She said these sheets are a good reminder about the importance of interpreters as they are not used always.

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

From paddock to plate: school kids plant seeds for a healthier future

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Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

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Western News

When in Paris

The view from the Eiffel Tower

By BEN CRANNEY

T

he best taxi ride I’ve had was from Paris’ Orly airport.

I wasn’t expecting it to be special. The first bit’s a bit boring, especially at peak hour (although it’s a flat fee, so the traffic doesn’t change the price). But I was staying near-ish to the city centre, and as I got close: ‘is that the Louvre!’ It was, and over there was Notre Dame, and the Grand Palace, and the Seine. I got to the hotel and genuinely thought that if I didn’t get to sightsee, it’d be ok, because I’d already been blown away by the city’s beauty.

I did go out, though, and even better than a lucky taxi ride is sightseeing by foot and metro. It’s easy to get lost between sights, but that just means you find more. And if you end up with

a baguette and coffee on a 1000 year old street while a couple of blokes in berets and striped shirts play the accordion, then you’re still doing well.

One place I wanted to see was the Arc de Triomphe. Not for any historical or architectural reason, or to see the Champ Elysees, but because this was where both sets of my grandparents made it clear (decades ago) that they were tourists. The first set got stuck on the seven lane roundabout. Driving on the right is hard at the best of times, but this roundabout has 12 entry and exit points. It may as well have had none, as my grandparents couldn’t get out until a sympathetic police officer stopped the traffic.

Some of the best travel advice is ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’. It’ll help you experience things

The city of love

more richly, and fit in when you’re unsure. Now, Parisians seem to park where and how it suits them and my other grandparents took this to heart.

They wanted to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, under the Arc. So they just pulled up. Another friendly officer moved them on, but I wouldn’t try this today, regardless of how well your Gaelic Shrug says, ‘I simply got lost’.

Climb the Eiffel Tower if you have

time, although three security check points make this an all morning thing. Or just get a photo in front of it. Walk along the Seine and browse the little second hand book stores, operating in a similar way to 500 years ago. Visit Notre Dame’s crypt, while the Cathedral itself is rebuilt.

Dine at Nicholas Flamel’s house, the alchemist of Harry Potter fame. Or just walk the streets, and see what secrets a millennia old city hold.

The Unintentional Medium By Suzi Samuel Let there be light

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here were some very strange popular songs back in the Fifties. She Wears Red Feathers and a Huli Huli Skirt, Pickin’ a Chicken With You, Where Will the Baby’s Dimple Be, but the one I loved when I was a very small girl rejoiced in the title I Puts the Lightie On. We had simple pleasures in those days. It was about a little man who dwelt in the fridge and his job was to put the lightie on every time the door was opened.

I got to know all the words and drove the whole family mad with my rather off-key performance, and in fact given the right circumstances and maybe alcohol, can still give a rousing rendition to this day.

Well, I don’t have a little man in my fridge, but I do have an old daddy in my rumpus room. When we had the house decorated a few months ago, we created a little reading corner with an armchair and a lamp on a pedestal behind it. It is a very cosy and inviting spot and obviously very tempting for my father who was an avid reader.

I first became aware of him when I went in to prepare for a reading. As I was putting out my crystals and getting the cards ready, I distinctly heard his voice saying, rather sheepishly, “Put the light on please.” This was a bit of a surprise, although I guess I should stop being surprised by such events, but my father was totally sceptical about my work and always gave the impression that

he thought I had gone slightly barmy talking to dead people.

Apart from a brief appearance the night before his funeral, it has taken him almost twenty years to make his presence felt, so you will understand the reason for my surprise and for his sheepishness. But he is now making up for lost time, especially during the current Ashes series. When he was alive, he and my husband were always at loggerheads when there was an Australian v England match and many a happy Sunday dinner was slightly strained due to the opposing loyalties of the diners. We sat down to watch the Headingly Test. So did Daddy. David was ecstatic. England all out for 67 runs. Then

came the voice from the corner. “There is still time.

It is not over yet.” Too right. Unbelievably, Ben Stokes saved the day for England.

I should mention here that we think we have a dodgy bulb or a loose wire in that light because it does to flash on and off at strange times. Last weekend we had a big formal dinner to celebrate David’s birthday and for some reason the conversation turned to my father. I was talking about our trip to the haunted hotel in France (another story) and Daddy drinking like a fish because he had evidently seen spectral presences. Suddenly, the light flashed on and off. The assembled company turned towards the light. “It’s a loose wire,” I explained.

The flashing started in earnest. On, off. On, off.

“Okay,” I confessed. “It’s actually my father.”

How to stop the conversation at a dinner party in one easy go. A couple more flashes and then all was quiet. We changed the subject and the old boy went to sleep.

Now I am sure, I think, that there is a rational explanation for the odd electrical goings-on, but the timing is worryingly co-incidental. Just off to watch the cricket now. I wonder what comments Daddy will have to make about it this evening - or what the loose wire will get up to.

The Unintentional Medium is available online or from any good book store.

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Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

First sod turned at Grace’s Place

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Photos from the ceremony at Grace’s Place, Doonside. Photos by Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

By Noel Rowsell

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he first sod was turned at Grace’s Place on Saturday morning at Doonside, with Politicians, Dignitaries, Relatives of victims and friends all joining in the event.

Grace’s Place will be a world-first residential trauma centre for children and young people affected by homicide and was named in honour of Grace Lynch, the mother of Anita Cobby.

The facility will be a place where children and young people can be counselled,

cared for, nurtured and given the skills to survive.

Martha Jabour is the Executive Director of the Homicide Victim’s Support Group (HVSG), a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 by the parents of murdered Australian nurse Anita Cobby and those of nine-year-old Ebony Simpson.

“When I started running the group, I knew nothing about family members of homicide and what they needed,” said Jabour.

“Grace taught me and that’s how I learned.

The Federal Government has committed $6.1M to the project, whilst the State Government has committed a further $3.3M.

Council pops up at festivals

Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale speaking to residents at a recent pop-up community information session.

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lacktown City Council will ‘pop up’ at upcoming community festivals to give residents an opportunity to meet their Councillors and Council staff and have their say on any local concerns and issues.

The upcoming pop-up community information sessions will be part of the Woodcroft Festival on Saturday, 21 September and the Blacktown Night Markets on Friday, 27 September.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said the pop-up sessions were a great avenue for residents to raise any issues.

“The pop-up community information sessions are a perfect opportunity for all community members to raise any issues they might have and for Council to receive valuable feedback from residents.

“We want to make sure residents

have as many opportunities as possible to speak to Council which is why we’ve made ourselves available at local festivals.

“I encourage everyone to visit the Woodcroft Festival and the Blacktown Night Markets and drop into the Council stand and say hello.” Mayor Bali said.

Event details for pop-up community information sessions: Woodcroft (Ward 4) Date: Saturday 21 September 2019 Time: 10 am – noon Venue: Woodcroft Festival, Woodcroft Reserve, Woodcroft Drive, Woodcroft Blacktown (Ward 3) Date: Friday 27 September 2019 Time: 5 pm – 7 pm Venue: Blacktown Night Markets, Village Green, Campbell Street, Blacktown

With so many home finance options on the market, a Wealthwiz Finance Broker should be the first person you visit before you even start looking for your home.

For more information on home finance, pre-approval or a home loan, talk to Alex Soncini on 0419 600 177.

02 8004 9400

info@wealthwiz.com.au

Finance Broker

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

12

WESTERN HISTORY

The Good Old Days

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

W

hile looking for an article to write for this History Page, I came across a copy I had taken many years ago of a book titled “Historic Roads around Sydney”. At the “St Marys” section, I had highlighted information incorrect in the book about the grant that St Marys stood on.

No need to say that this book was very old and very misguided in its information on St Marys. It is well known now that St Marys got its name from the St Mary Magdalene Church of England and before that St Marys was called South Creek. In the 1840’s after the O’Connell family sold off their acres, South Creek-St Marys was able to thrive.

Agriculture and industry took hold, employing the locals and their families to carry on the traditions most of our earlier settlers brought with them from overseas. Many currency lads and lasses, as well as the “swells” in the Colony, claimed St Marys’ soil did well for farming as well as agriculture. The King, O’Connell, Marsden and Lethbridge families of the “gentry” land grants, as well as the ex-convicts who had served out their time, settled in the district and saw the potential to make a life never considered available from where they started out.

Who would have thought, even sixty years ago, a suburb of the district would have been named after Anthony & Elizabeth Rope, a First Fleet convict family, but they saw the potential to raise a family here and their many descendents are scattered all over Australia and overseas. Today, we say Australia is a multicultural country, but the same is also said about St Marys-South Creek back then. Nationalities such as English, Irish, Scottish, Chinese, American and many more were already living here. They were blacksmiths, tinsmiths, wheelwrights, gardeners, farmers, tanners, stonemasons, carpenters and many more were known as “labourers” who did the hard yakka of wood chopping, brick making, timber getting, hauling and ploughing that was needed to be able to feed their families and make some needed money in the process. The gentry of the district were the Magistrates, Coroners, Church Wardens, Police and Justice’s of the Peace. The freed convicts, if they were smart, saw the potential in putting the money they made back into ventures such as buying up local land, opening inns and hotels and starting coach making and mending works. They saw the potential of the Western Road with the prospectors heading to the Bathurst-Sofala goldfields and the coaches with their horses that needed attention. There was also a growing need for Postmasters, Teachers, Butchers and Shop Keepers and many more industries as the district grew. Women were needed for Midwives, Dressmakers, Shop Assistants and later Hairdressers, Cooks and Housekeepers and Servants. Always there was a need for Overseers, Stockmen, Horse Breakers and cattle and horse Auctioneers.

As St Marys’ land was taken up and sold off, the district was becoming known around NSW as a thriving town, with the largest tanneries in NSW owned by the Thompson and Brell families, the biggest wagon works owned by the Bennett family and the timber industry owned by the likes of Garner & Turner, who supplied the local, as well as the Sydney markets, with firewood and building timber for homes, the railway and countless other industries that relied on wood to survive. Local men

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provided the labour to build bridges for the railway from Parramatta to Penrith. We had Master Builders in the Saddington, Loveday and Dollin Families who built the homes around the district, especially “Mimosa” and “Bronte” still standing today as a testament to these men. Just imagine what would have been said in the book “Historic Roads around Sydney” if they had been able to research all this information back then. Isn’t history fascinating! Our small towns stuck together.

In the pages of the Nepean Times, you can see many a time there was a concert or a ball to raise money on behalf of a destitute family of the area who needed assistance to live. Much help was done by local clubs and organisations that sprang up with some continuing to this day. So, is history repeating itself? Now more than ever there is growing poverty and hardship as people can’t afford to own a home and raise a family. Is this the time to go “back to the future”? St Marys was a town on the watch of the weather, going right back to the time “South Creek/St Marys” was settled. Agricultural farmers, livestock farmers and grape growers were here in the district where the alluvial soil was made for farming because of South Creek and several small tributaries that made these small farmers viable. They all supplemented their incomes by buying and selling produce from their farms here in the district. Therefore, our area is so historical and worthy of remembrance. Maybe it is time to go back to the earth? Supplement what income is available with growing your own small farm. Are we getting too soft to go “back to the future”? I leave that up to you! With all the cooking shows on TV now, we all should be great cooks, but the problem is their ingredients are too expensive. Our parents and our parents-parents learnt to cook from the austerity of the wars. Wouldn’t your grandmothers or greatgrandmothers have turned “green with envy” at seeing how easy it is to heat up food and eat it straight away. Even baby boomers would remember the cooked food being left keeping warm in the fuel stove oven, usually with a plate over the meal plate until it was ready to eat at the table (no alfoil then). Who remembers what it looked like when left too long!! Unpalatable. Tough cheap meat was bought and would be soft and tender by boiling or baking for several hours with a few vegetables thrown in along with the rice to “bulk it up” and if careful, could be eaten for a week of meals as stew or soup. All chores were handed out according to the age of the family. Dad was given the task of cutting up the meat and making sure the bones were cut for the tasty marrow. Mum helped with the preparation and making sure the children were given a task of washing the vegetables and gathering up all the peelings ready for the ice box for soups in winter. The “ice man” would then bring into the house a great lump of ice and put it into the ice chest and use an ice pick to cut the block to size, making sure there was some small icicles for the children who were waiting patiently. Small trucks were used in the early days for those farmers and merchants who could sell from them. St Marys’ area had a bread cart (horse or engine) or a vegetable cart usually connected to a shop in town. This was particularly appropriate for families living out in the surrounding bush area. Those were the days! Photo of horse & cart of Ball’s Bakery that was on the western corner of Mamre Rd & H’way.

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Western News

ENTERTAINMENT

13

SUDOKU: EASY

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

WORD SEARCH

GENERAL ANIMALS

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates SOLUTIONS: 30 August EASY

ELEPHANT WHALE CAMEL EMU GAZELLE GORILLA HORSE

KANGAROO LEOPARD MOLE PARROT TURTLE WEASEL TERMITE

TIGER SNAKE RAT SHARK PIG

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Meet (9) 6 Islamic jurist (5) 9 Absorbent paper (7) 10 Put in place (7) 11 A line of trees used to

block winds (7) 12 Giving a speech (7) 13 Land around barns (9) 15 Inhabit (5) 16 The anvil bone in your

ear (5) 19 Without happiness (9) 22 A reference book (7) 23 Flapjack (7) 25 Hunting guide (7) 26 Motives (7) 27 Smooths (5) 28 Put forward (9)

solution 30/8/19

down 1 Arm joint (5) 2 Singer (7) 3 Completely (7) 4 Toss (5) 5 In an extremely harmful manner (9) 6 Condiment (7) 7 Easily damaged (7) 8 Unlawfully (9) 13 Stew (9) 14 Lack of acceptance (9) 17 Put together (7) 18 Footwear (7) 20 Drag along (7) 21 Harbor (7) 23 A place for wives and

concubines (5) 24 Made easier to bear (5)

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

14

REAL ESTATE

Alex Soncini

N

Western News

Tips to pay your mortgage faster

ow is the time to take advantage of falling home loan interest rates and pay off your mortgage quicker, saving you thousands.

With official interest rates trending downward, shrewd mortgage holders may take the opportunity to review their mortgages and pay off their home loans much faster.

In 2019, ‘your interest rate should have a three in front of it however, many borrowers have no idea what interest rate they are paying, when their mortgage rate last changed, or the best ways to get rid of their largest debt.

Below are some handy tips for paying off your mortgage faster so you can enjoy your home even more!

1. Make extra repayments Both consistent and ad-hoc additional repayments such as bonuses and tax returns work to reduce the principal on your mortgage faster. The earlier in the loan term you begin making additional repayments, the greater the benefit in terms of time and money saved.

Regular additional repayments made right from the beginning of your loan term will have a much greater effect on the overall time and cost of your loan than starting five or ten years into the loan. Even if you are already more than five years into your loan term, you can still make a considerable saving by starting to make additional repayments now.

2. Make repayments more often If your loan repayment amount is calculated monthly, you can make significant additional savings by halving your monthly repayments and paying fortnightly instead. This method will result in you paying an additional month’s worth off your mortgage every year, reducing the principal faster. Use this loan repayment calculator to find out the difference in loan repayment amounts. Check the fine print in your loan documents to ensure your lender has not calculated your fortnightly repayments to equal half what the

monthly repayment would have been, as this will not save you in time or money. Use the extra repayments calculator for an indication of how much you could save with different repayment amounts.

3. Look for a cheaper rate with good flexibility The easiest way to pay your loan off sooner is to find a lower rate than the one you currently have, but maintain (or even increase) the amount you pay each month. Look for a loan with a low rate that has the flexibility you require to make additional repayments. There are a number of lenders whose rates differ significantly from the major banks’ rates that still offer good flexibility, but if you are going to refinance, make sure the costs of doing so don’t outweigh the benefits.

4. Pay loan fees and charges up front Pay establishment fees, legal fees and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (if applicable) up front rather than capitalising them into your loan. This will save your thousands of dollars in interest over the loan term.

5. Negotiate to make savings You may find this more difficult now due to the current economic climate, but you can still make some useful savings by negotiating with your lender on things like interest rates and fees. Your local mortgage consultant will be able to help you focus on the area you are most likely to achieve a saving, but as a guide, interest rates and establishment fees in particular are good places to start your negotiations.

Good savings and credit history and good work history will help you here.

6. Cut back on expenditure Reduce expenditure on vices and redirect the money into your home loan instead. Smoking, an after-work beer, morning coffee and that afternoon chocolate fix all add up over the course of the week. Add to that buying at least one lunch, breakfast or dinner a week and you could be putting more than $50

extra a week into your loan.

7. Look outside the big banks The big banks aren’t the only, or even the best, places to borrow money.

Many smaller banks and specialist lenders have very competitive loans available. Just because you haven’t heard of a lender doesn’t mean they aren’t a reputable lender – your mortgage adviser will know which lenders are credible and suitable for your situation.

8. Set up an offset or salary credit account Loans with offset facilities allow you to have your salary paid directly into the offset account which reduces the interest you pay on your home loan.

The balance of the account is ‘offset’ against the balance of the loan for interest calculations and because you pay interest daily, this can save you a lot of money over the long term.

9. Align your repayments with your income cycle If you have an offset account, changing your repayment dates to match your income cycle helps you to take advantage of the money sitting in your account for as long as possible.

10. Don’t lower your repayments when interest rates fall When interest rates are falling, it may seem tempting to let your home

loan repayments keep pace with the minimum required repayments and pocket the difference. Before doing this, consider that keeping your repayments at the old level will shave a significant portion of principle off your loan, particularly if rates continue to drop.

11. Review your loan regularly Reviewing your loan regularly will help you to assess its effectiveness and take steps to correct any waste if necessary. Being on top of changes rather than waiting months or even years will potentially save you a lot of money.

12. Make use of internet banking The convenience and cheapness make this an ideal tool to arrange your finances in a way that is most beneficial to you. Schedule payments to go when you derive the most benefit in terms of your home loan.

13. Combine for more saving power Trying two or more of these tips in conjunction can ramp up your savings dramatically.

If you’re looking for a home loan, talk to a Wealthwiz Wealth Manager who can help you understand what your home loan options are as well as set up your savings scheme with the right bank for you.

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Western News

SPORT

B

lacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is excited to announce the introduction of a new wheelchair group tennis coaching program at the centre.

Supported by Tennis Australia, the new program will run from 14 October to 18 December on Tuesday evenings – with a junior class at 5.15 pm and an adult class at 6.00 pm.

Blacktown City Mayor Stephen Bali MP said this is a great community program for Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope.

“We are committed to promoting inclusion within our community and through programs such as this we can encourage participation in tennis by people with a disability,”

said Mayor Bali.

Each wheelchair session will include a maximum of 6 participants, with the classes running for 45 minutes. Cost per term, which

includes 10 lessons, is $163.30 for juniors and $185 for adults.

Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope will also offer private lessons outside of the normal term program at a cost

of $36 for half hour and $72 for 1 hour.

“Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is a great facility for the community to enjoy, with a vast range of programs and events taking place, there is something for people of all ages,” Mayor Bali added.

Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is the largest tennis centre of its kind in New South Wales, featuring 16 plexi-cushion courts, along with grandstand seating for 288 spectators, LED lighting, administration and tournament office, function room, child’s play area and much more.

Inquiries about the wheelchair program or Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope should be directed to Elton Stoney on 9421 2600.

Wanderers secure Socceroos defender Matthew Jurman

By CONNER LOWE

W

es t er n S y d n e y Wa n d e r e r s FC are proud to announce the signing of Socceroo and former Sydney FC defender Matthew Jurman on a one-year deal.

The Dapto Soccer Club junior arrives in Western Sydney following a three year stint playing for two of Asia’s biggest clubs Korea Republic’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Saudi Arabia giants Al-Ittihad.

The Western Sydney local returns to the Hyundai A-League with a wealth of experience during his two seasons in the K-League 1 with Suwon where

he made 36 appearances before moving to Saudi Arabia and playing 18 matches for three time AFC Champions Al-Ittihad.

Having played in over 120 matches in the Hyundai A-League, Jurman has been part of three Championship winning sides.

The experienced defender was recently named in Australia’s 23man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and has represented the nation on eight occasions.

Jurman spoke of his excitement to play for the Wanderers in front of his family and friends and the belief the club showed in him.

“I spoke with Markus (Babbel) many times and those conversations

showed that he wanted me at the club, how I fit into his plans and how he wants me to play,” he said.

“I want to win and I’m hoping that the team that Markus has put together this season is one that can do well and get to the top.

“The past three years overseas has made me a lot stronger, not having familiar surroundings makes you mentally stronger and I’ve had some great experiences and come back a better player.

“Having a support base around me again is going to be exciting, I have a lot of family and friends in Western Sydney so it is exciting to be back and to play in front of them for the Wanderers.”

Hodges recruited for Eric Apperly Shield

By Noel Rowsell

D

u n h e v ed GC junior Blake Hodges has just finished playing in the Eric Apperly Shield competition with Penrith GC, joining 3 other juniors from Penrith and three from other western Sydney Golf Clubs for the event.

The Eric Apperly Shield is open to all Sydney Metropolitan Golf Clubs which are members of Golf NSW. Conducted annually from July September, the competition is also open to country Golf Clubs, which may qualify for the Finals by competing in their own or a neighbouring District Golf Association competition.

The 2019 event consists of 3 Sydney Sections and 1 Country Section, with 6 individual matches played within each Section over 18 holes of MatchPlay, without the benefit of handicap.

Male Club members who are aged 21 years or under, as at the date of the first round of the competition, are eligible to take part in the competition.

Penrith GC’s team for its 2019 campaign included Coby Carruthers

Blake Hodges (Dunheved GC) and five members of the Penrith Eric Apperly Shield Team (Blake Hodges, Reginald Papps, Michael Organ, Blake Murray, Chazz Ritchie).

Photos courtesy of Michael Organ.

(Leonay GC), Chazz Ritchie (Wentworth Falls CC) and Reginald Papps (Richmond GC), along with Michael Organ, Blake Murray and Lachlan Baker from Penrith GC and Hodges from Dunheved.

Manager Jamie Organ (Penrith GC) said “As no local club had the base to form a team, a number of local juniors joined forces to form a team

for Penrith Golf Club.”

“Many of the group are current members of the Western Sydney Academy of Sport.”

“The team is relatively young and in most matches were up against much older and stronger competitors” said Jamie.

“Of the five matches (played), the team halved three and lost two, which

was a sound result given the quality of the competition - such as The Lakes and Pymble Golf Clubs.”

“The team are keen to compete again next year and will certainly benefit from the experience this year.”

Penrith finished in 4th spot in their 6-team section behind Pymble, The Lakes and Asquith but ahead of Lakeside Camden and Pennant Hills.

Section 3 winners Pymble defeated Section 1 winners Concord in one semi-final, whilst Section 2 winners St Michael’s defeated Country winners ACT Monaro in the second semi-final.

St Michaels went on to win the Final over Pymble in a thriller, winning a sudden-death playoff after the two teams finished 3-3 at the completion of all games.

Western News 13 September 2019 Issue 93

Ace the courts with the new wheelchair tennis program

15

Western News Friday, 13 September 2019

SPORT

Blacktown City FC crowned under 18 Champions

By CONNER LOWE

B

l a c k to w n City are Champions of the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s U18s competition, coming through a scoreless 110 minutes to beat Mt Druitt Town Rangers in a penalty shootout.

It seemed fitting that this match was decided from the spot given how little separated these two teams throughout the season. Mt Druitt should have won in normal time, with Zane Cunico putting in a sensational shift between the sticks to keep the green and yellow tide at bay.

Neither could find a breakthrough, and Cunico proved the hero in the shootout to ensure the Championship would be heading to Lily Homes Stadium.

The Premiers settled on the ball early and looked to ease their way into Mt Druitt’s half through Thomas Bienasz, who set his opponents on the back foot every time he took possession.

The first real chance of the match came from a Mt Druitt freekick.

Callum Richards swinging a cross in from the left for Jesse Hirschowitz to rise unmarked and glance a header towards goal. Zane Cunico was alive to the danger and threw up a glove to make a spectacular save, tipping the ball over the bar to deny Mt Druitt an early opener.

Blacktown appeared rattled by the chance, while Mt Druitt seemed emboldened. The Rangers pushed their opponents back into their half as they began to dominate possession,

though with little to show for their time on the ball.

Cooper Halfpenny might have been an unlikely goal scorer if not for another crucial intervention from Cunico as the half came to a close.

The fullback running into space on the right before lashing a volley goalward for the keeper to palm the ball away.

Mt Druitt picked up in the second half where they left off in the first, though Blacktown came out with markedly more fight than they had shown in the opening 45 minutes.

The half slid by with little incident

before exploding into life as extra time began to cast a shadow over the final ten minutes.

Jesse Hirschowitz should have given his side the lead their dominance deserved when he pinched the ball off a Blacktown defender on the byline and skipped past Cunico, finding himself in front of goal with only a man on the line to beat. Inexplicably, the Mt Druitt man failed to pull the trigger until the keeper recovered, allowing Cunico to make another extraordinary save to keep his side in the game.

Both teams became increasingly desperate as the spectre of penalties loomed into view, though neither could find the opening for a shot as extra time wore on.

The final would be decided from the spot. Mt Druitt went first, with Nathan Grimaldi skying the ball over the bar to hand Blacktown an immediate advantage. Kai McLoughlin scored to put the Premiers up 1-0, before Cunico saved Dimo Vlachos’ penalty to leave Blacktown on the brink of an incredible win. Callum Garrett stepped up to take the decisive kick, and rolled the ball into the open side of the net to send his side into raptures.